‘Gardens of the Moon’ by Steven Erikson : Malazan 1 | Book Review (Spoiler Free)

[@lizetal5748]

I hadn’t heard of this series before, but after seeing your review I bought the first book. I’m looking forward to following along as you read more books in the series.

[@NerdyKathi]

Oh that is wonderful. I hope you enjoy it as much as I am. I just finished book 2 last week.

[@christopherwurtz650]

It's a good sign that you loved this book. Most readers of the series claim that this is their least favorite. PLEASE complete MBOTF, I would love to hear your opinions on this incredible series. It will take a lot of patience, time and concentration but it is very well worth it.

[@NerdyKathi]

Perhaps people underestimate GOTM. It introduces us to this incredible world. I've now read 2 and am hooked. I will definitely be reading the rest. Most likely I'm going to review all of them and wow, I just have to talk about Deadhouse. 😂

[@nazimelmardi]

@@NerdyKathithey actually don’t underestimate the book. It’s the weakest in everything. In writing, themes, etc… every other book is way more philosophical, stonger in themes, the writing is even better, the characters are way better flashed out and the relationships are better portrayed not to mention some of the favorite characters are just coming. And I also loved this book when I read it first. Still saying: all the others are just getting better.

[@NerdyKathi]

Perhaps it is the weakest but it is also the author's first book and I am usually very forgiving with first books. As the author hones his craft you expect to see improvements in future books and I saw it in book 2. Nevertheless, I still felt GOTM was so much better than many other fantasy books I've read.

[@nazimelmardi]

@@NerdyKathi of course it is. When we talk about “weakest” it’s only in the list of Malazan books. Not many fantasy books could race with it.

[@christopherwurtz650]

@@nazimelmardi Agreed. These books beg to be discussed. I finished the series about a week ago and I already want to re-read it along with the prequels, sequels and tie-ins.

[@Wally_stad]

Malazan is my favorite series of all time. I just started following you and I am ALREADY given such a treat. Loved hearing your thoughts on Gardens Of The Moon. Can’t wait to hear what you think of Deadhouse Gates. If my memory serves me correct there was a considerable amount of time between the two novels, the second and third book is, in my opinion where the series really takes off.

[@NerdyKathi]

Welcome! And thank you so much for your kind words. I have finished book 2 (wow) and want to review it as well as I'm now hooked. I intend to read 3 very soon.

[@Wally_stad]

@@NerdyKathi awesome! Also, wanted to let you know, in case you were not aware, The broken binding is putting out hardcover editions of Malazan they go on sale July 28th I believe. A box set of the first three novels and the rest to follow. It seems you prefer hardcovers and this series is tough to collect. Thought I’d throw this out there.

[@NerdyKathi]

I'm on the list. I definitely want them in hardcover. 😊

[@call_me_pebble]

Hello Kathi, I'm marching through this series for the first time so I'm always on the look out for channels and reviews that are making the same journey. I'm almost finished with book 3 and Erikson has kept me enthralled throughout. It was nice hearing your thoughts on GotM. You are very well spoken and articulate, which I very much appreciate. I hope you continue on your Malazan journey like I have. Book 2 is a doozy.

[@NerdyKathi]

Welcome and thank you for the kind words. I've read 2 (which I adored) and was hoping to have read 3 by now but I've been sick with the flu and feel I need a clear head to read Malazan. Soon hopefully.

[@call_me_pebble]

@@NerdyKathi I'm glad you enjoyed book 2. Hope you feel better soon!

[@nathanfoung2347]

Ive always been intimidated by this series, but your review has convinced me to give it a red hot go. Cheers.

[@slidenaway]

Huzzah! A little intimidation is warranted tbh, but only a little. It’s not as “difficult” as a lot of people make it out to be - it’s just different and it pays to have that expectation. I’ve read the series twice and it’s my favorite of all time. This review is absolutely perfect and describes the “difficulty” very well. So if this review made you interested - absolutely go for it!!! 🎉

[@NerdyKathi]

I'm so glad. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

[@NerdyKathi]

Difficult is such a relative term and thank you very much for the kind words. 😊

[@TBaggins96]

Since you loved Gardens of the Moon, I predict that Deadhouse Gates will blow you away. It is quite a different read, and it will put your heart through the wringer.

[@NerdyKathi]

I've actually finished 2 and will be reviewing it so I don't want to say too much here.

[@LoricSwift]

I absolute love Gardens of the Moon - as you say it might not be for everyone, but it just has a special something to it that is pretty much unique!

[@NerdyKathi]

I agree there is something special to it. I suspect it may become a favourite series.

[@OverlyAverageBen]

Absolutely loved this video! You rock! As someone who just finished the 7th book over the last 3 years, I loved your thoughts on both Malazan and Eriksen because he truly is a brilliant writer!

[@NerdyKathi]

Thank you so much for the kind words. I'm so glad you enjoyed the video.

[@willp2877]

I just finished it a week ago myself, after having it on my shelf for 3 years. Loved it. Blew through it in 2 weeks. Very much enjoying book 2. It was not difficult for me because I am very much used to the science fiction/fantasy sci-fantasy of the 20th century. I think Malazan adopts this tradition of dropping you in like many of the speculative fiction of the 20th century.

[@NerdyKathi]

I've finished 2 and will definitely read more. I haven't read as much sci-fi but I'm all for books that are involved or complex. Glad you are enjoying it. 😊

[@TheJoshuaborden]

great review. You've convinced me to start the series. I've had all ten novels for years now. just collecting dust. I' will take my time.

[@NerdyKathi]

I’m so glad you are going to try it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I am.

[@ParadoxKismet]

I enjoyed watching this review. It truly is a great one to watch for someone thinking of starting this series. I read Gardens of the Moon last September and loved it. I think Erikson is a fantastic writer. The book blew me away. It's a very complex world with some complex characters. Reading it is an immersive experience. Even with as much as I loved it I still haven't read the next one. I need to get to it soon.

[@NerdyKathi]

Thank you very much, that is very kind of you. It is definitely immersive and Erikson a great writer. And if you loved GOTM, you are in for a treat with Deadhouse Gates.

[@ParadoxKismet]

@@NerdyKathi Your video has made me pull it off my shelf so I can try to start it soon. At least this summer! lol

[@royston1928]

Hi Kathi, great review. I'm new to your channel but I've just subscribed. Also, I'm a huge Malazan fan and it's great to see such a positive take on Gardens.

[@NerdyKathi]

Welcome and thank you for the kind words.

[@andrewthemusicalbear1034]

Hi Kathi, I'm nearly 60ty and reading books since I remember but my adventure with Malazan The Book of the Fallen started early this year, I've read the first four volumes so far, but I can already say that it will easily be one of my favorite fantasy series. I agree with everything you have said about this book and I hope that you will continue to be even more satisfied with the next ones. happy reading.

[@NerdyKathi]

I suspect this may become one of my favourites too. I've read the 2nd and can't wait to start 3.

[@johnryan985]

Love the darker side of fantasy but always put this at the bottom of my desired reads based on length/ reward. But I gotta say your review has tempted me…

[@azieldaly2965]

Shouldn't be at the bottom this series is incredible.

[@NerdyKathi]

Having finished book 2 now, I can say this series is very much worth it. I do hope you give it a try.

[@slidenaway]

This review was spot on (as someone who loves this series and has read it twice). So if you’re intrigued from this - absolutely give it a go!!

[@sw3dge]

Very curious what you'll make of the next book. It's a bit of a gear shift, but a very meaningful book.

[@NerdyKathi]

I finished it last week and will be reviewing it soon. 😊

[@ToddsBookTube91]

Nice Review Kathi I read Gardens of the Moon years ago, and it was confusing. I'm going to give it another try.

[@laurac56]

I read this book immersively (paper and audio). It was helpful.

[@ToddsBookTube91]

@@laurac56 thank you Laura!

[@NerdyKathi]

It's well worth it Todd, IMO.

[@slidenaway]

Just found your channel from someone posting this review in a Malazan discord and I’m very glad for it!! And glad you loved GotM so much, and also DG (can’t wait for that review. By the way I’d recommend doing at least a spoiler section in that review - maybe half non spoiler and half spoiler? Gotta get your thoughts out there 😂). You have walked the Chain of Dogs and you are one of us!!

[@NerdyKathi]

Thank you so much and yes I will definitely include spoilers for DG. 😊 'Walked the Chain of Dogs' - wow I love that! It's so true, I walked every inch with them.

[@slidenaway]

@@NerdyKathi well I can’t take credit, it’s a saying that’s been around for years lol, I think I saw it first on Reddit. Just a way to welcome new Malazan fans!

[@dlasis]

This series changed me. Malazan sits as the #1 piece of literature in my esteem.

[@NerdyKathi]

That says a lot about the series. 😊

[@michaelibk418]

Wonderful Review Kathi. Sounds very appealing to me. I orderer so many books in the last days. Lots of fantasy too. I am just annoyed about the publishing policy of fantasy books into German language. The english edition has 10 volumes the German translation has 19. But i will definitely read volume 1 and 2 wich is Book 1 in English. I like the cover of your paperback. Checked the Hardcover and that cover is ugly in my opinion. Have you already bought the new Stephen King?

[@NerdyKathi]

Thank you very much Michael. 😍 What a shame it is split into so many but they are huge books. The 2nd was 960 pages. I can't find the hardcovers but Broken Binding Books are bringing out a special edition of the series. If I can get them, I'm buying them. Yes, I got the latest King but haven't read it yet.

[@LaughingStockfarm1]

This sounds like really intelligent fantasy, which I find so satisfying. I’m currently reading ‘The City of Last Chances’ by Adrian Tchaikovsky, having listened to the excellent audio interpretation. As a second ‘read’, I’m finding so much I missed in the listening. It’s another multi-character complex story.

[@NerdyKathi]

That is an apt description: intelligent fantasy. I've got The City of Last Chances on my TBR and will be reading it as some point soon. Hope I like it as well.

[@LaughingStockfarm1]

@@NerdyKathi I think I’m becoming a real fan girl of Tchaikovsky’s work. I adore ‘Children of Time’, and ‘City of Last Chances’. His writing is just soooo good, his characters so well drawn, his stories multi-faceted. I don’t often re-read books, but his are really worth it. His use of language is delightful, so rich. You don’t often see that kind of writing anymore.

[@FarhadPhotos]

What an amazing review! I share very similar thoughts.

[@NerdyKathi]

Thank you so much. 😍

[@drawyrral]

I have read the series three times. It has made all other fantasy I've read ordinary.

[@NerdyKathi]

I can understand that. However I have several favourites. It will be interesting to see what I think of the series once I've finished it.