Movie Review: 12 years a Slave

  It was a time of love, it was a time of hate. It was the age of reformation, it was the age of stagnation. It was a struggle for civil liberty, it was a struggle for cultural legacy. It was religion that brought hope, it was religion that brought despair. People were free men, people were slaves. It was the year of our Lord 1841.

Yet in 2014, we witness this history on the big, silver screen. In the movie “12 years a slave”.

Did I just mirrored Charles Dicken's opening lines from A Tale of Two Cities, to describe this movie?

Yes, I did.

In my feeble mind, where words constantly desert me, these are the most fitting words I can come up with, to capture the essence of this movie. Have I grabbed your interest? If so, please feel free to read on (no major spoiler ahead)

Synopsis:

12 years a slave is based on the extra-ordinary story of Solomon Northup. In 1841, Solomon was a free African American living in New York. As a husband, a father, and a musician, Solomon enjoyed a life as a free person, in a world where slavery was the norm in the society.

His life changed dramatically, when two fellow musicians offered him a temporary job as a musician. Solmon took this job, not knowing that this decision would change his life forever.

Solomon accompanied these 2 musicians to Washington, where Solomon was drugged, kidnapped and subsequently sold into slavery. Solomon and other slaves were shipped to New Orleans, and purchased by slave owners to work on plantations.

Thus began one man's unusual experience, living under 12 years of injustice, captivity, suffering, pain, and despair. 12 years as a slave...

What I think about this film:

12 years a slave is a very good movie. It will most likely be a strong contender for many awards in Oscar 2014. This movie succeed in many areas; from cinematography, story, acting, direction, to music. It is a powerful film, Solomon's story is tragic yet hopeful, depicting the full extent of injustice, exploring how deeply people can hurt each other and be hurt. It shows the tragic consequence felt by human ignorance, when one party insists on his/her own ideals without listening to the inner sense of universal truth, i.e. the sense of right and wrong.

It is impossible to talk about 12 years a slave, without talking about religion. I call myself a Christian, so naturally, I was grabbed by the constant presence of Christianity in this film. Where Christianity is portrayed both truthfully and beautifully. It is portrayed as reflections of what different people used to believe. The slave owner quoted Biblical scriptures to support slavery, while the same Christian faith sustained the suffering slaves with promises of hope and freedom.

It's a shocking contrast, how two different groups of people, can believe in the same God, the same holy scripture, yet arrive at completely different worldviews. i.e. While slave owners sincerely believe the Bible justifies their views to enforce racial/social/cultural constructs, controls and orders, the slaves believed Christianity promised hope, change, and freedom.

The question is, where do you stand? In this movie, the slave owner quoted some verses in the Bible to justify owning slaves. While his theology is appalling to our modern sensibilities, but if we look at this from his perspective. If we were transported back in time, lived in that environment, absorbed that culture, and raised on that belief, can we seriously say we could have done better than him?

Please do not misunderstand, I am not saying the slave owner’s belief can be justified or excused. What I am asking is, how can we know when our worldviews are wrong, if our minds are filled with religious certainties? Because you see, the fact is there are numerous verses in the Bible that outline how a slave should be treated, and some of them do clash heavily with our modern way of thinking. For example, the scripture says it's fine to beat your slave, as long as you don't kill him/her (Exodus 21:20-21), and in this movie, the God-fearing slave owner observed this law. It never occurred to him, the notion of slavery is evil and wrong, because he was so certain that Biblical instructions provide a guideline on how to establish orders in a society, which includes slavery.

Yes, one might argue, the famous story in Exodus is an assurance that the Bible condemns slavery, because God delivered Israelite from slavery in Egypt. The problem is, if you continue reading the Bible, after the Israelite escaped from slavery in Egypt, they went on to conquer other nations, and scriptural laws said they could buy slaves from nations around them (Leviticus 25:44-46), is the Bible really anti-slavery? 

