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The Malloreon #1
Guardians of the West
A sequel to THE BELGARIAD, Garion has slain the evil God Torak, and fulfilled the prophecy. But suddenly another prophecy is foretold. Again a great evil is brewing in the East. And again Garion finds himself caught between two ancient Prophecies, with the fate of the world resting on him....
429 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1987
313 people are currently reading
11324 people want to read
About the author
David Eddings
220 books5,560 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 749 reviews
August 21, 2019
*** 4.55 ***
I can't help it! have this soft spot for the Fantasy of that time and its vibe hits just the right spot in my heart... Is it really deserving of almost 5 stars or is it sentimentality speaking? I have no idea. I only know, that if I had kids, I would totally start them off on this sort of Fantasy. It helps create idealistic dreamers, but without them, what good is life after all???
I can't help it! have this soft spot for the Fantasy of that time and its vibe hits just the right spot in my heart... Is it really deserving of almost 5 stars or is it sentimentality speaking? I have no idea. I only know, that if I had kids, I would totally start them off on this sort of Fantasy. It helps create idealistic dreamers, but without them, what good is life after all???
May 15, 2017
This is really a 3.5 star read.
And it's mostly a lot of milling around before the quest actually gets started.
As per usual, I have to ignore the implications of the casual (and mildish) misogyny.
No matter the issues I have with this series - THIS is the series (and the Belgariad) that get my reading mojo going every time.
And it's mostly a lot of milling around before the quest actually gets started.
As per usual, I have to ignore the implications of the casual (and mildish) misogyny.
No matter the issues I have with this series - THIS is the series (and the Belgariad) that get my reading mojo going every time.
August 24, 2022
I had a new friend tell me that he despised David Eddings about 22 years ago, and for some reason I still think about that conversation all the time.
I got back into this universe partly just as research for my own book that I have planned. I want to write something that is vaguely a parody of these epic, high-fantasy series where the straw-haired straight white man wields more power than anyone else in the universe, and he is destined to save the world. I'm envisioning something that borrows from this universe, as well as Wheel of Time, and possibly some Disney works. I haven't written more than an outline at this point, but it's what I have in mind.
As far as the story itself goes, I'm consistently baffled by how the best parts are the tiniest moments. Eddings likes to make broad racial generalizations that make me uncomfortable. But, more importantly, they're so forgettable. I know that there are "Murgos" as a people. I know that people of different races in this world tend to be large, war-like, and have certain coloring. But I don't care about any of that, and sometimes it's difficult to keep them all straight.
In this installment, I was much more invested in Cenedra's pregnancy. She and our protagonist struggled for years to get pregnant. It's a plot point. There was talk that Garrion should divorce her and replace her with a different queen, just because having an heir to the throne is so important. (Never mind the fact that Garrion and Cendedra were prophesized to be together; to the point that for centuries, her ancestors would go to wait at a specific location in their wedding gowns just in anticipation that someone in Garrion's bloodline would come along and marry them at a specific point in the women's lives.)
The female leads are by far the most interesting characters.
Cenedra has depth, because she comes across as a screeching harridan in some scenes, but she is a loving mother in others. She sometimes comes across as more intelligent than her husband, and rolls her eyes over his glaring stupidity. (On one occasion, Garrion was too dense to pick up on her many cues that she was pregnant; on another occasion, Garrion didn't remember that she wears a magical pendant that lets her hear all his private conversations.) I'm also a big fan of the fact this female lead is a dryad hybrid. I have always been intrigued by dryads as ubiquitous, minor magical creatures. They appear as love interests in all sorts of Greek myths, almost as perfunctory female characters; but they wield so little actual power, and rarely take the lead in a story as anything other a damsel in distress. That immediately makes me wonder what their private lives are really like, and what happens if such a "weak" female character gets to take the lead.
Polgara gets to appear as eminently competent at all times. She too is sometimes portrayed as a screeching harridan (in one instance because her husband knocked away a storm cloud she had been planning to use to water her garden; which, all at once seems incredibly relatable and utterly un-relatable). However, she is one of the most ancient beings on the planet, she wields ill-defined magic that is seemingly capable of almost anything (which is a whole separate problem with this universe), and she is undeniably a knowledgeable authority about all healing and cooking matters. And despite the fact she is often written as aloof and harsh, the author did soften her when it came to her family relationships. Garrion was able to recall the times that she scooped him up and kissed him as a toddler. Durnik and she got married, and theirs was a literary romance I actually managed to find romantic. And Polgara has shared with us that she has deep insecurities about her relationships with her mother and her deceased sister.
Most of the male characters, however, I could do without.
There are no real rules to the magic of this world. Garrion manifests solid objects out of the air, or coaxes plants to produce fruit, or alters weather patterns, or starts fire. But there are no spells to do any of these things. When I read the Belgariad, with its supposed backstory on this family of ancient sorcerers, I learned that this magic system is VERY disappointing. Garrion's grandfather described taking decades, or possibly even centuries, to learn that he could move a rock just by willing it. Then all the other magical talents, from shapeshifting to fire-starting, work the same way. Just a reference to the magic user applying their "will." There is no justification for this. No magical rock under the soil that translates intention into tangible effect. No hybrid DNA from angels or aliens. No invoking gods to bestow miracles. Just, nothing. Just the characters applying their will. This was written as if it were some sort of path to enlightenment, but no actual description of enlightenment is provided. Garrion's grandfather continues to come across as a crotchety, drunken scoundrel despite possessing magic, so enlightenment really doesn't feel accurate here.
*shrugs* It's fine. I'll keep listening to the audiobooks in this series when I run out of new releases.
I got back into this universe partly just as research for my own book that I have planned. I want to write something that is vaguely a parody of these epic, high-fantasy series where the straw-haired straight white man wields more power than anyone else in the universe, and he is destined to save the world. I'm envisioning something that borrows from this universe, as well as Wheel of Time, and possibly some Disney works. I haven't written more than an outline at this point, but it's what I have in mind.
As far as the story itself goes, I'm consistently baffled by how the best parts are the tiniest moments. Eddings likes to make broad racial generalizations that make me uncomfortable. But, more importantly, they're so forgettable. I know that there are "Murgos" as a people. I know that people of different races in this world tend to be large, war-like, and have certain coloring. But I don't care about any of that, and sometimes it's difficult to keep them all straight.
In this installment, I was much more invested in Cenedra's pregnancy. She and our protagonist struggled for years to get pregnant. It's a plot point. There was talk that Garrion should divorce her and replace her with a different queen, just because having an heir to the throne is so important. (Never mind the fact that Garrion and Cendedra were prophesized to be together; to the point that for centuries, her ancestors would go to wait at a specific location in their wedding gowns just in anticipation that someone in Garrion's bloodline would come along and marry them at a specific point in the women's lives.)
The female leads are by far the most interesting characters.
Cenedra has depth, because she comes across as a screeching harridan in some scenes, but she is a loving mother in others. She sometimes comes across as more intelligent than her husband, and rolls her eyes over his glaring stupidity. (On one occasion, Garrion was too dense to pick up on her many cues that she was pregnant; on another occasion, Garrion didn't remember that she wears a magical pendant that lets her hear all his private conversations.) I'm also a big fan of the fact this female lead is a dryad hybrid. I have always been intrigued by dryads as ubiquitous, minor magical creatures. They appear as love interests in all sorts of Greek myths, almost as perfunctory female characters; but they wield so little actual power, and rarely take the lead in a story as anything other a damsel in distress. That immediately makes me wonder what their private lives are really like, and what happens if such a "weak" female character gets to take the lead.
