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The Belgariad #3
Magician's Gambit
Ce'Nedra, Imperial Princess of Tolnedra, had joined a dangerous mission to recover the stolen Orb that supposedly protected the West from the evil God Torak. And somehow, she found herself feeling quite tender for Garion, the innocent farm boy, who would be forced into the strange tower in the center of all evil to retrieve the Orb by himself.
291 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 1983
918 people are currently reading
12774 people want to read
About the author
David Eddings
220 books5,559 followersDavid Eddings was an American author who wrote several best-selling series of epic fantasy novels. David Eddings' wife,
Leigh Eddings
, was an uncredited co-author on many of his early books, but he had later acknowledged that she contributed to them all.
They adopted one boy in 1966, Scott David, then two months old. They adopted a younger girl between 1966 and 1969. In 1970 the couple lost custody of both children and were each sentenced to a year in jail in separate trials after pleading guilty to 11 counts of physical child abuse. Though the nature of the abuse, the trial, and the sentencing were all extensively reported in South Dakota newspapers at the time, these details did not resurface in media coverage of the couple during their successful joint career as authors, only returning to public attention several years after both had died.
After both served their sentences, David and Leigh Eddings moved to Denver in 1971, where David found work in a grocery store.
David Eddings' first books (which were general fiction) sold moderately well. He later switched to writing epic fantasy, a field in which he achieved great success. In a recent interview with sffworld.com, he said: "I don't take orders from readers."
On January 26, 2007 it was reported that Eddings accidentally burned about a quarter of his office, next door to his house, along with his Excalibur sports car, and the original manuscripts for most of his novels. He was flushing the fuel tank of the car with water when he lit a piece of paper and threw into the puddle to test if it was still flammable.
On February 28, 2007, David Eddings' wife, Leigh Eddings (born Judith Leigh Schall), died following a series of strokes. She was 69.
David Eddings died on June 2, 2009 at the age of 77.
They adopted one boy in 1966, Scott David, then two months old. They adopted a younger girl between 1966 and 1969. In 1970 the couple lost custody of both children and were each sentenced to a year in jail in separate trials after pleading guilty to 11 counts of physical child abuse. Though the nature of the abuse, the trial, and the sentencing were all extensively reported in South Dakota newspapers at the time, these details did not resurface in media coverage of the couple during their successful joint career as authors, only returning to public attention several years after both had died.
After both served their sentences, David and Leigh Eddings moved to Denver in 1971, where David found work in a grocery store.
David Eddings' first books (which were general fiction) sold moderately well. He later switched to writing epic fantasy, a field in which he achieved great success. In a recent interview with sffworld.com, he said: "I don't take orders from readers."
On January 26, 2007 it was reported that Eddings accidentally burned about a quarter of his office, next door to his house, along with his Excalibur sports car, and the original manuscripts for most of his novels. He was flushing the fuel tank of the car with water when he lit a piece of paper and threw into the puddle to test if it was still flammable.
On February 28, 2007, David Eddings' wife, Leigh Eddings (born Judith Leigh Schall), died following a series of strokes. She was 69.
David Eddings died on June 2, 2009 at the age of 77.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,254 reviews
June 28, 2025
Il meraviglioso film "L'attimo Fuggente" mi ha insegnato che bisogna vedere le cose in prospettiva.
Pertanto un romanzo o un film andrebbe giudicato e messo a paragone con le uscite di quello stesso periodo. Fare diversamente non avrebbe molto senso poiché la società e i valori sono relativi, destinati a cambiare nell'arco di pochi anni.
Terminata la lettura del terzo romanzo del ciclo di Belgariad posso affermare che, a differenza di altre letture, il grande pregio di Eddings è stato quello di essere riuscito a farmi tornare bambino, risvegliando in me la meraviglia del semplice viaggio attraverso luoghi magici e spettacolari, tra pericoli e popoli, sempre intriso di piacevole ironia ma non esente da temi drammatici e toccanti.
Lo reputo il migliore finora tra questi primi tre romanzi per ambientazioni, personaggi secondari e pathos. Le ripetizioni di trama notate nei primi due sono assenti, alcune mancanze ed ingenuità invece continuano ad esserci ma in misura inferiore, surclassate da situazioni sempre nuove e coinvolgenti.
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The wonderful movie "Dead Poets Society" taught me that you have to see things in perspective.
Therefore, a novel or a film should be judged and compared with the releases of the same period. Doing otherwise would not make much sense since society and values are relative, destined to change in the space of a few years.
Having finished reading the third novel of the Belgariad cycle, I can say that, unlike other readings, Eddings' great merit was that he managed to make me feel like a child again, reawakening in me the wonder of the simple journey through magical and spectacular places, among dangers and people, always imbued with pleasant irony but not free from dramatic and touching themes.
