Gardens of the Moon: Book One of The Malazan Book of the Fallen [Paperback]

Vast legions of gods, mages, humans, dragons and all manner of creatures play out the fate of the Malazan Empire in this first book in a major epic fantasy seriesfrom Steven Erikson.

The Malazan Empire simmers with discontent, bled dry by interminable warfare, bitter infighting and bloody confrontations with the formidable Anomander Rake and his Tiste Andii, ancient and implacable sorcerers. Even the imperial legions, long inured to the bloodshed, yearn for some respite. Yet Empress Laseen's rule remains absolute, enforced by her dread Claw assassins.

For Sergeant Whiskeyjack and his squad of Bridgeburners, and for Tattersail, surviving cadre mage of the Second Legion, the aftermath of the siege of Pale should have been a time to mourn the many dead. But Darujhistan, last of the Free Cities of Genabackis, yet holds out. It is to this ancient citadel that Laseen turns her predatory gaze.

However, it would appear that the Empire is not alone in this great game. Sinister, shadowbound forces are gathering as the gods themselves prepare to play their hand...

Conceived and written on a panoramic scale,Gardens of the Moonis epic fantasy of the highest order--an enthralling adventure by an outstanding new voice.

Steven Erikson is an extraordinary writer. My advice to anyone who might listen to me: Treat yourself to Gardens of the Moon. --Stephen R. DonaldsonSteven Eriksonis an archaeologist and anthropologist and a graduate of the Iowa Writers Workshop. His Malazan Book of the Fallen series, includingThe Crippled God,Dust of Dreams,Toll the HoundsandReapers Gale, have met with widespread international acclaim and established him as a major voice in the world of fantasy fiction. The first book in the series,Gardens of the Moon, was shortlisted for a World Fantasy Award. The second novel,Deadhouse Gates, was voted one of the ten best fantasy novels of 2000 by SF Site. HelCÌ