Polgara gets to appear as eminently competent at all times. She too is sometimes portrayed as a screeching harridan (in one instance because her husband knocked away a storm cloud she had been planning to use to water her garden; which, all at once seems incredibly relatable and utterly un-relatable). However, she is one of the most ancient beings on the planet, she wields ill-defined magic that is seemingly capable of almost anything (which is a whole separate problem with this universe), and she is undeniably a knowledgeable authority about all healing and cooking matters. And despite the fact she is often written as aloof and harsh, the author did soften her when it came to her family relationships. Garrion was able to recall the times that she scooped him up and kissed him as a toddler. Durnik and she got married, and theirs was a literary romance I actually managed to find romantic. And Polgara has shared with us that she has deep insecurities about her relationships with her mother and her deceased sister.
Most of the male characters, however, I could do without.
There are no real rules to the magic of this world. Garrion manifests solid objects out of the air, or coaxes plants to produce fruit, or alters weather patterns, or starts fire. But there are no spells to do any of these things. When I read the Belgariad, with its supposed backstory on this family of ancient sorcerers, I learned that this magic system is VERY disappointing. Garrion's grandfather described taking decades, or possibly even centuries, to learn that he could move a rock just by willing it. Then all the other magical talents, from shapeshifting to fire-starting, work the same way. Just a reference to the magic user applying their "will." There is no justification for this. No magical rock under the soil that translates intention into tangible effect. No hybrid DNA from angels or aliens. No invoking gods to bestow miracles. Just, nothing. Just the characters applying their will. This was written as if it were some sort of path to enlightenment, but no actual description of enlightenment is provided. Garrion's grandfather continues to come across as a crotchety, drunken scoundrel despite possessing magic, so enlightenment really doesn't feel accurate here.
*shrugs* It's fine. I'll keep listening to the audiobooks in this series when I run out of new releases.
April 8, 2014
Like most sequels, The Mallorean is not as good as its predecessor. But, also like most sequels, it is nice to catch up with the familiar characters you fell in love with in the original.
Although the story-line is similar to the first series (to the point that the protagonist points it out at one point in conversation), the adventure is still just as much fun.
Anyone that loved the first series (The Belgariad) will find this series a worthwhile read.
Although the story-line is similar to the first series (to the point that the protagonist points it out at one point in conversation), the adventure is still just as much fun.
Anyone that loved the first series (The Belgariad) will find this series a worthwhile read.
April 30, 2018
After the pentalogy of Belgariad David Eddings returns to his imaginary world for the beginning of another epic story. The question I was worried about when I started reading is, of course, what is left to be done from here in our story. In this cases there is always the fear that the author will look for the easy solution of repetition and recycling of the same ideas, unable to find original. Initially it seemed that fear to be confirmed since the beginning of this story is much like the begining of the prior, as it is about a child growing up on a farm away from the dangers that may threaten his existence but then the story goes on other paths and to the worries that concern our heroes that have grown up.
What dominates the whole book is, of course, the humorous writing that we have encountered in the author's previous books. The evolution of the plot allows him to make the most of his sense of humor. The main issue in the first half is the difficulties of married life and the difficulty of governing a Kingdom. The first issue leads us to extremely witty dialogues about gender relations and various humorous episodes, which mainly concern our beloved couple of Garion and Ce'Nedra. Their relationship, of course, is tested but with the help of their good friends and with the maturation of time they somehow manage make up. The second issue again leads to humorous episodes and interesting dialogues as the Garion faces the stubbornness and aspirations of the his most powerful subjects and forced to find imaginative solutions to be able to bring things to a balance and still find time for his beloved so that she does not feel neglected.
All that are good but I admit that from some point on all this humorous mood becomes a bit tedious, fortunately, however, things after the middle are getting more serious. A new threat emerges outside of Garion's realm, while dark forces inside it bring even more disturbance. At the same time prophecies appear to be fulfilled and others appear to speak about a great conflict between good and evil. The facts come one after another and sometimes one comes inconflict with the other leading our heroes to right and wrong paths, while this unspecified threat, this new enemy that they must face make his move and brings great anxiety thus creating the setting for an extremely interesting story that continues in the next books.
In a few words, this story starts quite relaxed, I would say very peacefully, but it continues very vigorously, and in the end the intensity reaches its peak in an action-packed finale. So we start very well, we meet our beloved heroes again and wait for the rest of the series to live up to the expectations of this very interesting first book.
Μετά την πενταλογία του Belgariad επιστρέφουμε στο φανταστικό κόσμο του David Eddings για την αρχή άλλης μίας επικής ιστορίας. Το ερώτημα που με απασχολούσε όταν ξεκίνησα την ανάγνωση είναι φυσικά το τι μένει να γίνει από εδώ και πέρα στην ιστορία μας. Σε ποιες περιπτώσεις υπάρχει πάντα ο φόβος ο συγγραφέας να αναζητήσει την εύκολη λύση της επανάληψης και της ανακύκλωσης των ίδιων ιδεών μη μπορώντας να βρει μία πρωτότυπη συνέχεια. Στην αρχή φαίνονταν αυτός ο φόβος να επιβεβαιώνονταν καθώς η αρχή αυτής της ιστορίας μοιάζει πολύ με την αρχή της προηγούμενης, φορώντας ένα παιδί που μεγαλώνει σε ένα αγρόκτημα μακριά από τους κινδύνους που μπορεί να απειλούν την ύπαρξη του, στη συνέχεια, όμως, ιστορία πηγαίνει σε άλλα μονοπάτια και σε ανησυχίες που απασχολούν τους ήρωές μας που έχουν πια μεγαλώσει.
Αυτό που κυριαρχεί σε όλο το βιβλίο είναι φυσικά η γεμάτη χιούμορ γραφή που συναντήσαμε και στα προηγούμενα βιβλία του συγγραφέα. Η εξέλιξη της υπόθεσης του δίνει, μάλιστα, δυνατότητα να αξιοποιήσει στο έπακρο την αίσθηση του χιούμορ που διαθέτει. Το κύριο θέμα στη μεγαλύτερη διάρκεια οι δυσκολίες του έγγαμου βίου αλλά και η δυσκολία της διακυβέρνησης ενός Βασιλείου. Το πρώτο θέμα μας οδηγεί σε εξαιρετικά πνευματώδεις διαλόγους για τις σχέσεις των δύο φύλων και σε διάφορα χιουμοριστικά επεισόδια, που αφορούν κυρίως το αγαπημένο μας ζευγάρι του Garion και της Ce'Nedra. Η σχέση τους βέβαια δοκιμάζεται αλλά mε τη βοήθεια των καλών τους φίλων αλλά και με την ωρίμανση που φέρνει ο χρόνος κάπως τα καταφέρνουν. Το δεύτερο θέμα ξανά μας οδηγεί σε χιουμοριστικά επεισόδια και ενδιαφέροντες διαλόγους καθώς ο Garion έρχεται αντιμέτωπος με την ξεροκεφαλιά αλλά και τις φιλοδοξίες των πιο ισχυρών υπηκόων του και αναγκάζεται να βρει ευφάνταστες λύσεις για να μπορέσει να φέρει τα πράγματα σε μία ισορροπία και ταυτόχρονα να βρει χρόνο για το ταίρι του ώστε να μη νιώθει παραμελημένο.
