Reading this beforehand helped me tremendously in understanding more of the world that Erikson has built. For this part of the book especially, I highly recommend reading a guide ( Malazan Book of the Fallen: An Introduction for New Readers) to help get a basic grip on the world itself before starting this series. I give huge props to Erikson for that because I have read a lot of epic fantasy. This was the most complex worldbuilding I have ever read and there were many parts of it that were wholly unique in my experience. There are so many wholly unique races, gods, beings called Ascendants and their Houses, nations, cities, and different types of magic. You can tell that this world is inspired by the Dungeons & Dragons sessions that Erikson and Ian Esselmont had while in college together. Gardens of the Moon is a book with immense world building. While I cannot speak to its being the most out of all fantasy, I can definitely say that Malazan’s reputation is definitely earned.
The Malazan Book of the Fallen series has a reputation in the Fantasy Community of being one of, if not the most complicated and dense fantasy series that has been written. I wanted to give a huge shoutout to UnderTheRadarSFFBooks for organizing and hosting this buddy read! If you are not following you should definitely make that happen for some awesome reviews and other bookish content. We are history relived and that is all, without end that is all.” These tales are the tales of us all, again yet again.
Listen, then, to these words carried on that breath. Thoughts as I open the Book of the Fallen Sinister, shadowbound forces are gathering as the gods themselves prepare to play their hand…Ĭonceived 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. However, it would appear that the Empire is not alone in this great game.
It is to this ancient citadel that Laseen turns her predatory gaze.
But Darujhistan, last of the Free Cities of Genabackis, yet holds out. Yet Empress Laseen’s rule remains absolute, enforced by her dread Claw assassins.įor 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. Even the imperial legions, long inured to the bloodshed, yearn for some respite. The Malazan Empire simmers with discontent, bled dry by interminable warfare, bitter infighting and bloody confrontations with the formidable Anomander Rake and his Tiste Andii, ancient and implacable sorcerers.