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The Malloreon #1-5
MALLOREON VOLUME 1 AND 2 (5 books total) Vol. 1: Guardians of the West, King of Murgos, Demon of Karanda. Vol. 2: Sorceress of Darshiva, The seeress of Kell
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First published November 1, 1992
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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 41 reviews
August 7, 2012
Fairly standard fantasy that nonetheless manages to differantiate itself from the crowd by way of it's light, often humorous and self-aware tone.
The Malloreon is in many ways very, very similar to it's predecessor, the Belgariad. In another series, this could be a crippling weakness, but seeing as Eddings has a tendancy to poke fun at the plots anyways, it becomes less of a problem than one would think. Also, while the plot is generally familiar, new themes are introduced via new characters. All in all, while not revolutionary in any sense, certainly worth picking up for a good read, provided you're a fan of the genre.
The Malloreon is in many ways very, very similar to it's predecessor, the Belgariad. In another series, this could be a crippling weakness, but seeing as Eddings has a tendancy to poke fun at the plots anyways, it becomes less of a problem than one would think. Also, while the plot is generally familiar, new themes are introduced via new characters. All in all, while not revolutionary in any sense, certainly worth picking up for a good read, provided you're a fan of the genre.
May 7, 2016
One of the most pointless series I have come across, it’s a repetition of the previous series based in the same universe. With the same plot and even the same characters only the jokes are worse. The meanest form of money making an author can do, only my perseverance made me finish the series. As a teenager I was a big fan of the Belgarian universe, on my second read after a decade I realized how lame these books are. David Eddings got a flare for writing but without any plot, world making or character growth it’s no fun reading the series. My advice is to stick to the first Belgariad series (even that was a three time as long as it should have been) and skip this one.
April 10, 2008
A great finish to the Belgariad - well worth the read. The story becomes more complex and the impending showdown with Kal Torak is great.
April 28, 2012
This was my first Fantasy series that I really got into and I have re-read the series multiple times. If you love dialog in this style of writing, you will love this series!
August 13, 2015
A continuation of the story of the characters introduced in the Belgariad (with a few additions). Perfect fantasy - not too ridiculous; funny and imaginative.
December 21, 2022
This is more or less a companion series to the Belgariad set slightly in the future; the same characters, the same sort of quest, the same DND-esque party makeup and pacing. I thought the more adult characters made for an overall more interesting dynamic and this is my personal favorite between the two.
As they're essentially one series to me, my review of the Belgariad is just as applicable here:
Eddings has a comfortable and casual writing style. The characters are all likeable, the banter is decent (if reused a bit throughout), and though the story isn't particularly "new", it's incredibly easy to binge reread. As I get older they don't feel like they're quite the masterpieces I used to think they were, it still feels like visiting old friends or watching a movie you've always liked.
As they're essentially one series to me, my review of the Belgariad is just as applicable here:
Eddings has a comfortable and casual writing style. The characters are all likeable, the banter is decent (if reused a bit throughout), and though the story isn't particularly "new", it's incredibly easy to binge reread. As I get older they don't feel like they're quite the masterpieces I used to think they were, it still feels like visiting old friends or watching a movie you've always liked.
June 1, 2019
still one of my favorite extended series, Eddings stories have been with me for decades. I reread them every few years, and always enjoy them. yes, they are tropes, but so well written you will consume them regardless.
November 24, 2019
Couple of days off, food and drink at hand. Not going anywhere until they’re all finished (except toiletbreaks and sleep...)
October 20, 2022
This is the second part to the Bellgariad series this is my second time reading it but i still love it and it caries a lot of nice stuff over from the other books
September 19, 2013
The Mallorean is a harder series for me to review than the Belgariad. The four stars are somewhat of an average, because I do think it has a stronger story and the characters included are more interesting than the Belgariad, but it has a LOT more flaws. And some of those are pretty dreadful.
First let's talk about the thread of sexism that runs through it. It's present in The Belgariad too, but it is more explained as a idiosyncrasy of the time or an opinion expressed by characters who have an old fashioned view in a changing world (except the bit with Merel and Barak their first night at Val Alorn. I'm not really sure how to interpret that one). In the Mallorean it is much more entrenched. Every major battle, the women--several of whom are perfectly competent in a fight--are led away while the men take care of the battle, and comments surface frequently on the frailty and perfidy of women. This is underscored by the complete transformation of Ce'Nedra from the strong young woman who raised an army across several nations in the Belgariad to a weepy, needy, mess who is treated like a child by her own husband. A couple of the romances depicted are determined young women who "snare" their much older men; I also found the idea of the best place for a husband to be during the birth of his baby is away from his laboring wife appalling.
