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The Dreamers #2
The Treasured One
Jalkan stumbled back, spitting blood, teeth, and curses and he clawed at his knife-hilt. Keselo’s sword, however, came out of its sheath more smoothly and rapidly. The young man put the point of his sword against the bone-thin Trogite’s throat. “Drop it, Jalkan,” he said quite firmly. “Drop the knife, or I’ll kill you right here on the spot.” “But this peasant just hit me!” Jalkan screamed. “That’s a hanging offense! I’m an officer!” “Not anymore, you aren’t,” Narasan declared in a flat tone of voice. “I’ve put up with you for much too long already, and you’ve just given me something that I’ve been waiting for. Your army career is finished, Jalkan, and good riddance.” “You can’t do that!” Jalkan screamed at Narasan. “I paid gold for my commission! Gold!” -from The Treasured One.
580 pages, Paperback
First published February 21, 2005
117 people are currently reading
2783 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 112 reviews
October 11, 2012
I know the Edding's managed to make a ton of money by retelling the same story three times (the Belgariad, the Belgarath book, the Polgara book,) and if you're a cynic you could up that to four easily (the Malloreon) and six as a stretch (the two Knights Pandion series.) But this was ridiculous.
The first 40% of this novel is a retelling of the first book in the series from new characters PoV's. And frankly, other than the one villainous point of view, they're not that different from the other "mortal" characters PoV's we saw in the first novel or later in this one.
In addition, virtually every new event in this novel is told and retold in virtually every chapter's PoV. And it's not just the events, it's wholesale paragraphs cut and pasted over. Lazy - lazy - lazy.
Compounding the problem is that everyone falls into the same linguistic patterns and senses of humor/sarcasm, even though they come from a wide variety of cultures; and that the already nebulous divine power problem gets ratcheted up to a whole new level.
The first 40% of this novel is a retelling of the first book in the series from new characters PoV's. And frankly, other than the one villainous point of view, they're not that different from the other "mortal" characters PoV's we saw in the first novel or later in this one.
In addition, virtually every new event in this novel is told and retold in virtually every chapter's PoV. And it's not just the events, it's wholesale paragraphs cut and pasted over. Lazy - lazy - lazy.
Compounding the problem is that everyone falls into the same linguistic patterns and senses of humor/sarcasm, even though they come from a wide variety of cultures; and that the already nebulous divine power problem gets ratcheted up to a whole new level.
June 12, 2025
This was another fun book. I think it is funny that this series gets as much hate as it does. The series is written in a classic mythology style with lots of repetition, that style is not my favorite, but I don't really have a problem with it either. Anyway, the first book was mostly from the various gods perspective and gave us an overview on what was going on and why, this second book we get a lot of the same scenes but from different perspective and with additional depth and further details as we are following the various human characters who are nicely fleshed out.
3.75/5
3.75/5
May 31, 2019
more than a bit meandering;
the dry humor gets tedious at a certain point
delayed for a week or so due to sickness (day job read, on downtimes)
p89: "...then we tuck the butt of the spear under out right armpit and take hold of the shaft with our right hand...."
p148: padan was more lean than gunda, and he seemed to find amusement in things that narasan didn't think were very funny at all.
the dry humor gets tedious at a certain point
delayed for a week or so due to sickness (day job read, on downtimes)
p89: "...then we tuck the butt of the spear under out right armpit and take hold of the shaft with our right hand...."
p148: padan was more lean than gunda, and he seemed to find amusement in things that narasan didn't think were very funny at all.
August 1, 2025
The Dreamers
This is for all four books in the 'Dreamers' series. The Elder Gods, The Treasured One, The Crystal Gorge & The Younger Gods.
4☆ I would read it again.
This was a different prospect from the usual fantasy tales as the enemy wasn't your dragon or orc or sorcerer. But she was no less hell bent on taking over the world.
A lot of reviews for this book are negative, mostly because they are complaining that the book repeats itself. Thats actually kind of the point. The repeats are from totally different perspectives. The story from a god, the story from a soldier, the story from a corrupt clergyman. The story from the Treasured One.
I've always loved David Eddings for his likeable and believable characters. Although this is no Belgariad, This is 'Eddings Lite'. Not particularly a deep work, but I feel the characters are well defined to thier purpose and you learn more about them with each telling of the story.
