Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erikson Is A Complicated First Step Into Malazan Book of the Fallen

[@stevelundin5705]

Erikson here. Thanks Mike for your review. I need to apologize regards the POV shifts. When I delivered the manuscript to my editor in the UK, each POV shift was indicated by: '* * *' centred, with double line breaks above and below. I think, for length reasons or the publisher's style-guide, the copy-edit dropped all that and used just an extra line-break to delineate sections (and each section is a distinct POV). I wish now I'd been more adamant about the layout convention. There's enough characters without text style adding to the confusion! It may be that once the reader gets used to that convention, the shifts are easier to catch. Or (I haven't looked), the style-guide changed in later books. I do recall being very conscious of the many POV shifts and wanting to make them as technically sign-posted as possible, especially since I was messing around with perceptions of shared events, lots of juxtaposition in other words, to constantly undercut/undermine any one character's take on things. And I was, especially early on in the series, in the habit of not naming the POV until a few sentences or even paragraphs into the section. That didn't help! But just as readers learn along the way through the series, so did I. One last stylistic note of a different kind: having come from the Iowa Writers' Workshop school of contemporary literary fiction, the original version of GotM mostly employed 'he said/she said' rather than descriptive expostulations, etc. My editor, bless him, initially preferred the livening up of those tag-lines, which I did. But, slowly and surely, I quietly worked my way back to the style I was comfortable with in the rest of the series. GotM is the most egregious in the use of expostulations, which I was never comfortable with. The aversion has to do with letting the action and the dialogue speak for itself, in terms of meaning and tone, and leaning always towards understatement rather than melodrama. I have, to this day, a real phobia about melodrama (unearned emotion), and, as I often try to drag the reader (usually screaming) into something heartfelt, I knew early on that I would have to figure things out to make certain that melodrama would not occur. Hence the flattening of attribution descriptives, and underwriting the big emotional scenes. Anyway, I hope you enjoy Deadhouse Gates. Eight years between the writing of it and GotM; oh, and the difference between taking a gamble (GotM) and validation (DHG). Cheers. PS: I don't write grimdark.

[@OrionSupergan]

I first read gotm 17 years ago and Malazan has helped change the way I look at the real world. I joined the read along discord to help everyone have the best chance to experience your work. The phrases I’ve used so many times they are in my phones auto complete are: Being lost with friends is infinitely better than being lost and alone. And: if you are feeling lost and confused you are where you are supposed to be. Your writing is impactful and inspiring, thank you.

[@GideonCyn]

Thank you! for blessing this world with your works sir.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Hey, thanks for watching! I appreciate the explanation. Lots have told me there is double spacing between the paragraphs when a POV change and I guess I didn’t notice. But it never took me away from the book at all. Reading your forward about how you used the Frank Herbert approach really made me be ready for that. Can’t wait to keep going and see how I feel about the Grimdark stance. Thanks again for chatting!

[@raswartz]

@@mikesbookreviews Can you make this a highlighted reply for the masses?

[@raullara4683]

Mr. Lundin every time I find one of your comments is like find a little treasure and I mean it. The first time I read GotM was 10 years ago but the first book I found out in my local library here in my small country one year earlier was a translation to spanish of Memories of ice and I saw near to it Deadhouse gates in a discount but no other of your books and then found out that those were books 3 and 2 because I had no previous knowledge of the series just had a feeling that this big books would be something I would like to read. I had to wait a full year to find GotM in a book fair, then my journey started and I have love your story ever since. Now have read your books in spanish and now I'm re reading in english, the translation did a very good job but the original is always better, I actually improved my English just to be able to read you. All this words are just a big thank you for your work and your shared story with Mr. Esslemont that has meant so much for me over the years. P.S: Sorry about my English it is not as good as I would like to. Mr. Mike: I do agree with other comment here please pin Mr. Erikson comment at the top the explanation here I worth knowing and thanks for the read along I'm enjoying it.

[@sernoddicusthegallant6986]

Mike: "I wouldnt say it's grimdark" Deadhouse gates: *Whistles inconspicuously*

[@chickenman7252]

Yup. Deadhouse Gates is more grimdark than any Abercrombie IMO

[@charlesgabriel5569]

Haha good one .. he has no idea what's coming up

[@mikesbookreviews]

Ha! Most say that about MoI. Can’t wait!

[@sernoddicusthegallant6986]

@@mikesbookreviews Everything after Gardens can be pretty easily described as Grimdark, but its Gates that stands out the most because it comes just after it, so the change in tone is much more noticeable.

[@EnzymeBondedConcrete]

Deadhouse gates is so dark and metal, I love it. Pinnacle of Malazan to me personally.

[@t.hussain921]

"I wanna know what's going on in seven cities." That's where you're headed next.

[@ThisIsJaysWorld]

@Random L3vel Deadhouse Gates, Book 2 takes place in the Seven Cities

[@abridgeburner9927]

Fuck. The pain that will be felt.. Fucking pormqual

[@treboreimaj3274]

Malazan was the first fantasy I ever read and I loved every page of all ten books

[@Severian1]

God, the intro is so good, especially when I recognize the significance of each line. Ah Malazan, what a journey.

[@SquishdSquirrel]

The Nightwish shirt 10/10, Gardens of the Moon 10/10. I'm so glad I found your channel and the Discord. It has motivated me to pick up reading again and lose myself in the Malazan series. Thank you Mike for making these video's!

[@EricMcLuen]

So sad about Marko.

[@danijelb.3384]

I’m always happy to see someone return to reading. Have fun, dude

[@MrTheswayzeexpress]

Malazan was the series that I didn't know that I was looking for. As soon as I found it I fell in deep. It isn't perfect but it was perfectly suited to me. And since then nothing has been anywhere near as good 😂

[@HeavyTopspin]

The "drop the reader into an ongoing battle" is familiar to readers of The Black Company. I find it's really the depth of this world's history that stands out more than anything else, the tens of thousands of years of backstory that are slowly revealed over the course of the series. Which is actually rather unsurprising considering Erikson is an archaeologist and anthropologist, not to mention the setting's co-creator (Ian Esslemont) is also an archaeologist. It's sort of like a hard sci-fi book that's actually written by an astronomer or theoretical physicist - that underpinning makes for a strong foundation that many readers might not even notice until it's pointed out to them.

[@raswartz]

The people on your discord have been incredibly helpful in answering all kinds of questions, so props to them and to you for setting that up.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Yeah, the warband has been great.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Spot on about the originality, character development, action, humor, and trope busting! I’ve said it before, but I think your attitude of going with the flow is the best. I also wouldn’t necessarily recommend Malazan as the very first fantasy for someone- you’ve got to know the tropes before you can appreciate how Erikson upends them. I’m excited to see what you make of Deadhouse Gates!

[@mikesbookreviews]

After hearing Allen’s enthusiasm for DG I’m even more excited.

[@jordanlevine1399]

❤️💪💥

[@channingdeadnight]

If you think that this gets dark now. I've read the entire series since I got the DLC of Gardens of the Moon three times now. There is a particular scene that I have only read once and will never put myself through that again. Lol it hasn't even really gotten dark yet. Grab some tissues, for real. You will need them.

[@saeedajaib]

I really have to hold back to start with Deadhouse Gates. But i'm sticking onto the schedule. I'm with you on this journey until the end.

[@j.s.173]

Gardens of the Moon, to me, felt like climbing a few steps without knowing where they would eventually take. Then you read Deadhouse Gates AND Memories of Ice and it's like you are out on a balcony over the entire Universe. And when you think that no character can tie those you met in the first three books.. you met Karsa Orlong.

[@shotsndocs]

Things started to make sense to me in Book 7. 😂 I really enjoyed the ride though.. Especially the Darujhistan parts. One thing I really appreciate in Erikson's writing is his usage of words that are so specific and technical (considering that he's an archaeologist and anthropologist) and it was really convenient reading GotM on my Kindle. Excited for DG!