I consider it the best so far among these first three novels for settings, secondary characters and pathos. The plot repetitions noted in the first two are absent, some shortcomings and naivety instead continue to be there but to a lesser extent, outclassed by situations that are always new and engaging.
Pertanto un romanzo o un film andrebbe giudicato e messo a paragone con le uscite di quello stesso periodo. Fare diversamente non avrebbe molto senso poiché la società e i valori sono relativi, destinati a cambiare nell'arco di pochi anni.
Terminata la lettura del terzo romanzo del ciclo di Belgariad posso affermare che, a differenza di altre letture, il grande pregio di Eddings è stato quello di essere riuscito a farmi tornare bambino, risvegliando in me la meraviglia del semplice viaggio attraverso luoghi magici e spettacolari, tra pericoli e popoli, sempre intriso di piacevole ironia ma non esente da temi drammatici e toccanti.
Lo reputo il migliore finora tra questi primi tre romanzi per ambientazioni, personaggi secondari e pathos. Le ripetizioni di trama notate nei primi due sono assenti, alcune mancanze ed ingenuità invece continuano ad esserci ma in misura inferiore, surclassate da situazioni sempre nuove e coinvolgenti.
----------------------------
The wonderful movie "Dead Poets Society" taught me that you have to see things in perspective.
Therefore, a novel or a film should be judged and compared with the releases of the same period. Doing otherwise would not make much sense since society and values are relative, destined to change in the space of a few years.
Having finished reading the third novel of the Belgariad cycle, I can say that, unlike other readings, Eddings' great merit was that he managed to make me feel like a child again, reawakening in me the wonder of the simple journey through magical and spectacular places, among dangers and people, always imbued with pleasant irony but not free from dramatic and touching themes.
I consider it the best so far among these first three novels for settings, secondary characters and pathos. The plot repetitions noted in the first two are absent, some shortcomings and naivety instead continue to be there but to a lesser extent, outclassed by situations that are always new and engaging.
July 11, 2021
I'm speechless,this is next level.😂🙌
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
February 5, 2021
Book 3 in The Belgariad series published 1984.
3 stars for the memory.
There was a time when my appetite for all things fantasy was voracious; it was all Mr. Tolkien’s fault of course. After reading and devouring Lord of The Rings it was akin to being converted to a new and exciting religion. I read everything I could get my hands on and the works of David Eddings was right up there.
So many years later I wanted this wander down memory lane to be as awesome and exciting as my memories perceptions.
But alas it was not to be. Either my memory was playing tricks with me or my ability to be awestruck has been depleted with age.
But that’s on me and not the book for it’s still a fantasy with all that you expect to find in a fantasy book, the fight between good and evil, the young hero who is destined to become the saviour of the world but is totally clueless as to his roll in the greater scheme of things. There is also the beautiful heroine who, like our hero, is also of paramount importance but is equally as clueless.
Maybe I’ve just over dosed on the genre but I found myself, on a few occasions, looking to see how many more pages were left to reach the end, a sure indicator that my attention was not riveted to the page as it had been in years gone by.
Maybe if I had read the book with my rose coloured glasses on I would have enjoyed it more.
Don’t let my meanderings put you off for this is still a decent fantasy and well worth reading.
3 stars for the memory.
There was a time when my appetite for all things fantasy was voracious; it was all Mr. Tolkien’s fault of course. After reading and devouring Lord of The Rings it was akin to being converted to a new and exciting religion. I read everything I could get my hands on and the works of David Eddings was right up there.
So many years later I wanted this wander down memory lane to be as awesome and exciting as my memories perceptions.
But alas it was not to be. Either my memory was playing tricks with me or my ability to be awestruck has been depleted with age.
But that’s on me and not the book for it’s still a fantasy with all that you expect to find in a fantasy book, the fight between good and evil, the young hero who is destined to become the saviour of the world but is totally clueless as to his roll in the greater scheme of things. There is also the beautiful heroine who, like our hero, is also of paramount importance but is equally as clueless.
Maybe I’ve just over dosed on the genre but I found myself, on a few occasions, looking to see how many more pages were left to reach the end, a sure indicator that my attention was not riveted to the page as it had been in years gone by.
Maybe if I had read the book with my rose coloured glasses on I would have enjoyed it more.
Don’t let my meanderings put you off for this is still a decent fantasy and well worth reading.
April 16, 2019
I flew through Magician's Gambit, and it was a very enjoyable read, though it's more a set-up for the next book. The climax is where it ends, quite abruptly in fact. Possibly in the middle of the sente-
Yup, that's how abruptly this book ends.
The characters are super likeable, and I'm enjoying the mythology and the centuries of history Eddings so meticulously created.
It's a classic hero's journey, and it doesn't deviate from the usual tropes, at least not so far, but it's a comforting one, light-hearted and hopeful.
Don't expect anything groundbreaking, and you'll have a great time with this series.
Yup, that's how abruptly this book ends.
The characters are super likeable, and I'm enjoying the mythology and the centuries of history Eddings so meticulously created.
