Synopsis "gardens of the moon"

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 series from 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 Moon is epic fantasy of the highest order--an enthralling adventure by an outstanding new voice.

Steven Erikson

(Author)

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Steven Erikson (Toronto, Canada, October 7, 1959), pseudonym of Steve Rune Lundin, is a Canadian novelist with a background in archaeology and anthropology. A graduate of the Iowa Writers' Workshop, he incorporated his academic perspective into the creation of complex worlds and cultures, distinguishing his work within epic fantasy. He is internationally recognized for the Malazan Book of the Fallen decalogy, which began in 1999 with Gardens of the Moon and concluded in 2011 with The Crippled God, having sold over 3 million copies and considered by critics as one of the most influential sagas since Donaldson's Chronicles of Thomas Covenant, marking a milestone in fantasy literature for its ambition, structure, and thematic depth.

Following the success of the main series, Erikson expanded the Malaz universe with the Kharkanas trilogies and The Tales of Witness, as well as several novels and short stories. He also ventured into science fiction with the Willful Child trilogy. His work has been translated into numerous languages and warmly received by both critics and readers, who recognize the polarizing and challenging nature of his books. He has received various awards and nominations in the field of fantasy literature, and his innovative style establishes him as one of the most important voices of the genre in the 21st century. He currently resides in Canada and continues to work on new installments of the Malazan universe.

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