Then, there are the out and out contradictions. One of the few rules Eddings has imposed on his sorcerers is that a sorcerer can't unmake anything--to say "be not" or "vanish" with will behind it means that he himself is obliterated. This is a major plot point in the first series. Then, in one of the opening scenes of the second, our venerated companion does exactly that without consequence. There also seems to be some discussion about creating things: can you create from thin air, or do you need to alter an existing object? We see them doing both, and many, many reader questions occur if the "thin air" option is valid. The use or not use of magic is MUCH more arbitrary in this series than the first.
The plot has more gruesome elements than the first, and more than a little de ja vu may occur. This does become a plot point here, but do keep in mind that every David Eddings novel or series has the same archetypical characters in the same basic story. I found that this was pounded into the ground in later books, but here it still works for me. The details are what elevate it. And the individual surprises along the way.
So why four stars? The characters and the dialogue. Really. In the Belgariad, all the members of the questing group have distinct personalities that are part of the fun of the series, but they are also mostly fighters--straightforward and completely trustworthy. Arguably the best character is Silk who is a thief, spy, and a prince. In the Mallorean he is joined by two others much like him that serve as foil and partners and bring their own brand of scheming to the table. The little in jokes that are carried throughout the story really make it. In this new select group, the new characters bring an added complexity sorely needed, and their somewhat obscure motives help stir the interest and actions of their fellow party members. Even the others we meet along the way are riveting. Urgit, King of the Murgos in particular, is fantastic. And the bad guys are better drawn here.
So if you enjoyed the Belgariad I would recommend The Mallorean. With reservations.
First let's talk about the thread of sexism that runs through it. It's present in The Belgariad too, but it is more explained as a idiosyncrasy of the time or an opinion expressed by characters who have an old fashioned view in a changing world (except the bit with Merel and Barak their first night at Val Alorn. I'm not really sure how to interpret that one). In the Mallorean it is much more entrenched. Every major battle, the women--several of whom are perfectly competent in a fight--are led away while the men take care of the battle, and comments surface frequently on the frailty and perfidy of women. This is underscored by the complete transformation of Ce'Nedra from the strong young woman who raised an army across several nations in the Belgariad to a weepy, needy, mess who is treated like a child by her own husband. A couple of the romances depicted are determined young women who "snare" their much older men; I also found the idea of the best place for a husband to be during the birth of his baby is away from his laboring wife appalling.
Then, there are the out and out contradictions. One of the few rules Eddings has imposed on his sorcerers is that a sorcerer can't unmake anything--to say "be not" or "vanish" with will behind it means that he himself is obliterated. This is a major plot point in the first series. Then, in one of the opening scenes of the second, our venerated companion does exactly that without consequence. There also seems to be some discussion about creating things: can you create from thin air, or do you need to alter an existing object? We see them doing both, and many, many reader questions occur if the "thin air" option is valid. The use or not use of magic is MUCH more arbitrary in this series than the first.
The plot has more gruesome elements than the first, and more than a little de ja vu may occur. This does become a plot point here, but do keep in mind that every David Eddings novel or series has the same archetypical characters in the same basic story. I found that this was pounded into the ground in later books, but here it still works for me. The details are what elevate it. And the individual surprises along the way.
So why four stars? The characters and the dialogue. Really. In the Belgariad, all the members of the questing group have distinct personalities that are part of the fun of the series, but they are also mostly fighters--straightforward and completely trustworthy. Arguably the best character is Silk who is a thief, spy, and a prince. In the Mallorean he is joined by two others much like him that serve as foil and partners and bring their own brand of scheming to the table. The little in jokes that are carried throughout the story really make it. In this new select group, the new characters bring an added complexity sorely needed, and their somewhat obscure motives help stir the interest and actions of their fellow party members. Even the others we meet along the way are riveting. Urgit, King of the Murgos in particular, is fantastic. And the bad guys are better drawn here.
So if you enjoyed the Belgariad I would recommend The Mallorean. With reservations.
March 18, 2013
Пътешествията из странния свят на Едингс продължават и в епиката за Малореа. Петте книги от поредицата следват плътно старата елегия за Белгариад по типа 10-15 години по-късно, като обясняват някои само загатнати истории от първата серия и допълват света с много повече герои и светлосенки от странния Изток, който си остава екзотичен и опасен дори и в реалмии, далеч от ежедневните ни дела.
