WARNING! SPOILERS!
Book One of the saga of Malazan, Book of the Fallen is Gardens of the Moon. Erikson’s epic fantasy currently spans 11 volumes, and I don’t think a single one of them is fewer than 650 pages. I’m only one third of the way through Gardens of the Moon, which is a mosaic novel introducing an empire and its attempt at continental conquest. Along the way I’ve met some gods, some demi-gods, sorcerers, wizards, thieves, assassins, soldiers and a few others.
The book’s pacing is ponderous, and the first several chapters seemed to be little more than soldiers talking, or soldiers riding through the aftermath of a slaughter talking, or soldiers thinking about talking. Along about page 150, though, Tattersail showed up. She is a sorcerer and an engaging character. A little while after that, Paran, who had been as stiff as a dressmaker’s form and absolutely yawn-inducing, got killed and then he got really interesting.
I like what I think I understand of the magic system. Yes, that is what I wanted that sentence to say.
Every once in a while I come across a tasty tidbit, like a dried cranberry in a salad, and so far here are two I’ve really enjoyed; the animated magical puppet, who may not be an evil puppet but is certainly an ill-tempered one, and Crone, the giant, magical talking raven. How could I not love a giant magical talking raven?
I’m on page 275. I don’t love it, but there is plenty to admire and I have it from a respected source that this book is not the best of the series. Certainly it’s worth reading to get the background and understand how the gods and the Ascendants fit together, who is warring with whom (short answer, everybody), and so on. We met the Empress of Malazan briefly at the beginning. She is not a good person, but I kind of liked her, and I think that’s the author’s intent.
So, while there was a point where I nearly put the book down, I think I will go on. I’ll let you know how it turns out.