[@muhammadhashir6136]

Pls do keep the opening where u quote the book over epic music. It needn’t ever go.

[@raswartz]

I think the best way to describe Malazan is that it's like A Song of Ice and Fire but in a high-magic setting instead of a low-magic setting.

[@1siddynickhead]

Thanks! That really helps. Not sure if that recommends it tho because I prefer low magic:) shall give it a go just in case !

[@1siddynickhead]

I completely agree! I love the "mystery" element in ASOIAF because like u said, you're sometimes reading chapters with odd POV titles and then you find out who's actually narrating. I really enjoyed putting different pieces together so I'm really happy to hear there's a lot of that in Malazan too:) Thanks for the insight! Now I'm really hyped

[@kyrilson71]

Your comments are exactly how I felt on reading Malazan for the first time. It is the most original and you won’t find many better series as a result. Deadhouse Gates is when I realized I had hit something amazing. Reading it and knowing you won’t know everything is best. It all comes out in the end and when things click it’s very satisfying.

[@full-timehuman]

“I don’t know, but that’s okay” definitely describes this series for me

[@raullarapitti9813]

I loved your review, addressing the POV change, in every chapter every time you find a double space between paragraph is in general a change of POV.

[@noneofyourbusiness3288]

What I like about Malazan (aside from the very unique reading experience, which has an exploratory feel) is how magical it is. The stuff that magic can do in Malazan: from the classics like shooting fire to fast-travel, creating entire worlds in your dreams, or tearing the gods down to earth. But Malazan does not fall in the trap of other stories in which magic can do seemingly anything: in Malazan, while magic in general can do basically anything, the specific cases where it is used just make sense with the characters and their specific powers. A very delicate balance, which is done masterfully here.

[@DanielGFreeman]

I almost shelved GotM, had a lot going on at the time and was so confused. Finished it and was pleased and am definitely looking forward to Deadhouse Gates.

[@bobgdn]

I liked Gardens of the Moon way more then I expected! I 100% agree with you about this being fresh and unique. I’m very much looking forward to starting Deadhouse Gates in 7 days.

[@biggestbadQM]

You know when someone tells you they've just started watching your favourite TV series.. and you actually feel slightly jealous and wish you could have that feeling back of seeing it all again for the first time? Watching your excellent review of GotM.. I got that fucking feeling, dude! I abso-fuckin-lutely loved that review. Loved it. Seeya over on Iskar's discord, dude 🤗

[@mikesbookreviews]

Always happy to help others rekindle those memories. It was my favorite part of reading Wheel of Time.

[@andreamiller3578]

I've been listening to the book on Audible and had actually put it off for months because of so many people saying it was confusing, etc. Readers are so divided. Oddly enough, I've had no real issue with the character shifts despite listening instead of reading. Maybe because the reader uses slightly different inflections and of course there are the voice changes as soon as a character thinks or speaks. He's pretty good So far, I'm really enjoying the story, even when I don't totally understand something, and the characters are just drawing me in deeper and deeper. I love them all and want nothing bad to happen. Just let my Bridgeburners and assassins and thieves be happy. LOL. I am fully intrigued by Anamander Rake (not sure I spelled that correctly) and Kruppe has definitely grown on me. More please!!

[@johanjoseph4802]

Saved it to watch after completing the book. But I'm done with a Quarter of the Book. I never thought I'd even think of starting this book in the next 5 years. This read along really helps Mike ❤️🔥

[@mikesbookreviews]

That was my hope!

[@ThisIsJaysWorld]

With the protagonist and antagonist thing I felt like the entire cast is similar to Jaime Lannister where at some points your like "oh he rescued a woman from a bear" and other times you're like "Yeah but he also pushed a 7 year old out a window" and all of these characters have moments like this

[@maximiliangerboc]

Oh man I read this starting 1/1/21 as part of your read along and watching your intro made me want to re-read it already! Started Deadhouse Gates yesterday because I couldn't wait any longer.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I’m excited about book 2 as well

[@MsKvothe]

captain Kindly is hilarious too !

