You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.

3.23k reviews for:

Gardens of the Moon

Steven Erikson

3.85 AVERAGE


You know those bars of 80% dark chocolate? Too strong and bitter for most, but some die-hards love it.

'Gardens of the Moon' reminded me of that.

It's high-octane fantasy, and if you're no fan of fantasy, you'll probably find it too rich to enjoy.

If you like your stories with a healthy dose of imagination, with complex threads twisting around themselves, and characters that are out of this world, then I can highly recommend it. I loved it and so will you.

I considered taking a star off because Lord Anomander Rake's eyes change colour according to his mood (a trait which I just do not like) but it was only once and his exquisite mask at the feast, convinced me to keep it at four.

I'm definitly looking forward to reading the others.
adventurous challenging mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
adventurous challenging dark mysterious sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

It's a tough start with so many characters and places but definitely worth it in the long run

May come back got busy 

Great start to the series, but very confusing on a first read through. Sweeping narrative that throws you right into the deep end (as Erikson tends to do). Not for everyone, but if you can handle some dense writing, please give Malazan a chance.

This is a hard book to rate. It begins in the middle of a story and explains nothing. Characters don't spout exposition, ever. Erikson takes you a long for the ride and expects you to just trust him and go along with the story.
This is unlike anything you have ever read. Such an ambitious project in scope and size.

But why then did I give it 5 stars? The world-building is deep and interesting. The dialogue witty, funny and direct. The prose is beautiful but never flowery, it paints a picture and doesn't linger to long. The characters are all interesting and nuanced and the story has a flow that it maintains throughout the book.

This book isn't going to hold your hand and help you through this story. It throws you in the deep end points you where to go. I am in for the journey, I hope it will pay off, but I am always drawn to the unique and Malazan is certainly that. I wonder where the story will turn to next.

Es una novela maravillosa. Tiene muchos personajes, una cosa que no estoy acostumbrada a leer. He llegado a perderme en algunas ocasiones pero es una novela que merece la pena leer porque a pesar de ser un "libro introductorio" el autor escribe de forma maravillosa y creo que seguiré con la saga.
adventurous challenging dark mysterious slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated
adventurous challenging dark inspiring mysterious slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Took me a while, but daaaaamn
adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated