Gardens of the Moon is the first book in one of my favorite fantasy series. Unconventional in its characters and scope, this series rocks. The world and the races in it aren't your average Tolkien-derived orcs and elves. Everyone in these books is tinted some shade of gray. There are no child heroes, and most of the "heroes" aren't all that heroic. But they
are well written and enjoyable. The best part of this multi-volume series is that the author already has the manuscripts done — no Robert Jordan (Oops, I died.) or George R. R. Martin (Oops, my computer/dog ate it.) shenanigans. Steven Erikson is an archaeologist by trade, and he imparts a sense of history, ancient cultures, and ancient architecture into his tale. I'd recommend this to diehard fantasy fans, those who like George R. R. Martin and David Cook, and those seeking non-sequitur fantasy.