[@umangu2466]

As Usual your introductions are the best.. It feels like a teaser for the series on Netflix.. it's that good ❤️😄

[@mikesbookreviews]

Maybe one day I’ll get hired to make book trailers. Ha.

[@umangu2466]

@@mikesbookreviews And you'll do a fabulous job out of it.. like a real pro.. 😎

[@ryanoneal8480]

Yea! Been waiting for awhile for you to review these! Can't wait till you get deeper into the series

[@LesMartin]

Yes, yes, and yes!!! You're right where I was at that point, and honestly, now on book 7, I"m still not too far ahead. :D The layers on layers of mythos and plot are so much fun.

[@kaylafrost4265]

Yes! This is a very fresh series. It was exactly what I was looking for. Great read. Happy to be a part of the read along :). (Tool and Crone are my favorites.)

[@mikesbookreviews]

Crone is so fun!

[@ssspaceman86]

Allomancer Rake here :D Yes, I have the most superb nickname on Discord, LOL * _ *

[@banderezztonylapore9493]

Love the shirt... Super underrated band.

[@Splat55099]

16:00 mark you sold me. I am a huge fan of military books. I find alot of "gaming" novels(Halo, 40k, some starwars etc) enjoyable. For that reason alone.

[@minkalampinen9519]

The feeling I get from Malazan Book of the Fallen is the same I got from Morrowind back in the day when the game was new. A stranger in a strange land just looking around mostly confused by everything. A world that doesn't care about you at all, you just happened to arrive at this (maybe) particular time and in this (maybe) particular place. I love it! I haven't found any series similar to Malazan, but that's not so surprising.

[@JohanHerrenberg]

Good to hear you're enjoying the ride! Deadhouse Gates is one of my favorites - you'll never forget that one... On with the journey!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Can’t wait!

[@danielpetrone3696]

I really like the format your using for the spoiler talks and non spoiler talks since it’s clearly separated. Keep up the good work! : )

[@mikesbookreviews]

Thanks!

[@astraestus8828]

I'm still at book 3 😅 hoping to finish by the end of the month.

[@dylansbooknook3544]

You got this! Just take your time and enjoy the ride!

[@Ataume]

Thank you for this very excellent and spoiler-free review. I appreciate it. :)

[@kylerieman221]

Just a little late to the party, but I just finished Gardens of the Moon this morning and jumped right into Deadhouse Gates.

[@JakeHowsamLowe]

Best character, best battles, best fight scenes, best magic, most epic and grand scope of world and plot ever. Most important, most emotionally moving fantasy I have ever read. I can't wait to see your journey through the series!

[@JakeHowsamLowe]

Also just to comment on something you said, I think Malazan is actually the best series in terms of self contained books, especially from book 2 onwards. Yeah there's threads that go for the entire 10 book series, but each book has it's own self contained narrative which you almost always get massive pay off for within that book.

[@EnzymeBondedConcrete]

That intro is soo good, perfectly captures the theme of Malazan, especially the first book, well done!

[@thomasgibson7019]

This book is the bomb baby!!!❤️

[@mikesbookreviews]

I liked it.

[@thomasgibson7019]

@@mikesbookreviews oh I liked it too!

[@joshwhitehead7120]

Mike, I came for the book review, and stayed (for the review) but couldnt be happier with the Nightwish Shirt. Awesome man!!!!! They were my most listend to band on spotify for the last 2 years. #Nightwisharmy........also, love the review as always. Gonna start this after I read the new John Gwynne (Favorite Author) book!! Love the vids mike. Thanks!!

[@tammaraliberty]

Loved it! Ready for the rest!