I noticed that what was for all the talk of 'war' there really never was one, there was a lot of strategy, but when it all boiled down to it not a whole lot of fighting.
The thing that disappointed me was the ending, the last few pages. I personally think that the author could have tied the ends together to a far more satisfying conclusion.
Its not great writing but..
"Fun though!"
This is for all four books in the 'Dreamers' series. The Elder Gods, The Treasured One, The Crystal Gorge & The Younger Gods.
4☆ I would read it again.
This was a different prospect from the usual fantasy tales as the enemy wasn't your dragon or orc or sorcerer. But she was no less hell bent on taking over the world.
A lot of reviews for this book are negative, mostly because they are complaining that the book repeats itself. Thats actually kind of the point. The repeats are from totally different perspectives. The story from a god, the story from a soldier, the story from a corrupt clergyman. The story from the Treasured One.
I've always loved David Eddings for his likeable and believable characters. Although this is no Belgariad, This is 'Eddings Lite'. Not particularly a deep work, but I feel the characters are well defined to thier purpose and you learn more about them with each telling of the story.
I noticed that what was for all the talk of 'war' there really never was one, there was a lot of strategy, but when it all boiled down to it not a whole lot of fighting.
The thing that disappointed me was the ending, the last few pages. I personally think that the author could have tied the ends together to a far more satisfying conclusion.
Its not great writing but..
"Fun though!"
September 5, 2015
Approximately 40-50% of the book was repeated dialog where one character explains something to another character that the reader just experienced. Also, while Eddings is capable of raising stakes and creating believable and engaging peril, that certainly does not show in this series. Never once was I scared for the main characters, and there were perhaps two occasions where the characters were unique enough that I could actually tell a difference between them. But when every conversation uses the same jokes with the same sarcasm and the same, unserious tone for every event, the whole story falls flat, and the many scenes involving 9+ characters may as well be done with two.
Honestly, the only reason I continued to the end is because I like to finish what I start. But this book didn't compel me to read any further.
Honestly, the only reason I continued to the end is because I like to finish what I start. But this book didn't compel me to read any further.
July 16, 2012
So...very...tedious...
As others have mentioned, it's the same information told over and over. The book is about a very simple and straightforward plan to win a war, but what should have been one or two chapters became over 500 pages. This took me days to read because I couldn't make myself pay attention.
As others have mentioned, it's the same information told over and over. The book is about a very simple and straightforward plan to win a war, but what should have been one or two chapters became over 500 pages. This took me days to read because I couldn't make myself pay attention.
October 24, 2007
Not nearly as good as the Belgariad/Mallorean line, but a bit better than the Elenium/Tamuli sets. This is far too formulaic--both books so far seem to have the exact same events...it's annoying.
December 6, 2024
A bit of a retelling from events from the previous book from slightly different points of view. Not nearly as much time spent advancing the story.
July 6, 2019
3 ½ Stars
The Treasured One is the second book in The Dreamers Series by David Eddings. This series takes place in a new ‘universe’, but the stories feel a lot like Mr. Eddings other books but are my least favourite of his stories.
I did enjoy the books, but for me they don’t feel quite as epic as his other reads. These books were a little slow in places, and I found it hard to ‘get into’ the stories- in comparison to his other works. Some of the books, especially the first book, feel way too long- and would have worked just as well, if not better, if they had been shortened. There was a lot of dialogue, and a lot of repeated information, which was frustrating and slowed down the flow of the story/stories.
The world building though, was really well done, as expected from Mr. Eddings. The fantasy and adventure was fun- if not a little corny and cheesy in parts.
This is a story of Gods, Monsters, and humans- and even though I have rated it lower than his other work, it is still worth the read for a true fantasy lover.
The Dreamers Series Books are:
-The Elder Gods (Book #1)
-The Treasured One (Book #2)
-Crystal Gorge (Book #3)
-The Younger Gods (Book #4)
Happy Reading!
The Treasured One is the second book in The Dreamers Series by David Eddings. This series takes place in a new ‘universe’, but the stories feel a lot like Mr. Eddings other books but are my least favourite of his stories.
