Gardens Of The Moon
Malazan Book of the Fallen 1
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4.4 • 154 Ratings
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- £6.99
Publisher Description
Bled dry by interminable warfare, infighting and bloody confrontations with Lord Anomander Rake and his Tiste Andii, the vast, sprawling Malazan empire simmers with discontent.
Even its imperial legions yearn for some respite. For Sergeant Whiskeyjack and his Bridgeburners and for Tattersail, sole surviving sorceress of the Second Legion, the aftermath of the siege of Pale should have been a time to mourn the dead. But Darujhistan, last of the Free Cities of Genabackis, still holds out - and Empress Lasseen's ambition knows no bounds.
However, it seems the empire is not alone in this great game. Sinister forces gather as the gods themselves prepare to play their hand...
Conceived and written on an epic scale, Gardens of the Moon is a breathtaking achievement - a novel in which grand design, a dark and complex mythology, wild and wayward magic and a host of enduring characters combine with thrilling, powerful storytelling to resounding effect. Acclaimed by writers, critics and readers alike, here is the opening chapter in what has been hailed a landmark of epic fantasy: the awesome 'The Malazan Book of the Fallen'.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In this sprawling fantasy epic of the Malazan empire at war with its enemies and itself, the first of a projected 10-volume series, Canadian newcomer Erikson offers many larger-than-life scenes and ideas, but his characters seem to shrink to fit the story. Perhaps they need to stay small enough for the reader to keep them all in mind. Jumping often between plot lines, the novel follows Ganoes Stabro Paran from his boyhood dreaming of soldiers to his escape from imperial service. Paran travels on journeys of body and soul, going from innocent to hardened rebel against gods and empire without losing his moral core. Other characters may go further, to death and back even, but none is as sharply portrayed. The book features a plethora of princes and paupers, powers and principalities, with much inventive detail to dazzle and impart a patina of mystery and ages past. The fast-moving plot, with sieges, duels (of sword and of spell), rebellions, intrigue and revenge, unearthed monsters and earth-striding gods, doesn't leave much room for real depth. Heroes win, villains lose, fairness reigns, tragedy is averted. Erikson may aspire to China Mi ville heights, but he settles comfortably in George R.R. Martin country. FYI: The first four volumes have already been published in the U.K.
Customer Reviews
Story Without A Spoon
Any narrative that challenges the spoon fed readers habits of sleepy, lazy reading is going to come under fire by critics who like their stories full of signposted, cliched, predictive text. If u are one of these, you will hate this book. If you like puzzles, are moderately intelligent and like tasting your wine before u swallow it then this is for you. Like a puzzle, gardens of the moon forces you to hold and sift through things u have discovered and trust ( heaven forbid ) that the writer knows what he is doing and will deliver. Yours is the journey, not the guiding. Let mr erikson do that. But yes take everything he leaves u by the roadside as u might need it later. 9/10
Gardens of the Moon
This is an awesome start to and epic fantasy world. Where the characters are complex and interesting, you really learn to love them and everyone who reads these books will have a favourite character that differs from other peoples. The story itself is extremely complex, placing mortals against gods. And the very unique take on magic makes you want to read and learn more about them. Would highly recommend this and all following books. 5-stars.
Best Series in Genre
Unbelievably good series with complexity and a slant on magic & Gods that is wholly unique and engrossing. Robert Jordan’s Wheel of time is a fairy’s picnic in comparison!
If you have not read this series, I will be very envious! Go and read it and have your mind blown!