Posted: April 16, 2023
Gardens of the Moon
The strength and the weakness of "Gardens of the Moon" is the sheer volume of fantasy goodness it throws at the reader.
This review is based on my third complete reading of Gardens of the Moon. I think with Gardens of the Moon multiple readings are a must because the book is a difficult read. That said, I don't begrudge the effort, because the persistent reader will be rewarded by the experience of a rich, well thought out, and engaging fantasy world. If you are hesitant, I assure you that the series is worth it. And yes, I have already read the entire ten books of The Malazan Book of the Fallen.
Why is it a difficult book? Well, because it just drops you in without any assistance. It's like visiting a country without a tour guide. You're on the ground in Pale and Dharujistan and in the middle of the events and you have to figure things out. And there are many things to figure out. The worldbuilding here is impressive and immense.
One reason I read fantasy is for the wow factor - a combination of imagery, creativeness, and wonder. In this regard "Gardens of the Moon" delivers again and again. The floating city of Moon's Spawn is an early jaw-dropper. K'rul's Temple in Dharujistan and the events in that location is another. K'rul is, in my opinion, the coolest god in a book with lots of cool gods. And the Hounds, let's not forget the Hounds. There's also the Jhagut Tyrant versus a flight of Dragons. And Anomander Rake, the unforgettable seven-foot powerhouse.
If you love fantasy you owe it to yourself to read The Malazan Book of the Fallen, and Gardens of the Moon is the impressive starting point.