It's a classic hero's journey, and it doesn't deviate from the usual tropes, at least not so far, but it's a comforting one, light-hearted and hopeful.
Don't expect anything groundbreaking, and you'll have a great time with this series.
November 16, 2024
If there is one thing that I like about David Eddings’ fantasy work, its his ability to add humor to the mix. It is almost his signature, and none of his characters personify that more than the quick wit and dry humor of the weasel faced Drasnian spy and thief, and occasional businessman Silk. He is probably the most important non-lead character and has the most interactions with the three leads of the Belgariad so far. He gets the best lines and his sarcastic wit gets under the skin of Belgarath and Polgara. This book, the third volume of the Belgariad, Silk gets to have a showdown with his nemesis, the Dagashi agent known to Garion as Brill.
The third book picks up immediately where the second ended. I’d say that the first three books can fit into one tome seamlessly. All the traveling of the first three books leads them to the object of their now at hand. We’ll see two duels here, the first I mentioned earlier, with Silk and Brill and another one with Belgarath and a disciple of Torak that ends with devastating results. No spoilers here, but all combatants were tested to the limit of their endurance.
Another exciting read, with the stakes already high and it is still the third part of a five book epic. One could hope that the last two books be as good as the first three.
The third book picks up immediately where the second ended. I’d say that the first three books can fit into one tome seamlessly. All the traveling of the first three books leads them to the object of their now at hand. We’ll see two duels here, the first I mentioned earlier, with Silk and Brill and another one with Belgarath and a disciple of Torak that ends with devastating results. No spoilers here, but all combatants were tested to the limit of their endurance.
Another exciting read, with the stakes already high and it is still the third part of a five book epic. One could hope that the last two books be as good as the first three.
October 4, 2007
Somewhere in the middle of book three is when I start to wonder: does anyone out there actually read a standard heroic journey myth with most of their attention on the main character? After all, one knows exactly what's in store for Garion. It's hardly a spoiler if I tell you he's going to tromp in and out of every kingdom on the continent before heading off to fight the final battle.
No, it's not the hero who's the key player in the heroic journey. The real action's off on the sidelines, where your cranky old sage and your bitter, sardonic guide are engaged in a game of one-upmanship via one-liners.
(I will not write Belgarath/Silk slash. I will not write Belgarath/Silk slash. I will not write....)
No, it's not the hero who's the key player in the heroic journey. The real action's off on the sidelines, where your cranky old sage and your bitter, sardonic guide are engaged in a game of one-upmanship via one-liners.
(I will not write Belgarath/Silk slash. I will not write Belgarath/Silk slash. I will not write....)
October 25, 2021
Magician’s Gambit is the third of five books in David Eddings’ Belgariad series. I enjoyed this at the same level as the previous book.
This is the first book that adds another POV character, , although her POV doesn’t get too many pages. I enjoyed seeing a different POV, although she can be annoying at times. Garion, on the other hand, seemed a little less annoying in this book than in the previous two. I continue to be exasperated with some of the obviously necessary information that Wolf and Aunt Pol hold back. For example, ! Also, I’m pretty sure their poor horses went in places that no horse has ever gone before. I had to laugh occasionally at all the unlikely places they dragged their horses.
So there are still a lot of little annoyances here and there, but I also continue to enjoy the story, the characters, and the banter between them. This one had an abrupt ending. There was a major accomplishment at the end, but it ended almost immediately after that with the party still in danger. I think I actually jumped a little when I turned to the next page and was unexpectedly faced with the author’s photo. I had known I was near the end, but I was expecting a little more, and I was startled to see a face on the page when I’d turned the page eagerly expecting more words. Fortunately I have the next book ready to go on my Kindle!
This is the first book that adds another POV character, , although her POV doesn’t get too many pages. I enjoyed seeing a different POV, although she can be annoying at times. Garion, on the other hand, seemed a little less annoying in this book than in the previous two. I continue to be exasperated with some of the obviously necessary information that Wolf and Aunt Pol hold back. For example, ! Also, I’m pretty sure their poor horses went in places that no horse has ever gone before. I had to laugh occasionally at all the unlikely places they dragged their horses.
So there are still a lot of little annoyances here and there, but I also continue to enjoy the story, the characters, and the banter between them. This one had an abrupt ending. There was a major accomplishment at the end, but it ended almost immediately after that with the party still in danger. I think I actually jumped a little when I turned to the next page and was unexpectedly faced with the author’s photo. I had known I was near the end, but I was expecting a little more, and I was startled to see a face on the page when I’d turned the page eagerly expecting more words. Fortunately I have the next book ready to go on my Kindle!
February 13, 2019
Another great book in this amazing series. You continue to follow the group as they are in search of the orb that was stolen. This is a huge, world changing event. They travel through many different areas of this continent and are constantly pursued by one danger or another. It is such an epic adventure story that I truly love more the second time around.
