Gardens of the Moon is the first novel in the Malazan Book of the Fallen series, and it’s as epic as they come. The book gently pushes you into a massive world full of magic, ancient history, and a crumbling empire. Even with some warning, I wasn’t ready for how complex and demanding it would be. If you like to read fantasy novel you can checkout Born of Blood & Ash Review.
About the Author:
Steve Rune Lundin also known as Steven Erikson is a renowned novelist, best known for his epic fantasy series Malazan Book of the Fallen, He has sold more than one million copies of the book and so on.
Plot: Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erikson
Erikson’s writing is dense. You can’t skim through this one; you have to really sink into it. His prose is overloaded with feel and meaning, and there’s a lot of introspection from the characters. Each chapter in Gardens of the Moon starts with a piece of poetry or an excerpt from the world’s literature, which ties into the main story and adds layers to the themes. It’s not an easy read, but it’s worth the effort if you stick with it.
The first few pages come with maps and a huge list of characters—way more than a typical fantasy book. Characters are introduced quickly, and before you know it, a huge magical battle erupts. It feels like something that should come at the end of the book, not the beginning. Then, as soon as you get a sense of what’s going on, the story moves to a new location with more new faces. It’s a lot to take in, but as the plotlines slowly start to connect, the story becomes gripping. Patience is definitely rewarded here.
Then there’s Anomander Rake. He’s one of the most striking characters I’ve ever come across. He’s powerful, ancient, and carries an immense sadness with him. He’s the leader of the Tiste Andii, a mysterious race, and every scene he’s in left me in awe. Whether he’s in the middle of a massive battle or having a quiet conversation, Rake radiates authority and sorrow. He’s the kind of character you can’t forget.
The world itself is huge and full of details. Erikson has created a universe with different races, beings, and magic systems. The magic, especially the scenes where there are warrens, is complex. Warrens are like realms of magic that grant power to those who can access them and then there’s the Deck of Dragons, a mystical set of cards used for divination. It’s a bit like tarot, but far more difficult to understand. At first, the load of information felt overwhelming, but as the book progresses, things start to make sense and fits right perfect.
Also Read: Malazan Book of the Fallen Ranked
Gardens of the Moon Characters:
- Whiskeyjack: Leader of the Bridgeburners & remain loyal to his squad.
- Anomander Rake: Lord of the Tiste Andii, he’s a powerful, mysterious figure.
- Quick Ben: Cunning and resourceful mage, Quick Ben constantly surprises with his hidden depths.
- Kalam Mekhar: A skilled assassin and Quick Ben’s close ally, Kalam is fiercely protective of his comrades.
- Ganoes Paran: A young noble who becomes a soldier, starts with ambition but quickly finds himself in over his head.
- Tattersail: Powerful sorceress in the Malazan army.
- Toc the Younger: A scout and soldier, Toc is loyal and brave, but his path is full of hardship.
- Dujek Onearm: The commander of the Malazan forces.
Gardens of the Moon Book Review by Steven Erikson
Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erikson is one of the most challenging books I’ve ever read. From the first page, it throws us into a huge, complicated world. There are so many characters, places, and magic systems to take in. I was told this book would be tough, but I still wasn’t ready for just how dense it is.
The pace is fast. New characters keep popping up, and the action starts right away with a big magical battle. It is something you’d usually see at the end of a book. At first, I had trouble keeping up. The plot jumps between locations, and the magic system is hard to wrap your head around. But after a while, the story starts coming together, and I found myself getting more and more invested.
The characters are what really pulled me in. The Bridgeburners, especially Whiskeyjack, are fantastic. Their bond and loyalty make them feel real and grounded, even when the world around them is falling apart. And Anomander Rake—he’s the kind of character that sticks with you. Every scene he’s in is incredible.
Looking back, this is a book that asks a lot from its readers, but it gives back much more. I struggled with the complexity at first, but on my second read, I appreciated the depth more. The foreshadowing and clues Erikson leaves throughout the narrative are brilliant once you know what to look for.
If you’re into epic fantasy with deep world-building, complicated characters, and a story that makes you think, Gardens of the Moon is a must-read. It’s not an easy ride, but once you get into it, you won’t want to leave the world Erikson has created.
The writing is deep and heavy. It’s not the kind of book you can speed through. There’s a lot of philosophy and introspection mixed in. The world-building is also massive. The history, the magic, the politics—it’s a lot to take in, but it’s fascinating.
In the end, this book asks a lot from us, but the reward is there. If you’re into epic fantasy and you don’t mind working for it, Gardens of the Moon is worth the effort. Just be prepared to think and keep track of a lot!
Also Read: Reckless by Lauren Roberts
Quotes from Gardens of the Moon
“Loyalty is not a word; it’s a bond forged in the fires of conflict.”
What is power without consequence? A fleeting shadow, and I am weary of shadows.”
“The mind is a labyrinth. Each thought, a twisting passage. To navigate is to survive.”
“The blade cuts deeper than blood. It shapes who we become.”
“Magic is a reflection of the heart’s desire. It can build or destroy, depending on the hand that wields it.”
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