На Дейвид и жена му не им се налага да измислят кой знае колко нови идеи, но им хрумва една гениална — че животът е обречен да се повтаря поради разделянето на вселените и едни и същи събития, макар и с различни участници, ще следват нашите герои още няколко хиляди страници, докато битието не се оправи на божествено ниво. Случките са все така предсказуеми, героите все така клиширани и едностранни, но пък симпатични, Голямото зло е все така победимо, а Голямото добро оправя всичко с минимални жертви. Очевидно Едингс си обича много героите и не ги пречуква в името на тъмни удоволствия. За тази цел винаги ще се намери някой понатъртен дракон или изплашен гролим, който да послужи за разтоварващо пушечно месо от ежедневните тъги на екипа древни авенджъри.
Тук си е пак и лекият лесновъзприемчив хумор, ежедневността на готвене на мокри съчки, превързване на спукани мазоли и подгизнало мрънкане, планирана да е приближаваща читателите на дълбокоемоционално ниво до процеса на привидно трудната постижимост на великите цели от страна на яката ни команда супергерои. А, и любовта си е тук, но морално подкрепена със сума ти сватби, дечурлига и семейни скандали тип “и най-големият цар е смотан дръвник и трябва да слуша безпрекословно дребната си неука женица с привиден потенциал за господарка на света”. Да, и странният феминизъм си е тук, втъкнат грижливо между редовете от покойната вече, активно пишеща зад гърба на мъжа си съпруга на Едингс. Всичко си е същото, и това е колкото отегчително скучно, толкова и успокояващо качествено. Няма лоши изненади, няма странни непривични обрати, няма моменти на замисляне дали да подкрепяме, или не нечия идея на отбор Добра черешка срещу Зла ягодка. Просто ние сме от по-забавния и чистичък тим, който се отдава на доброволно живуркане и бърсане на детски дупета, ровене на репи и ловене на мрени в крайселския вир, вместо да работи по планове за световно господство или вселенски магии за божественост.
Идилична пасторална картинка на почивка от великите дела по спасяване на светове и богоподобни задни части. Опасявам се, че подобни утопии в днешно време се възприемат като детски приказки и залъгалки за отвратени от света нърдове вместо като качествено и допринасящо с нещо положително за света и интелектуалното ниво литературно чудо. Истината е някъде там — Малореон е Белгариад с повече сватби и деца, но пък какво лошо има в това да попътуваш из незнайни земи с богоугодна цел, сигурен в добрия край и любовта, чакаща те в края на пътя тъй вярна и упорита, както си трябва в една добра приказка. Едингс се възприема добре от хора със светлина в сърцата и надежда в душите, останалите виждат само клишетата, повторяемостта и едностранчивостта на образите. Но пак казвам — няма нищо лошо в това да обичаш приказките, в които хубавите неща се случват на добрите хора. Действа най-малкото терапевтично, ако се откриеш спокойно и без предразсъдъци към възможно красивото.
На Дейвид и жена му не им се налага да измислят кой знае колко нови идеи, но им хрумва една гениална — че животът е обречен да се повтаря поради разделянето на вселените и едни и същи събития, макар и с различни участници, ще следват нашите герои още няколко хиляди страници, докато битието не се оправи на божествено ниво. Случките са все така предсказуеми, героите все така клиширани и едностранни, но пък симпатични, Голямото зло е все така победимо, а Голямото добро оправя всичко с минимални жертви. Очевидно Едингс си обича много героите и не ги пречуква в името на тъмни удоволствия. За тази цел винаги ще се намери някой понатъртен дракон или изплашен гролим, който да послужи за разтоварващо пушечно месо от ежедневните тъги на екипа древни авенджъри.
Тук си е пак и лекият лесновъзприемчив хумор, ежедневността на готвене на мокри съчки, превързване на спукани мазоли и подгизнало мрънкане, планирана да е приближаваща читателите на дълбокоемоционално ниво до процеса на привидно трудната постижимост на великите цели от страна на яката ни команда супергерои. А, и любовта си е тук, но морално подкрепена със сума ти сватби, дечурлига и семейни скандали тип “и най-големият цар е смотан дръвник и трябва да слуша безпрекословно дребната си неука женица с привиден потенциал за господарка на света”. Да, и странният феминизъм си е тук, втъкнат грижливо между редовете от покойната вече, активно пишеща зад гърба на мъжа си съпруга на Едингс. Всичко си е същото, и това е колкото отегчително скучно, толкова и успокояващо качествено. Няма лоши изненади, няма странни непривични обрати, няма моменти на замисляне дали да подкрепяме, или не нечия идея на отбор Добра черешка срещу Зла ягодка. Просто ние сме от по-забавния и чистичък тим, който се отдава на доброволно живуркане и бърсане на детски дупета, ровене на репи и ловене на мрени в крайселския вир, вместо да работи по планове за световно господство или вселенски магии за божественост.
