Malazan: ‘Gardens of the Moon’ by Steven Erikson | Book 1 Review (Spoiler Free)

Today I will be reviewing ‘Gardens of the Moon’ by Steven Erikson the first book in Malazan The Book of the Fallen series, Without Spoilers.

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Intro
00:391 Preliminary remarks
03:32 Review
17:41 Summary & Outro

Music: ‘Melancholia’ by Godmode

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[lizetal]

I hadn’t heard of this series before, but after seeing your review I bought the first book. I’m looking forward to following along as you read more books in the series.

[christopherwurtz]

It's a good sign that you loved this book. Most readers of the series claim that this is their least favorite. PLEASE complete MBOTF, I would love to hear your opinions on this incredible series. It will take a lot of patience, time and concentration but it is very well worth it.

[call_me_pebble]

Hello Kathi, I'm marching through this series for the first time so I'm always on the look out for channels and reviews that are making the same journey. I'm almost finished with book 3 and Erikson has kept me enthralled throughout. It was nice hearing your thoughts on GotM. You are very well spoken and articulate, which I very much appreciate. I hope you continue on your Malazan journey like I have. Book 2 is a doozy.

[Wally_stad]

Malazan is my favorite series of all time. I just started following you and I am ALREADY given such a treat. Loved hearing your thoughts on Gardens Of The Moon. Can’t wait to hear what you think of Deadhouse Gates. If my memory serves me correct there was a considerable amount of time between the two novels, the second and third book is, in my opinion where the series really takes off.

[phasang]

Cool review Kathy. With a world this massive, I found that official maps of the different places significantly enhanced my enjoyment. I recently finished the second book. The maps and being able to see certain places and how far or close they are from each other was so much fun. For instance one of the maps is just called chain of dogs. It meticulously outlines the journey from Hissar to Aren. Really great stuff. I hope you enjoy the rest of the books.

[OverlyAverageBen]

Absolutely loved this video! You rock! As someone who just finished the 7th book over the last 3 years, I loved your thoughts on both Malazan and Eriksen because he truly is a brilliant writer!

[TBaggins]

Since you loved Gardens of the Moon, I predict that Deadhouse Gates will blow you away. It is quite a different read, and it will put your heart through the wringer.

[stacy]

Hearing you talk about this book and the characters with such joy brought back so many happy memories. It makes me want to read it again ☺️ And yes to all the cool characters with cool names: Whiskeyjack, Sorry, Tattersail, Quick Ben. And the mage who turned into a puppet was the funniest part in this book. Genius!

[nathanfoung]

Ive always been intimidated by this series, but your review has convinced me to give it a red hot go. Cheers.

[salomealhusami]

Hello, Kathi! I just found you by chance while searching for new Malazan content on BookTube!
I'm so excited that you are on your way on this incredible, wild journey through the epic universe of Malazan!
Believe me, with just the right amount of patience and trust in the author and it will all be worth every second spent on reading it!

Happy reading from Syria! 👋🏻😊

[LoricSwift]

I absolute love Gardens of the Moon - as you say it might not be for everyone, but it just has a special something to it that is pretty much unique!

[royston]

Hi Kathi, great review. I'm new to your channel but I've just subscribed. Also, I'm a huge Malazan fan and it's great to see such a positive take on Gardens.

[andrewthemusicalbear]

Hi Kathi, I'm nearly 60ty and reading books since I remember but my adventure with Malazan The Book of the Fallen started early this year, I've read the first four volumes so far, but I can already say that it will easily be one of my favorite fantasy series. I agree with everything you have said about this book and I hope that you will continue to be even more satisfied with the next ones. happy reading.

[willp]

I just finished it a week ago myself, after having it on my shelf for 3 years. Loved it. Blew through it in 2 weeks. Very much enjoying book 2. It was not difficult for me because I am very much used to the science fiction/fantasy sci-fantasy of the 20th century. I think Malazan adopts this tradition of dropping you in like many of the speculative fiction of the 20th century.

[TheJoshuaborden]

great review. You've convinced me to start the series. I've had all ten novels for years now. just collecting dust. I' will take my time.

[slidenaway]

Just found your channel from someone posting this review in a Malazan discord and I’m very glad for it!!

And glad you loved GotM so much, and also DG (can’t wait for that review. By the way I’d recommend doing at least a spoiler section in that review — maybe half non spoiler and half spoiler? Gotta get your thoughts out there 😂). You have walked the Chain of Dogs and you are one of us!!

[ToddsBookTube]

Nice Review Kathi I read Gardens of the Moon years ago, and it was confusing. I'm going to give it another try.

[ParadoxKismet]

I enjoyed watching this review. It truly is a great one to watch for someone thinking of starting this series. I read Gardens of the Moon last September and loved it. I think Erikson is a fantastic writer. The book blew me away. It's a very complex world with some complex characters. Reading it is an immersive experience. Even with as much as I loved it I still haven't read the next one. I need to get to it soon.

[swdge]

Very curious what you'll make of the next book. It's a bit of a gear shift, but a very meaningful book.

[johnryan]

Love the darker side of fantasy but always put this at the bottom of my desired reads based on length/ reward. But I gotta say your review has tempted me…