I did enjoy the books, but for me they don’t feel quite as epic as his other reads. These books were a little slow in places, and I found it hard to ‘get into’ the stories- in comparison to his other works. Some of the books, especially the first book, feel way too long- and would have worked just as well, if not better, if they had been shortened. There was a lot of dialogue, and a lot of repeated information, which was frustrating and slowed down the flow of the story/stories.
The world building though, was really well done, as expected from Mr. Eddings. The fantasy and adventure was fun- if not a little corny and cheesy in parts.
This is a story of Gods, Monsters, and humans- and even though I have rated it lower than his other work, it is still worth the read for a true fantasy lover.
The Dreamers Series Books are:
-The Elder Gods (Book #1)
-The Treasured One (Book #2)
-Crystal Gorge (Book #3)
-The Younger Gods (Book #4)
Happy Reading!
August 21, 2019
i like it
June 27, 2013
Rabbit, Longbow, Redbeard, Sorgan Hookbeak, and Narasan are back for more fine storytelling by David & Leigh Eddings. If you liked the first book, The Elder Gods, this one won't disappoint, although it's visibly slow in pace. I mean, book two of The Dreamers series isn't without some army-clashing action, but some readers might feel it could've been a couple of hundred pages shorter.
Actually, consider it a warning: should you not be a die hard fan of the Eddings, you might find this book a little too leaned to the side of boring. I mean, it's a there's a lot of retelling of events, not only from the first book, but also from this book, from different points of view. Oh, the lighthearted way in which our heroes deal with their problems will make you laugh out loud, but «The Treasured One» will seem too long and too slow for many readers.
The authors surely take their time. We switch points-of-view quite a lot, and there's a big chunk of the narrative taking place many years before, explaining how Narasan and Padan became friends. Also, the authors don't have their characters glossing over very much when they retell events for other characters, so you might read about the same event three times at different moments in a span of a hundred pages. I particularly liked that verisimilitude, which is definitely an artistic choice, but I'm conscious that I much very well be the exception. If you're patient and understanding of its narrative style, you'll be rewarded with the very clever ways the protagonists come up with to hinder the Vlagh's invasion.
All in all, this is another chapter of what's becoming a great story in a style seldom used nowadays. Take your time reading it: kick back, relax, have a big, cold drink at your side (or maybe a sleepy dog) and read it with time to spare. Savor the story, don't rush through it.
Actually, consider it a warning: should you not be a die hard fan of the Eddings, you might find this book a little too leaned to the side of boring. I mean, it's a there's a lot of retelling of events, not only from the first book, but also from this book, from different points of view. Oh, the lighthearted way in which our heroes deal with their problems will make you laugh out loud, but «The Treasured One» will seem too long and too slow for many readers.
The authors surely take their time. We switch points-of-view quite a lot, and there's a big chunk of the narrative taking place many years before, explaining how Narasan and Padan became friends. Also, the authors don't have their characters glossing over very much when they retell events for other characters, so you might read about the same event three times at different moments in a span of a hundred pages. I particularly liked that verisimilitude, which is definitely an artistic choice, but I'm conscious that I much very well be the exception. If you're patient and understanding of its narrative style, you'll be rewarded with the very clever ways the protagonists come up with to hinder the Vlagh's invasion.
All in all, this is another chapter of what's becoming a great story in a style seldom used nowadays. Take your time reading it: kick back, relax, have a big, cold drink at your side (or maybe a sleepy dog) and read it with time to spare. Savor the story, don't rush through it.
September 19, 2016
Still as fantastic as the first book, the only reason for the lower rating is because most second books can never attain the awesomeness of the first.
In this book a noticed a lot more idiosyncrasies in the writing. A lot of repetition in terms of telling the same story over and over again whether it was by dialogue of the characters or changing the pov and rewinding time so you see the same story from a different prospective. It didn't get annoying but it was noticeable.
Also after the end of the first book i was looking forward to more exploration of the dreamers and they were very rarely mentioned in this book. They did get a whole chapter which I found really cool but just a little on the short side.
There was also the incorporation of a few chapters written in first person, which felt weird after reading two books solely written in third person.
But again I found none of these all that annoying - simply noticeable.
