Gardens of the Moon

Steven Erikson's debut is one step ahead of most fantasy series today. By creating a world that does not borrow concepts from Tolkien, he was still able to mold memorable characters and a unique universe in this first book of the Malazan Book of the Fallen series. When I first read the book not more than two years ago, I was amazed at how he was able to develop not just one but a dozen characters in a few pages without sacrificing the need for pace and action. His experience as an anthropologist and archaeologist served him well. Though not obvious, some of the concepts have similarities in several myths, but he was able to twist them and make them unique to create the book.

The first few chapters might be confusing because his point of view is not consistent. But as the story progresses, the reader will soon get used to his style. The characters themselves are fascinating. However, the reader is not forced to follow just one main character in the series. I thought at first that Ganoes Paran had this title, but as the reader finds out later, he is just one of the many players in the endless tug-of-war between gods and men.

Some of the 'races' have similarities to groups of creatures that are usually present in fantasy books, but Erikson gives them a different twist. The concept of early races giving birth to the young races, including humans, is not a unique idea though. The pantheon is also unique. Each god, or Ascendant, have different qualities although they are very much like the meddling Greek gods. The reader will find the Warrens especially fascinating (Wanna know what they are? Better if you read the book yourself). The cosmology will be explained bit by bit later on as the series progresses. More characters will also come into play. Among the most memorable are the Bridgeburners, and my the first favorite character of the series, Anomander Rake.

Erikson gives enough time to focus on some important characters and takes us into what goes on in their minds, and the emotional storms that they go through even if the point of view is inconsistent. He doesn't make the reader feel like a voyeur by focusing only on what goes on outside. I was able to peek into their minds and share their sentiments. I think that's what made me like the series from the very start. It does not just have the traditional elves-dwarves-mages-dragons stuff. It has some of that and more.

The plot of the series itself isn't clear at the first book however. And the reader is led to believe that the series involves only the Malazan Empire and its enemies, and the gods who have interests in the affairs of mortals. The book can stand for itself though. The fight scenes are not bad, though not the best ones I've read so far. The pacing is fast, but the direction of the story is predictable. Overall, it's still a good book even after reading it a second time.

I'm glad Erikson decided to write a book, and my fiance shared it with me.

I'm giving this book a 9 out of 10 rating.