I can't say enough how much I love these characters and how you get to know them more each book that you read. The little group is brought together by prophecy and they each have their skills that they add. They each have their own personalities and I love reading about them and getting to know them. Eddings writes these books so that I feel like I'm part of this group. I urge them on and am pulling for them every step of the way.
Cameron Beierle is such a great narrator and I can't imaging anyone else. He is amazing at how each character has its own voice and personality and he brings that out. I am REALLY enjoying this the second time around as an audiobook.
If you love fantasy I highly recommend this series. Each book leaves me wanting more. The story is so well written and so enjoyable. It is full of magic and intrigue and creatures; what more could you want in an epic adventure story with characters so well written!
I can't say enough how much I love these characters and how you get to know them more each book that you read. The little group is brought together by prophecy and they each have their skills that they add. They each have their own personalities and I love reading about them and getting to know them. Eddings writes these books so that I feel like I'm part of this group. I urge them on and am pulling for them every step of the way.
Cameron Beierle is such a great narrator and I can't imaging anyone else. He is amazing at how each character has its own voice and personality and he brings that out. I am REALLY enjoying this the second time around as an audiobook.
If you love fantasy I highly recommend this series. Each book leaves me wanting more. The story is so well written and so enjoyable. It is full of magic and intrigue and creatures; what more could you want in an epic adventure story with characters so well written!
January 16, 2019
And so this is how long it took for the derivative nature of the series overwhelmed me. At first it was quite an exciting series, but at this point I can no longer ignore the fact that there is not a single original aspect of this, nor even any suspense.
Strangely (or perhaps not?) it also seems to have made an impact that I read this book as en ebook, and the previous two as physical copies. Holding a physical book in your hand is always a superior experience.
All that being said, I will continue and try to finish the series. Hopefully there is something to care about in the last two books.
Full review to come.
Strangely (or perhaps not?) it also seems to have made an impact that I read this book as en ebook, and the previous two as physical copies. Holding a physical book in your hand is always a superior experience.
All that being said, I will continue and try to finish the series. Hopefully there is something to care about in the last two books.
Full review to come.
February 17, 2013
!
I had forgotten there were scenes and sections in MAGICIAN'S GAMBIT that were entirely from Ce'Nedra's point of view. I knew there were in CASTLE OF WIZARDRY, but I had no recollection of it in MG.
This endears the book(s) to me as an adult even more than as a teen. I was not one of those female readers who as a child felt left out because all the stories were about boys and I wasn't a boy so therefore couldn't relate. Yes, well, there wasn't a magical passageway in my closet that led to Narnia, either, but somehow I soldiered on and managed to love and accept it anyway, you know? So I didn't notice a lack of female protagonists in books I read, because none of these people were like me anyway.
As an adult, however, I'm more aware of the imbalance, so I was completely delighted to (re)discover that Ce'Nedra's status as a POV character--one of only two in the Belgariad, if I'm not mistaken--begins in book 3. That's wonderful.
One of the things I'm really enjoying in these re-reads is being reintroduced to a character and suddenly remembering their whole story. It's a completely different kind of joy than discovering those stories for the first time: that's pure adreneline-based adventure. This is the resurrection of old friendships, the reawakening of memories based not on scent or touch, but the shape of words on a page. I laughed out loud at poor Garion's experiments with the Word and the Will in the Vale, having completely forgotten what he'd done to himself in that scene, and Relg's appearance came as a splendid shock of oh!, because so much of his story came back to me in that moment. It was wonderful.
Also, this book has one of my favorite lines in the history of ever: "Does bouncing count?"
I had forgotten there were scenes and sections in MAGICIAN'S GAMBIT that were entirely from Ce'Nedra's point of view. I knew there were in CASTLE OF WIZARDRY, but I had no recollection of it in MG.
This endears the book(s) to me as an adult even more than as a teen. I was not one of those female readers who as a child felt left out because all the stories were about boys and I wasn't a boy so therefore couldn't relate. Yes, well, there wasn't a magical passageway in my closet that led to Narnia, either, but somehow I soldiered on and managed to love and accept it anyway, you know? So I didn't notice a lack of female protagonists in books I read, because none of these people were like me anyway.
As an adult, however, I'm more aware of the imbalance, so I was completely delighted to (re)discover that Ce'Nedra's status as a POV character--one of only two in the Belgariad, if I'm not mistaken--begins in book 3. That's wonderful.
One of the things I'm really enjoying in these re-reads is being reintroduced to a character and suddenly remembering their whole story. It's a completely different kind of joy than discovering those stories for the first time: that's pure adreneline-based adventure. This is the resurrection of old friendships, the reawakening of memories based not on scent or touch, but the shape of words on a page. I laughed out loud at poor Garion's experiments with the Word and the Will in the Vale, having completely forgotten what he'd done to himself in that scene, and Relg's appearance came as a splendid shock of oh!, because so much of his story came back to me in that moment. It was wonderful.