This book still managed to upkeep the formal and sarcastic writing style infused with dry humour. It was still easily readable and the wars weren't just chucking soldier fodder at one another. The Vlagh is evolving and the world is still expanding. Definitely a step in the right direction and I can't wait for the rest of the series.
In this book a noticed a lot more idiosyncrasies in the writing. A lot of repetition in terms of telling the same story over and over again whether it was by dialogue of the characters or changing the pov and rewinding time so you see the same story from a different prospective. It didn't get annoying but it was noticeable.
Also after the end of the first book i was looking forward to more exploration of the dreamers and they were very rarely mentioned in this book. They did get a whole chapter which I found really cool but just a little on the short side.
There was also the incorporation of a few chapters written in first person, which felt weird after reading two books solely written in third person.
But again I found none of these all that annoying - simply noticeable.
This book still managed to upkeep the formal and sarcastic writing style infused with dry humour. It was still easily readable and the wars weren't just chucking soldier fodder at one another. The Vlagh is evolving and the world is still expanding. Definitely a step in the right direction and I can't wait for the rest of the series.
July 24, 2012
Hohhoh. Jo edellinen (ensimmäinen) osa oli huono, mitä tältä voi odottaa? Kirjan huonouden takia teki mieli jättää kirja kesken jo alussa, mutta sinnittelin loppuun. Heti alussa oli keksitty hätäiset ratkaisut edellisen kirjan jättämiin aukkoihin, eikä niihin myöhemmin juuri palattu. Syytä olisi kyllä ollut... puolet kirjasta on pelkkää toistoa ja kuvausta eri henkilöiden kautta edellisen osan ja kirjan alun tapahtumia, aina kyllästymiseen asti. Suuri osa henkilöistä on kopioita Eddingsien muista kirjoista, tässäkin esiintyy velhotar nimeltä Ara, joka on täysin samanlainen kuin Polgara, nimeä myöten... kirjassa ei edes oikeastaan tapahdu mitään ja juoni on lukijan aliarvioimista. Aukkoja on edelleen ja kirja ei ansaitsisi fantasiakirjan genreen kuulumista. Miksi sitten jatkan Eddingsin lukemista? Eddings on ensimmäinen fantasiakirjailija jota luin ja ihan tottumuksesta tulee luettua. Tämänkin aikana valmistui lähes metri kaulaliinaa, siinä sivussa.
October 5, 2008
I'm enjoying reading these books, but I can't bring myself to give them more than 3 stars because they aren't exactly the best written books. The characters are all the same. They all have that over exaggerated sarcastic/dry sense of humor. The authors repeat themselves over and over, for example everyone says funny things "with no hint of a smile" all the time. Another common conversation goes, "How are you going to do that?" "Do you really want to know?" "Now that you mention it, no, not really". I find myelf doing a lot of skimming in these books. But I do like the overall story, so I'll finish the series.
June 18, 2009
As a big Eddings fan I was extremely disappointed by this series. The first one was only ok-ish and although I did manage to finish it, I though the second was terrible. It was just an exact re-hash of the first in a different location - I'm pretty sure I even remember the same lines being used in all three!
I'm used to Eddings 're-using' a storyline - The Belgariad & The Malloreon are essentially the same story after all - but using the same storyline within a series? I thought that was just a bit lazy.
I am tempted to try these again as my friend (also a big Eddings fan for years) has been reading them and is really enjoying them. I won't hold out much hope though.
I'm used to Eddings 're-using' a storyline - The Belgariad & The Malloreon are essentially the same story after all - but using the same storyline within a series? I thought that was just a bit lazy.
I am tempted to try these again as my friend (also a big Eddings fan for years) has been reading them and is really enjoying them. I won't hold out much hope though.
August 7, 2009
The second book was fragmented into so many sections that it began to be a bunch of little stories, each with its own protagonist, all culminating in a very predictable ending. We have to endure the same story being retold from five or six points of view. I'll finish the series, but I don't expect to be thrilled.
It's just not what I am used to reading from David Eddings. Leigh has come along and taken away the zing!
It's just not what I am used to reading from David Eddings. Leigh has come along and taken away the zing!
July 13, 2021
I'm remembering why I didn't finish this series years ago. The character types are recycled from his other work. The plot is repetitive and simplistic, additionally its rehashed by multiple characters from their POV.
