Gardens Of The Moon

by Steven Erikson
Gardens Of The Moon cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Fantasy
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Paperback • £10.99
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Technical
  • ID: 4581
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • 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 of warring empires and arcane magic. The story follows a diverse cast of characters, from hardened soldiers to cunning mages, as they navigate the treacherous political and supernatural landscapes of the Malazan Empire. /n/n This novel is renowned for its complex world-building and intricate plotlines, offering a deep dive into a universe filled with unique cultures, mythologies, and magical systems. The narrative weaves together multiple perspectives, creating a tapestry of adventure, betrayal, and destiny that will leave readers eager for more.

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.

Luke Harkness · 2022-07-14
fascinating 4.50

The book features funny and enjoyable characters with fascinating character arcs. It is praised for its engaging storytelling and memorable characters.

Luke Harkness's review of Gardens of the Moon highlights the book's funny and genuinely enjoyable characters, which are brought to life through compelling character arcs and stories. The reviewer finds these elements absolutely fascinating and engaging. They appreciate the depth and complexity of the characters, which make the book a standout in the fantasy genre. Overall, the reviewer finds the book to be a compelling and enjoyable read that showcases Steven Erikson's talent for creating memorable characters and engaging narratives.

Quick quotes

    It has funny characters, genuinely enjoyable characters and character arcs and stories that you find absolutely fascinating.

    The depth and complexity of the characters make the book a standout in the fantasy genre.

    The book is a compelling and enjoyable read that showcases Steven Erikson's talent for creating memorable characters and engaging narratives.

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