Also, this book has one of my favorite lines in the history of ever: "Does bouncing count?"
April 22, 2020
April 2020 Reread: Even with Ce'Nedra's POV chapters this remains my favorite in the series so far. I find her highly irritating in this read through! Still, there's no better way to get through stressful times than a comfort re-re-re-read :) Review from 2012 below.
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Magician's Gambit is the third book of The Belgariad. The first portion of the story is told from Ce'Nedra's point of view. It was interesting to see Garion and the party from another view point. The best part of this comes from a conversation between Ce'Nedra and Mandorallen when they discuss the various social ranks of everyone in the party.
We pick up one new party member, Relg, a religious fanatic. At first he adds a discordant note to the party, constantly pointing out the sins of others and berating himself for sins he has supposedly committed. As the story gets going, he proves how valuable his unique skills are and, if not actually becomes likable, he at least starts to fit in better.
This is my favorite book in the series. Two of my favorite parts in the series both happen in this book: the birth of colt in the cave and the end battle. It is also the only book in the series that ends in a semi-cliff hanger. Even though I've read it so many times I always find this book hard to put down.
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Magician's Gambit is the third book of The Belgariad. The first portion of the story is told from Ce'Nedra's point of view. It was interesting to see Garion and the party from another view point. The best part of this comes from a conversation between Ce'Nedra and Mandorallen when they discuss the various social ranks of everyone in the party.
We pick up one new party member, Relg, a religious fanatic. At first he adds a discordant note to the party, constantly pointing out the sins of others and berating himself for sins he has supposedly committed. As the story gets going, he proves how valuable his unique skills are and, if not actually becomes likable, he at least starts to fit in better.
This is my favorite book in the series. Two of my favorite parts in the series both happen in this book: the birth of colt in the cave and the end battle. It is also the only book in the series that ends in a semi-cliff hanger. Even though I've read it so many times I always find this book hard to put down.
June 8, 2015
I would rate this installment of the Belgariad at 3.5 stars.
The pace has picked up from the first two books and things are moving along quite well. Belgarath and Polgara have actually started to give Garion some information (which would have been more useful to him earlier, truth be told). But, better late than never, and his sorcerer training has finally begun.
One writing tic that Eddings displays—Belgarath scratches his beard about every second page! The poor old sorcerer either has anxiety issues or fleas! I’m amazed that no editor caught that irritating repetition.
While trying not to give away the ending, I was disappointed that a feared opponent (whom Belgarath has been working against for centuries) was defeated when he made a beginner-type mistake. Evil bad guys usually don’t just eliminate themselves. That was a bit anti-climactic.
Also, Princess Ce’Nedra seems to have been abandoned and I will have to wait for the next book to get a clue about how she is doing. I thought a little check-in with her would have helped to maintain the continuity of the series. However, I know that she is not abandoned permanently, as Eddings has very obviously telegraphed her role as future love-interest for Garion.
Love the religious fanatic who is actually confronted by his god and told in no uncertain terms to quit judging others and get on with making himself a better person. Eddings takes some pointed jabs at fanaticism which endears him to me. I will be interested in seeing where that particular story line goes!
Onwards! I hope to read the fourth book at some point this summer!
The pace has picked up from the first two books and things are moving along quite well. Belgarath and Polgara have actually started to give Garion some information (which would have been more useful to him earlier, truth be told). But, better late than never, and his sorcerer training has finally begun.
One writing tic that Eddings displays—Belgarath scratches his beard about every second page! The poor old sorcerer either has anxiety issues or fleas! I’m amazed that no editor caught that irritating repetition.
While trying not to give away the ending, I was disappointed that a feared opponent (whom Belgarath has been working against for centuries) was defeated when he made a beginner-type mistake. Evil bad guys usually don’t just eliminate themselves. That was a bit anti-climactic.
Also, Princess Ce’Nedra seems to have been abandoned and I will have to wait for the next book to get a clue about how she is doing. I thought a little check-in with her would have helped to maintain the continuity of the series. However, I know that she is not abandoned permanently, as Eddings has very obviously telegraphed her role as future love-interest for Garion.
Love the religious fanatic who is actually confronted by his god and told in no uncertain terms to quit judging others and get on with making himself a better person. Eddings takes some pointed jabs at fanaticism which endears him to me. I will be interested in seeing where that particular story line goes!
Onwards! I hope to read the fourth book at some point this summer!
March 26, 2021
La compañía de viajeros liderada por Belgarath ha aumentado su número y sigue su recorrido por los diferentes reinos.
En el tercer tomo los acontecimientos van encadenándose de tal manera que ya vamos comprendiendo quienes son aquellos/as involucrados en la profecía de la que hablan los dioses y de la que depende el mundo. Y nos acercamos a una de las batallas que esperamos hace tiempo. El Orbe está en poder de un perverso mago, némesis de Belgarath. Y hacia él debe dirigirse nuestra cofradía tan variopita.
