Series: Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson ("Gardens of the Moon")

[Travis]

Allison wrote: "Who's still in? And have you started Memories of Ice?"

I'm in! Planning to start MoI by the end of this week.

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

(I'm real excited to see more of Caladan Brood.)

[Sabrina]

Allison wrote: "It's not the grim dark that's the issue for me, it's why we're reading grim dark and what it being grim and dark means to the characters/author..."
I don't mind grim dark either, in fact I happen to really like the gender. What I find difficult is the detachment; it reads and flows like a history book where climaxes are dropped and not “crescendoed”.

I also hope I remember enough of Gardens as I read it over 2 years ago, but then I have all these great buddy readers, so why do I worry? ;-)

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

Well said about the detachment, Sabrina!

[Travis]

Allison wrote: "Well said about the detachment, Sabrina!"

I agree! I told myself I'd make it through the third one, where so many say the series starts to gel, before putting it aside. But if this one doesn't have some characters who actually live in the world, I'll probably be done.

[Sabrina]

Travis wrote: "I agree! I told myself I'd make it through the third one, where so many say the series starts to gel, before putting it aside. But if this..."

Yes, after "moi" it will be all or nothing

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

Sabrina wrote: "

Yes, after "moi" it will be all or nothing"

This is what I tell my spouse, too. ;-)

[Sabrina]

Well, I've read more than 50% of MoI and I think, it is high time to update my thoughts.

Problem is, I don't really know what to say… I thought a few times about DNF-ing, which is not really my way and then every time there was a rather cool relevation that kept me going. Yet, I'm not sure what (if something?) is happening in this book. Also, I hate how every character seems to understand its complex magic system, but I'm told absolutely nothing after reading more than 2000 pages!

[Peter_Banning]

I’m not too much further and I think this book is mostly about (view spoiler)[ the rise of the crippled god (hide spoiler)] . It has its own small plot with the battle and such at Capustan but that’s all kinda just filler. And the magic system gets explained more and more throughout the series but I didn’t think we ever get a definitive explanation:/ . Pretty sure the author left it up to readers to interpret.

[Sabrina]

Oh yes, that makes sense regarding content. Still not fully happy with it, but thank you, Darrik!

[Beth]

As mentioned elsewhere, I started this series with Deadhouse Gates. Maybe a mistake, since I've had a terrible time trying to slog through Gardens of the Moon.

I finally decided to use an audiobook credit and try it in that format, since I've failed out on the b&w version twice around page 200 or so. Things are going a little better, but it's still excruciating. People keep saying it comes together 2/3 of the way through, so I'll stick with it...

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

It's either that the second book you read of Malazan makes or breaks it for you, or you like how the series progresses from 2 on. If the former, sorry, you can join the "two and flew" crowd. If the latter, good news!! Book one doesn't happen again, apparently they're more like book 2.

[Beth]

I hear MoI is the best* of the lot, so I wanna at least get that far.

*and also the longest

[Bobby]

Beth wrote: "I hear MoI is the best* of the lot, so I wanna at least get that far.

*and also the longest"

The good news about the way you are reading it is that you will see most of the same characters from Gardens in MoI.

[Sabrina]

Beth wrote: "I hear MoI is the best* of the lot, so I wanna at least get that far..."

Yeah, well, I can't second that! For me these books did not improve, rather my enjoyment went downhill with each book and now - after reading almost 3000 pages - I just can't take it anymore. I'm done!

[Beth]

Uh-oh. :D It's good to have another opinion. One every six months has been about the pace I can tolerate with these, so y'all will know in the latter part of the year how that goes...

[Nichelle]

Sabrina wrote: "Beth wrote: "I hear MoI is the best* of the lot, so I wanna at least get that far..."

Yeah, well, I can't second that! For me these books did not improve, rather my enjoyment went downhill with ea..."

I tried twice to read Garden, simply couldn't get through it. Tried to read the second book, and ditto. Guess it's just not for me...

[David]

I love the series but admit it is hard going especially if you have a break in reading them.
The grim nature as a back drop , I think works well, the "Heroes" putting one foot in front of the other to become heroes appeals to me. I also love that there is no black and white and that everything is shades of grey. Love the Malazan Marines and especially The Bridge Burners.

