Gardens of the Moon (1999) by Steven Erikson is the ambitious first installment in the Malazan Book of the Fallen series, a sprawling, complex epic fantasy renowned for its intricate worldbuilding and unflinching portrayal of war and power. Set in the Malazan Empire, the novel follows an ensemble cast—including soldiers, mages, and gods—as they navigate the conquest of the city of Darujhistan, where ancient forces and ascendant powers collide.
Erikson throws readers into the deep end with minimal exposition, immersing them in a world where magic (warrens), undead armies (T’lan Imass), and rival factions (the Bridgeburners, the Crimson Guard) vie for dominance. The narrative shifts between perspectives, from the cunning assassin Sorry to the enigmatic mage Quick Ben, weaving a tapestry of betrayal, sorcery, and existential stakes.
Though criticized for its dense opening, Gardens of the Moon rewards patience with unparalleled scale and philosophical depth, setting the stage for a decalogy that redefines high fantasy.
