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Book Review of Gardens of the Moon (Malazan Book of the Fallen, Bk 1)

Gardens of the Moon (Malazan Book of the Fallen, Bk 1)
reviewed on + 7 more book reviews


Gardens of the Moon reminded me of the Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin. It had a similar scope and breadth with lots of characters, multiple intersecting plot lines, and seemingly no chance of a neat and happy ending. Surprisingly, after it was over, it almost felt like too much was wrapped up. Also, there were significantly more main characters alive at the end of Gardens of the Moon than any of the Song of Ice and Fire books. Gardens of the Moon also had very little explanation. Instead, the reader is thrown into the deep end and expected to figure things out as they go. This has some advantages (no glaring inconsistencies because there are no rules) and some disadvantages (no understanding of whether a task is monumental or insignificant because again, there are no rules). In the end it felt a little like the book failed to deliver on expectations/its promises, but it was definitely an enjoyable read along the way.