Gardens Of The Moon

by Steven Erikson
Gardens Of The Moon cover
Good Books rating 4.38
Fantasy
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Paperback • £10.99
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Technical
  • ID: 4581
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9780553819571
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2008-03-04
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

Gardens of the Moon is the first book in the epic Malazan Book of the Fallen series, plunging readers into a richly detailed world filled with complex characters and high-stakes politics. The story follows the citizens of the Malazan Empire as they navigate a landscape fraught with war, magic, and ancient forces. /n/n Written by Steven Erikson, this novel is renowned for its intricate world-building and deep lore, offering a challenging yet rewarding read for fantasy enthusiasts. The book's unique magic system and morally ambiguous characters set it apart from traditional fantasy narratives.

Reviews
goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-10-21
excellent 5.00

Gardens of the Moon is a complex and rewarding epic fantasy with a steep learning curve. The novel introduces a vast array of characters and throws readers into the action without extensive exposition, making it challenging but ultimately satisfying. The series is praised for its epic, heroic, and dark fantasy elements, as well as its brutal and entertaining narrative.

Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erikson is the first book in the Malazan Book of the Fallen series, known for its steep learning curve and complex narrative. The novel introduces a multitude of characters and plunges readers into the action without lengthy exposition, which can be intimidating but ultimately rewarding. The series is described as a blend of epic, heroic, and dark fantasy, with a knack for balancing horror and humor. The prose is praised for its ability to convey brutality and emotional impact without feeling overdone or gruesome. The series is highly recommended for its quality and depth, potentially redefining the standards of fantasy literature.

Quick quotes

    This series will blow you away, and might make you reconsider the quality of every other fantasy novel you've ever read.

    If reading Epic Fantasy is like diving into the deep end of the pool, this book is like diving into the ocean, with sharks.

    The story is reward enough.

sff180.com · Unknown · 2025-10-21
fantastic 4.50

Gardens of the Moon is praised for its astounding worldbuilding and excellent character development, with a complex plot that keeps readers engaged. However, the pacing is erratic, and the numerous character threads can sometimes be difficult to follow.

Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erikson is highly acclaimed for its intricate worldbuilding and well-developed characters. The reviewer particularly enjoyed the way Erikson introduces the history and lore of his world gradually, keeping the reader engaged without resorting to clichés. The characters, especially Captain Paran and Shadowthrone, are noted for their depth and realism, making them relatable and interesting. The plot is described as deep and complex, with many twists and turns that keep the story engaging. However, the pacing is a significant drawback, with the first third moving quickly, the second third being slow and sometimes boring, and the climax not fully making up for the uneven pacing. The numerous character threads can also be challenging, as the reader may be left with characters they don't particularly like or miss important developments. Despite these issues, the book is considered a fantastic read for fantasy fans and anyone looking for a well-written adventure story.

Quick quotes

    Gardens of the Moon is a fantastic book, not only for fantasy fans, but also for bookworms and anyone wanting a well written adventure story

    Erikson's worldbuilding is literally astounding

    I really loved this book. Most modern fantasy I had read prior to Gardens of the Moon was cheap, badly written urban fantasy, or Lord of the Rings rehashes

    Unfortunately, nothing is perfect, and Gardens of the Moon is no exception. I found the pacing to be awful.

Grimdark Magazine · 2023-07-03
excellent 4.00

The writing in Gardens of the Moon is well-crafted and paints an excellent introductory view of the vastness and complicatedness of the world. The book is a complex and engaging start to a sprawling epic.

The reviewer praises the writing in Gardens of the Moon, highlighting its ability to introduce a vast and complicated world in an engaging way. They appreciate the complexity and depth of the story, noting that it is a challenging but rewarding read. The reviewer suggests that the book is a strong start to a sprawling epic, with a lot to offer for fans of intricate fantasy.

Quick quotes

    The writing in Gardens of the Moon is well-crafted and paints an excellent introductory view of the vastness and complicatedness of the world.

    The book is a complex and engaging start to a sprawling epic.

    Gardens of the Moon is a challenging but rewarding read.

theguardian.com · Unknown · 2015-05-31
great 4.00

Gardens of the Moon is a grand epic fantasy with a vast array of characters and complex themes. The story is set in the Malazan Empire, where Empress Laseen rules with an iron fist. The plot is intricate and hard to follow at times, but the themes of war, power, and the meddling of gods are compelling.

Gardens of the Moon is the first book in Steven Erikson's Malazan Book of the Fallen series, and it sets the stage for an epic fantasy adventure. The story is set in the Malazan Empire, where Empress Laseen rules with an iron fist. The plot is complex and intricate, with multiple POV characters and a vast array of names to remember. The story is hard to follow at times, but the themes of war, power, and the meddling of gods are compelling. The book is an appetizer for what's to come in the series, and it's clear that Erikson has created a world that is rich and detailed. The themes of the book are thought-provoking, and the story is engaging and exciting.

Quick quotes

    Too many regrets. Lost chances — and with each one passing the less human we all became, and the deeper into the nightmare of power we all sank.

    I have a Booktube channel now! Subscribe here: <https://www.youtube.com/petrikleo>

    This is a GRAND tale, and from what I’ve read, it seems like Gardens of the Moon is merely an appetizer for what’s to come.

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