title: Gardens of the Moon (Malazan Book 1) (The Malazan Book Of The Fallen)
author:  Steven Erikson 
description: The opening chapter in Steven Eriksons fantasy masterpiece The Malazan empire simmers with discontent, bled dry by interminable warfare, infighting and bloody confrontations with Anomander Rake, Lord of Moons Spawn, and his Tiste Andii. Even the imperial legions yearn for some respite. Yet Empress Lasseens rule  enforced by her feared Claw assassins  remains absolute. For Sergeant Whiskeyjack and his squad of Bridgeburners, and for Tattersail, surviving sorceress of the Second Legion, the aftermath of the siege of Pale should have been a time to pause, to mourn the many dead. But the imperial gaze has fallen upon the ancient citadel of Darujhistan. This, the last of the Free Cities of Genabackis, yet dares to hold out. However, the empire is not alone in this great game. Sinister, shadowbound forces gather as the gods themselves prepare to play their hand
zlib_text: **Gardens of the Moon**
  
  A Tale of the Malazan Book of the Fallen
  
  Steven Erikson
  
    
  
  This novel is dedicated to
  
  I. C. Esslemont
  
   _worlds_ to _conquer worlds to share_
  
    
  
  ![](image001.jpg)
  
    
  
   **Acknowledgements**
  
  No novel is ever written in isolation. The
  
  author wishes to thank the following for their
  
  support over the years: Clare Thomas, Bowen,
  
  Mark Paxton-MacRae, David Keck, Courtney,
  
  Ryan, Chris and Rick, Mireille Theriacelt,
  
  Dennis Valdron, Keith Addison, Susan, David
  
  and Harriet, Clare and David Thomas Jr, Chris
  
  Rodell, Patrick Carroll, Kate Peach, Peter
  
  Knowlson, Rune, Kent and Val and the kids,
  
  my tireless agent Patrick Walsh, and Simon
  
  Taylor, one terrific editor.
  
    
  
   **Preface to Gardens of the Moon redux**
  
  There is no point in beginning something without ambition. In so many aspects
  of my life I have held to that notion, and it has led to more than one fiery
  crash through the years. I still recall, with some bitterness, the response
  Cam (Ian C. Esslemont