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Gardens of the Moon

The Malazan Book of the Fallen, Book 1

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Gardens of the Moon

By: Steven Erikson
Narrated by: Ralph Lister
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Random House presents the audiobook edition of Gardens Of The Moon: (Malazan Book Of The Fallen 1) by Steven Erikson, read by Ralph Lister.

Bled dry by interminable warfare, infighting and bloody confrontations with Lord Anomander Rake and his Tiste Andii, the vast, sprawling Malazan empire simmers with discontent.
Even its imperial legions yearn for some respite. For Sergeant Whiskeyjack and his Bridgeburners and for Tattersail, sole surviving sorceress of the Second Legion, the aftermath of the siege of Pale should have been a time to mourn the dead. But Darujhistan, last of the Free Cities of Genabackis, still holds out - and Empress Lasseen's ambition knows no bounds.
However, it seems the empire is not alone in this great game. Sinister forces gather as the gods themselves prepare to play their hand...

Conceived and written on an epic scale, Gardens of the Moon is a breathtaking achievement - a novel in which grand design, a dark and complex mythology, wild and wayward magic and a host of enduring characters combine with thrilling, powerful storytelling to resounding effect. Acclaimed by writers, critics and readers alike, here is the opening chapter in what has been hailed a landmark of epic fantasy: the awesome 'The Malazan Book of the Fallen'.

(c) 1999, Steven Erikson (P) 2019 Penguin Audio

Action & Adventure Dark Fantasy Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Military Fiction Emotionally Gripping Magic
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Critic reviews

An astounding debut . . . has the potential to become a defining work.
Erikson is an extraordinary writer . . . treat yourself to Gardens of the Moon. (STEPHEN R. DONALDSON)
Complex, challenging . . . Erikson's strengths are his grown-up characters and his ability to create a world every bit as intricate and messy as our own. (J. V. JONES)
There's nothing safe about fantasy like this: intriguing, complex, thought provoking, exceedingly well-written, and, for the intelligent reader, exhilaratingly satisfying. (Paula Guran)
A world that is both absorbing on a human level and full of magical sublimity . . . a wonderfully grand conception . . . splendidly written . . . fiendishly readable. (ADAM ROBERTS)
Erikson is an extrodinary writer...treat yourself to Gardens of the Moon (STEPHEN R. DONALDSON)
An astounding debut...has the potential to become a defining work
Complex, challenging...Erikson's strengths are his grown-up characters and his ability to create a world every bit as intricate and messy as our own (J.V. JONES)
There's nothing safe about fantasy like this: intriguing, complex, thought provoking, exceedingly well-written, and, for the intelligent reader, exhilaratingly satisfying (PAULA GURAN)
All stars
Most relevant
I found it hard to keep up with narration. Every character (bar Cropper) was given the same voice. I am used to listening to Narrators like Kate Reading and Stephen Fry who vary the characters significantly. Considering the story follows so many different characters I struggled to keep up, suddenly realising that I was know long being told about the same character. I listened to the first few chapters a number of times with the same issue, then just decided to persist to the end. Overall I enjoyed the concept of the book but am certain I missed things.

Interesting book, struggled with the performance...

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Well done to all involved in this . cracking story. great characters. fine narration.
I do not go in for reviewing books and giving out stars but this deserves 5 in each category.
thank you Mr Erickson.

Malazan book of the fallen.

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I was thrilled by the narrator's accent and all, but beyond that, just boring

Couldn't get past the third chapter.

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All characters are shades of grey, magic and mythical creatures are commonplace, God’s walk among men and the world is very deep and dark. The tale weaves a web that is only clear at the end, a well crafted story.

A deep and dark world.

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I have bought his as a hardback, kindle and not as an Audio all in a vain attempt to immerse myself in the mahoosive world that Steven Erikson has created. sadly, I cannot. It is just way, way, way too much for me. Perhaps I like my fantasy a little less obscure. Certainly the prospect of eons of listening ahead of me was not the deterrent in this case. After all, I have rocked Jordan and Martin. It is just...well....too confusing for me. Did the first one, bought the second but have given up in the first 2 chapters after the prospect of more of the same. Shame, was looking forward to getting my teeth into a series of this magnitude.

I tried. I really did....

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