Aquí la acción sucede sin pausa y en cada posta del viaje los conflictos se intensifican y los/as enemigos/as de nuestras/os protagonistas se esfuerzan por complicarles el camino. Pero al mismo tiempo que esto sucede, algunos de nuestros amigos van intensificando sus "habilidades"
Hay momentos que me gustaron mucho, como cuando ingresan a la extrañas cavernas de Ugoland y se encuentran con el Gorim o cuando se cruzan con diferentes dioses, que no siempre están en todos sus cabales.
También van corriéndose los velos de las biografías de algunos/as personajes y comprendemos por qué sus vidas discurren por determinados caminos o por qué actúan como actúan.
Un elemento que me resulta interesante de la trama es que los aprendizajes de Garion no son muy tradicionales. Sus capacidades se manifiestan con la misma volatilidad que sus emociones y quienes deberían ser sus maestros/as tienen una paciencia inversamente proporcional a los años de sus vidas, que se cuentan de a miles.
Este tomo, al igual que los anteriores, es ameno, lleno de aventuras, viajes y conflictos. Todos elementos imprescindibles para una buena historia de fantasía...
En el tercer tomo los acontecimientos van encadenándose de tal manera que ya vamos comprendiendo quienes son aquellos/as involucrados en la profecía de la que hablan los dioses y de la que depende el mundo. Y nos acercamos a una de las batallas que esperamos hace tiempo. El Orbe está en poder de un perverso mago, némesis de Belgarath. Y hacia él debe dirigirse nuestra cofradía tan variopita.
Aquí la acción sucede sin pausa y en cada posta del viaje los conflictos se intensifican y los/as enemigos/as de nuestras/os protagonistas se esfuerzan por complicarles el camino. Pero al mismo tiempo que esto sucede, algunos de nuestros amigos van intensificando sus "habilidades"
Hay momentos que me gustaron mucho, como cuando ingresan a la extrañas cavernas de Ugoland y se encuentran con el Gorim o cuando se cruzan con diferentes dioses, que no siempre están en todos sus cabales.
También van corriéndose los velos de las biografías de algunos/as personajes y comprendemos por qué sus vidas discurren por determinados caminos o por qué actúan como actúan.
Un elemento que me resulta interesante de la trama es que los aprendizajes de Garion no son muy tradicionales. Sus capacidades se manifiestan con la misma volatilidad que sus emociones y quienes deberían ser sus maestros/as tienen una paciencia inversamente proporcional a los años de sus vidas, que se cuentan de a miles.
Este tomo, al igual que los anteriores, es ameno, lleno de aventuras, viajes y conflictos. Todos elementos imprescindibles para una buena historia de fantasía...
July 19, 2016
I flew through this & enjoyed every minute. A few more characters are added, a couple are subtracted. They really needed to be & I enjoyed those moments immensely. Eddings might not write horses as well as some authors, but he occasionally pays attention to them, which is nice. They're not just cars with hooves, although I certainly wish we could clear up our lameness issues as fast as he can!
On to the next!
On to the next!
February 15, 2017
Review will come after book five
March 11, 2021
A 4 star read for me.
A lot of fantasy folk who are into the "shiney and new" type fantasy will never understand why I am giving this hokey little story high ratings. Personally, this is the type of story that drew me back into the genre. Straight forward, action packed and characters that you get very attached to. I am really enjoying the series, and intend to move forward.
With this installment the group of adventurers has expanded, and it appears that all parties needed for fulfillment of The Prophecy are in place. The part that each of them will play is becoming a little bit clearer, but still a lot of questions to be answered.
Pure escapism and fun!
A lot of fantasy folk who are into the "shiney and new" type fantasy will never understand why I am giving this hokey little story high ratings. Personally, this is the type of story that drew me back into the genre. Straight forward, action packed and characters that you get very attached to. I am really enjoying the series, and intend to move forward.
With this installment the group of adventurers has expanded, and it appears that all parties needed for fulfillment of The Prophecy are in place. The part that each of them will play is becoming a little bit clearer, but still a lot of questions to be answered.
Pure escapism and fun!
October 17, 2022
Garion and his crew finally uncover the culprit responsible for stealing the Orb of Aldur and spreading chaos all over the world. Ctuchik, an old acquaintance of Belgarath and a faithful servant of the evil lord Torak stands between Garion and the orb. Before they can hope to stand a fighting chance, Garion must master his control over sorcery in the Vale of Aldur, travel through the haunted lands of Maragor, deliver Princess Ce'Nedra to safety and trust in his companions to have his back in the face of disaster and war.
Magician's Gambit was a bit of a mixed bag compared to the first two books, but my feelings are more positive than negative. The first half of the book is the best the series has ever been so far. It has great character development. The mentor/student training between Garion and his grandfather is a nice balance between wholesome and hilarious. The romantic chemistry between Garion and Ce'Nedra, as well as the subtle feelings between Durnik and Pol were nicely implemented.
