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rayomoonshine's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
gazakas's review against another edition
5.0
Just finished Gardens of the Moon; I found it chaotic in the beginning & in the first chapters it was difficult for me to identify with any of the characters or to understand what is going on, for that matter. Fortunately, it got better further on, especially after the action moved to Darujhistan & the various threads of the plot intertwined. 3,5 stars so far, but I have to read the next book of the series to give a more definite opinion.
6/6/2017 UPDATE
Deadhouse Gates is way much better than Gardens of the Moon; a very exciting plot (especially the Chain of the Dogs part), much more developed new and old characters, superbly laid "non-genre" philosophical notions and questions, a very nice flavour of humor, and great prose for the most part of the book, made this second book of the series a unique reading experience. The only thing that still troubles me is Erikson's habit to give too many hints about things that haven't -yet- appeared in the main plot.
If it weren't for the size of the series, I would keep reading them, but now I think I will take a break from the Books of the Fallen...
6/6/2017 UPDATE
Deadhouse Gates is way much better than Gardens of the Moon; a very exciting plot (especially the Chain of the Dogs part), much more developed new and old characters, superbly laid "non-genre" philosophical notions and questions, a very nice flavour of humor, and great prose for the most part of the book, made this second book of the series a unique reading experience. The only thing that still troubles me is Erikson's habit to give too many hints about things that haven't -yet- appeared in the main plot.
If it weren't for the size of the series, I would keep reading them, but now I think I will take a break from the Books of the Fallen...
theotherdoomguy's review against another edition
To go back after I read later works, as recommended by fans
nightxade's review against another edition
4.0
I'm so glad I pushed through Gardens of the Moon and am continuing my plans to read this entire series. Erikson's writing continues to amaze me, and the scope of this series is awe-inspiring.
dgold's review against another edition
5.0
Glorious epic fantasy, this book does it all. I wept openly, laughed aloud, in short I gave myself up completely to Erikson's creation. The tale of Coltaine and the Chain of Dogs, the terrible consequences of complete civil breakdown, it all is perfectly realised in every way. From the grand sweep of battle sequences to the earth-shattering simplicity of the phrase "Children are dying".
As is Erikson's wont, there is just so much more in this book, far too much to go into. But the Wickans! the Wickans!
As is Erikson's wont, there is just so much more in this book, far too much to go into. But the Wickans! the Wickans!
taserface's review against another edition
5.0
The first book in what is quite possibly the most epic series to date. Hold on to your pants and get ready for one hell of a ride!
doorisajar's review against another edition
4.0
Less self-contained than Gardens of the Moon, but significantly better-written. I'm going to stick with this series.
hythlodaeus's review against another edition
3.0
i think this book was cool in a lot of ways! i do think that there were a Lot of very interesting concepts in it, and a lot of wisdom/fun quotes, but to me, the concepts were unfortunately overshadowed by just a lot of fight scenes. i like fight scenes but it was kind of a slog to get through them, especially since they happened every chapter.
i really enjoyed all the characters, though! i liked how different and unique all of them were, and their inner dialogue. they worked well as standalones! it felt like the way they interacted with each other was... i dunno how to describe it, just kind of not deep at all? like i didn't feel for any characters when someone supposedly important to them died, which made me feel like kind of a dick.
the other thing i had a problem with was just felisin. as a survivor of rape and sexual assault it was just very weird to see that utilized in the way it was, and also just... how weirdly it was dealt with by felisin herself? i don't know. it didn't sit well with me, which i found sad, because it's something i struggle with. i wanted to like her so bad!!
sorry i don't mean to offend anyone with this, i hope i wasn't too harsh. it was just very odd to me.
i really enjoyed all the characters, though! i liked how different and unique all of them were, and their inner dialogue. they worked well as standalones! it felt like the way they interacted with each other was... i dunno how to describe it, just kind of not deep at all? like i didn't feel for any characters when someone supposedly important to them died, which made me feel like kind of a dick.
the other thing i had a problem with was just felisin. as a survivor of rape and sexual assault it was just very weird to see that utilized in the way it was, and also just... how weirdly it was dealt with by felisin herself? i don't know. it didn't sit well with me, which i found sad, because it's something i struggle with. i wanted to like her so bad!!
sorry i don't mean to offend anyone with this, i hope i wasn't too harsh. it was just very odd to me.
ladyhacksaway's review against another edition
Did not finish. Disappointed to see that the previous cast of characters was entirely dropped in this book, and as such, never got emotionally immersed again.