There is still something that makes me want to finish the series this time around.
2021 Reading Challenge: fantasy
There is still something that makes me want to finish the series this time around.
2021 Reading Challenge: fantasy
July 10, 2009
I don't remember this one that well, but it definitely struck me as a mediocre fantasy. I still like Eddings, so I might read the other two books in this quartet when I have time, although I fear that that will just renew the feeling of disappointment I have got from this series so far.
September 2, 2022
After finishing the rather lackluster Elder Gods, I told myself I'd only continue on with the Dreamers if there was a significant price drop. Six months on I picked up the rest of the series for $1.99 each, so here we are.
I'm a big Eddings fan, but I can admit when something isn't working and that's clearly happening here. At 472 pages, I thought this would be plenty of new fantasy adventure to sink my teeth into, but that idea was quickly crushed when the author decided it'd be a great idea to just rehash the first book from the perspective of different characters. While I appreciated some backstory on guys like Narasan and Skell as to how they came to be in the positions the first book finds them in, going through the entire invasion of Zelena's domain AGAIN through their eyes is madness. You can discount about 100 pages of the Treasured One right there.
Just to rub salt into those wounds, the few new events that occurs here are also repeated ad nauseum. I'll never understand why Eddings feels the need to constantly have his characters tell each other what occurs in their absences in such excruciating detail over and over. A simple 'he explained what had happened" sentence could save pages of needless dialogue. As with the first book, characters use each others names in just about every sentence, even when there's only two people present, which infuriates me. Picture yourself talking with someone and using their name every time you say something - Yes I'm fine John. That's what I was thinking John. You've got a point John. That's a good plan John. Now imagine reading PAGES of dialogue like that. Crazy!
I'm really struggling with this because I think there's a good story here, but it's bogged down by such horrible repetitiveness that its hard to see positives. If you removed all the rehashes of Book 1 and all the extra exposition, you'd probably be left with a 200 page book at most. None of the good guys ever seem to be in any danger and I'd be shocked if any of them were dead when this series is done. They spend their time casually building walls and forts while talking in what's supposed to be a funny, sarcastic manner that Eddings always uses in his books (and to be fair it's highly amusing in his earlier works) but it fails here because they ALL sound the same, even when they're from different lands. The bad guys really do nothing - they just mill around waiting to die. Rinse and repeat.
I've never not finished an Eddings series, so I'm going to continue on and hope that there's something better waiting in book 3. At this point there's really nothing I can say to recommend this series though.
I'm a big Eddings fan, but I can admit when something isn't working and that's clearly happening here. At 472 pages, I thought this would be plenty of new fantasy adventure to sink my teeth into, but that idea was quickly crushed when the author decided it'd be a great idea to just rehash the first book from the perspective of different characters. While I appreciated some backstory on guys like Narasan and Skell as to how they came to be in the positions the first book finds them in, going through the entire invasion of Zelena's domain AGAIN through their eyes is madness. You can discount about 100 pages of the Treasured One right there.
Just to rub salt into those wounds, the few new events that occurs here are also repeated ad nauseum. I'll never understand why Eddings feels the need to constantly have his characters tell each other what occurs in their absences in such excruciating detail over and over. A simple 'he explained what had happened" sentence could save pages of needless dialogue. As with the first book, characters use each others names in just about every sentence, even when there's only two people present, which infuriates me. Picture yourself talking with someone and using their name every time you say something - Yes I'm fine John. That's what I was thinking John. You've got a point John. That's a good plan John. Now imagine reading PAGES of dialogue like that. Crazy!
I'm really struggling with this because I think there's a good story here, but it's bogged down by such horrible repetitiveness that its hard to see positives. If you removed all the rehashes of Book 1 and all the extra exposition, you'd probably be left with a 200 page book at most. None of the good guys ever seem to be in any danger and I'd be shocked if any of them were dead when this series is done. They spend their time casually building walls and forts while talking in what's supposed to be a funny, sarcastic manner that Eddings always uses in his books (and to be fair it's highly amusing in his earlier works) but it fails here because they ALL sound the same, even when they're from different lands. The bad guys really do nothing - they just mill around waiting to die. Rinse and repeat.
I've never not finished an Eddings series, so I'm going to continue on and hope that there's something better waiting in book 3. At this point there's really nothing I can say to recommend this series though.