[@injustus]

My buddy told me to read this series a while back. Thanks to you it’s next on my list. Great job. Really dig your vids. And your bookshelves are sweeet!! Right on. 🤘🏻👍🏻

[@mr95th76]

going to dive in on audible mike I've tried several times before but I want to try again and I'm hoping this will help

[@brandontaylor3252]

Good luck with the audio book. I dont have time for reading books anymore but I still keep up with my fantasy reads through audible. These books are so dense with characters and world building that I found the audiobook to be a hard listen. The narrator isn't my favorite and I found it hard to get engaged in any way. I plan to go back and try again at some point because I love big fantasy.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I can’t imagine doing this on audio. So complex.

[@brettmurray2473]

I appreciate the schedule timing, it's allowing me to really sink my teeth in and take my time instead of rush. Can't wait for what is to come, GOTM has so far blown all expectations I had going in out of the water. You hit many of my exact feelings in this video👌100 pages left!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Indeed. For every one person that says the schedule is too slow I have a dozen others that say they appreciate it

[@gizmobly350]

I remember there were a lot of things that that I thought I should be understanding. Then 50 pages later he would explain the thing I was wondering if I should have known it when I was reading it, but I didn't at the time, but now I know. Hard to explain. I haven't really read anything like it before. It's kind of like a bit of a puzzle. But I like puzzles and after reading 7 of the books so far, I am enjoying them. It's a bit of work reading them, I always feel a little lost and only understanding about 75% of what is going on until the next book, but I find they are enjoyable and worth the effort. I'm excited to see your reactions to the series. He has some of my most favorite characters I've every read. Oh, and when something clicks and it starts to all make sense, "hey kid, don't get cocky"

[@DBTex1]

You killed that intro!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Gracias

[@Mostafa77766]

Sorry, I already started deadhouse gates a couple of days ago, I couldn't wait... I don't know why I put this series on the shelf for a long time even though I know I like this kind of fantasy... all I can say is thanks to Mike for the read-along that to pushed me to start this series! Not only I'm having a blast on book one still, yet I can see Malazan taking a spot in the top 3 all-time greatest fantasy series on my list.

[@leogodavidson10]

Oh awesome! I'm still finishing up WoT (just started towers of midnight ) and I already have malazan ready to go next. Look forward to reading through these with you. 🥳

[@mikesbookreviews]

Plenty of time to catch up

[@JamesI88]

This really is a unique story. Couldnt stop. About 250 pages into memories of ice now. Cant wait to see your future thoughts.

[@djsuth7727]

I really enjoyed my re-read of GotM. I disagree about it being the weakest of the 10 ; I guess that's subjective and will depend on which story arc / continent / set of characters appeals the most. From your comments, Mike, I predict Memories of Ice will be your favourite of the series. Deadhouse Gates is mine, so I'm hugely looking forward to joining the "warband" in February :)

[@mikesbookreviews]

I can’t wait to find out

[@tempest-523]

The Malazan series is a complicated, expansive, detailed universe. I'm reading the core 10 books for the 3rd time. Each time I read it I pick up something new that I missed or didn't piece together. As you learn details of people, adcendants and gods over multiple books sometimes its hard to piece together especially as long as the books are. Especially how there are several characters who exist as multiple people simultaneously... it can get confusing. Motives and hidden motives are amazing as players in the game could be working multiple angles. I've enjoyed these books so much.

[@proevoisace7]

I tried listening to this series on audible, after each chapter i read a recap/review on a decent book site and i still really struggled, didn't make it to the end of book 1, i now have the series in physical form and going to give it another go

[@davidfossen5751]

Great review, I think I will take this as a final convincing to start the series, I was intimidated by for a far too long time

[@misslady2470]

im reading malazan now Im on chaprer 2 love it !

[@epicgamer2727]

I am very excited to see you start Deadhouse Gates, it's such a jump in quality over GoTM. Excellent reading excerpt in this video!

[@sorenjuro]

I just finished reading this and enjoyed it, after reading berserk I was looking for another series to get into. I already bought the whole series cause when I start I finish. I wanted to watch more of your reviews with series I know but with a young child it’s been hard to find the time.

