Gardens of the Moon

The Malazan Book of the Fallen, Book 1

By: Steven Erikson

Narrated by: Ralph Lister

Length: 26 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

Vast legions of gods, mages, humans, dragons and all manner of creatures play out the fate of the Malazan Empire in this first book in a major epic fantasy series

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. 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.

©1999 by Steven Erikson. (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

"Erikson is an extraordinary writer. My advice to anyone who might listen to me is, Treat yourself to Gardens of the Moon. And my entirely selfish advice to Steven Erikson is, write faster." --Stephen R. Donaldson

"I stand slack-jawed in awe of The Malazan Book of the Fallen. This masterwork of imagination may be the high water mark of epic fantasy. This marathon of ambition has a depth and breadth and sense of vast reaches of inimical time unlike anything else available today. The Black Company, Zelazny's Amber, Vance's Dying Earth, and other mighty drumbeats are but foreshadowings of this dark dragon's hoard." --Glen Cook

"A world that is both absorbing on a human level and full of magical sublimity...a wonderfully grand conception...splendidly written...fiendishly readable." --Adam Roberts

Not for the casual listener

When someone said, "George R.R. Martin and Robert Jordan stories are hard to follow", Steven Erikson responded, "Hold my coffee".

Some things that don't help are:
1. On the audio the scenes switch quickly and they blend together so you aren't sure who's POV it is.
2. The book Chapters are not the same as the Audio Chapters.
3. They really should include a Glossary and Map for download.Since you don't get a Glossary or Map I suggest using http://malazan.wikia.com/wiki/.

Amazing world building

Narrator was great, which is huge. Definitely kept attention. Writing was great, a tad overdescriptive at times with lots of metaphor. Fight scenes were not too sparse or too much, I do think in a couple cases too fast, easy to overcome something or someone very powerful.

Overall amazing. I had accidentally listened to one of the prequels so it drew me in like a friend. Look forward to the rest of the series.

This book was incredible in every sense.

The depth in this book will be your mind. So much to uncover. I can't wait for more.

Hard to Catch Transitions

The narration made it very difficult to catch scene changes, making it very easy to get lost

it's good?

there's definitely some talent here, but there are incomprehensible parts. a total slog to get through.

Amazing characters and worldbuilding

I've heard these books are better the second time around, which makes sense as this book is clearly meant to set up the rest. I was hooked immediately and underwhelmed by the climax and end to the story. If you enjoy fantasy, these drawbacks shouldn't be enough to keep you from reading it. it is worth the journey, especially if you expect to continue on to the next book.

Glen Cook, then Tad Williams, was looking for more

It started with finishing all of Song of Fire and Ice...twice. was looking for another epic saga. The Black Company I devoured to its conclusion. I was sad when it was over. Moved on to Tad Williams. Devoured all of Östen Ard. Was sad to have to wait for the final novel. Found Malazan. Soooo happy. Book 1 grabbed me, getting started on Book 2 in about 3 minutes. Felt it warranted a review.

Very confused

I struggled to follow the story and characters I'm afraid which is a first for me in an audiobook

story was good up to the climax

Basically, solid start to a longer series. Too much introduced in the action climax.

Good Narrator. Good book.

Hello. In general I try never to speak with people, but I have been listening to Ralph Lister read this book and it’s damn good. You should buy it.

Son, you should know my recommendation is essentially a guarantee. Read this. NOW.

I won’t publicly endorse a product unless I use it exclusively and I really believe in it.
My only official recommendations are U.S. Army issued mustache trimmers, Morton’s salt, the C.R. Lawrence fine two inch axe style scraper oscillating knife blade, and now this book. You're welcome.