[Gray]

Is this thread still active? Recently finished the forth one in the series: House of Chains. Just about to start Midnight Tides. It’s a funny series, I keep swinging between loving it and hating it. Or thinking the writing is okay, then terrible. However, I seem to finish one book and then Malazan keeps playing on my mind until I finally give in and pick up the next one! I guess the only way out now is to keep reading. Anyone one else have similar feelings about the series?

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

Hi Gray! I think you'd find a few folks happy to talk to you as you progress!

I thought the writing was inconsistent, too, so I don't think it's just you! But there is a ton of compelling things and really cool magic, so I can see being swept away. I hope things improve in the back half for you :)

[SFFBC, Ancillary Mod]

New batch of BRs starting May 28th!

Gardens of the Moon >> First impressions | Final thoughts & More

[Saar The Book owl]

Hey everyone, feel free to join the BR and for not spoiling important things, I would be grateful if you're using spoiler tags ;)

[Anna]

How to use spoiler tags:

(view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)]

Click on "(some html is ok)" in the top right corner of the text box (on desktop version) as you're typing your post to copy/paste the code. Or go to this help page if you're not on the desktop version.

[Aga]

Ok! I've got the book from the library and finishing the book I'm currently reading so I should start with "Gardens of the Moon" on time.

This will be a reread for me but the only thing I remember is that there was something about a puppet ;) So not much. I think I was too young when I was reading it for the first time.

[Saar The Book owl]

Oh, yes, the puppet! That was interesting :)

It will be a reread a I've read it once or twice and I knew some things about it.
I'm starting on time also. I'm wrapping up 2 more books.

[Peter_Banning]

From what I’ve heard, it’s a series that needs to be reread multiple times in order to pick up on everything. So this will be good! 🙂

[Saar The Book owl]

I'm starting this evening, after work and putting my son to bed.

[Aga]

I'm starting today too. Got an ebook with me and a paper copy from the library on my nightstand :)

[Saar The Book owl]

The first time, I've read the Dutch translation, but now I'm going to read the original version, so I'm curious!

[Aga]

I'm going to switch between the original (ebook) and Polish translation (paper) - as usual.

[Gabi]

I found a very tattered German version of the book on my shelf. I'm not sure if I manage much eye-reading (the Tad Williams group read for June unfortunately is also a paper edition for me), but I try to start it.

[Aga]

I scheduled "The Dragonbone Chair" right after "GotM" :)

[Gabi]

Aga wrote: "I scheduled "The Dragonbone Chair" right after "GotM" :)"

:D Your June is tome-month, Aga!

[Aga]

Yep, those books are huge :D So much fun!

[Saar The Book owl]

That's also a huge book, Aga! I'm planning on reading The Terror after this one.

[E.D.]

Starting tonight

[Saar The Book owl]

I'm up to page 55, chapter 2 so far. It's different from the Dutch translation, but I don't mind. I'm liking the original version.
It's been a while since the last time I've read it, but if I understand correctly:
(view spoiler)[Sorcery is forbidden by Lasseen, but there are still mages/sorcerers? Also, the girl Sorry, was the girl from the beginning of the story, but somehow she got possessed by the old woman with the candles. Now, she's taken by Ammanas and Cottillion. I think they were against Lasseen. It's hard to concentrate, because I keep having flashbacks while reading to things I remember and are happening further down the story. The attack by the hounds and also Hairlock lying there with only half of him, I could very visualise that. (hide spoiler)]

[Aga]

Sorry for the delay - I had some busy days.

I'm in chapter 3. I'm reading a little slower than usual because there are so many names! Places, people, gods, and magic-related things. It's not the complaint though. I love how complex worldbuilding is.
I have this wonderful feeling I've jumped into a complete world instead of "made on the go" if you know what I mean. I just go back to already read fragments a lot, to check if I remember correctly, that someone or something has been mentioned before.

Polish translation is quite good. I can switch between translation and original seamlessly. But it doesn't have the preface.

Ok. Time for spoilers.