Ωραία όλα αυτά αλλά ομολογώ ότι από κάποιο σημείο και μετά όλη αυτή η χιουμοριστική διάθεση γίνεται λίγο κουραστική, ευτυχώς, όμως, κάπου μετά τη μέση τα πράγματα σοβαρεύουν. Μία νέα απειλή εξυφαίνεται έξω από το βασίλειο του Garion ενώ σκοτεινές δυνάμεις στο εσωτερικό του φέρνουν ακόμα περισσότερη αναστάτωση. Την ίδια στιγμή προφητείες φαίνεται να εκπληρώνονται κι εμφανίζονται άλλες που προαναγγέλλουν μία μεγάλη σύγκρουση ανάμεσα στο καλό και στο κακό. Τα στοιχεία έρχονται το ένα μετά το άλλο και πολλές φορές το ένα αντικρούει το άλλο οδηγώντας τους ήρωες μας σε σωστά και λάθος μονοπάτια, την ώρα που αυτή η απροσδιόριστη απειλή, αυτός ο νέος εχθρός που πρέπει να αντιμετωπίσουν κάνει την κίνησή του και τους φέρνει μεγάλες στεναχώριες, στήνοντας έτσι το σκηνικό για μία εξαιρετικά ενδιαφέρουσα ιστορία που συνεχίζεται στα επόμενα βιβλία.
Με λίγα λόγια αρκετά χαλαρά ξεκινάει αυτή η ιστορία, πολύ ειρηνικά θα έλεγα, συνεχίζεται, όμως, πολύ δυναμικά και στο τέλος η ένταση κορυφώνεται σε ένα φινάλε γεμάτο δράση. Οπότε πολύ καλά ξεκινάμε, συναντάμε ξανά τους αγαπημένους μας ήρωες και περιμένουμε η υπόλοιπη σειρά να δικαιώσει τις προσδοκίες που αφήνει αυτό το πολύ ενδιαφέρον πρώτο βιβλίο.
What dominates the whole book is, of course, the humorous writing that we have encountered in the author's previous books. The evolution of the plot allows him to make the most of his sense of humor. The main issue in the first half is the difficulties of married life and the difficulty of governing a Kingdom. The first issue leads us to extremely witty dialogues about gender relations and various humorous episodes, which mainly concern our beloved couple of Garion and Ce'Nedra. Their relationship, of course, is tested but with the help of their good friends and with the maturation of time they somehow manage make up. The second issue again leads to humorous episodes and interesting dialogues as the Garion faces the stubbornness and aspirations of the his most powerful subjects and forced to find imaginative solutions to be able to bring things to a balance and still find time for his beloved so that she does not feel neglected.
All that are good but I admit that from some point on all this humorous mood becomes a bit tedious, fortunately, however, things after the middle are getting more serious. A new threat emerges outside of Garion's realm, while dark forces inside it bring even more disturbance. At the same time prophecies appear to be fulfilled and others appear to speak about a great conflict between good and evil. The facts come one after another and sometimes one comes inconflict with the other leading our heroes to right and wrong paths, while this unspecified threat, this new enemy that they must face make his move and brings great anxiety thus creating the setting for an extremely interesting story that continues in the next books.
In a few words, this story starts quite relaxed, I would say very peacefully, but it continues very vigorously, and in the end the intensity reaches its peak in an action-packed finale. So we start very well, we meet our beloved heroes again and wait for the rest of the series to live up to the expectations of this very interesting first book.
Μετά την πενταλογία του Belgariad επιστρέφουμε στο φανταστικό κόσμο του David Eddings για την αρχή άλλης μίας επικής ιστορίας. Το ερώτημα που με απασχολούσε όταν ξεκίνησα την ανάγνωση είναι φυσικά το τι μένει να γίνει από εδώ και πέρα στην ιστορία μας. Σε ποιες περιπτώσεις υπάρχει πάντα ο φόβος ο συγγραφέας να αναζητήσει την εύκολη λύση της επανάληψης και της ανακύκλωσης των ίδιων ιδεών μη μπορώντας να βρει μία πρωτότυπη συνέχεια. Στην αρχή φαίνονταν αυτός ο φόβος να επιβεβαιώνονταν καθώς η αρχή αυτής της ιστορίας μοιάζει πολύ με την αρχή της προηγούμενης, φορώντας ένα παιδί που μεγαλώνει σε ένα αγρόκτημα μακριά από τους κινδύνους που μπορεί να απειλούν την ύπαρξη του, στη συνέχεια, όμως, ιστορία πηγαίνει σε άλλα μονοπάτια και σε ανησυχίες που απασχολούν τους ήρωές μας που έχουν πια μεγαλώσει.
Αυτό που κυριαρχεί σε όλο το βιβλίο είναι φυσικά η γεμάτη χιούμορ γραφή που συναντήσαμε και στα προηγούμενα βιβλία του συγγραφέα. Η εξέλιξη της υπόθεσης του δίνει, μάλιστα, δυνατότητα να αξιοποιήσει στο έπακρο την αίσθηση του χιούμορ που διαθέτει. Το κύριο θέμα στη μεγαλύτερη διάρκεια οι δυσκολίες του έγγαμου βίου αλλά και η δυσκολία της διακυβέρνησης ενός Βασιλείου. Το πρώτο θέμα μας οδηγεί σε εξαιρετικά πνευματώδεις διαλόγους για τις σχέσεις των δύο φύλων και σε διάφορα χιουμοριστικά επεισόδια, που αφορούν κυρίως το αγαπημένο μας ζευγάρι του Garion και της Ce'Nedra. Η σχέση τους βέβαια δοκιμάζεται αλλά mε τη βοήθεια των καλών τους φίλων αλλά και με την ωρίμανση που φέρνει ο χρόνος κάπως τα καταφέρνουν. Το δεύτερο θέμα ξανά μας οδηγεί σε χιουμοριστικά επεισόδια και ενδιαφέροντες διαλόγους καθώς ο Garion έρχεται αντιμέτωπος με την ξεροκεφαλιά αλλά και τις φιλοδοξίες των πιο ισχυρών υπηκόων του και αναγκάζεται να βρει ευφάνταστες λύσεις για να μπορέσει να φέρει τα πράγματα σε μία ισορροπία και ταυτόχρονα να βρει χρόνο για το ταίρι του ώστε να μη νιώθει παραμελημένο.
Ωραία όλα αυτά αλλά ομολογώ ότι από κάποιο σημείο και μετά όλη αυτή η χιουμοριστική διάθεση γίνεται λίγο κουραστική, ευτυχώς, όμως, κάπου μετά τη μέση τα πράγματα σοβαρεύουν. Μία νέα απειλή εξυφαίνεται έξω από το βασίλειο του Garion ενώ σκοτεινές δυνάμεις στο εσωτερικό του φέρνουν ακόμα περισσότερη αναστάτωση. Την ίδια στιγμή προφητείες φαίνεται να εκπληρώνονται κι εμφανίζονται άλλες που προαναγγέλλουν μία μεγάλη σύγκρουση ανάμεσα στο καλό και στο κακό. Τα στοιχεία έρχονται το ένα μετά το άλλο και πολλές φορές το ένα αντικρούει το άλλο οδηγώντας τους ήρωες μας σε σωστά και λάθος μονοπάτια, την ώρα που αυτή η απροσδιόριστη απειλή, αυτός ο νέος εχθρός που πρέπει να αντιμετωπίσουν κάνει την κίνησή του και τους φέρνει μεγάλες στεναχώριες, στήνοντας έτσι το σκηνικό για μία εξαιρετικά ενδιαφέρουσα ιστορία που συνεχίζεται στα επόμενα βιβλία.