Идилична пасторална картинка на почивка от великите дела по спасяване на светове и богоподобни задни части. Опасявам се, че подобни утопии в днешно време се възприемат като детски приказки и залъгалки за отвратени от света нърдове вместо като качествено и допринасящо с нещо положително за света и интелектуалното ниво литературно чудо. Истината е някъде там — Малореон е Белгариад с повече сватби и деца, но пък какво лошо има в това да попътуваш из незнайни земи с богоугодна цел, сигурен в добрия край и любовта, чакаща те в края на пътя тъй вярна и упорита, както си трябва в една добра приказка. Едингс се възприема добре от хора със светлина в сърцата и надежда в душите, останалите виждат само клишетата, повторяемостта и едностранчивостта на образите. Но пак казвам — няма нищо лошо в това да обичаш приказките, в които хубавите неща се случват на добрите хора. Действа най-малкото терапевтично, ако се откриеш спокойно и без предразсъдъци към възможно красивото.
December 2, 2008
Okay, these books are good. However, while what I said about the first series of books by the same author, 'The Belgariad', holds true with this series; that Eddings is masterful at creating interesting new fantasy cultures and societies, the plot in these five books are exactly the same as in the first five. And I really mean that they are exactly the same, that characters in the book even comment on it...
So, while there are intersting new ideas, there is no new story here. Which makes the series itself rather anti-climactic. Unless you're desperate, read the first series and let it go. You'll only be disappointed in the end...
So, while there are intersting new ideas, there is no new story here. Which makes the series itself rather anti-climactic. Unless you're desperate, read the first series and let it go. You'll only be disappointed in the end...
July 18, 2011
I read these in my younger years - and enjoyed them. Eddings character development is very strong, and his description of the actions are top-notch, with a magic system that makes sense in its way (with notable cause-and-effect consequences). The only reason I gave it 3 stars is because after awhile, it seemed like the same villains repeated. Not to say I still didn't enjoy these villains, but the world itself started to seem 'limited', and the arch-villains rather shallow. The main characters themselves are quite interesting... if I had the time, I would consider re-reading them (but there are so many good 'new' books out there :)
March 3, 2024
Cool series, but not as good as the Belgariad. The Mallorean had good moments, but repeated itself too much. The content was also less clean than the first series, and I would hesitate recommending this series to teenagers. Otherwise, loads of fun stuff, and a good read for those who love the Belgariad. Finishes a few stories, and changes one or two in a way I was not a fan of, but worked all the same.
February 15, 2013
The Mallorean is the next series of five books following the Belgariad. It follows many of the same characters from the Belgariad while adding a few new ones. I hold the value of this series as equal to the Belgariad, though some readers tend to lean towards liking either the younger, or the older Belgarian that we see in each of the series respectively.
November 22, 2008
This is the second part of the Belgariad story, and again, they aren't great. It has some interesting ideas, but one gets the feeling they the author was trying too hard to make a mediocre story into something great.
March 5, 2013
A powerful end to the decology featured Garion, who grew from a farmboy, into the mighty King Belgarion. The series lends magnificent storytelling and all culminates in the birth of a new god from the most unlikeliest person.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2023
All ten (thirteen) books are really well done. The characters are great. The story is entertaining and easy to follow. I don't recall ever finding myself drifting away. I had to know what happened to Garion and his allies. Definitely recommend.
December 8, 2007
Though I didn't like these books quite as much as the first ones that make up the Belgariad, I still loved them, and enjoyed the continued adventures with beloved characters.
December 22, 2008
More sword and sorcery fun from the Eddings.
March 3, 2009
David Eddings is a wonderful storyteller. Very entertaining. Not as good as the Belgariad series.
May 2, 2009
I enjoyed this series too! It was very similar to the Belgariad in plot. However, it was never boring!
Read
October 19, 2009Demon lord of Karanda by David Eddings (1988), 1st ed
January 12, 2011
A great continuation from The Belgarid. Again love this set. Re-read these books constantly
August 30, 2011
See review of The Belgariad. Overall--really liked it, but hated the grotesque scenes of the evil god and his followers.
April 24, 2012
While not as prolific as its prior series (The Belgariad), the Malloreon is a worthy successor to this famous franchise of fantasy novels.
February 10, 2013
continuation of the story begun in the Belgariad.
August 14, 2014
This 5 book series was literally just a rewrite of the Belgariad, with the same plot and everything. But it was great! Even better than the first series.
September 18, 2015
amazing
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews