Gardens of the Moon

Overview of "Gardens of the Moon" by Steven Erikson

Plot Summary

Gardens of the Moon is the first novel in the Malazan Book of the Fallen series by Canadian author Steven Erikson. The story takes place in the 96th year of the Malazan Empire, during the twilight of Emperor Kellanved's reign. The novel centers around the campaign of the Malazan Empire to conquer the city of Darujhistan on the continent of Genabackis.

The plot begins with a devastating attack on the Mouse Quarter in Malaz City, witnessed by Ganoes Paran, a young boy who aspires to become a soldier. The novel follows the aftermath of the siege of Pale, where Sergeant Whiskeyjack and his squad of Bridgeburners, along with Tattersail, a surviving cadre mage of the Second Legion, are involved in the ongoing conflicts. Empress Laseen, determined to expand the Malazan Empire, sets her sights on Darujhistan, the last of the Free Cities of Genabackis.

The story is complex, involving various factions and characters, including the Tiste Andii, ancient and implacable sorcerers, and the formidable Anomander Rake. The narrative is told through multiple perspectives, including that of Ganoes Paran, which adds to the complexity and depth of the story. The novel explores themes of power, war, and the intricate relationships between gods, mages, and humans.

Key Themes

1. Ambiguity and Complexity: Erikson dismantles traditional fantasy genre conventions by avoiding clear distinctions between good and evil. The novel features numerous factions that cannot be exclusively categorized as either good or bad.

2. Power and Politics: The novel delves into the struggles for power within the Malazan Empire, highlighting the complexities of imperial politics and the consequences of war.

3. Magic and Mythology: The story incorporates a complex magic system involving Warrens, which are dimensions that house various types of magical entities, including gods and hounds.

4. War and Trauma: The novel explores the psychological and emotional toll of war on characters, particularly those in the Bridgeburners squad, who have experienced immense trauma and loss.

5. Character Development: Despite the large cast of characters, Erikson manages to imbue each one with unique personalities and backstories, making them memorable and relatable.

Critical Reception

Gardens of the Moon received mixed to positive reviews upon its release. Critics praised the novel's tone, characters, and overarching story. The book was nominated for a World Fantasy Award and a Locus Award for Best First Novel.

Reviewers noted the complexity and depth of the story, as well as the author's ability to create a vast, intricate world with a multitude of characters. Some critics found the novel's many elements and plot twists challenging to follow, but many appreciated the unpredictability and the philosophical musings that added depth to the narrative.

Publication History

The novel was first published on April 1, 1999, by Bantam in the UK and Canada. It was later released in the US by Tor in 2004. The book has been translated into multiple languages and has been released in various formats, including audiobook and ebook.

Conclusion

Gardens of the Moon is a complex and engaging high fantasy novel that sets the stage for the Malazan Book of the Fallen series. With its intricate world-building, multifaceted characters, and exploration of themes such as power, war, and mythology, it has become a beloved and influential work in the fantasy genre. Despite its challenging nature, the novel has garnered a dedicated following and is recommended for fans of epic fantasy.