***Please note this page contains affiliate links and at no extra charge to you I can earn a small fee on any qualifying purchases. Any and all money earned through these goes straight back into the blog***

Hello, Fellow Gardens of the Moon Readers!

I have finished Gardens of the Moon, and WOW my brain hurts! While I followed this story quite well it still takes a lot to fully appreciate this world and everything it includes!

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FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENED IN GARDENS OF THE MOON BOOK ONE (CHAPTERS 1 TO 4) HERE.

FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENED IN GARDENS OF THE MOON BOOK TWO (CHAPTERS 5 TO 7) HERE.

FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENED IN GARDENS OF THE MOON BOOK THREE (CHAPTERS 8 TO 10) HERE.

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WHAT HAPPENED IN GARDENS OF THE MOON, BOOK FOUR?

BOOK FOUR | ASSASSINS

Chapters 11 to 13.

Book Four is still in Darujhistan and we come into this book with none other than Kruppe, I LOVE Kruppe. dude is SO kooky. Kooky Kruppe is once again in a dream world and has quite a few people surrounding him this time. We have K’rul, Imass Pran Chole, the White Fox and a pregnant Rhivi woman. It’s all a little crazy but Tattersail (recently blown up) undergoes a soul-shift, the Rhivi woman births her.

Knowing Kruppe is an important player, Sorry tells Whiskeyjack who tells her to investigate him. He asks if Kruppe is a seer and the word causes Sorry some trouble (yanno because a seer liked with her to save her soul from the Shadow), she members something but isn’t sure what is happening in her head.

Sorry follows Kruppe, though not as stealthy as she thinks as Kruppe notices her, could have been the bloodied sword she carried after killing Chert? Who knows? Crokus also clocks this and knows Sorry is the murderer, as do Irilta and Meese but they say nothing.

Crokus drops Oponn’s coin in front of Sorry and she is quite happy with this as she now knows the face of the coin bearer.

In the Phoenix Inn, Rallick, Crokus and Murillio join Kruppe at their usual table, and as usual Coll is sloshed, but he says something odd he says five black dragons live in Moon’s Spawn.

Quick Ben, using his Warren to travel to the Warren of Shadow asks for an audience with Shadowthrone.

In Mammot’s study Kruppe begins to read about the chaining down and crippling of a God. It states that six dragons (five black and one red) were witness to the chaining in Moon Spawn. Confirming Coll’s drunken ramblings.

The Old Crone arrives at Baruk’s estate to tell him of what she saw (Hairlock heading towards the Gadrobi Hills and causing havoc on his way). He surmises it is heading to the Jaghut Tyrant burial location. Baruk is fairly worried about this and keeps his cards close to his chest revealing little to the Crone but the location of a Standing Stone.

Quick Ben is escorted to Shadowthrone by four Hounds, he explains to Shadowthrone he can give him the one he seeks (Hairlock). The two verbally spar for a time and it is revealed Quick Ben was a High Priest of Shadow but deviated from the path, towards the end Shadowthrone realises who he was, a chap named Delat, Shadowthrone angrily calls “shape-shifting bastard”.

Kruppe, after being summoned, arrives to see Baruk. The two discuss the Eel and his spy network. Baruk instructs Kruppe to gain intel on those seeking the Jaghut Tyrant and to take Crokus with him.

Still searching for the assassin, Rallick enters the Phoenix Inn only to be followed shortly after by the assassin (Kalam). He is ordered by Ocelot to lead him to a warehouse, on his return however Kalam is gone.

Meanwhile, the smitten Crokus decides to break back into Challice’s home to return his looted goods.

Kalam and Quick Ben follow Rallick unseen, by the aid of Quick Ben’s magic, to the warehouse to observe. Rallick knows this and tells Ocelot the same. Ocelot dismisses Rallick to deal with the assassins himself.

A demon, observing all of this these sees Ocelot and his assassins move in on the Kalam and Quick Ben. Though he (the demon) too is attacked by an assassin mage, though she doesn’t continue her assault going for her intended victims. Rallick and Ocelot seeing more than them are involved decide to get out leaving Quick Ben and Kalam.

