Gardens of the Moon

Steven Erikson

TOR,2004

Reviewed by Bruce Durham

It was a byline from Glen Cook, author of "The Black Company" series, which caught my attention and convinced me to try this book. It's a recommendation I don't regret.

Gardens of the Moon was published in the U.K in 1999, eventually finding its way into Canada. Only recently has it seen print in North America. Odd, since Steven Erickson is a Canadian born in Toronto and living in Winnipeg. Such is the world of publishing.

Gardens is a first-time novel that took six years of labour to produce. It's the first of a projected ten-book series, of which five are in release, or close to it. Now, before readers start screaming "Jordan!," note that each novel will stand on its own. Gardens of the Moon is no exception. It succeeds in nicely wrapping up the main storyline while laying the groundwork for sequels. Most importantly, the reader isn't left hanging, waiting for the next book.

Erikson has crafted an exhaustive fantasy world, populating it with intricate characters, detailed cities, grand magic, dark religions, backstabbing politics, and a twisting plot. Like The Black Company, there are no clear cut heroes and villains. Every character is a shade of grey. The difference between right and wrong blurs, casting doubt on perceived alliances and shady agendas. Unfortunately, this can lead to confusion, especially during the book's early stages. To the author's credit, Gardens comes with a fair amount of supportive material, including maps and a glossary.

In short, The Malazan Empire is on the final leg of a campaign of conquest on the Genabackis continent. All that remains is the capture of Darujhistan, the last Free City. However, both outside and internal forces conspire to make this far from a fait accompli. The wide assortment of factions each have their own agenda, all in the best Machiavellian fashion.

Laseen, the unpopular Malazan Empress, rules the empire with an iron fist. To aid her she employs the Claws, an organization of spies and assassins, and Lorn, her adjunct and right-hand woman. Dujek Onearm, one of her most competent generals, conducts the campaign on Genabackis. He was a supporter of the assassinated Emperor, and fears he may become expendable. Meanwhile, there is infighting among the military cadre of wizards, and then the gods get involved.…

We meet The Bridgeburners, an elite military unit populated with colourful notables like Sergeant Whiskeyjack, Quick Ben, Sorry, and Kalam. In Darujhistan there is Kruppe, a seemingly bumbling scholar who refers to himself in the third person; Rallick Nom, deadly assassin; the not-quite-human Anomander Rake, Lord of Moon's Spawn; and Baruk of the T'orrud Cabal. That is just a small sample of Erikson's wide range of characters.

Gardens of the Moon is ambitious, detailed, and epic in scope. It offers a compelling story for the dedicated reader who enjoys a descriptive, immersive tale. However, it may be too intense for the casual fan used to the "touchy-feely" material that passes for fantasy these days. Either way, Steven Erikson has certainly left an indelible mark with this first effort, and proven he should be a major fantasy talent for years to come.