[@amanofbooks3440]

Been following you for a long time Mike. I can't agree with you more. I have been reading a lot of fantasy, sci-fi, short story collections, and classics these past years, and I feel like they have all been a road to reading this series. I loved this first book. I love the intricacies, depth, sense of discovery, and the inability for me to see what is going to happen next. I can't get enough and can't wait to review this myself from a slightly different perspective, bit with the same level of enthusiasm for the journey ahead. 🤙

[@SpydurPoet]

OMG NIGHTWISH SHIRT!!! I love Nightwish.

[@ciarankelly6650]

Malazan is a masterpiece. Strap in for the ride. Such amazing world building. Do people really criticise the action and battle scenes? I cannot fathom what they are talking about

[@michaelo5665]

I don't know why but this makes me want to go back to jv Jones, cavern of black ice

[@ChristiansEntertainmentEcke]

Mike - the "M" stands for Master of Intros

[@JLchevz]

Fuck it I just bought the three first books, I wanted to wait to read other fantasy series first but this is what I want to read most, the most epic and complex of them all lol, I'm kind of a slow reader but I'll try to keep up, thanks again Mike for all the good recommendations. I'm also finishing Dune, it's fantastic.

[@biggestbadQM]

Great decision, dude!! Enjoy 😊

[@JLchevz]

@@biggestbadQM yeah I'm pretty excited

[@mikesbookreviews]

Always happy to hear another Herbert reader.

[@JLchevz]

@@mikesbookreviews :D

[@philipmarsh2172]

17:12 That’s exactly why I put down Eye of the World halfway through and never picked it back up again.

[@Griffinater3]

Glad you are doing this read along. Had the first couple on my shelf for over a year and this gave me the excuse to finally dive in. Was dubious about the pace because on the surface it seemed quite slow, but it has been nice to read a few different books in between to detox. Looking forward to starting Deadhouse Gates with you on the 1st.

[@TheWizardLibrary]

Laughed out loud at the "don't start here if you haven't read much fantasy comment". I just finished "Eye of the World" and started this while waiting for "The Great Hunt" from the library. I haven't read any other fantasy series, but I do play D&D and I watched Game of Thrones multiple times! So far I'm completely fine and am absolutely loving it! Probably helps I'm a huge military history nerd so the war and politics stuff is something I'm used to untangling in my head. Great review!

[@FheoniX-Futures]

Murrilio and rallick are on a quest to restore colls standing and get vengeance for him, but at one point coll gets left out on the rhivi plain with a mortal wound. Crokus and kruppe are happy in the phoenix Inn and have seemingly totally forgotten about coll. If it weren't for paran showing up out of the blue coll would have died alone in the desert. Its ridiculous.

[@Bookspine5]

Beautiful book shelves :)

[@ScullyPop]

Your content is off the chain 🔥📈

[@freakydallas13]

Great intro! Looking forward to the start of deadhouse gates.

[@jordanlevine1399]

Love to see you gush about the book-great video!!

[@lordramoth3416]

Best GOTM review on book tube

[@makoygaara]

Thanks man. I'm looking forward to reading this book. New sub.

[@arun22krishnan]

Wow! I am so early. Have a great read, Mike.

[@H0und0fHircin3]

Dude... the more I hear about this series the more stoked I am to check it out and hopefully embrace it... once I conquer this annoying readers block.

[@ivanbardarov2930]

Longtime fan of the series that finished it years ago watching the video thinking: "Damn, I need to instal discord, and read them again..." 3 mins later, stuck at home, slightly depressed, can I handle the Chain of Dogs AGAIN???

[@bryandevries2362]

Nearly finished, I'm at page 91%, might just finish it before February!

[@maikokirana]

Awesome intro! Love it!

[@Thaurnol]

good job, man! love what you do

[@Someguy385]

I discovered this channel last week, then a couple days later I went for a walk in the park near my flat - insane coincidence but there was a plastic shopping bag by a bin that had the whole Malazan series in it! Unfortunately they had been ruined by the rain and I couldn't take them, but a very odd coincidence nevertheless.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Odd story.