Other than Bible verses about beating slaves, you can find many other difficult verses about slavery in the Bible. The important thing is, if you are a Christian, what do you think about all this? My opinion is, to struggle with Bible verses about slavery, then feeling uncomfortable about them, is the very sign that you, are not denying the very faith you are proclaiming to believe. Why? Because you leave rooms for uncertainties, questions and doubts. In other words, these are signs of humility, and it is always accompanied by change, growth and improvement. Not only is this good for ourselves, but it is also good for those around us.

Having watched 12 years a slave, one wonders if the biggest evil in this story, is not the act of slavery, but human ignorance, the pride that overcomes the humility to do something as simple as doubting our beliefs, then reconsideration and change. If so, and I have to ask this question:

Should the Bible be used as a guideline to social and cultural constructs? Or is Christianity supposed to inspire transformation, bringing hope, love, freedom and salvation?

This is how I see this movie, and the most brilliant thing about this film is, it didn't answer this question for me. It put the opportunities in my hand to question, probe, think, and decide for myself where I should stand.

In turn, I ask you a question. In 200 years' time, how will future generations perceive the way Christians handling today's controversial issues on civil liberty? (i.e. same sex marriage, gender roles at church etc..). Will they speak of 21^th century Christians with words of admiration and inspiration? Or, will they also describe 21^th century Christians using words similar to the opening lines of my review?

Thank you for reading this review.

Book Review: Midnight Tides by Steven Erikson (The Malazan Book of the Fallen book 5)

“Destiny is a lie. Destiny is justification for atrocity. It is the means by which murderers armour themselves against reprimand. It is a word intended to stand in place of ethics, denying all moral context. “

                       -Steven Erikson, Midnight Tides

Today is a public holiday in Australia.

A gloomy day.

Rain filled the dark, grey sky as I close the last page of Midnight Tides, the fifth book in The Malazan Book of the Fallen series. Finally, I have reached the halfway point of this enormous series. I am truly impressed by this book, so without further delay, let me write a review for this book.

Synopsis:

The story in Midnight Tides takes place on the continent of Lether. The kingdom of Letherii, and an ancient people known as Tiste Endur co-habited on this continent. The Warlock King of Tiste Endur united the tribes after many years of warfare. The price of this unification is a pact with a twisted, hidden power with a motive of its own.

To the south, the Kingdom of Letherii is an expansionist society. Having annexed all of its neighbours, Letherii's next target is the land of Tiste Endur. As a scheduled meeting is about to take place between the Warlock King and the Letherii delegation to discuss a treaty, a storm is brewing, waiting to be released that will forever change the fate of these two people....

What I think about this book:

The Malazan Book of the Fallen is a huge series, so congratulations if you have made it to this book, the half way point in the series. Many fantasy series suffer from the “middle book syndrome”, where the middle book of the series doesn't live up to readers' expectations. This is not the case with Midnight Tides.

In this book, Steven Erikson introduces a completely new story arc, a cast of (almost) all new characters, and a new sub-continent. This new story arc, and these new elements, are all masterfully explored and introduced in a very good story. Comparing Midnight Tides with previous books, this book has less actions. However, what you will get here is vivid, imaginative world building and memorable character development.

There are many stars in this book. Two of my favorite characters in this book, are Tehol Beddict and his servant Bugg. Tehol possesses genius intellect, while his servant Bugg has a mysterious origin. In the story, this brainy, eccentric duo set off on a mission to topple the corrupted economic structure in the city of Lether, their story is both satirical and very relevant to our 21^th century, materialistic society.

Through the eyes of Tehol and Bugg, and the many conversations between these two individuals, we are shown how greed and inequality impacts a civilization and its people. Their conversations are humorous and touching, at the same time, like a reflective mirror, their conversations reflect the fundamental problem with the way we define "value" in our own world. Another interesting character, is Rhulad Sengar, arguably the antagonist of this book. Yet, as the story unfolds, I wasn't so sure if Rhulad is the victimizer, or a victim to a greater scheme, plotted by a sinister, hidden power. In fact, I felt great sympathy towards Rhulad at the end of the story.