Sorry follows Crokus to Challice’s estate, she kills a guard and waits for Crokus. She overhear Rallick shouting at Crokus and of their intended mission to the Gadrobi Hills and decides to follow them.

Kalam and Quick Ben flee but notice the demon and use it as a means to survive. The demons faces off with the remaining Tiste Andii, more Andii arrive and the demon realise she is no match agreeing to give him time to flee but nothing else.

The Tiste Andii assassins report back to Anomander Rake of their losses and battle.

Whiskeyjack brings an injured Kalam to their healer, Mallet. Kalam reports on the battle and their encounter with the Tiste Andii assassins. Whiskeyjack and Quick Ben surmise they are wiping out the assassins so that the empire cannot strike a deal with them to cull those in opposition to them.

Baruk and Anomander Rake meet, both are suspicious of each other and do not full trust each other yet. Baruk is angry Rake took it upon himself to start and assassin war.

Kruppe visits his dreamworld and K’rul explains Tattersail is well and growing at a fast rate. He also mentions Baruk has an alliance with Anomander Rake and his cabal of powerful mages. K’rul wants Kruppe of the Jaghut Tyrant and its power.

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There we have it, another recap, this time for Book Four. I could not have done a recap for Gardens of the Moon as a whole, can you imagine how big it would be! TOO big. These individual books carry so much detail of places, people, guilds and alliances. It is so sooo much to get through, these could be even more detailed but then you’d likely be better just rereading the book again!

Thanks again for taking the time to read my recap and I hope this is somewhat helpful to a few of you!

Thanks,

S A M | The Book in Hand

***Please note this page contains affiliate links and at no extra charge to you I can earn a small fee on any qualifying purchases. Any and all money earned through these goes straight back into the blog***

Hello, Fellow Gardens of the Moon Readers!

I really hope you are enjoying reading Gardens of the Moon and finding it as addictive and exciting as I am. If you are struggling to remember what has happened or just need a recap then keep reading.

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FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENED IN GARDENS OF THE MOON BOOK ONE (CHAPTERS 1 TO 4) HERE.

FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENED IN GARDENS OF THE MOON BOOK TWO (CHAPTERS 5 TO 7) HERE.

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WHAT HAPPENED IN GARDENS OF THE MOON, BOOK TWO?

BOOK THREE | THE MISSION

Chapters 8 to 10.

Book Three opens with Whiskeyjack, he is surprised to see Kalam appear with a Black Moranth, the three discuss the arrival of munitions from the Green Moranth and before parting ways the Black Moranth confirms that Whiskeyjack could rely on them for assistance. The Black Moranth explained before departing that Whiskeyjack’s people have worms within it, a scourge the Moranth are skilled at clearing away.

Whiskeyjack informs his squad that they are no longer following the plan set out by the Empress Laseen but another one, one that isn’t intended on wiping the Bridgburners out.

Quick Ben initiates his Warren making contact with Hairlock, the puppet updates Quick Ben on the situation with Tattersail before whining that he was not made aware that Gods were meddling in current events. Quick Ben worries of Hairlock’s corruption and insanity due to his use of the Warren of Chaos and realising the frailty of his control over him in this state he muses on what to do about it.

Quick Ben proposes a plan (unknown to the reader at this point) to Whiskeyjack and Kalam, on they won’t like.

Over yonder, around three days away from Pale Toc the Younger is on his merry way to meet Adjunct Lorn. He comes upon the sight of several dead Malazan Marines and Jakatakan Elites. Following the trail of some survivors Toc comes up Lorn fighting with the remaining Jakatake Elites. Near overrun Toc fires off some skilled shots and Ones T’oolan (a T’lan Imass) finishes the remains Jakataken Elites.

Toc and Lorn ride to Pale.

Tattersail and Paran get up to date with each other and what has happened.

Meanwhile Toc and Lorn arrive in Pale.

Lorn meets with Dujek, they discuss current events without the interpretations of Tayschrenn, being that he will likely just talk rubbish, and Dujek explains how he isn’t pleased with Tayschrenn’s culling of the Nobels. It seems excessive for no reason. Soon Tayschrenn joins them and Dujek departs. Lorn tells Tayschrenn to leave Dujek be and Tayschrenn conveys his suspicions about Tattersail and Whiskeyjack.