It has some of the most interesting worldbuilding and lore, delving into the gloomy family history of Garion's ancestors while visiting some truly haunted places like a city made of tortured wailing souls and ancient wizard towers with strange technology. I also like that we got to meet some of the god figures of the story which have been teased since the very beginning. The encounters with them were chilling. A religious zealot that spent his whole life in a cave also joins Garion's party, which offers some unique dynamics to the group.
The second half wasn't nearly as good in my opinion, but far from bad. It just broke away from all the great magic, worldbuilding and character development going on in exchange for a standard fantasy quest adventure where Garion and his party track down Ctuchik in a final standoff for the Orb of Aldur. The ending also wasn't quite as emotionally impactful as the last two books, but does a nice job of setting up the sequels.
My rating: 4.1/5
Magician's Gambit was a bit of a mixed bag compared to the first two books, but my feelings are more positive than negative. The first half of the book is the best the series has ever been so far. It has great character development. The mentor/student training between Garion and his grandfather is a nice balance between wholesome and hilarious. The romantic chemistry between Garion and Ce'Nedra, as well as the subtle feelings between Durnik and Pol were nicely implemented.
It has some of the most interesting worldbuilding and lore, delving into the gloomy family history of Garion's ancestors while visiting some truly haunted places like a city made of tortured wailing souls and ancient wizard towers with strange technology. I also like that we got to meet some of the god figures of the story which have been teased since the very beginning. The encounters with them were chilling. A religious zealot that spent his whole life in a cave also joins Garion's party, which offers some unique dynamics to the group.
The second half wasn't nearly as good in my opinion, but far from bad. It just broke away from all the great magic, worldbuilding and character development going on in exchange for a standard fantasy quest adventure where Garion and his party track down Ctuchik in a final standoff for the Orb of Aldur. The ending also wasn't quite as emotionally impactful as the last two books, but does a nice job of setting up the sequels.
My rating: 4.1/5
December 6, 2018
In this book, our heroes continue on their quest to unite the races of men and cast the Ring of Power into the fires of-wait, wrong book. Although it's an easy enough mistake to make. In Magician's Gambit, we see Garion begin to gain some control over his power. We watch the continued juvenile interactions between him and Ce'Nedra (but they are young teenagers, so why not? The other central characters continue to do their thing, none of them seem to change much as this series evolves, but they are fun characters so this also doesn't bother me. We do meet two more characters in this book. Relg joins the party and displays a remarkable ability that leads to one of the most disturbing deaths I've encountered in fantasy. The party also briefly meets a woman named Taiba towards the end. She doesn't really play a role in this book, but it's strongly implied that she too will join the party before too long.
The writing remains weak in places, and there are some minor plot contradictions and disconnects, mostly towards the beginning of the book. I have come to expect this after the first couple books of the series, and I was able to mostly overlook it.
The bottom line: if you've read the first two books of the series, keep going, it stays fun and interesting!
The writing remains weak in places, and there are some minor plot contradictions and disconnects, mostly towards the beginning of the book. I have come to expect this after the first couple books of the series, and I was able to mostly overlook it.
The bottom line: if you've read the first two books of the series, keep going, it stays fun and interesting!
December 4, 2010
3.5 stars. Another good installment in the Belgariad. The plot continues to move forward at a nice clip without much slowing.
One final note: I listened to the audiobook narrated by Cameron Beierle and he did an excellent job with the series.
One final note: I listened to the audiobook narrated by Cameron Beierle and he did an excellent job with the series.
August 15, 2022
Continua il viaggio epico dei nostri eroi! E' un racconto molto lineare, ma più vivace dei precedenti libri, anche se i 40 anni sulle spalle cominciano a sentirsi. La storia si salva grazie ai personaggi che sono ben delineati e vari e fanno superare l'eccessiva semplicità della storia, molto prevedibile. Forse troppo affrettata la fine, con l'atteso scontro e la scontata vittoria del bene sul male. Nel complesso godibile e di facile lettura, ma non impressionante.
November 20, 2019
Inan kitabin aciklamasini okuyun iceriginin derinlerine inmenize gerek yok. Ve Dunyalar kralicesi diye seslenilen kisiye kendisine olan davranislara bakarak hala hicbirsey anlamiyorsa asil kahraman birakin anlamasin.
Büyücü diyebilecegimiz insanlarinda bu kadar kolaybherseyden kurtulmasini birakin kulenin cokmesi felan yazar baya yüzüklerin efendisi hayraniymis galiba.
Büyücü diyebilecegimiz insanlarinda bu kadar kolaybherseyden kurtulmasini birakin kulenin cokmesi felan yazar baya yüzüklerin efendisi hayraniymis galiba.