The star of this book, is Trull Sengar, the brother of Rhulad Sengar. This introspective Tiste Endur warrior acts as the pivotal character in this book. His relationship with his brother further flesh out the supporting characters in this book.

Every book in the Malazan series has a theme. For example, in book 4, House of Chains, the story explored the theme of vengeance and its consequences. In book 3, Memories of Ice, it explored the theme of compassion and its nature. In Midnight Tides, the story explores the problem of greed. The Letherii society value money as the most important thing of all. Their society is obsessed with the accumulation of wealth, and this obsession led to indebtedness and slavery. The Letherii economic system is capitalism on steroid, it is a system that punishes anyone who don't play well in the game of money making. It reminds me of the boom and bust economic system that dominates today's materialistic society, where we often think the righteous path of life is all about accumulating wealth and social status. Through this story, Steven Erikson shows the foolishness of this system and belief, how it can lead to corruption, loss of freedom and the ultimate collapse of a civilisation from the inside out.

I really like this book. It has fascinating characters, a vast, imaginative world, and a thought provoking story that seems most relevant to our world. In Midnight Tides, this fantasy novel has hit the truth about the problems in our contemporary world. If you haven't read The Malazan Book of the Fallen, then do yourself a favour, mark this on your reading list.

Book Review: House of Chains by Steven Erikson (The Malazan Book of the Fallen book 4)

“I was needed, but I myself did not need. I had followers, but not allies, and only now do I understand the difference. And it is vast. “

                                    -  Steven Erikson, House of Chains

 Sometimes, vengeance seems to be the quickest, and the only way to justice. Yet, destruction resides at the heart of vengeance. If the nature of wrongdoing is destruction, then seeking vengeance is in fact, answering destruction with more destruction. This cycle breeds never-ending human tragedies. Until such a day, vengeance enslaves and chains us to its feet, and we find ourselves face to face with oblivion, where all gestures of mercy, compassion and forgiveness have departed from our souls long ago. Then Alas! It is too late to turn back. 

House of Chains, is the fourth book to The Malazan Book of the Fallen series. Written by Steven Erikson, this book explores the destructive nature of vengeance and its tragic consequence.

Synopsis:

House of Chains is a direct sequel to Deadhouse Gates. The story in House of Chains took place in the same time frame as Memories of Ice.

Following the events from Deadhouse Gates, the Whirldwind rebellion dominated the continent of Seven Cities. The Malazan empire seek to quench the rebellion, and regain control of the continent. For this purpose, Empress Laseeen elected Tavore Paran to be the new imperial Adjunct. However, Tavore is unaware that the leader of the Whirlwind rebellion, the seer Shai'k, is in fact her vengeful sister, Felisin Paran. 

In the meantime, a Teblor warrior, Karsa Orlong, departs from his mountain village on the continent of Genabackis, to forge a legend of his own.

What I think about this book:

This book has an unusual structure. The first 200 pages of this book introduced readers to a new character called Karsa Orlong. Lots of spotlights shined on him, showing the pivotal role this new character has to play in the series. Afterward, the other three quarters of the book focused on the Malazan army's campaign against the Whirlwind rebellion, a series of events building up to the final clash between Tavore Paran and her vengeful sister, Felisin Paran.

The method of storytelling in this book is unusual, and some readers will find it difficult to get into the story. Yet I have to say, Steven Erikson wrote the origin story of Karsa Orlong with such detail of emotions that it is perhaps, the best novella ever written in the genre of fantasy fictions.

In the beginning of the story, Karsa Orlong is a despicable character possessing immense martial prowess. After Karsa left his mountain village, he seek glories with deeds in war and violence. These deeds were not pretty, and readers will be appalled by Karsa's sense of value and morality. But the story doesn't end here. Formidable as he was, Karsa was captured while raiding a village and subsequently enslaved. Karsa lost his freedom, as he came into contact with a foreign world, his experience challenged him to reflect on his past, reviewing and doubting his former values. At the end of his ordeal, Karsa transformed from a despicable character, into the most interesting individual ever penned in fantasy fictions. The story of Karsa Orlong is powerful, because it represents a journey where life forced him to rethink everything he ever knew, shattering his entire worldview then rebuild it piece by piece.