Με λίγα λόγια αρκετά χαλαρά ξεκινάει αυτή η ιστορία, πολύ ειρηνικά θα έλεγα, συνεχίζεται, όμως, πολύ δυναμικά και στο τέλος η ένταση κορυφώνεται σε ένα φινάλε γεμάτο δράση. Οπότε πολύ καλά ξεκινάμε, συναντάμε ξανά τους αγαπημένους μας ήρωες και περιμένουμε η υπόλοιπη σειρά να δικαιώσει τις προσδοκίες που αφήνει αυτό το πολύ ενδιαφέρον πρώτο βιβλίο.
July 3, 2017
Disclaimer: THE BELGARIAD was the first adult fantasy series I read, in grade 5. I loved it so much I read them probably every couple years until 2 of the books literally fell apart. I wholeheartedly recommend them as an easy, fun intro-to-high-fantasy series. I only picked up the MALLOREAN at age 31--GUARDIANS OF THE WEST is #1 of that series.
Pros: same great characters, same great land, same great sorcery premise!!! And Eddings still has some of the funny left.
Cons: same great characters...getting older, dying, becoming even more caricature-ish than before. For someone who loves these characters, this aspect is very upsetting. Tons of realm-hopping--it was very jarring since travel used to be more spread out. Tons of recycled lines, description, jokes, plot lines.
At this point, I've read enough to keep going, but there were many times I wanted to put down the book. This series seemed like such a hollow money grab, but at the same time I have a lot of fond memories of the original series so I'm going to keep trudging along like a good Sendarian rutabaga farmer.
Pros: same great characters, same great land, same great sorcery premise!!! And Eddings still has some of the funny left.
Cons: same great characters...getting older, dying, becoming even more caricature-ish than before. For someone who loves these characters, this aspect is very upsetting. Tons of realm-hopping--it was very jarring since travel used to be more spread out. Tons of recycled lines, description, jokes, plot lines.
At this point, I've read enough to keep going, but there were many times I wanted to put down the book. This series seemed like such a hollow money grab, but at the same time I have a lot of fond memories of the original series so I'm going to keep trudging along like a good Sendarian rutabaga farmer.
March 1, 2017
You'll have to wait until I'm at the end for a proper review.
Just two things.
Why is Garion so nice?
Why do I want to slap Polgara?
Just two things.
Why is Garion so nice?
Why do I want to slap Polgara?
March 4, 2021
I can’t describe how happy I was when I opened this book and read the first page! I know this book, the whole series probably, has problems that would be highly frowned upon in today’s age and time, but this whole series is one of the books I remember from my… well not childhood, but let’s say my adolescent years, and I just love them.
July 8, 2017
As someone who tends to try and finish entire series, I have to give David Eddings this much: His books are readable, if only borderline so.
If you want just the summary, here it is: Shallow characters, misoginy, nondescript environments, plot twists semaphored volumes ahead, not one unimportant element of the books, same jokes repeated over and over, and the author never lets anything go wrong, and thus my final rating for the series is 2.5 - if one doesn't mind the listed flaws, the books have some charm, as repetitive as its delivery gets across the ten volumes.
Regrettably, both Belgariad and Malloreon suffer from the same issues: Both books have utterly nondescript settings, with the cast always on the move from one location to the next, all of them "unique" only in so much as to show off the author's ideas, ideas that he likely never realized weren't really fully developed, and were completely full of poor cliches and tropes, and the numerous battles across all ten books are descriptions of how each character effortlessly dispatches a number of enemies without so much as a scratch, while making one of their few signature comments or jokes.
The second failing is its characters - characters that are defined almost utterly by stereotypes - both racial, and gendered. As much as the books try to portray powerful women, ultimately, they are all frail, emotional beings that defer to men's decisions, and gush about dresses, babies, romance, while men do what needs to be done, and protect them, which alone is enough to ruin any chance of the books appealing to me - you can't have an immortal sorceress or a prophesized "Queen of the World" act like spoiled brats paralyzed to tears by news of a near-stranger's death who constantly nag the male protagonists to not drink alcohol, dress properly, and use courteous language, all while playing no role whatsoever in anything of any real importance. If this isn't enough to put you off just yet, the male characters are really not much better - none of them have any real personality.
The third failing, and the final nail to the coffin, is the simple fact that /nothing/ drives the plot of the books, and there is no tension whatsoever. The author telegraphs what's supposed to be plot twists books ahead, never introduces a single character, place, or element without (usually obvious) importance to the plot, and in the end, nothing the characters do matters, because the author simply never lets anything go wrong for more than a page, and in fact eventually codifies the whole thing as being the result of the overarching prophecy that drives both series, eventually even stating that the repetitiveness of the plot itself - down to the shitty jokes the characters keep repeating - is a part of it.
P.S.: The review applies to Belgariad and Malloreon both
If you want just the summary, here it is: Shallow characters, misoginy, nondescript environments, plot twists semaphored volumes ahead, not one unimportant element of the books, same jokes repeated over and over, and the author never lets anything go wrong, and thus my final rating for the series is 2.5 - if one doesn't mind the listed flaws, the books have some charm, as repetitive as its delivery gets across the ten volumes.
Regrettably, both Belgariad and Malloreon suffer from the same issues: Both books have utterly nondescript settings, with the cast always on the move from one location to the next, all of them "unique" only in so much as to show off the author's ideas, ideas that he likely never realized weren't really fully developed, and were completely full of poor cliches and tropes, and the numerous battles across all ten books are descriptions of how each character effortlessly dispatches a number of enemies without so much as a scratch, while making one of their few signature comments or jokes.
The second failing is its characters - characters that are defined almost utterly by stereotypes - both racial, and gendered. As much as the books try to portray powerful women, ultimately, they are all frail, emotional beings that defer to men's decisions, and gush about dresses, babies, romance, while men do what needs to be done, and protect them, which alone is enough to ruin any chance of the books appealing to me - you can't have an immortal sorceress or a prophesized "Queen of the World" act like spoiled brats paralyzed to tears by news of a near-stranger's death who constantly nag the male protagonists to not drink alcohol, dress properly, and use courteous language, all while playing no role whatsoever in anything of any real importance. If this isn't enough to put you off just yet, the male characters are really not much better - none of them have any real personality.
The third failing, and the final nail to the coffin, is the simple fact that /nothing/ drives the plot of the books, and there is no tension whatsoever. The author telegraphs what's supposed to be plot twists books ahead, never introduces a single character, place, or element without (usually obvious) importance to the plot, and in the end, nothing the characters do matters, because the author simply never lets anything go wrong for more than a page, and in fact eventually codifies the whole thing as being the result of the overarching prophecy that drives both series, eventually even stating that the repetitiveness of the plot itself - down to the shitty jokes the characters keep repeating - is a part of it.
P.S.: The review applies to Belgariad and Malloreon both
August 30, 2016
4.5 stars
NON SPOILER TERRITORY !!
AMAZING
The Mallorean is the sequel to the Belgariad, David Eddings most popular fantasy series.
It was so fun to be back in this world, to see all the characters we knew and loved, all grown up. It was so cool to see the friendships rekindle, years after the events in the Belgariad. This instalment seemed more lighthearted and fluffy than the original series, and over all more simple to follow, especially since we now know more about the world and the different cultures and people.
Thankyou David Eddings for letting me see some of my favourite characters again.
SPOILER TERRITORY!!!
A lot happened in this book, I mean a lot !!!!!
We see Errand, Polgara, Durnik and Belgarath back in the Vale living their little lives in a cottage. Spending the seasons tending to their crops and Durnik building fun little playgrounds for Errand to play on. It's so adorable!!!