April 10, 2015
The Belgariad has been beloved by me since I was a kid, but having read many more books of as many genres and authors since then, I've realized that Mr. Eddings authorship leaves much to be desired. I still love the story, characters, mythology, and magic, but there are a number of glaring problems. Mr. Eddings omits tactical and practical details. If it really takes Garion and friends weeks and months to travel around, then why don't Polgara and Belgarath use the time to teach Garion about sorcery? Why don't Barak and Mandorallen teach Garion and Durnik how to fight? Why is all this time being senselessly wasted? Garion should be going through some serious character development and education, but he's still just a dull and ignorant boy. For that matter, when do they re-supply? How do they feed their horses as they travel through the desert? Questions and problems like these have really been bothering me in this read through. Also, if their task is so urgent, why does it take them so long to get from place to place. Seems to me that Mr. Eddings could have sped things up by shortening distances and reducing interminable treks through mountains and wastelands and making a shooter, but faster paced book. Anyway, despite all these problems, The Belgariad remains one of my all time favorite series. I just wish someone more skilled would re-record a better audio version of the books.
August 1, 2024
Once more I feel the need to ask, "Is Garion an idiot? How can he possibly have no clue about who he is and what his mission will be?" I mean, for goodness' sake. That's my only real complaint, though. Also, since Eddings doesn't really do emotions at all, I got kind of irritated with Ce'Nedra and her random outbursts of crying or whatever, because I was like, why the heck are you crying? But they're fun, fun books to read, and I really like the characters. I feel like Eddings did a good job in keeping them separate and making them all recognizable and unique from each other.
Reread 2024: The older I get, the less patience I have for Ce’Nedra and her games. I think she’s written well, but I think she’d be a trial to be friends with in real life. And how she treats Garion! One minute treating him like a friend, the next putting him down and being super cold, punishing him for real and imagined slights. I don’t know. I don’t love how she treats others.
Reread 2024: The older I get, the less patience I have for Ce’Nedra and her games. I think she’s written well, but I think she’d be a trial to be friends with in real life. And how she treats Garion! One minute treating him like a friend, the next putting him down and being super cold, punishing him for real and imagined slights. I don’t know. I don’t love how she treats others.
May 30, 2020
3.5 stars
June 15, 2009
If possible, even better than the first two books in the series. Things are speeding up, now that Garion's gotten past the initial shock and denial, and it's fascinating as the party of travellers grow to include some more crucial (and extremely fun) new characters. The only downside is Ce'Nedra, who is an absolute pain, but even she can be charming when she wishes to be. It's exciting to watch as Garion begins to realize his talent and potential.
September 2, 2015
1. Too many allusions to facts unknown to the reader. I understand that it should all come together in the finally book, but I will forget most of these details by the time I get there.
2. The skill of magic comes to Garion way too easy. Belgarath and Aunt Pol constantly walk around with their mouths agape at how amazing this guys is.
3. The ending was too much of Deus ex machina for my liking.
4. Not bad, but not great. I still have hope that in the end I will have an Aha! moment
2. The skill of magic comes to Garion way too easy. Belgarath and Aunt Pol constantly walk around with their mouths agape at how amazing this guys is.
3. The ending was too much of Deus ex machina for my liking.
4. Not bad, but not great. I still have hope that in the end I will have an Aha! moment
February 10, 2018
Re-reading the Belgariad that I read as a youth continues to be very enjoyable. This one (Book 3 in the series) continues to build upon the other two, but was a better narrative and is more enjoyable as the characters continue to develop.
September 23, 2024
Series continues with good, quality storytelling. New countries traversed in Garion's sojourn. His hero's journey continues as well with him gaining skills as both a sorcerer and warrior. There is a bit more mysticism with his 'inner voice' and that foreshadows upcoming events.
One thing I really like in Eddings' writing is the introduction of the new character, Relg. He is fleshed out quickly and, if a bit of a stereotype, his backstory and motivations are actually explored more than most others. Like him or not, it is clear who and what he is in just a few pages.
One thing I really like in Eddings' writing is the introduction of the new character, Relg. He is fleshed out quickly and, if a bit of a stereotype, his backstory and motivations are actually explored more than most others. Like him or not, it is clear who and what he is in just a few pages.
May 3, 2020
More of the same: great worldbuilding, if a little shallow with regard to citizens who act in exact conformance with their national stereotypes; fun characters whose quippiness makes them a little tiring; interesting philosophical asides that are a little ruined by older cultural notions; and frustrating attitudes towards violence, gender, and relationships. I'm pretty sure that nostalgia has added an extra star to each of my reviews.
June 25, 2010
3.5 stars. Another good installment in the Belgariad. The plot continues to move forward at a nice clip without much slowing.
One final note: I listened to the audiobook narrated by Cameron Beierle and he did an excellent job with the series.
One final note: I listened to the audiobook narrated by Cameron Beierle and he did an excellent job with the series.
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