There is a lot of character development here, Steven Erikson captured the full range of human complexities accompanying Karsa's journey of transformation, with the some of the most powerful writings in this genre. 

In fact, the story of Karsa Orlong engaged me so deeply that the rest of the book paled in comparison. This is not saying the other 600 pages of this book are bad. The rest of the book stood up on its own, it focused on the struggle between Tavore Paran and her sister, Felisin Paran. It shows that in seeking vengeance, one can be blind to the destruction it brings.

Just like other books in the Malazan series, House of Chains has a large cast of characters, both old and new. In this book, multiple, interwoven plots unfold at the same time. It is a challenge to keep track of different plots. The story is complex, demanding readers to pay close attention to every sentence. However, readers rip rewards from these investments, because characters cut deep impressions into their minds. All plots converged in the last 200 pages of this book, the story progressed at neck-breaking pace towards the monumental ending.

I love The Malazan Book of the Fallen. It is set in a fantastic world, telling stories of real, flawed people in large than life adventures. So far, each book in this series is built around a deep, meaningful theme, and House of Chains is no exception.

This is another great addition to the Malazan series. I can't wait to start reading the next book, titled Midnight Tides.

P.S Steven Erikson has written an insightful essay, titled: The problem of Karsa Orlong 

Book Review: Memories of Ice by Steven Erikson (The Malazan Book of the Fallen Book 3)

“We humans do not understand compassion. In each moment of our lives, we betray it. Aye, we know of its worth, yet in knowing we then attach to it a value, we guard the giving of it, believing it must be earned, T’lan Imass. Compassion is priceless in the truest sense of the wold. It must be given freely. In abundance.” “

                

           - Steven Erikson, Memories of Ice

Memories of Ice, is the third book to The Malazan Book of the Fallen series. This series is probably the most ambitious, and most original fantasy epic ever written. This leviathan of a series runs 10 books in length, each volume measures between 700 to 1100 pages. The series' author, Steven Erikson, is trained in both archaeology and anthropology. With this knowledge, Erikson created a vivid, and intricate world complete with fascinating lores, larger than life myths, and beautiful histories. Combined with powerful characterisations, thought provoking philosophies, and unusual story structures, The Malazan Book of the Fallen is often regarded as one of the most significant fantasy series ever written.

In the past 2 weeks, I have read Gardens of the Moon and enjoyed it. Then I read Deadhouse Gates (the second instalment), only to be deeply moved by its powerful, yet tragic story. After reading 2 books, I was sold, I became a fan, and I couldn't wait to read Memories of Ice, the third book in this series.

Memories of Ice is a very long book, and it took me almost 40 hours to finish reading it. Today, I will like to review this book.

Synopsis:

The story in Memories of Ice takes place simultaneously with events in Deadhouse Gates. The story is set in the continent of Genabackis. Following the events in Gardens of the Moon, the empire of Pannion Domin is on the rise, its army inspired by religious fanaticism annexed and swallowed cities on Genabackis as a spreading, wild forest fire. A mysterious seer commands the Pannion army. But who is this seer? And what is his ambition? Many questions demand answers.

To stop this new threat, former High Fist Dujek and his Malazan army seek allies among their former nemesis, Caladan Brood, as well as the formidable Anomander Rake, Lord of Moon's Spawn. Now, former enemies united under a common cause, this alliance seeks to provide aid to the city of Capustan, besieged by the Pannion army.

Can this this alliance triumph against the Pannion threat?

In the meantime, a Rhavi woman appears on the scene with her daughter. A child whose origin is shrouded in mystery. Yet, this child may play a pivotal role in the upcoming struggle against the Pannions....