Tattersail, Toc, Lorn, Dujek and Tayschrenn have a formal dinner. Upon Tattersail’s arrival Lorn recognises her as the one who killed her parents some time ago. Lorn challenges Tattersail to a duel, however Dujek is quick to calm the tension, reminding Lorn she is The Adjunct and both are executing the Empress’ wishes, and always have. Her childhood and history ceased to exist when she tooth title of Adjunct. Lorn accepts this. The topic of discussion turns to Tattersail’s encounter with the Hound and how she survived, Tattersail lies (though mixed with some truth) and seems to convince all but Toc, When Lorn asks for Toc’s thoughts on the matter he lies to Lorn saying it all sounds right. Tattersail knows Toc lied for her.

On Tattersail’s return to her quarters and Paran begins to tell her of a message from Hairlock. Paran also explains to Tattersail that he was to be Lorn’s contact in Darujhistan. Despite her anger at Paran she is able to surmise that Lorn’s plan was to indeed remove Sorry from the equation but also Whiskeyjack and his squad, hence the need for the T’lan Imass.

Lorn departs Pale joining Ones T’oolan. She decides to name him Tool.

Still in Pale, Toc and Paran meet. Both divulge what they know and surmise the same as Tattersail, that Lorn plans to kill Sorry and Whiskeyjack and his companions. Neither can abide by this and set out to catch up with Tattersail who has set off to warn Whiskeyjack of Lorn’s plans.

Tattersail, on her way to Darujhistan becomes incredible exhausted due to the use of her Warren. She continues on but is confronted by Bellurdan, he has been ordered to arrest her. The two fight and are caught in a huge conflagration.

Tool/Ones T’oolan feels a new presence being born and the opening of several Warrens.

Paran and Toc find the bodies of Bellurdan and Tattersail. Toc notices some odd tracks leading away, tracks of a child-like thing. Paran is pretty upset consider he had recently humped Tattersail and vows to stop Lorn.

Over yonder, the Old Crone feels a pull to report to a master who is not Anomander Rake. She flies to meet Caladan Brood, during which she divulges details of current events, they detail they seem to have luck on their side but the Old Crone advises them that Oponn may be involved and that their is a Coin Bearer, Brood advises he will arrange protection for the Coin Bearer.

On her return flight Crone encounters Hairlock incinerating several Ravens with his Choas as he makes his way to Darujhistan.

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There we have it, another recap, this time for Book Three. Lord I swear these all end up huge regardless f how many chapter there are or how many pages are in each book!

I am currently about half way through Chapter 13 and so fast approaching Book Five! Things are getting hotter and hotter! Enjoy your reading folks.

Thanks again for taking the time to read my recap and I hope this is somewhat helpful to a few of you!

Thanks,

S A M | The Book in Hand

***Please note this page contains affiliate links and at no extra charge to you I can earn a small fee on any qualifying purchases. Any and all money earned through these goes straight back into the blog***

FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENED IN GARDENS OF THE MOON BOOK ONE (CHAPTERS 1 TO 4) HERE.

WHAT HAPPENED IN GARDENS OF THE MOON, BOOK TWO?

BOOK TWO | DARUJHISTAN

Chapters 5 to 7.

Book Two opens in a new location with new timeframes, so, nope. I’m not going to try explain that…

907th Year in the Third Millennium
The Season of Fanderay in the year of the Five Tusks
Two thousand years since the birth of Darujhistan, the city

Now in Darujhistan, we have a new set of characters to journey with, and I’m not going to lie. I kinda like Kruppe. I nearly read this because I thought listening would be odd but it worked in my favour because the narration of Kruppe it brilliant.

So, first off we meet Kruppe, he is a bit of a kooky one and refers to himself in third person. Kruppe is walking in his dreamworld to an Inn. Inside the Inn are several scraggly looking folk of which he ends up chatting with. They mention the spinning coin, and the it will soon fall at the feet of a youth. Kruppe takes notes of this as he know the coin spins.