And Garion and Ce'Nedra in the West!!! OMG Ce'Nedra was adorable, she still had her little spunk in her that made me absolutely fall in love with her during the Belgariad.
When little Geran was taken i was like "AHHHH I WANT TO SEE A MINI GARION". That whole chase after him was ridiculous, the squad the Belgariad was on the case, tracking down the Bear-Cult. But then when we think everything is going to end well, we find out the baby was taken by to damn snake people!!! Bloody hell!!!
Can't wait to read book two!!!!
NON SPOILER TERRITORY !!
AMAZING
The Mallorean is the sequel to the Belgariad, David Eddings most popular fantasy series.
It was so fun to be back in this world, to see all the characters we knew and loved, all grown up. It was so cool to see the friendships rekindle, years after the events in the Belgariad. This instalment seemed more lighthearted and fluffy than the original series, and over all more simple to follow, especially since we now know more about the world and the different cultures and people.
Thankyou David Eddings for letting me see some of my favourite characters again.
SPOILER TERRITORY!!!
A lot happened in this book, I mean a lot !!!!!
We see Errand, Polgara, Durnik and Belgarath back in the Vale living their little lives in a cottage. Spending the seasons tending to their crops and Durnik building fun little playgrounds for Errand to play on. It's so adorable!!!
And Garion and Ce'Nedra in the West!!! OMG Ce'Nedra was adorable, she still had her little spunk in her that made me absolutely fall in love with her during the Belgariad.
When little Geran was taken i was like "AHHHH I WANT TO SEE A MINI GARION". That whole chase after him was ridiculous, the squad the Belgariad was on the case, tracking down the Bear-Cult. But then when we think everything is going to end well, we find out the baby was taken by to damn snake people!!! Bloody hell!!!
Can't wait to read book two!!!!
December 8, 2021
Three and a half, fate and free will is a problem, it's not that well done. Characteristics of one race(the term is used in a weird way in the book) are used for every single being that's a part of it. Characteristics based on age are a bit suspicious as well. Banter between characters is the best part of the book
March 18, 2023
Simple, traditional fantasy. Is there anything more cozy than that?
March 21, 2016
How does one describe fantasy? Hints of the medieval with a dash of something magical and an epic adventure that will take you to the ends of the earth. Eddings definitely embodies that with this series launch. He had me captivated from cover to cover.
The variety of different lands that we visit and peoples we meet are all equally well developed and easy to get to know. These lands come to life in a vivid manner that is the perfect backdrop for this epic tale. This novel is character intensive throughout, especially at the beginning as we get into the story proper. The plot is still action and adventure intensive and we get to know the characters as they’re being themselves.
The characters in this novel are a lot of fun. They had me laughing left, right and centre while taking me on an epic adventure. I love how vivid each of these individuals was. I enjoyed my time with each of them, well, most of them anyways. Ce’Nedra’s was childish and annoying throughout. Her whininess kind of ruined the story for me at times. Conversely, Silk was absolutely priceless. Every time that he walked onto the page I knew that something amazing was going to happen. I absolutely loved getting back with the characters from the Belgariad, yet this novel is set up so that readers can easily dive into this spin off from here.
The variety of different lands that we visit and peoples we meet are all equally well developed and easy to get to know. These lands come to life in a vivid manner that is the perfect backdrop for this epic tale. This novel is character intensive throughout, especially at the beginning as we get into the story proper. The plot is still action and adventure intensive and we get to know the characters as they’re being themselves.
The characters in this novel are a lot of fun. They had me laughing left, right and centre while taking me on an epic adventure. I love how vivid each of these individuals was. I enjoyed my time with each of them, well, most of them anyways. Ce’Nedra’s was childish and annoying throughout. Her whininess kind of ruined the story for me at times. Conversely, Silk was absolutely priceless. Every time that he walked onto the page I knew that something amazing was going to happen. I absolutely loved getting back with the characters from the Belgariad, yet this novel is set up so that readers can easily dive into this spin off from here.
October 13, 2018
I loved it. The way I loved the Belgariad. But there are 4 books to go so I'll comment when I'm done with the series.
Read
February 17, 2022Since this is my physical copy that I read back in the year 1830, I can't properly leave a rating :) If I revisit it I'll leave an appropriate review.
June 20, 2023
The first book in the sequel to the series The Belgariad, which I read with my fantasy group a few years ago. More of the same thing, and not as exciting to me as the first series. More of comfort read than anything else.
All the old characters are back, so that was nice. Of course they have all grown and life has changed a bit. There have been births and deaths, marriages here and there. However, the quest returns to the same premise and that got old, quickly for me. As I said though, a comfort read and it was a welcome addition to the night stand. I doubt I will hurry a long to the next in series as I did before, but it is there on the nightstand when I need something familiar to keep me reading.
All the old characters are back, so that was nice. Of course they have all grown and life has changed a bit. There have been births and deaths, marriages here and there. However, the quest returns to the same premise and that got old, quickly for me. As I said though, a comfort read and it was a welcome addition to the night stand. I doubt I will hurry a long to the next in series as I did before, but it is there on the nightstand when I need something familiar to keep me reading.
December 26, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed the start of this series reread. I sure have missed these characters.
Guardians of the West is the first book in The Malloreon by David Eddings. This is the sequel series to The Belgariad so as long as you've read that, you'll know all the players involved and basically what to expect from the series since the story follows the same formula.
Several years have passed since the Child of Light and Child of Dark met to decide the fate of the world. A time of peace and prosperity has come to the Kingdoms of the West. The child Errand finally knows what it is to have a family when he goes to live with Polgara and Durnik in the Vale of Aldur. Garion and Ce'Nedra have settled into married life and their roles of ruling the island nation of Riva and work to produce an heir. The Prophecy has been fulfilled. Or so everyone thought. One fateful night the Orb burns red and the Voice gives warning: "Beware Zandramas!" No one is sure who or what Zandramas is though it quickly becomes apparent that the Prophecy is not done yet. Garion once again finds himself in the middle of the struggle between Light and Dark with the fate of the world, and his family, resting on his shoulders.
This was a wonderful comfort reread. I have read these books so many times that it is like returning to old friends, even all these years later. I remember how much the first half of this book used to bother me with how slow it is. This time I found I didn't mind it at all going through the background information, catching up on everyone's lives in the years that have passed. I was a little sad to see some favorite side characters pass away. I am also reminded of just how annoying I find Ce'Nedra now. Thankfully she doesn't feature as prominently as in past installments. The story is still quite enjoyable and just as much fun as it was when I first read it.
Guardians of the West is the first book in The Malloreon by David Eddings. This is the sequel series to The Belgariad so as long as you've read that, you'll know all the players involved and basically what to expect from the series since the story follows the same formula.
Several years have passed since the Child of Light and Child of Dark met to decide the fate of the world. A time of peace and prosperity has come to the Kingdoms of the West. The child Errand finally knows what it is to have a family when he goes to live with Polgara and Durnik in the Vale of Aldur. Garion and Ce'Nedra have settled into married life and their roles of ruling the island nation of Riva and work to produce an heir. The Prophecy has been fulfilled. Or so everyone thought. One fateful night the Orb burns red and the Voice gives warning: "Beware Zandramas!" No one is sure who or what Zandramas is though it quickly becomes apparent that the Prophecy is not done yet. Garion once again finds himself in the middle of the struggle between Light and Dark with the fate of the world, and his family, resting on his shoulders.