What I think about this book:

Memories of Ice is a long book, but I never experienced a dull moment while reading it. Simply said, Memories of Ice, is a great book.

Compared to the previous 2 books, this book is a lot easier to read. There are 3 reasons. Firstly, by now, I am used to Erikson's style of writing. Secondly, I have finally became familiar with with the world in Malazan series. And thirdly, the structure of this book is not as complex as the previous books. In this book, multiple plots develop with a unified purpose, to set up for the final confrontation against the Pannion seer and his fanatic army.

Memories of Ice has a very large cast of characters. Many of our favorite characters from Gardens of the Moon returned in this book, including Quick Ben, Whiskeyjack, Ganoes Paran and the Bridgeburners, Tool, Anomander Rake, Caladan Brood, and many others. Erikson also introduced new characters, all of them are memorable characters. As with previous books in this series, characterizations acted a robust backbone, on which a deeply emotional, and powerful story gradually unfold.

I don't want to show too many spoilers in this review, let me just say, Steven Erikson is not afraid of killing main characters. This makes the reading experience more gripping, because it creates a real sense of danger, when we read about our favorite characters stepping into perilous situations, where their ultimate demise may descend upon them at any given moment. George R.R. Martin is often praised for killing main characters, but I think Steven Erikson is at least on par with Martin in this regard.

But make no mistake, while Memories of Ice is a bit easier to read compared to previous books in this series. This book still demands readers to concentrate while reading. To understand this story is not as hard as rocket science. Yet, just like reading all other Erikson's books, you need to read carefully, and think, no skimming or you are bound to be lost and confused by the multiple, complex plots found in this book.

As I close the last page of this book, I was lost in thought with ones of the themes explored in this book, the nature of human compassion. In my opinion, while a story can be as dark as it is, yet a truly compelling story often touch those aspects lying deep in the hearts of our humanity. In this regard, Memories of Ice is a compelling story, proclaiming that in the midst of war, violence, and icy memories of tragic loss, under compassion, hopes can be found that bring promises of healing. A compassion, as Erikson said in this book, that is most priceless when it is freely given, in abundance.

Thank you for taking time to read my review. I eagerly look forward to reading the subsequent book in this series, House of Chains.

Book Review: Deadhouse Gates by Steven Erikson (The Malazan Book of the Fallen Book 2)

“Children are dying."
Lull nodded. "That's a succinct summary of humankind, I'd say. Who needs tomes and volumes of history? Children are dying. The injustices of the world hide in those three words.”
                                  - Steven Erikson, Deadhouse Gates

Deadhouse Gates, is the second book to the epic fantasy series, The Malazan the Book of Fallen. Following the previous book, Gardens of the Moon, the story continues as new elements are introduced, including a cast of new characters, and a new continent complete with its own lores and history. Deadhouse Gates tells one heck of a story, both epic and tragic, capturing the story of humankind via a fictional history and its conflicts. Let's have a deeper look.

Synopsis:

Followed by the events in Gardens of the Moon, the story in Deadhouse Gates took place on the continent of Seven Cities. At the heart of this continent lies the holy desert of Rakaru, where an ancient prophecy known as the Whirlwind awakens, stirring the Seven Cities to rebel against its ruler, the Malazan Empire. At the head of this rebellion is a seer known as “Sha'ik”, who united the armies of Seven Cities into one terrible force. This combined force is a power not only breath-taking in its numbers, yet equally as savage in its intents. The Whirlwind rebellion wages a war against the Malazan Empire that will prove to be the bloodiest conflict yet to be witnessed by the imperial history.

Coltaine, the legendary warleader of the Crow Clan of the Wickans, is appointed Fist for the Malazan 7^th imperial army. He leads an army made up of his Wickan followers and the Malaz 7^th army. A talented and charismatic leader, Coltaine commands a powerful and inspiring presence in his army. As the rebellion develops, cities were overrun by the rebel forces, while Coltaine and his army are the only opposing force standing against the might of the Seven Cities.

