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Mass Market Paperback
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9780765348784
Overview
Overview
The Malazan Empire simmers with discontent, bled dry by interminable warfare, bitter infighting and bloody confrontations. Even the imperial legions, long inured to the bloodshed, yearn for some respite. Yet Empress Laseen's rule remains absolute, enforced by her dread Claw assassins.
For Sergeant Whiskeyjack and his squad of Bridgeburners, and for Tattersail, surviving cadre mage of the Second Legion, the aftermath of the siege of Pale should have been a time to mourn the many dead. But Darujhistan, last of the Free Cities of Genabackis, yet holds out. It is to this ancient citadel that Laseen turns her predatory gaze.
However, it would appear that the Empire is not alone in this great game. Sinister, shadowbound forces are gathering as the gods themselves prepare to play their hand . . .
Conceived and written on a panoramic scale, Gardens of the Moon is epic fantasy of the highest order--an enthralling adventure by an outstanding new voice.
- Format: MassMarketPaperback
- Author: Erikson, Steven
- ISBN: 9780765348784
- Condition: New
- Dimensions: 6.70 x 1.30
- Number Of Pages: 666
- Publication Year: 2005
Language:
English
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Gardens of the Moon: The Beginning of Redefining the High-Fantasy Genre
William F. - 6 years 6 months agoGarden of the Moon is the exhaustive beginning to what is a very complex, intricate, and immersive new world. The beginning of this series, though, is not like many others: you are dropped in media res in the most intense expression of that rhetorical strategy. Instead of beginning in media res and subsequently receiving the background, you are left to pick up the story from the middle of the action for the rest of the series, slowly receiving hints throughout the series as to what took place prior to the events, what the characters have been scheming, and what the motivations of the factions are. Though the beginning to this series is tricky to pick up and Erikson's writing is not yet perfected (this is his first novel!), there is enough information given and enough intrigue created to draw the reader into this new world; a world of front-lines warfare, political strategy, faction conflict, assassins guilds, a unique and intricate magic system, prophetic gluttons, mysterious ascendants, exemplary commanders, existential soldiers, and wizards in the bodies of dolls, among other things. Whether it takes you just one attempt or three different attempts at starting this book, it is well worth it for the immersive series that follows. A series which, according to the author, actively and intentionally defies the formulas of high fantasy in order to pave the way for the fantasy genre to evolve in new ways.
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The Ultimate Fantasy Journey
Andrew H. - 6 years 7 months agoIt is time to embark on the greatest fantasy journey to date. Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erikson is the first book in a series recounting the exploits and journeys of the Malazan empire. Not for the faint of heart, this is a deeply imagined dark world with perfectly conceptualized cultures and an astounding variety of characters. You think Tolkien invented a new world? It's only a city here. You think J.K. Rowling wrote about magic? That's a card trick. You think George R.R. Martin kills off characters? You have no idea. While the complexity of writing and sheer length of the series can be a daunting task to undertake, the reader is rewarded again and again with a story like no other. Whether you are interested in impeccably written war scenes, twisting plotlines and court play, or some serious laugh out loud humor, this book has it all. Highly suggested for older fantasy fans that want a real challenge and are willing to put in the effort. P.S. You will be referring to the several glossaries provided a lot.
HPB Staff Review -
The beginning of an epic fantasy saga
Nicolai L. - 7 years agoGardens of the moon begins the epic ten-book Malazan Book of the Fallen series. While Steven Erikson seems a little inexperienced in writing novels, the world he reveals is fully (or some might say excessively) realized. His experience as an archaeologist is obvious, with a rich tapestry of believable cultures and religions that seem real enough to have once existed in our world, yet are entirely their own. The story follows multiple protagonists on many sides of a conflict, yet manages to make each character very human. At times you will cheer them, and at others you will want to strangle the idiots. Each character has their noble side, but they also will take terrible actions that they will justify with very familiar reasons. If Erikson's writing style has any flaws, its that he doesn't spend enough time explaining things. Much about his cultures and religions are inferred from context, and he seems almost gleefully obtuse when describing the effects of magic in his world. He seems to believe that since he knows what is being described, we should as well. Overall, Gardens of the Moon is a challenging beginning to a gigantic series, but is well worth the read.
HPB Staff Review