"GotM" Chapters 1-2:(view spoiler)[I was so surprised that Hairlock had his soul poured into a puppet so soon. I thought it was the ending. I have glimpses of memories but I see characters totally different. I remember Tatterasail being more like Yennefer from The Witcher Saga and now I have no idea why.

I like how soon all the loose plots are coming together. Two chapters and there is some impressive character development.

One thing I don't understand is why murder so many soldiers and a whole village to cover up the missing of one fisherman's daughter? Didn't it bring even more attention? (hide spoiler)]

[Saar The Book owl]

Also, I wonder why (view spoiler)[Adjunct Lorne is so interested in the missing fishergirl. Maybe she thinks that Ammanas and Cottilion would use her against Lasseen, to bring her down? I think that Hairlock has some kind of hidden agenda, like the way he was acting against Tayschrenn. And why were the 3 High Mages used in the battle, since they haven't been active for years? (hide spoiler)]

[Saar The Book owl]

Hi Aga, yes, indeed, it's a book you can't read fast, but you need to saviour it. It's such an interesting and complex world building and every character is unique and interesting.

Regarding your spoilers:
(view spoiler)[Hairlock gets transfered into a puppet really soon in the story and I find him hilarious. That's the question I ask myself too about the missing fisherman's daughter. I don't know if I remember correctly, but I think she is sorry who travels with the Bridgeburners? She can be the secret weapon of Ammanas and Cottilion. See post above. (hide spoiler)]

[Gabi]

:D I'm halfway into chapter 2 and still need to get to the " interesting character" part. At the moment the throwing around of names, places and magic gets a bit on my nerves.

[Saar The Book owl]

For now I find Cottilion and Ammanas and the Hounds interesting. Also, if I remember correct, (view spoiler)[further in the story the Warrens are something special. (hide spoiler)]

[Aga]

Hah, I've discovered that there is a Glossary at the end of the book. Helped me a lot.

"GotM" Chapters 3-4:(view spoiler)[I'm starting to get some pace since characters (especially Tatterasail) try to figure out what's going on.

So... The fisherman's daughter - Sorry - is working for High House Shadow (Who are they? Is one of them the fallen emperor?). But I'm quite sure the old lady from the beginning has entered Sorry's body in the moment of death. But who was she? An ascendant? A wax-witch? She seems important?
(hide spoiler)]

[Peter_Banning]

Yeah, until you get used to the names and the large cast, that glossary and such is SO helpful!

[CBRetriever]

the Kindle version has Xray which is really helpful too - to invoke it, you simply long press on a name and Xray is in one of the four panels that open up. Some of the Xrays are incredibly detailed. Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall book have almost a full biography of the person whose name you highlight. You can also go to where the person is first mentioned in the book

[Gabi]

It is a nuisance that the German translator decided to translate the names as well. I have to look up an English dramatis personae and write the names into my edition (glossary). I hate it when personal names are translated. Makes a discussion on an international level so much more difficult.

I will dive into it again now that I finished the Mistborn series (felt the urge to read book 3 of this series before going on with Malazan ^^'), still in chapter 2 so far.

[CBRetriever]

Kinda like how the French changed Darth Vador into Dark Vador in Star Wars? I can't imagine a whole book with character names changed

[Saar The Book owl]

Aga wrote: "Hah, I've discovered that there is a Glossary at the end of the book. Helped me a lot.

"GotM" Chapters 3-4:I'm starting to get some pace since characters (especially Tatterasail) try to figure ou..."

The glossary is helpful and also the index at the front. A thought on your spoilers:
(view spoiler)[Sorry is indeed working for the 2 mages. They are plotting against Empress Lasseen, it seems, and she needs to be found by Paran, who has the task to kill her, I think. I don't think the old lady was important. She doesn't come back further in the story, but indeed, she was a sort of witch. (hide spoiler)]

[Saar The Book owl]

CBRetriever wrote: "Kinda like how the French changed Darth Vador into Dark Vador in Star Wars? I can't imagine a whole book with character names changed"

They did that? Oh no, that's bad!

[CBRetriever]

well it did work when Quick Burger (terrible hamburgers) put out a Dark Vador Burger which had black buns. Picture here:

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...

I like Paran and Sorry