As the continent gradually fell into the hands of the rebel forces, Coltaine and his loyal soldiers are tasked with a paramount mission to escort 50,000 refugees to safety by crossing a continent, a journey some 1500 miles long. This mission is both dangerous and difficult, because on this march, not only do Coltaine's group have to survive in the desert wasteland, but they also have to escape from the colossal army of Seven Cities in pursuit, led by a man who seeks to destroy Coltaine's group completely. This legendary march becomes known as “Chain of Dogs”, a tale forever embedded into the history of Seven Cities. Can Coltaine succeed?

In the meantime, the assassin Kalam attempts a dangerous mission to assassinate Empress Laseen, while other travellers from the continent of Genabackis arrive at Seven Cities with different quests of their own...

What I think about this book:

I am truly impressed with this book. Gardens of the Moon was good, but Deadhouse Gates is a quantum leap from its predecessor. Steven Erikson drives a story both epic in scale, and tragic in its telling. Some characters from Gardens of the Moon returned in this book, but Erikson also introduced readers to a new cast of impressionable characters, setting the story in a new continent complete with its own lores and history. The imaginative works presented in this book are simply, amazing.

Just like Gardens of the Moon, the story in Deadhouse Gates is complex and intricate. 4 story arcs develop simultaneously throughout this book. Initially, these story arcs don't seem to connect. However, towards the end, these plots gradually converge and everything falls into place. This does mean, that readers have to invest time to read this book, no skimming is allowed while reading it. Because admittedly, it is a bit of a work to keep track of different plots and new characters. The good news is, for all these works, readers will be rewarded with immense satisfaction as the story unfolds towards its monumental ending.

I love the characterisation in Deadhouse Gates. Not only did Erikson expand the stories of some returning characters from the first book, but he also introduced readers to memorable characters who made their first appearances in the story. In this instance, the shining star of this book, is Coltaine, the legendary war leader of the Crow Clan. Throughout this book, Coltaine's powerful presence, stoicism, and his iron bound determination to escort refugees to safety, cut bone-deep impression in my mind. Not to mention I was deeply moved by the ending, all choked up as I close the last page of this beautiful book.

In Deadhouse Gates, characterisation has improved greatly compared to the previous book. Readers get to meet the characters, explore their thoughts, strengths and weaknesses as Erikson beautifully captured the essence of human complexities in suffering and in war, while this story, both tragic and hopeful, draws to a close and setting up the themes for the anticipated sequel.

Deadhouse Gates is a great book, it raised the bar of standard for the Malazan series, and I cannot wait to read the next instalment, a book sitting on my bookshelf right now, titled Memories of Ice.

Book Review: Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erikson (The Malazan Book of the Fallen book 1)

 

“Now these ashes gave grown cold, we open the old book.
These oil-stained pages recount the tales of the Fallen,
a frayed empire, words without warmth. The hearth
has ebbed, its gleam and life's sparks are but memories
against dimming eyes - what cast my mind, what hue my
thoughts as I open the Book of the Fallen
and breathe deep the scent of history?
Listen, then, to these words carried on that breath.
These tales are the tales of us all, again yet again.
We are history relived and that is all, without end that is all.”

-Steven Erikson, Gardens of the Moon

Finally, I started to read the fantasy master piece, The Malazan Book of the Fallen, written by the famous author, Steven Erikson. Malazan series is often compared to George R.R. Martin's “A Song of Ice and Fire” series. The Malazan Book of the Fallen is a 10-book series which started in 1999, and ended in 2011. This series is beloved by hardcore fans of fantasy genre, often praised as one of the best works in fantasy fictions. However, reviews on this series are also very divisive. There are many praises to this series as “the best fantasy ever written”, but some dislike this series tremendously, claiming Erikson's works are too complex and incomprehensible to be enjoyed.

I read a lot of reviews for this series on the internet, and finally bolstered enough courage to purchase all 10 books from ebay. After I read Gardens of the Moon, the first book to The Malazan Book of the Fallen, I will like to share my thoughts on this book.