December 10, 2024
Set in an epic fantasy world, this story focuses on family ties and courage. As Vlar's army marches toward the next battlefield, the fate of the characters intertwines and the news of the soldiers who have been wiped out reverberates in a tense situation.
The appeal of this story lies in the deep portrayal of its diverse characters. The story begins with the recollection of Daleine, the ruler of the northern part of the country of Doral, followed by a diverse cast of characters, including the peasant Omagh, Narasan, commander of the Trog army, and Skell, a pirate from the Maag. In particular, the episodes told from Jarkan's point of view highlight his cunning and greed, while hinting at the upheaval that his actions can cause. It is interesting that through his point of view, he seems to be leading a life of integrity.
Verdun's journey to the southern part of the story should not be overlooked. In order to defend his land, Verdun is alarmed by the innocence of the peasants and hires pirates from the Maag and professional soldiers from the Trog Empire. This development emphasizes the fight to protect his family and friends, and the importance of courage and bonds.
Also interesting is the movement of the Amaa Church. Based on the information they received, they formed their own expeditionary force and advanced to the southern part of the country of Doral, which adds a sense of tension to the story. In this way, the story unfolds in many ways, and the reader never gets bored.
This book is a must-read for anyone who loves fantasy novels, as well as anyone who wants to cherish the bonds of family and friends. You can't wait to see what happens next.
The appeal of this story lies in the deep portrayal of its diverse characters. The story begins with the recollection of Daleine, the ruler of the northern part of the country of Doral, followed by a diverse cast of characters, including the peasant Omagh, Narasan, commander of the Trog army, and Skell, a pirate from the Maag. In particular, the episodes told from Jarkan's point of view highlight his cunning and greed, while hinting at the upheaval that his actions can cause. It is interesting that through his point of view, he seems to be leading a life of integrity.
Verdun's journey to the southern part of the story should not be overlooked. In order to defend his land, Verdun is alarmed by the innocence of the peasants and hires pirates from the Maag and professional soldiers from the Trog Empire. This development emphasizes the fight to protect his family and friends, and the importance of courage and bonds.
Also interesting is the movement of the Amaa Church. Based on the information they received, they formed their own expeditionary force and advanced to the southern part of the country of Doral, which adds a sense of tension to the story. In this way, the story unfolds in many ways, and the reader never gets bored.
This book is a must-read for anyone who loves fantasy novels, as well as anyone who wants to cherish the bonds of family and friends. You can't wait to see what happens next.
February 14, 2018
Way too much recap. First 40% of this book was a recap of the first book. All the characters are basically the same except for gender even though they're supposed to have come from cultures on three different continents with no contact. Feels phoned in. I've heard one of the authors is really good but this series isn't doing it for me. I'll have to try something else of his.
I really wanted to like this book but it got boring. Way too much time is spent repeating things, often verbatim. Way too little time is spent giving the characters... well, character. None of them are 3-dimensional. I really hate bashing on this book because the premise was really good. The execution sort of fell down though. There's no real conflict in this book. 98% of the book is spent planning for a pair of invasions. The last 10 pages contain the only real fighting, and none of the protagonists are involved or even really invested in the conflict. It really felt like about page 400 the authors realized the book needed to end and just sort of truncated it. I feel like I wanted way more description and way less recap. And some actual conflict.
I really wanted to like this book but it got boring. Way too much time is spent repeating things, often verbatim. Way too little time is spent giving the characters... well, character. None of them are 3-dimensional. I really hate bashing on this book because the premise was really good. The execution sort of fell down though. There's no real conflict in this book. 98% of the book is spent planning for a pair of invasions. The last 10 pages contain the only real fighting, and none of the protagonists are involved or even really invested in the conflict. It really felt like about page 400 the authors realized the book needed to end and just sort of truncated it. I feel like I wanted way more description and way less recap. And some actual conflict.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2020
This second book in 'The Dreamers' quartet was about the same as the first book, especially as a lot of it was spent going over things that had already happened in the first!
Admittedly, this seemed to be for the purpose of giving more details of each character portrayed but, to be honest, none of them have gripped me enough, for me to be even slightly curious as to how they developed from childhood!