This was a wonderful comfort reread. I have read these books so many times that it is like returning to old friends, even all these years later. I remember how much the first half of this book used to bother me with how slow it is. This time I found I didn't mind it at all going through the background information, catching up on everyone's lives in the years that have passed. I was a little sad to see some favorite side characters pass away. I am also reminded of just how annoying I find Ce'Nedra now. Thankfully she doesn't feature as prominently as in past installments. The story is still quite enjoyable and just as much fun as it was when I first read it.
December 10, 2020
This title takes me back. Back to my youth and a time when bookstores were much more plentiful. In a time when you could pick up a second hand hard cover copy of this book for a couple of bucks in just about every used book store. I bought mine from an unassuming used bookstore on Bank Street in Decatur. The stacks were tall, the aisles were dim and narrow, and the proprietor was always willing to share stories of his time abroad in the Service. Man, if I only had half of the gems I remember overlooking on his shelves today...
So with the pandemic never ending my local library is doing some screwy things with their hours and curbside and all that jive. Going in person is really pointless. Good thing they have an app in which I can borrow ebooks and audiobooks. This was one of their newest releases for audiobooks. These make my commute much more tolerable.
I read The Belgariad and the Malloreon probably twenty-five years ago. The remembered details are scant. That was not really a problem because Guardians of the West really just catches you up with the characters from The Belgariad, while also setting up new challenges. Like most epic fantasy series, the plot is very heavily driven by prophecy. The book actually closes with a prophecy that Belgarion must strictly adhere to or darkness will win and envelope the world. Nothing too serious.
Elements of Tolkien shine through.
The narrator, Cameron Beierle, did a fantastic job! So many different voices and accents. Switching between them all seemed effortless and seamless. Bravo!
Recommended, especially for those who still enjoy prophecy heavy, fellowship-like journeys in their fantasy.
So with the pandemic never ending my local library is doing some screwy things with their hours and curbside and all that jive. Going in person is really pointless. Good thing they have an app in which I can borrow ebooks and audiobooks. This was one of their newest releases for audiobooks. These make my commute much more tolerable.
I read The Belgariad and the Malloreon probably twenty-five years ago. The remembered details are scant. That was not really a problem because Guardians of the West really just catches you up with the characters from The Belgariad, while also setting up new challenges. Like most epic fantasy series, the plot is very heavily driven by prophecy. The book actually closes with a prophecy that Belgarion must strictly adhere to or darkness will win and envelope the world. Nothing too serious.
Elements of Tolkien shine through.
The narrator, Cameron Beierle, did a fantastic job! So many different voices and accents. Switching between them all seemed effortless and seamless. Bravo!
Recommended, especially for those who still enjoy prophecy heavy, fellowship-like journeys in their fantasy.
November 23, 2021
Good opening to the series.
Set a little after the events of the Belgariad, the first part of the book covers quite a few years until the latter third or so moves along at a more normal pace. Though the events of the previous series were pretty definitive, there are hints and portents that the conflict between the Light and the Dark might not be over.
So the story in this is very much a retcon and the author spends a fair bit of time scrambling around trying to show how the previous events didn't necessarily show that the confrontation between Garion and Torak was the final event. To be fair they do a pretty good job of it if you take it with a leap of faith, there are a few bits in the previous series that may have shown this.
We also start with another POV in Errand, though Garion does take over for the rest of the book after this. The pace is quite leisurely at first but does pick up for the last half or so. All our favourite characters are back and still retain our affection even though circumstances might have changed for them. Garion is well done in that he really feels like a more mature version of the kid from the first series.
There is nothing new in these books, and modern readers might struggle with the pure stereotypes and archetypical plot points of them but they will always retain a special affection for me. They are a light, easy read though sometimes it kind of be a bit jarring as some pretty dark things are done, mostly by the bad guys but sometimes our heroes do some very questionable things. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
Please see this and other reviews at https://barrysbloodybooks.home.blog/
Set a little after the events of the Belgariad, the first part of the book covers quite a few years until the latter third or so moves along at a more normal pace. Though the events of the previous series were pretty definitive, there are hints and portents that the conflict between the Light and the Dark might not be over.
So the story in this is very much a retcon and the author spends a fair bit of time scrambling around trying to show how the previous events didn't necessarily show that the confrontation between Garion and Torak was the final event. To be fair they do a pretty good job of it if you take it with a leap of faith, there are a few bits in the previous series that may have shown this.
We also start with another POV in Errand, though Garion does take over for the rest of the book after this. The pace is quite leisurely at first but does pick up for the last half or so. All our favourite characters are back and still retain our affection even though circumstances might have changed for them. Garion is well done in that he really feels like a more mature version of the kid from the first series.
There is nothing new in these books, and modern readers might struggle with the pure stereotypes and archetypical plot points of them but they will always retain a special affection for me. They are a light, easy read though sometimes it kind of be a bit jarring as some pretty dark things are done, mostly by the bad guys but sometimes our heroes do some very questionable things. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
Please see this and other reviews at https://barrysbloodybooks.home.blog/
June 2, 2014
After reading the Balgariad series, I was certainly excited to start reading this book! Unfortunately the fist half of this book stops it from being 5 stars. It takes a while to get going but once it does, well I just couldn't put the book down. The ending to this book was both heart breaking and exciting. If you loved reading the adventures of everyone together in the Balgariad as much as I did, then what is too come will certainly be very sad. However I am looking forward to partaking in the journey across the lands with Balgarion again.
April 28, 2022
Always makes me sad and angry even though I have read before. Still can stir heart. Just love these books
September 29, 2024
Read this with my dad.
April 6, 2018
The second series of these books is the ‘unloved series’ it feels like to me. As a teenager I had consumed the first series voraciously and I loved every moment. The premise was cool, I liked the mix of characters and the magical system developed by the author just plain worked. It was all great. I thought and still think (and I am slowly re-reading the series again) that it is superbly written. Not in terms of a classic literary style but because it flows so smoothly. The pace is wonderful and once you get into it, it will not let you go. Hours can pass and you will not notice.
I re-read the first series over and over again.
I only read the Mallorean through once. That was a long time ago. Back then I thought it was the same again, that even the plot took too much from the first and I felt there was too much in the book that relied on fate as a plot device. The characters were following a prophecy that over and over again was too willing to intervene. The trouble with fate or god in a book is that it takes all the edge out of a story when there is a higher authority that can put all of it right.
This is my second read through.
I enjoyed the first book in the series more than I thought that I would. The characters are still very likeable and I was glad to see their return. It's like meeting a gang of old friends and asking them what they have been up to. The actual written style is still very fast flowing and the story rocks along. There are twists and turns I did not expect and, all these years later, I actually cannot recall what happens after the first book. There are a load of key moments in this book I recall but, racking my brains, I cannot recall what is to come next. That could be both a good thing or a bad thing, it might mean I have the joy of the unexpected to look forwards to or it might mean I have blocked out an awful previous reading experience.
I have a lot of time for David Eddings and this world he has created. During dark times of my life it was a place I could go for some happiness. This book is nicely written and while it will not win any awards is a fine read. There are tropes and plot devices that feel too familiar and I’m never a fan of every series being a world ending plot but despite all that this is a journey and am happy to be taking again many many years after I last took it.
I actually rated this as 3 stars and the start of the review. Having written it I’m moving it up to 4 just for the warm and fuzzy feelings it gives me.
I re-read the first series over and over again.
I only read the Mallorean through once. That was a long time ago. Back then I thought it was the same again, that even the plot took too much from the first and I felt there was too much in the book that relied on fate as a plot device. The characters were following a prophecy that over and over again was too willing to intervene. The trouble with fate or god in a book is that it takes all the edge out of a story when there is a higher authority that can put all of it right.
This is my second read through.