We then meet Crokus, he is mid-theft and goes on to steal a young ladies belongings.

Meanwhile on the roofs Talo, an assassin of the Assassin’s Guild, is patrolling. He is attacked and injured, hoping to turn things in his favour he sets up an ambush.

Crokus after pillaging the young ladies belongings flees over the rooftops too causing Talo to mistaken him for his attacker and fire a crossbow bolt at him. It misses, as at that moment a coin drops and Crokus bends to pick it up and then flees using the thief lines. Though he is now being pursed by the actual assassins who killed Talo. He takes cover in the Phoenix Inn. The assassins watch the Inn, meaning to kill him when he leaves, but then decide that some rumours may help in their plan and hen leave.

Circle Breaker, a spy for The Eel in Darujhistan, spies on a secretive meeting between two councilmen, Turban Orr and Feder. He then sends a missive to Baruk about said meeting. After reading the Old Crone, a Great Raven from Moon’s Spawn, arrives to give Baruk a message from Anomander Rake wanting a meeting. He agrees just as Turban Orr arrives.

Turban Orr tries to convince Baruk to remain neutral in the war with the Empire, stating all of Pale’s mages were killed. Baruk disputes this and refuses to take a stance of neutrality with Turban Orr. While the Old Crone hears the spinning coin.

An assassin named Rallick Nom spies on Lady Simtal and Councillman Lim. Rallick has every intention of killing Simtal. Though Rallick overhears Lim telling Simtal of Baruk and his powerful cabal and then hears a spinning coin. He decides to kill Lim instead. He escapes only to be told by Clan Leader Ocelot of an assassin’s war. They suspect the Claws.

Having listened to Turban Orr and Baruk’s conversation the Old Crone departs, only for Anomander Rake to arrive moments after.

Anomander Rake wants an alliance with the real rulers of Darujhistan, not the bickering councilmen but the mages. Baruk explains that he would have to discuss this with his fellow mages.

Anomander is angry at the Pale mages, as they went to ground as soon as they heard new of the arrival of the Claw. During the Siege of Pale, Anomander took heavy losses and does not appreciate the lack of help from the Pale mages. He tells Baruk he demands their heads or else he will kill them himself. Looking at Dragnipur (Rake’s sword) Baruk tells him that he will send him their heads, a mercy to them.

Inside of the Phoenix Inn, Crokus is playing cards with Murillio and Kruppe. Whilst Coll is passed out drunk. Crokus explains to the others his encounter with the assassins. Crokus has been with these guys for a time and is a bit miffed that Rallick and Murillio are up to something and he isn’t a party to it.

Kruppe ventures to his dreamworld again and ends up speaking to the Elder God, K’rul. K’rul believes his is going to lose to a battle quite soon but he will not die. He also tells Kruppe to seek out Adjunct Lorn.

Circle Breaker relived of his vigil, he is worried as he has set himself agains a man such a Turban Orr and plans to seek help. He decides against this and tears up his request for help.

Lady Simtal accuses Turban Orr of appeasing the Empire by taking the stance of neutrality, she believe he does this to gain title of High Fist. She asks Turban Orr set up the murder her ex-husband, Coll.

Murillio, needing entry fr Rallick’s plan, manipulates two invitations from Lady Orr to Lady Simtal’s party on Gedderone’s Eve.

Waiting outside the Orr estate Rallick tells Crokus not to rob the Orr estate. He doesn’t and leaves, while continuing to examine the coin that saved his life. He asks Kruppe about his previous loot, and wonders if he could have it back. Kruppe examines the coin.

Rallick and Murillio conclude that Crokus wanted his previous loot returned because he is smitten with his last mark, Chalice D’Arle. The two decade to decide on turning Crokus honest.

Outside of Baruk’s estate he is being bothered by the noise from road works, making him jump he spills ink over a map. The ink spreads all the way to Catlin, and Baruk feels it is some premonition of what is to come. Meeting with one of his informers, Baruk chats with Kruppe. Kruppe shows Baruk a wax replica of Crokus‘ coin.

Kruppe informs Baruk that the coin from Oponn. Baruk instructs Kruppe and his agents that they are to protect the Coinbearer, Crokus.

