Steven Erikson, Gardens of the Moon (Malazan Book of the Fallen)

I read review after review saying how smart and sophisticated this book is, but I don't see it. Page after page I get inundated with strange made up word after word. Most often without an explanation or context. Sure you get a confused history lesson but nothing memorable to keep track of the different races or characters. After reading Gardens of the Moon I still can't explain to a friend what the heck the book is about much less the "world" created.

After laboring through the first two hundred pages I thought I might be able to hold on long enough to finish the book, and I was right. By around page 400 a sense of understanding is achieved, at least enough to keep reading. That is the only reason I gave it two stars out of five, otherwise it's complete garbage.

Steven Erikson, Gardens of the Moon (Malazan Book of the Fallen) - I picked this book several times in the shops only to put it down again... finally I bought it...I've been thrilled, and mesmerised ever since.

The sheer vastness of Steven Erikson's imagination knows no bounds. His world spans hundreds of thousands of years....the concept is bewildering.

The story is beautifully told, the action is brutal and very real. The twists and turns leave you feeling dizzy and glued to the book...you just have to read on.

The plot is vast...with such an array of different peoples and cultures as to rival Tolkien.

I have never seen such an assortment of characters...the all powerful Anomander Rake and his Tiste Andii, the sorcerous High Mages, the Telann Imas and not forgetting the scheming Gods. And into this medly of powers come humans, by no means powerless, indeed challenging the Gods themselves.

I've read and indeed re-read all 4 books so far and wait eagerly for the next chapter....a master of fantasy, I bow to you Mr Erikson.