I enjoyed the first book in the series more than I thought that I would. The characters are still very likeable and I was glad to see their return. It's like meeting a gang of old friends and asking them what they have been up to. The actual written style is still very fast flowing and the story rocks along. There are twists and turns I did not expect and, all these years later, I actually cannot recall what happens after the first book. There are a load of key moments in this book I recall but, racking my brains, I cannot recall what is to come next. That could be both a good thing or a bad thing, it might mean I have the joy of the unexpected to look forwards to or it might mean I have blocked out an awful previous reading experience.
I have a lot of time for David Eddings and this world he has created. During dark times of my life it was a place I could go for some happiness. This book is nicely written and while it will not win any awards is a fine read. There are tropes and plot devices that feel too familiar and I’m never a fan of every series being a world ending plot but despite all that this is a journey and am happy to be taking again many many years after I last took it.
I actually rated this as 3 stars and the start of the review. Having written it I’m moving it up to 4 just for the warm and fuzzy feelings it gives me.
January 21, 2014
This is not a first book of David Eddings which I have read. The first book was actually Domes of Fire (The Tamuli Book 1), part of Sparhawk Universe. Ironically, both books are sequels of the respective original series. The Domes was successful to persuade me to like Edding’s writing. So does Guardians of the West. In fact, I like this book/series more than the Sparhawk Universe, as far as things go.
If someone says I should read The Belgarion series first, I would agree of it. Better to read Belgarion first, The Mallorean later. It’s important to do so in order to better understand all characters and story setting. Many characters in the prequel are also there in the sequel. Plus, both series background and setting are inter-related between each other. Unfortunately, there are two reasons why I need to read its sequel first. Firstly, I’m too eager to read it. Secondly, because I still don’t have Belgarion series, yet. However, of course, I’m looking forward and trying to collect and read the former series, and in the same time, doing the same thing on Mallorean. Well, I’ll probably re-read this novel when I get my hand on both series in the future, hopefully.
I need to admit that my knowledge on writing concept of fantasy novel is very limited. The genre is not my most favourite. However, typically, it involves an adventure by main character/protagonist (or a group of them) in completing a task bestowed upon them. It’s like going from Point A to Point B. Usually, this is the main theme fantasy. In the Guardians, prior and during of Point A (in order to go to Point B), there are lots of events which may relevant or not with Point A, based on one’s perspective. So, several small stories or sub-plots emerged before we arrived at the main storyline or plot. Same thing also is encountered in The Domes. This feature is maybe applied to all series authored by Eddings. Looks gibberish and boring, but, it made reading more interesting, at least in my opinion.
However, there is one main aspect which distinguishable between Guardians and Domes; description of battle. In Guardian, it’s more vivid than Domes. However, the description is still generic, albeit interesting to read.
If someone says I should read The Belgarion series first, I would agree of it. Better to read Belgarion first, The Mallorean later. It’s important to do so in order to better understand all characters and story setting. Many characters in the prequel are also there in the sequel. Plus, both series background and setting are inter-related between each other. Unfortunately, there are two reasons why I need to read its sequel first. Firstly, I’m too eager to read it. Secondly, because I still don’t have Belgarion series, yet. However, of course, I’m looking forward and trying to collect and read the former series, and in the same time, doing the same thing on Mallorean. Well, I’ll probably re-read this novel when I get my hand on both series in the future, hopefully.
I need to admit that my knowledge on writing concept of fantasy novel is very limited. The genre is not my most favourite. However, typically, it involves an adventure by main character/protagonist (or a group of them) in completing a task bestowed upon them. It’s like going from Point A to Point B. Usually, this is the main theme fantasy. In the Guardians, prior and during of Point A (in order to go to Point B), there are lots of events which may relevant or not with Point A, based on one’s perspective. So, several small stories or sub-plots emerged before we arrived at the main storyline or plot. Same thing also is encountered in The Domes. This feature is maybe applied to all series authored by Eddings. Looks gibberish and boring, but, it made reading more interesting, at least in my opinion.
However, there is one main aspect which distinguishable between Guardians and Domes; description of battle. In Guardian, it’s more vivid than Domes. However, the description is still generic, albeit interesting to read.
February 20, 2023
I am generally less bothered about the portrayal of women in these books than they really deserve, but I do have to admit that by the end of the book, Ce'Nedra's cries of "my baby" WERE grating on me a bit. Totally reasonable! But at least mix in Geran's name a few times???
Still enjoying myself very much.
Still enjoying myself very much.
July 19, 2020
Guardians of the West
Book One of the Malloreon
ISBN 0-345-35266-1
First mass market edition 1988
Cover art bij Edwin Herder
Maps by Shelly Shaprio
Still enjoying the books of David Eddings and check the details of the cover art by Edwin Herder and the maps bij Shelly Shaporio
List of characters:
Belgarath, sorcerer.
Poldera, Belgarath’s wife.
Polgara, daughter of Begarath
Durnik, smith and Polgara’s husband.
Errand, young boy living with Polgara and Durnik.
Beldin, sorcerer.
Belkira and Beltira , twin brothers and both sorcerers.
Cyradis, young blindfolded woman speaking to Errand in the Vale of Dreams.
Captain Greldik, Cherek sea captain.
Belgarion, The Rivian King.
Ce’Nedra, The Rivian Queen.
Arell, Ce’Nedra’s Lady in waiting.
General Varana of Tol Holneth and heir apparent to the throne.
Lord Morin, the Imperial Chamberlain.
Ran Borune, Emperor of Tol Holneth.
Brand, The Rivian Warder.
Kail, Brand’s second son.
Barak, Cherek Captain.
Merel, Barak’s wife.
Unrak, Their son.
Gundred, their eldest daughter.
Hettar, Algar ClanChieftan.
Aldara, Hettar’s wife.
King Cho-hag of the Algar Horse people.
Queen Silar of Algar.
Silk, Prince Kheldar of Drasnia.
Queen Porenn of Drasnia.
King Rhodar the King of Drasnia.
Kheva, their son.
Yarblek, Silk’s business partner.
Margrave Javelin Khendon, Chief of the Drasnian Intelligence.
Liselle, Javelin’s niece.
Relg, an Ulgo and friend of Errand and Belgarion.
Tabia, Relg’s wife and last of the Marag’s.
The Holy Gorim.
Cyradis, The seeress.
King Korodullin of Arendia.
Nerina, Barones of Vo Ebor.
Joran, a Rivian glass blower.
Xera, a dryad visiting Ce’Nedra.
Count Valgon, the Tolnedran ambassador at Riva.
Lieutenant Bledik, young Sendarian officer.
Captain Jandra, Rivian sea captain.
Book One of the Malloreon
ISBN 0-345-35266-1
First mass market edition 1988
Cover art bij Edwin Herder
Maps by Shelly Shaprio
Still enjoying the books of David Eddings and check the details of the cover art by Edwin Herder and the maps bij Shelly Shaporio
List of characters:
Belgarath, sorcerer.
Poldera, Belgarath’s wife.
Polgara, daughter of Begarath
Durnik, smith and Polgara’s husband.
Errand, young boy living with Polgara and Durnik.
Beldin, sorcerer.
Belkira and Beltira , twin brothers and both sorcerers.
Cyradis, young blindfolded woman speaking to Errand in the Vale of Dreams.
Captain Greldik, Cherek sea captain.
Belgarion, The Rivian King.
Ce’Nedra, The Rivian Queen.
Arell, Ce’Nedra’s Lady in waiting.
General Varana of Tol Holneth and heir apparent to the throne.
Lord Morin, the Imperial Chamberlain.
