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Review: Gardens of the Moon (Malazan Book of the Fallen #1)

June 5, 2024 by Alan Behan Leave a Comment

Rating: 10/10

Synopsis

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Acclaimed by writers, critics and readers alike, here is the opening chapter in what has been hailed a landmark of epic fantasy.

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.

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…

Review

It just amazes me how good this series gets with each reread. It’s just so epically unbelievably packed with everything you want to read in fantasy that transcends you to another world literally and emotionally. Absolutely jaw dropping from start to finish, my absolute favourite series of all time ever.

It all starts with the wonderful Gardens of the Moon, the first in a ten part series, Malazan Book Of The Fallen, that takes you on an incredible journey across continents, magical warren’s , high seas and you introduced to an amazing diverse set of characters that you will be absolutely blown away by.

Steven Erikson’s writing is just sublime. His prose is just so poetically good that sometimes you sit back and say that was so bloody awesome and reminiscing to take it all in. His attention to detail and the way he can make you seeth with anger have you laughing hysterically, and then have you cry like you’ve lost something very dear to you and damn does it.

What I really love is the number of character duos throughout the book. The camaraderie between them is fantastic. Malazan has one of the most amazing magic systems I have ever read in fantasy. The worldbuilding is incredible. It’s packed full of bloody goodness. It’s dark, brutal, vicious, and gory, and I just can’t get enough.

Some of my favourite characters ever written in fantasy are Whiskey Jack and Anomander Rake. They are why I fell so much in love with Gardens of the Moon, I got them tattooed and made immortal. There are so many amazing characters I would love to get done, but I don’t have the room to get done..😆

In Gardens of the Moon, the Emperor is dead. Long live the Empress Lasseen. Darujhistan is the last free city of Genabackis. The Empress has her sights set on it, and to take it, a special force of elites called the Bridgeburners are given the task to conquer it.

But not all as it seems. The Empire is not the only player vying for the Bluelighted city. There are dark and powerful gods, Immortals and Ascendancies pulling strings behind the scenes leading to ancient awakings, murder and destruction. Can a shaved knuckle in the hole save Darujhistan. Read it to find out.

I know this series has one of the biggest fan bases in the world. Anyone who hasn’t read this series yet, I very highly recommend that you walk into that warren and check it out, you won’t regret…🗡🪓☠️🐉🏹🔥

Filed Under: Action & Adventure, Dark Fantasy, Demons, Dragons, Epic Fantasy, Grimdark, Military Fantasy, Reviews, Sword and Sorcery Tagged With: Book Review, Epic Fantasy, Fantasy, Fantasy Books

About Alan Behan

Right a bit about myself, I am married to my wonderful wife Catherine of 18 years, we have three beautiful girls together, 20, 18 and 14 years of age. They are my world as well as my books...😁 I work full time as industrial plumber, I'm 45 years old and my hobbies is spending time with my family and of course reading fantasy every chance I can get. I love supporting indie authors and getting the word out about their new books. My all-time favorite authors are Steven Erikson, Mark Lawrence and Robert Jordan and that's just to name a few.

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