I guess, if you were a new reader to the series, and this was the first book you'd picked up, it would have been handy but, to someone who generally reads their series in order, it became rather boring to read things that had already been explained in the first book 'The Elder Gods' - which isn't something I'd ever have thought I'd say about an Eddings book!
As I got to the third quarter of the book, then the plot speeded up slightly, and more things were added to make it at least slightly intriguing but, unfortunately, it was still written as if for someone who could only cope with 'simple' in their plot lines, so that rather spoilt it for me. The fact that I read through the book in one day says a lot really, as I found myself speed-reading the bits I already knew.
Rather than getting caught up in a plot that kept me riveted, I found myself being thoroughly distracted - something that never usually happens when I get my nose into a book - and so, although I finished this book, I can't say that I actively enjoyed it - but then, that's only MY opinion!
I am going to start the next in line of the series - 'Crystal Gorge' - and all I can do is hope that it has more about it than the first 2 books of the series. But I don't think this series will be staying on my shelves as a 'keeper' for me, as I know I'll just end up irritated if I read them again. and that actually saddens me, as I really love everything else I've read, and regularly re-read, from the Eddings couple.
I don't know - maybe the next 2 books will change my mind!
Admittedly, this seemed to be for the purpose of giving more details of each character portrayed but, to be honest, none of them have gripped me enough, for me to be even slightly curious as to how they developed from childhood!
I guess, if you were a new reader to the series, and this was the first book you'd picked up, it would have been handy but, to someone who generally reads their series in order, it became rather boring to read things that had already been explained in the first book 'The Elder Gods' - which isn't something I'd ever have thought I'd say about an Eddings book!
As I got to the third quarter of the book, then the plot speeded up slightly, and more things were added to make it at least slightly intriguing but, unfortunately, it was still written as if for someone who could only cope with 'simple' in their plot lines, so that rather spoilt it for me. The fact that I read through the book in one day says a lot really, as I found myself speed-reading the bits I already knew.
Rather than getting caught up in a plot that kept me riveted, I found myself being thoroughly distracted - something that never usually happens when I get my nose into a book - and so, although I finished this book, I can't say that I actively enjoyed it - but then, that's only MY opinion!
I am going to start the next in line of the series - 'Crystal Gorge' - and all I can do is hope that it has more about it than the first 2 books of the series. But I don't think this series will be staying on my shelves as a 'keeper' for me, as I know I'll just end up irritated if I read them again. and that actually saddens me, as I really love everything else I've read, and regularly re-read, from the Eddings couple.
I don't know - maybe the next 2 books will change my mind!
May 11, 2025
I've always considered David Eddings one of my favorite authors having loved The Belgariad and The Mallorean since childhood, so this year I thought I'd dedicate myself to reading The Dreamers. I have to say, I wish I hadn't. What a disappointment! Many of the characters seem to have been lifted from other series by the Eddings duo and the repetition between and within each book... to be put it quite bluntly, it was awful. In some cases the same thing was explained three times over on the same page! And each time a new character was introduced the whole story was told again. I swear, the whole of the story could have been cut down to one or two books. I am still giving each book 3 stars because I did at least get through them all - it wasn't a DNF - I liked the concept, I liked the storyline, and I was amused by some of gags. It was an easy read, it just could have done with a blooming good edit.
NB having read the books as a series, I am posting the same review against all four books.
NB having read the books as a series, I am posting the same review against all four books.
January 12, 2019
I started out reading The Belgariad and Malloreon series and absolutely fell in love with them. I’ve now finished The Treasured One and if I’m very much disappointed. Eddings is one of my favourite authors and I’m having so much trouble pushing through this series. I know his wife helped on The Belgariad and The Malloreon but from the difference in writing from those two to this series it’s clear they have 2 very different styles of writing. If I have to read another word that’s been emphasised I’m going to scream. A paragraph that probably only covered a third of a page had 7 emphasised words on there and I know it doesn’t seem like much but after reading through 500 pages those words just jump out at you and really mess up the flow of reading. The idea behind this series was amazing, and it could have been bigger than his first two series but for me personally they really missed the mark on this one unfortunately.
