WORLDS TO CONQUER

Steven Erikson’s Gardens of the Moon offers an intricate tapestry of power plays and otherworldly forces that leave a lasting impression. As the first novel in the Malazan Book of the Fallen series, it sets the stage for an epic journey through a richly imagined world.”

Origins and Development

Gardens of the Moon began life as a screenplay inspired by Erikson’s and co-creator Ian C. Esslemont’s Dungeons & Dragons tabletop campaign sessions. In 1982, the two friends devised the Malazan world as a new setting to role-play in as dungeon masters. In 1991, they collaborated on a feature film script set in this world, entitled Gardens of the Moon. When the script did not sell, Erikson expanded the story into a novel. The two writers agreed to write books set in the same world. Eight years later, Gardens of the Moon was published by Bantam UK, and Erikson continued the story. Esslemont’s own contributions to the series were delayed due to life and work commitments, but his first novel, Night of Knives, was published in 2004.

Synopsis

Gardens of the Moon, published on April 1, 1999, details the various struggles for power on an intercontinental region dominated by the Malazan Empire. It centers around the Imperial campaign to conquer the city of Darujhistan on the continent of Genabackis.

Detailed Plot Overview

Prologue The novel opens in the 96th year of the Malazan Empire, during the final year of Emperor Kellanved’s rule. A twelve-year-old Ganoes Paran witnesses the sacking of the Mouse Quarter of Malaz City. Despite the disapproval of the veteran soldier Whiskeyjack, Paran aspires to become a soldier.

Genabackis Seven years later, the Emperor and his ally, Dancer, have been assassinated and replaced by Empress Laseen, who now rules with the aid of the Claw, the imperial assassins. The story begins several years into the Malazan Empire’s campaign to conquer the continent of Genabackis.

Siege of Pale Under High Fist Dujek, the Malazan 2nd Army has been besieging the city of Pale, one of the last two Free Cities in Genabackis, for several years. Pale manages to hold out due to an alliance with Anomander Rake, the powerful leader of the non-human Tiste Andii, who commands the floating fortress, Moon’s Spawn. The siege ends in a fierce battle that sees the near-total destruction of the legendary Bridgeburners unit, although Pale finally falls when Rake withdraws his forces.

Imperial Machinations The Empire then sets its sights on Darujhistan, the last Free City. A few surviving Bridgeburners, led by Sergeant Whiskeyjack, are tasked with undermining the city from within. They attempt to contact the city’s assassins’ guild, hoping to buy their allegiance, but Anomander Rake has already driven the guild underground. Adjunct Lorn, the second-in-command to Empress Laseen, is sent to uncover something ancient and powerful in the hills east of Darujhistan, accompanied by Tool, a member of the undead T’lan Imass race.

Tattersail and Paran Tattersail, a mage who survived the Siege of Pale, and Ganoes Paran, now a captain and the nominal commander of the Bridgeburners, travel towards Darujhistan. They aim to understand the increasing involvement of gods and other magical forces in the ongoing campaign.

Conspiracy in Darujhistan Inside Darujhistan, a group of con-artists and underworld figures work to oppose members of the civic government who are considering surrendering to the Empire. Anomander Rake offers his alliance to the true rulers of Darujhistan, a secretive cabal of mages. The various plots converge as Adjunct Lorn releases a Jaghut Tyrant, a powerful ancient being, to either seriously harm Anomander Rake or force him to withdraw. The Tyrant is eventually imprisoned in an Azath House after a fierce battle with Rake’s forces. Rake himself defeats a demon lord released by Lorn within the city.

Sorry’s Transformation A significant subplot involves a young Bridgeburner named Sorry, who is possessed by Cotillion, a god and patron of assassins. When Cotillion’s partner, Shadowthrone, negotiates with Rake, Sorry is freed from possession and joins Crokus, a young Daru thief favored by the gods of Chance, Oponn. The story ends with Crokus, Sorry (now called Apsalar), and two Bridgeburners, Fiddler and Kalam, volunteering to return Apsalar to her homeland of Itko Kan, setting the stage for the next novel, Deadhouse Gates.

Rebellion Against Laseen Meanwhile, Dujek and Whiskeyjack lead the 2nd Army into rebellion against Empress Laseen’s increasingly tyrannical rule. They seek an alliance with Anomander Rake and other enemies of the Malazan Empire to counter the threat posed by the Pannion Seer, whose empire advances from the southeast of Genabackis. This plotline, along with the mass uprising on the continent of Seven Cities, is continued in the third novel, Memories of Ice.

Analysis

Themes and Setting

The novel is notable for its use of high magic and an unusual plot structure. Erikson dismantles conventional fantasy tropes by presenting complex characters and morally ambiguous factions. The themes of history, myth creation, and the brutal realities of war are intricately woven into the narrative.

Characters and Plot

• Ganoes Paran: Introduced as a young boy witnessing the sacking of Malaz City, his journey from an idealistic child to a seasoned captain provides a compelling character arc.
• Whiskeyjack and the Bridgeburners: These seasoned soldiers offer a gritty perspective on the costs of war and loyalty.
• Anomander Rake: The enigmatic leader of the Tiste Andii and master of Moon’s Spawn, Rake’s presence adds a layer of dark, high fantasy intrigue.
• Adjunct Lorn and Tool: Their quest to unleash an ancient power introduces a subplot filled with tension and ancient lore.

The narrative structure is complex, with multiple intertwined plotlines that demand careful attention. This intricate storytelling is both a strength and a potential barrier for readers new to high fantasy.

It was interesting to discover the origins of this story, from friends role-playing to writing a potential movie. Based on the stunning artwork by legendary artist Marc Simonetti, I think Gardens of the Moon would have worked better on screen, or even better as a binge-worthy streaming show. I listened to the book on Audible, and I am not sure that was the best format for this type of story that really demands your attention. The lore is very complex and deep, and the author introduces a lot of unique fantasy terminology and concepts, which can be daunting to the uninitiated. The story also jumps around from different character perspectives and places, making it hard to track what is happening where and to whom.

The writing evokes some strong imagery, such as the hovering fortress of Moon’s Spawn and scenes of duels between sorcerers and demons. Perhaps had I read through the novel, I would have appreciated it more. It was interesting, and I have been told that the series gets better with each new entry, but I think the world-building was spectacular. My biggest issue with the story was the characters. None of them grabbed my attention, and because of that, I was never able to invest in their stories and immerse myself in this world.

It’s funny because Gardens of the Moon has all the elements I would look for in a fantasy novel. It’s an action-packed tale set in a war-torn fantasy realm. The book is mature and deals with adult themes, but its convoluted structure and pacing due to the book’s length work against it. I think it’s possible on a re-read I would feel different about it, but for now, I have to say I was disappointed given its reputation as a modern classic of the fantasy genre.

Fans of George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series will appreciate the intricate political maneuverings and the morally grey characters in Gardens of the Moon. What sets Erikson’s work apart is his background in anthropology and archaeology, which lends a unique depth to his world-building.

In conclusion, Gardens of the Moon is a daunting first entry into the high fantasy genre, offering a complex and convoluted story structure. It will be a slog for some due to its intricate plot and extensive cast of one dimensional characters, others will persevere and find it to be a rewarding read. Fans of epic fantasy who enjoy a blend of high magic, political intrigue, and morally ambiguous narratives should be entertained.