Ran Borune, Emperor of Tol Holneth.
Brand, The Rivian Warder.
Kail, Brand’s second son.
Barak, Cherek Captain.
Merel, Barak’s wife.
Unrak, Their son.
Gundred, their eldest daughter.
Hettar, Algar ClanChieftan.
Aldara, Hettar’s wife.
King Cho-hag of the Algar Horse people.
Queen Silar of Algar.
Silk, Prince Kheldar of Drasnia.
Queen Porenn of Drasnia.
King Rhodar the King of Drasnia.
Kheva, their son.
Yarblek, Silk’s business partner.
Margrave Javelin Khendon, Chief of the Drasnian Intelligence.
Liselle, Javelin’s niece.
Relg, an Ulgo and friend of Errand and Belgarion.
Tabia, Relg’s wife and last of the Marag’s.
The Holy Gorim.
Cyradis, The seeress.
King Korodullin of Arendia.
Nerina, Barones of Vo Ebor.
Joran, a Rivian glass blower.
Xera, a dryad visiting Ce’Nedra.
Count Valgon, the Tolnedran ambassador at Riva.
Lieutenant Bledik, young Sendarian officer.
Captain Jandra, Rivian sea captain.
August 12, 2024
★★★½
This gets a slow start; marital disputes and mundane life events make the first half more of a drama than a fantasy. Things start to build in the second half, and it goes slow but steady. Some interesting turn of events and as we get to the end, Voila! we have a .
This might not have the interesting start like The Belgariad, but sure sets things for the second book.
This gets a slow start; marital disputes and mundane life events make the first half more of a drama than a fantasy. Things start to build in the second half, and it goes slow but steady. Some interesting turn of events and as we get to the end, Voila! we have a .
This might not have the interesting start like The Belgariad, but sure sets things for the second book.
April 4, 2022
》Die Herren des Westens《
🌦Story:
Endlich ist Frieden im Königreich des Westens nach einer großen Schlacht hat Garion gesiegt.
Aber sein Sohn wird entführt und ohne seine Gefährten geht er nicht auf die Suche, um seinen Sohn und seine Enführerin zufinden.
Doch ein weitaus größerer und hinterhältiger Plan hegt die Entführerin um an ihr Zuel zukommen.
🌦Meinung:
Diese epische Saga habe ich schon einmal vor einigen Jahren gelesen. Sie nun als Neuauflage wieder lesen zukönnen ist etwas besonderes.
Auch wenn ich sagen muss am Anfang sind es unheimlich viele Namen, Orte und Geschehnisse mit denen sich jeder erstmal zurecht finden muss.
Aber der Story an sich bricht es kein Bein.
Es ist nach wie vor fantastisch und hat immer noch das gewisse etwas dass es so faszinierend macht.
Eine Geschicht über Gut gegen Böse und mit einnehmenden Charakteren. Einem wunderbaren Schreibstil, der einfach zu einem epischen Fantasy Roman passt.
Kämpfe, Magie, Fantasiewelten und eine interessante Geschichte genau so muss eine Welt sein. Nicht nur das es sich um einen einzelnen Band handelt, sondern eine ganze Reihe. Das allein macht es schon zu etwas besonderem.
Ich bin sehr froh es noch einmal in einer Neuausgabe lesen zu dürfen.
🌦Story:
Endlich ist Frieden im Königreich des Westens nach einer großen Schlacht hat Garion gesiegt.
Aber sein Sohn wird entführt und ohne seine Gefährten geht er nicht auf die Suche, um seinen Sohn und seine Enführerin zufinden.
Doch ein weitaus größerer und hinterhältiger Plan hegt die Entführerin um an ihr Zuel zukommen.
🌦Meinung:
Diese epische Saga habe ich schon einmal vor einigen Jahren gelesen. Sie nun als Neuauflage wieder lesen zukönnen ist etwas besonderes.
Auch wenn ich sagen muss am Anfang sind es unheimlich viele Namen, Orte und Geschehnisse mit denen sich jeder erstmal zurecht finden muss.
Aber der Story an sich bricht es kein Bein.
Es ist nach wie vor fantastisch und hat immer noch das gewisse etwas dass es so faszinierend macht.
Eine Geschicht über Gut gegen Böse und mit einnehmenden Charakteren. Einem wunderbaren Schreibstil, der einfach zu einem epischen Fantasy Roman passt.
Kämpfe, Magie, Fantasiewelten und eine interessante Geschichte genau so muss eine Welt sein. Nicht nur das es sich um einen einzelnen Band handelt, sondern eine ganze Reihe. Das allein macht es schon zu etwas besonderem.
Ich bin sehr froh es noch einmal in einer Neuausgabe lesen zu dürfen.
March 21, 2015
2/10
[Recensione dell'intera serie]
Non è attivamente demente come tanti altri suoi colleghi, e questa è la fine dei suoi pregi. Solito polpettone rimasticato fino alla nausea, straripante di dei e mostri puzzoni e palle di fuoco ed eroi maschi bianchi etero cis come neanche una partita di D&D, tenuto insieme da una prosa goffa e inforigurgitosa (pur se non mancano momenti ironici), zeppa di virgole tra soggetto e verbo. Garion è il classico Gary Stue che insegna a tutti a fare tutto, Ce'Nedra la classica mogliettina mordace e il resto del cast neanche me lo ricordo più - ma mi ricordo perfettamente l'atmosfera sciovinista che trasudava da ogni pagina, la fiera dell'ottusità e dello stereotipo confezionata in pratiche lezioncine morali da prendere e portare a casa. In più, l'intera trama procede grazie a una serie di coincidenze opportune e di parallelismi con la serie che la precede, una fiera del culo pesante che i personaggi stessi fanno notare ad alta voce (!), per la serie: volevo pagarmi il mutuo sulla quinta casa con il minimo sforzo possibile perciò ho copiato tutto ciò che potevo e, quando non avevo di meglio, mi sono addirittura copiato da solo.
[Recensione dell'intera serie]
Non è attivamente demente come tanti altri suoi colleghi, e questa è la fine dei suoi pregi. Solito polpettone rimasticato fino alla nausea, straripante di dei e mostri puzzoni e palle di fuoco ed eroi maschi bianchi etero cis come neanche una partita di D&D, tenuto insieme da una prosa goffa e inforigurgitosa (pur se non mancano momenti ironici), zeppa di virgole tra soggetto e verbo. Garion è il classico Gary Stue che insegna a tutti a fare tutto, Ce'Nedra la classica mogliettina mordace e il resto del cast neanche me lo ricordo più - ma mi ricordo perfettamente l'atmosfera sciovinista che trasudava da ogni pagina, la fiera dell'ottusità e dello stereotipo confezionata in pratiche lezioncine morali da prendere e portare a casa. In più, l'intera trama procede grazie a una serie di coincidenze opportune e di parallelismi con la serie che la precede, una fiera del culo pesante che i personaggi stessi fanno notare ad alta voce (!), per la serie: volevo pagarmi il mutuo sulla quinta casa con il minimo sforzo possibile perciò ho copiato tutto ciò che potevo e, quando non avevo di meglio, mi sono addirittura copiato da solo.
January 16, 2016
With the publication of the Malloreon, we learned an important fact about David Eddings: He only has one story in him. The plot of the Malloreon is essentially identical to that of the Belgariad, and the books suffer from all the same weaknesses. That said, the characters are now old friends, and Eddings knows and writes them better. The likable characters were the chief charm of the first series, and if you enjoyed the first series for that, then the characters may be enough to get you through the second series. Otherwise, don't bother.
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