December 15, 2018
It's getting a bit harder to justify giving these books a decent rating. They are still enjoyable in the way that Eddings does. But one cannot avoid the constant shift in POV and the subsequent redundancy that comes along with it. There are times when we learn about prior events that have happened outside of the characters we have seen and these are fine. But when this becomes a restatement of recent events, it simply isn't needed. The new viewpoint isn't really adding much to what we already knew and when the reader finds themselves thinking they've just reread a page twice, that's a sure sign of trouble.
If you can overlook this fallacy, the series is still a bit of fun and I'm sure that I'll want to see it through to its end.
If you can overlook this fallacy, the series is still a bit of fun and I'm sure that I'll want to see it through to its end.
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October 23, 2025Jalkan stumbled back, spitting blood, teeth, and curses and he clawed at his knife-hilt. Keselo's sword, however, came out of its sheath more smoothly and rapidly. The young man put the point of his sword against the bone-thin Trogite's throat. "Drop it, Jalkan," he said quite firmly. "Drop the knife, or I'll kill you right here on the spot." "But this peasant just hit me!" Jalkan screamed. "That's a hanging offense! I'm an officer!" "Not anymore, you aren't," Narasan declared in a flat tone of voice. "I've put up with you for much too long already, and you've just given me something that I've been waiting for. Your army career is finished, Jalkan, and good riddance." "You can't do that!" Jalkan screamed at Narasan. "I paid gold for my commission! Gold!" -from The Treasured One.
March 16, 2022
This is terribly low score for an Eddings but the truth is - I'm not going to finish this book. It's just boring. Hard to say that but I just can't get into it.
I read the 1st one 'The Elder Gods' and struggled with it. As with this one the balance between explanation and action is too heavy on the 'gods' and not enough on the actually, interesting characters in the novel. It's just tedious, boring and I can't be bothered.
Maybe I've been spoilt by reading: Iggulden, Gemmell, Brooks & Abercrombie
I read the 1st one 'The Elder Gods' and struggled with it. As with this one the balance between explanation and action is too heavy on the 'gods' and not enough on the actually, interesting characters in the novel. It's just tedious, boring and I can't be bothered.
Maybe I've been spoilt by reading: Iggulden, Gemmell, Brooks & Abercrombie
May 13, 2022
Book 2 of The Dreamers. The Vlagh attacks Veltan's domain next, and the forces put together in Book 1 regroup there. This time the bug-men are bigger--and a little smarter. Plus a Church army of Trogites is coming up their rear. Omago the Farmer's wife is some sort of divinity, and she manipulates many of the events. The Church army is tricked into thinking the wasteland is full of gold, so they blindly take on the Vlagh's army. Gushing water instead of lava, everything is finished off this time.
Fairly flat. Not even that funny anymore.
Fairly flat. Not even that funny anymore.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2016
I read this book in Italian and it actually appears to be much better than the original. (I read the first part in German and this one was downright superb!) The Italian translator and/or editor cut out a lot of the repetition.
But still, within a year after I started, I just got to page 40. I fell victim to sunk cost fallacy and decided I would spend 5 hours each on the remaining books. After skipping some boring parts things improved, though, and I took the time to read the rest of this book properly.
By the end I finally experienced the language learning magic I was expecting. Eddings has helped me with Finnish before, and now with Italian and German.
But still, within a year after I started, I just got to page 40. I fell victim to sunk cost fallacy and decided I would spend 5 hours each on the remaining books. After skipping some boring parts things improved, though, and I took the time to read the rest of this book properly.
By the end I finally experienced the language learning magic I was expecting. Eddings has helped me with Finnish before, and now with Italian and German.
July 14, 2025
The same story, repeatedly
Plot advancement in this novel is quite slow, mostly because the authors spend a lot of time repeating the same events from a different character’s point of view. Maybe 150 pages of that? It’s nice learning more about the various characters, but it would be even better if we didn’t have to learn it by rehashing the same events that we’ve already read about.
Not nearly as good as the first novel. I give it 2/5 stars.
Plot advancement in this novel is quite slow, mostly because the authors spend a lot of time repeating the same events from a different character’s point of view. Maybe 150 pages of that? It’s nice learning more about the various characters, but it would be even better if we didn’t have to learn it by rehashing the same events that we’ve already read about.
Not nearly as good as the first novel. I give it 2/5 stars.
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