[@tomwisniewski8988]

I love the book but I wouldn't say it's not derivative in parts. The Black Company novels seem to be a huge inspiration; the Bridgeburners in particular. I love the Black Company novels as well so I'm 100% on board here!

[@KayanKollyn]

Hi ! I want to share with you about one book: "KAYAN KOLLYN- The spiral of the Ellmott & messenger of the secret." a great fiction of adventure, mystery, ART, an ancient CRAFFARTT, and science. once you read it, you definitely love it, because it speaks about all dimensions of life, without the barrier of the beliefs and social divisions. Love your content! Waiting for your review 😊😊😊😊

[@CrapSandviche]

Mike, you drop these so early...... not even beer30 at the bearded fox? You need to text me to make sure I’m awake for these vid drops

[@mariana_reads]

I started reading Gardens of the Moon and I am feeling a bit lost and confused yet I am enjoying the book xD came here to scroll through the comment to see if feeling this way is normal 😅

[@bruceyt6303]

I'm looking forward to your face on the thumbnail of Deadhouse gates review

[@oberstul1941]

Big like for the Nightwish tee; wishmaster, ocean soul, blessed child, rock on, ma man of culture as well. :)

[@mikenmmtano3370]

Gahhh! Took me over a month to finish reading GotM (02/09 - 03/14). I wish I watched this review first before diving into the Malazan world. High fantasy genre is all new to me (took a break after reading book 6 of WoT) and would have heeded your warning not to start on this series just yet. Halfway through the book and I was still trying to figure out who's the protagonist and villain 😂.

[@LeortisBooks]

I’ve tried to read this about four times. I wish I could get into it, for some reason I just can’t. Maybe I’ll give it another try.

[@LG-jn5fx]

It is good you liked the first book and you most likely love the next 9. I have mislaid my copy of GOTM so I will join you with DG. I have read GOTM around 5 times so I think I have a handle on what happened :)

[@paulwalther5237]

I’m partway through. I started the book without any idea at all on what to expect. I didn’t even know that people find this confusing. I wasn’t even 100% sure I had gotten the first book in the series. I was just like WTF. After going online and seeing videos like this and going back the story and pacing is a lot less jarring.

[@EricMcLuen]

I have never understood the 'doesnt know how to do characters' criticism. Poll anyone who has read the series of their most memorable one is only in about 30 pages the entire series. I think the criticism is based on the fact you dont know who you are supposed to be rooting for or against or what the eventualmend will be. Dont even try the latter. Same for action. Both in the smaller fights and then the sheer scope of the battles. You will have many of both and several are just brutal. Tool - dry humor. Really? The humor is underrated. Sometimes it is meant to be funny and sometimes it is the absurdity that makes situations funny. But it is amazing the same writer gives you Rake and Kruppe.

[@michaelo5665]

There are no throwaway characters but a lot get put on a bus for books at a time.

[@MasoomRana]

Mandalorian gives me hope that production of an adaptation will be significantly cheaper now.

[@jonathancooper4914]

What do you recommend reading before Malazan along with WoT and Stormlight Archive?

[@mattofumi]

I agree this series is nothing like anything else I’ve read before. I’m almost finished Reaper’s Gale on my first time through. I’m listening to the books as audio books. And I really think so far the story feels like one continuous story. Different episodes or character arcs in different books stand out but I’d have a hard time picking which book they came from sometimes. Sometimes the huge battles are at the start of a book rather than the end. Really it’s just one long story and I don’t think I would say Gardens is the worst book, just like I couldn’t really say which has been the best book.

[@Superchild88]

I was really surprised by this book after hearing all the fear mongering on KZbin over the years. GotM was easy to read and surprisingly good. Yeah there are things that don’t make sense, but if you go into it knowing that it’s way better. I can’t wait to read Deadhouse Gates, but I have to wait on a copy from Amazon because they are out of stock. I pretty much blame the low stock it on you Mike lol

[@steliosgrimpas]

Hi, does The Gardens of the Moon have easy vocabulary for someone who has English as a second language?