I think I may have cracked how to read GOTM!!

[Green]

He wrote it in a matter of a few months, apparently. It didn't get published until something like nine years later, so he had time to work on it, but he wasn't spending all that time on it.

Personally, I don't think it was rushed, or difficult to read. I just think it had some problems with sequentiality (and if that's not a word, it bloody should be), a few too many cliches (giant dogs, floating mountains, magic based on cards) and the writing was a lot less developed than his later stuff.

But still, I enjoyed it.

[Brys]

It was a bit more complex - it was first written as a screenplay with ICE (which probably took a few months), then rewritten as a novel, then left for about nine years after he had got some other novels published, and then there was only slightly edited. But yes, the writing is quite obviously weaker in GotM than in the later books.

[Valko]

I've got about 100 pages into the book, some parts I had to read a couple of times over to work out what was going on but I'm enjoying it despite that.
It's my first Erikson book and I find it takes a while to understand a new author's style of writing. I had the same problem with Jordan and Martin

[nixie]

Valko, it all comes together nicely and each book is better than the last,

[hedgeknight]

Originally Posted by Green

Personally, I don't think it was rushed, or difficult to read. I just think it had some problems with sequentiality (and if that's not a word, it bloody should be), a few too many cliches (giant dogs, floating mountains, magic based on cards) and the writing was a lot less developed than his later stuff.

But still, I enjoyed it.

Me too - I'm about midway through my first reading and I'm loving it. I've gotten "lost" a couple of times, but figured it out after a few more pages. Personally, I love the pace - I despise a 700 page novel that is 600 pages of useless detail. GOTM clips along perfectly for me and has kept me turning the pages so far.
Like I said elsewhere, I wish the map of the continent - Genabackis? is that right? - was bigger and more detailed. It's hard to scan and find places mentioned in the novel.

So far, so good.
-g-

[Jason_Taverner]

I can't wait for you to read deadhouse gates

[aarti]

I just picked up Gardens of the Moon last night, after hearing so much fuss made about it! I'm only about 80 pages in (if it counts as 80 pages when even the prologue starts on page 27), so things are still very much over my head. But I usually like it when a fantasy author dumps you in the middle of the action and the characters talk as though you know exactly what's going on. I will be sure to use the tip of referring to the "dramatis personae" at the start of the book, and I'll keep in mind that this is the weakest book in the series, too- which is good to hear, as I have the next two on my shelf already!

[hedgeknight]

Bought Deadhouse Gates on eBay last week and it is in the mail - should be at my door if not today, by tomorrow! Whoop!
-g-

[Jason_Taverner]

Originally Posted by aarti

I just picked up Gardens of the Moon last night, after hearing so much fuss made about it! I'm only about 80 pages in (if it counts as 80 pages when even the prologue starts on page 27), so things are still very much over my head. But I usually like it when a fantasy author dumps you in the middle of the action and the characters talk as though you know exactly what's going on. I will be sure to use the tip of referring to the "dramatis personae" at the start of the book, and I'll keep in mind that this is the weakest book in the series, too- which is good to hear, as I have the next two on my shelf already!

you'll get used to the writing style its just a bit hard at first but so rewarding

[aarti]

Yes, I just finished Gardens of the Moon last night! I must admit that the first 200 pages or so were heavy going, and I can see why some people would give up. I still don't *get* the warrens, and I have a very vague (and, I think, incorrect) idea of what the Moon's Spawn is. But ... wow, the second half of the book! I read the entire second half yesterday, and have now rearranged my reading schedule to go straight to Deadhouse Gates (which, unfortunately, as far as I know features different characters?). Luckily I also have Memories of Ice ... but I might have to make a big purchase in January of the next books in the series at this rate! I think I've finally got a grip on Erikson's rhythm.

[Jason_Taverner]

there are more details about moons spawn in later books, as for warrens you will get so used to them soon the second book clears up a lot of points. Then its on to holds hahahaha

[aarti]

Originally Posted by Jason_Taverner

there are more details about moons spawn in later books, as for warrens you will get so used to them soon the second book clears up a lot of points. Then its on to holds hahahaha

Oh, no! That doesn't sound easy to understand, either ;-) Though considering the weird picture I have in my head of the moon's spawn thing, it would be nice to get *some* detail on how it should be!

I'm quite excited to start Deadhouse Gates- sounds like the ending, especially, is pretty great!

[Storm Centurion]

I am still having trouble with Gardens of the Moon. I have tried it 3 times and get a little further each time ,but man is it slow going.

I guess the only reason I keep trying is all of the rave reviews. But Erikson's writing is just ponderous at times. I like jumping into a story midway through but throwing so many details at once makes me lose interest.

There needs to be a balance between not talking down to your reader and just info dumping. Erikson definitely doesn't seem to be talking down but all of his esoteric world details bog down, at least in the beginning of this book.

Is it possible to just skip this book?

[nixie]

I wouldn't recommend skipping it.It is worth reading all the threads come together nicely at end.

I never had a problem with GOTM, I was hooked with the prologue, in middle of a reread at moment and its even better second time round.

[hedgeknight]

I was hooked from the prologue too, but I almost got lost a few times with Erikson's style. My mind was trying to put together the myriad of threads - meaning like Storm said, you feel like you are just dropped into an already existing scenario.
And guess what? You are! And once I realized that, I quit trying to figure out every character or meaning behind thoughts and comments. Instead, went into "sponge" mode and just starting soaking it all up without trying to analyze it - pages began skipping along quite nicely after that!
I figure threads and POVs will start coming together in the next 2-3 books.
-g-