Synopsis:

Open wars are everywhere in Malazan Empire, a world torn asunder by fire and steel. Many cities, full of discontent, intended to rebel against the empire. The supreme ruler of Malazan Empire, Empress Lassen seek to subdue these free cities with martial power. On the continent of Genabackis, Malazan empire sent Sergeant Whiskeyjack and his legion of bridgeburners to conquer the city of Pale. Yet victory came with a heavy price, as many lives were lost when bridgeburners clashed with the force of Moon's Spawn, led by the formidable Anomander Rake, the Lord of Moon's spawn.

After the siege of Pale, Empress Lassen dispatched Whiskeyjack and the surviving bridgeburners to conquer Darujhistan, the last of the free cities. However, as Whiskeyjack and his team began their mission, they discovered the empire has many hidden motives for sending them on this mission, it is a mission shrouded with mystery and bathed in treachery. Yet, there are more powerful forces drawn into this conflict, where elder races, gods, and men will all play their role in writing a history, the history for the book of the fallen..

What I think about this book:

I really like Gardens of the Moon, it is a good book, but it is not a book for everyone. Let me explain. Usually in a fantasy novel (or series), early in the story, an author will hold readers' hands, and guide them into the story world through lots of world building elements. This helps readers to grasp the world in the book, and the main objective of the story unfold very early on.

Not in this book.

In Gardens of the Moon, readers are dropped into a vast world created by Erikson's breath taking imagination, this is a world where many events are happening concurrently. In the story, there is a handful of names, places, lores, and plots. And unlike most fantasy novels out there, Erikson doesn't spoon feed information to his readers. He drops hints at places, gradually providing information only when it is necessary, expecting you (the reader) to figure it out by yourself. It feels like being dropped into the middle of a world war, with zero knowledge about the background of it, and you gradually piece the big picture together. This can be very challenging for people who are used to reading traditional, messianic fantasy novels such as works by Tolkien or Rowling.

Secondly, in Gardens of the Moon, there is a large cast of characters, each belonged to different factions. Every faction has its own storyline, they do not appear to be connected. However, as the story develops, these plots gradually converge towards the end (in a very smart way). Therefore, the structure of this book is very unusual, and for those who like to have the main story laid out in front of them, Gardens of the Moon will probably prove to be a chore to read.

Thirdly, Gardens of the Moon is not a “page turner”. You have to read every sentence carefully, no skimming is allowed. If you skim through words and sentences, you are bound to miss vital information about character development and story elements.

In other words, reading Gardens of the Moon will actually make you think. If you want to read this book, you need to invest time. If you expect to read this book as if you were reading Harry Potter, then you will become lost, confused and frustrated 200 pages into this book.

But having said all these, personally, I loved this book!

A lot of concentrations and thinking are required to read this book, but the investment is worthwhile and rewarding. I have to say, reading Gardens of the Moon is a very immersive experience. Steve Erikson has an amazing imagination, the world he created is full of interesting history and lores. This book also has a large cast of characters, some characters are simply the most memorable characters I've seen in fantasy fictions. For example, I am sure no one can read this book, and ever forget the invincible Anomander Rake, Lord of the Moon Spawn. I also admire how Erikson structured this book, I am amazed at how he managed to make many seemingly unrelated plots converge to a satisfactory ending. Furthermore, I also found interesting philosophies behind the themes of this book, for example, the futility of trying to have control over life.

As I have mentioned earlier, some people have tried to read this series and due to its unusual structure, just couldn't get into it. Personally, I think to enjoy this series, readers have to trust that the author will tell them a good story. Let the story and the characters sink into your mind, without trying to figure out everything by yourself at once.

As I read the epilogue for Gardens of the Moon, I could hardly wait to read the next book in this series, titled Deadhouse Gates. I am really glad I discovered The Malazan Book of the Fallen series, a jewel in fantasy fictions that I wished I had uncovered earlier.