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There we have it, a recap of what happened in book two of Gardens of the Moon. Now I have written this up and gone over book two myself I feel ready to move on to book three! I really wanted to finish this before I went back to reading it, so come tomorrow I can comfortable fall back into this book.

Thanks for reading and I hope this is somewhat helpful to a few of you!

Thanks,

Sam

***Please note this page contains affiliate links and at no extra charge to you I can earn a small fee on any qualifying purchases. Any and all money earned through these goes straight back into the blog***

WHAT HAPPENED IN GARDENS OF THE MOON, BOOK ONE?

PROLOGUE

1154th Year of Burn’s Sleep
96th Year of the Malazan Empire
The Last Year of Emperor Kellanved’s Reign

Gardens of the Moon opens with a young noble boy, Ganoes Paran, he approaches a Bridgeburner Commander and asks if it is true Dassem Ultra is dead. The soldier tells Ganoes to lead a life that the gods don’t notice before another Bridgeburner comes over to talk, the two discuss a few things one of which the fact Surly has changed her name to Laseen.

The Commander and Laseen exchange in some not so pleasant conversation, with sly threats and assertions that the laws against sorcery will not survive, Laseen dismisses him and leaves.

BOOK ONE | PALE

Chapters 1 to 4.

1161st Year of Burn’s Sleep – Seven years later
103rd Year of the Malazan Empire
7th Year of Empress Laseen’s Rule – Laseen rules now

A young girl is in the streets in Itko Kan next to a kooky old lady called Rigga, a seer, the two end up chatting though it’s all a little batty, Rigga grabs the girl claiming she will embrace Shadow, but that Rigga will preserve her by linking the two. Rigga is then killed by a passing soldier.

The girl then notices two men, and one is soon surround by seven hounds who he quickly sends after the soldiers. The two men are revealed to be Cotillion and Ammanas. Cotillion decides the girl will be of use in their plan against LAseen, he bathes the girl in shadows and they disappear.

There is a massacre, a Captain and the Adjunct Lorn are riding towards it to inspect what caused it. The two don’t know what happened, there is no invading force and its is a harrowing sight. The Adjunct Lorn then notice Ganoes riding through the bodies, they too call him over.

Adjunct Lorn asks what was responsible for the massacre, Ganoes explains it was done with teeth. Adjunct Lorn concludes that the attack was magical and a diversion from something greater while talking with Ganoes. Adjunct Lorn soon decides to take him on as an officer on her staff. Noticing that two huts are empty, a fisher girl and her father and that of Rigga are empty she asks for a search to be made and want details of all new recruits matching their description.

The girl having walked quite a way then takes the name Sorry and enlists in the Malazan Marines requesting a specific stationing.

Ganoes Paran is riding along contemplating life and the massacre when he comes across Topper, the Empress’ Chief Claw. Topper and Ganoes travel trough the Imperial Warren to the Imperial Throne room meeting with Laseen. Laseen makes a comment about remembering Paran from seven years ago, and send them away. Shocker Topper quizzes Paran about knowing Laseen but Ganoes reveals nothing.

Ganoes meets with Adjunct Lorn, he asks if they will stop their search into what happened Itko Kan and she advises it is to be looking into but not too closely.

Two years later in Pale, we meet Tattersail and Hairlock.

Hairlock is dying after the Siege of Pale, a destructive magical battle with the Moon’s Spawn. Tattersail thinks back to earlier that morning and the Seige of Pale. The battle was a mess, everyone is stationed around and the fight begins though they are soon attacked from behind killing many. Though, the Moon’s Spawn sustain heavy damage and retreat South withdrawing their protection of Pale.

Tattersail pulls herself from her own thoughts when several Bridgeburners approach her. Hairlock convinces Tattersail that the attack from behind was one of their own, Tayschrenn. To save Hairlock, Quick Ben soul shifts him into a puppet doll. Tattersail is then thrust into the Brudgburners plan when accepting to carry Hairlock Puppet, she is happy about this as she went vengeance on Tayschrenn.

Whiskeyjack, Kalam and Quick Ben voice their concern that they, and all the Bridgeburners are being setup to be eliminated by Laseen.

Tattersail opens herself to the Warren and performs a reading with the Deck of Dragons. She reveals two cards, the twin Jesters of Chance and the Knight of High House Dark and refuses to reveal another much to Hairlock annoyance. Tattersail then notices the presence of a spinning coin, and Hairlock does not, this gives her hope.

Paran is given instructions that he is to take command of Whiskeyjacks squad in Pale, namely because Sorry is also a part of that squad.

Tattersail conducts a Reading. She reveals several cards and believes from her reading that the Death’s Virgin is Sorry, She discusses this with Whiskeyjack. Whiskeyjack and his group try to figure out just who Sorry really is.

Paran is greeted by Toc the Younger, the two journey to the City during which Toc tells Paran that his own Clawmaster was garotted two days earlier.

Once in the city Paran meets several of the Bridgeburner soldiers, and then makes his way back to his barracks once in his quarters he is assassinated, by none other than Sorry. While slowly dying Ammanas and Cotillion discuss their ongoing vengeance scheme with Laseen and that something has entered their Shadow warren. Paran slowly gives into the blackness to the sound of a coin spinning.

Tattersail, Whiskeyjack, Quick Ben, Fiddler and Kalam all discuss Hairlock, they feel he is insane from his use of the Warren of Chaos.

They know of the massacre back in Itko Kan and suspect that Sorry had something to do with it and may be posses and on the side of the Shadow. 

Fiddler has a bad feeling and the group is soon aware that an officer had been garotted and they suspect Sorry as the assassin. The group take off in a hurry.

Paran lingers by Hood’s Gate awaiting his inevitable death but is surprised when the Twins of Chance interfere. They explain they have long admired his sword (a sword named Chance) and the fact that is is far more subtle than a coin. Hearing a howl the Twins of Chance make moves to leave but before they do call the Lord of Death, Hood. Though the Lord of Death is busy and another comes they all agree for him he is to be saved but someone will have to take his place. The Twins leave.

Shadowthrone arrives with two Hounds of Shadow, Shadowthrone and Paran talk for a time and Shadowthrone decides it would be easier to let him live in order to find out who opposes Shadow. Paran one again succumbs to the darkness to the sound of a coin spinning.

Paran wakes in front of the Bridgeburners; they move him to safety. Kalam warns them to leave the doors open if a woman follows them.

Whiskeyjack and Dujek discuss their belief that the Empress is trying to kill off the rest of the Bridgeburners and the assignment to Darujhistan is the way to do it. Dujek tells him that if they somehow survive they can leave afterwards, free. Fiddler and Whiskeyjack imply that ten thousand soldiers are ready to rebel and should the Empress decide to outlaw Dujek, they would stand with him.

Paran is moved to Tattersail’s residence. Kalam, Quick Ben and Tattersail wait to hear from Hairlock, he appears but is being chased by Hounds. Realising Paran was saved by an Ascendant they ask Tattersail to take care of him while they leave for Darujhistan.

A Hound of Shadow chases Hairlock to Tattersail’s residence. Tattersail barely manages to avoid the Hounds attack, Hairlock tries to take its soul but then Paran appears awounds the Hound before it flees into the Warren of Shadow. Hairlock threatens both Paran and Tattersail, but she calls his bluff knowing there’s isn’t anything he can do against them without exposing himself to Tayschrenn. Paran and Tattersail both hear a spinning coin.

SO…WHAT DO WE KNOW FROM GARDENS OF THE MOON BOOK ONE?

It is really complex, likely to cause a heavy dose of confusion and will require more than one read..

You know, I really felt like I was following the books events well while reading it, and I guess I still do but going over it again for this post jus showed me how freaking crazy and entwined all the story threads are and are going to continue to be! So many characters have several names because they are all actively meddling in the world and not always with their own faces.

I was planning on going into a whole section on who we have met and the Houses but it can easily fall into spoiler territory and I don’t want to end up revealing to me or you true identities of people we are not yet aware of and plus you can just look at the Dramatis Personae.

I hope this helps, it was pretty helpful for me going over the details again in my head! I hope to get Book Two done in the next couple of days, so watch out.