What do you think?
Rate this book
The Malloreon #5
The Seeress of Kell
THE FINAL RECKONING
Time was running out for Garion and his companions in their quest to recover Garion's infant son and heir. If they could not locate the Place Which Is No More, then Zandramas, the Child of Dark, would use Garion's son in a rite that would raise the Dark Prophecy to eternal dominion over the universe!
Only the Seeress of Kell could reveal the site of that mysterious place--and that she could do only once Garion and Polgara had fulfilled an ancient prophecy in the mountain fastness of the Seers . . .
Kell itself was closed to Zandramas--but her dark magic could force the knowledge she needed from one of Garion's party. She laid her traps and dispatched her foul minions, determined to claim the world for the Dark God. But Garion would let nothing stand between him and his son . . .
Here is the epochal conclusion to David Eddings' bestselling The Malloreon, the culmination of an unparalleled quest across strange lands and among strange peoples--a magnificent fantasy of men, Kings, Sorcerers, and Gods caught up in the seven-thousand-year war between two ancient, opposing Destinies battling to determine the fate of all creation.
Time was running out for Garion and his companions in their quest to recover Garion's infant son and heir. If they could not locate the Place Which Is No More, then Zandramas, the Child of Dark, would use Garion's son in a rite that would raise the Dark Prophecy to eternal dominion over the universe!
Only the Seeress of Kell could reveal the site of that mysterious place--and that she could do only once Garion and Polgara had fulfilled an ancient prophecy in the mountain fastness of the Seers . . .
Kell itself was closed to Zandramas--but her dark magic could force the knowledge she needed from one of Garion's party. She laid her traps and dispatched her foul minions, determined to claim the world for the Dark God. But Garion would let nothing stand between him and his son . . .
Here is the epochal conclusion to David Eddings' bestselling The Malloreon, the culmination of an unparalleled quest across strange lands and among strange peoples--a magnificent fantasy of men, Kings, Sorcerers, and Gods caught up in the seven-thousand-year war between two ancient, opposing Destinies battling to determine the fate of all creation.
374 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 3, 1991
143 people are currently reading
5628 people want to read
About the author
David Eddings
220 books5,559 followersDavid Eddings was an American author who wrote several best-selling series of epic fantasy novels. David Eddings' wife,
Leigh Eddings
, was an uncredited co-author on many of his early books, but he had later acknowledged that she contributed to them all.
They adopted one boy in 1966, Scott David, then two months old. They adopted a younger girl between 1966 and 1969. In 1970 the couple lost custody of both children and were each sentenced to a year in jail in separate trials after pleading guilty to 11 counts of physical child abuse. Though the nature of the abuse, the trial, and the sentencing were all extensively reported in South Dakota newspapers at the time, these details did not resurface in media coverage of the couple during their successful joint career as authors, only returning to public attention several years after both had died.
After both served their sentences, David and Leigh Eddings moved to Denver in 1971, where David found work in a grocery store.
David Eddings' first books (which were general fiction) sold moderately well. He later switched to writing epic fantasy, a field in which he achieved great success. In a recent interview with sffworld.com, he said: "I don't take orders from readers."
On January 26, 2007 it was reported that Eddings accidentally burned about a quarter of his office, next door to his house, along with his Excalibur sports car, and the original manuscripts for most of his novels. He was flushing the fuel tank of the car with water when he lit a piece of paper and threw into the puddle to test if it was still flammable.
On February 28, 2007, David Eddings' wife, Leigh Eddings (born Judith Leigh Schall), died following a series of strokes. She was 69.
David Eddings died on June 2, 2009 at the age of 77.
They adopted one boy in 1966, Scott David, then two months old. They adopted a younger girl between 1966 and 1969. In 1970 the couple lost custody of both children and were each sentenced to a year in jail in separate trials after pleading guilty to 11 counts of physical child abuse. Though the nature of the abuse, the trial, and the sentencing were all extensively reported in South Dakota newspapers at the time, these details did not resurface in media coverage of the couple during their successful joint career as authors, only returning to public attention several years after both had died.
After both served their sentences, David and Leigh Eddings moved to Denver in 1971, where David found work in a grocery store.
David Eddings' first books (which were general fiction) sold moderately well. He later switched to writing epic fantasy, a field in which he achieved great success. In a recent interview with sffworld.com, he said: "I don't take orders from readers."
On January 26, 2007 it was reported that Eddings accidentally burned about a quarter of his office, next door to his house, along with his Excalibur sports car, and the original manuscripts for most of his novels. He was flushing the fuel tank of the car with water when he lit a piece of paper and threw into the puddle to test if it was still flammable.
On February 28, 2007, David Eddings' wife, Leigh Eddings (born Judith Leigh Schall), died following a series of strokes. She was 69.
David Eddings died on June 2, 2009 at the age of 77.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 517 reviews
March 10, 2017
Right. I'm going to talk about all five books because I have just read them head-to-head so to speak.
First thing to say is I'm a fan of Eddings, and I don't subscribe to the view that there is anything at all wrong with writing stuff that is entertaining. So if you are expecting me to go off on one about how this would be better if it was darker, or how it adds nothing to the sum of human knowledge you are about to be very disappointed.
This is over all an entertaining quintet and I am fond of its essential innocence. I also like the way it rolls along at a brisk clip-after a bit of a slow start in volume one. You know good will triumph in the end, and that's what you want if you opt to read so-caked soft fantasy.
I am also enamoured of Eddings as a writer. He's good, and immerses you in his world without suffocating you.
What I don't like is Polgara, who gets right up my nose -too much uber mother and superiority. I also find myself wishing that Garion was less nice. But that could be just me.
All in all I'd recommend this as a warming winter read to be taken in front of a roaring fire with a dog on your feet.
I still prefer the Sparhawk books, but I'll always go back and give The Belgariad and The Malloreon a read every now and again.
Go on. You know you want to
First thing to say is I'm a fan of Eddings, and I don't subscribe to the view that there is anything at all wrong with writing stuff that is entertaining. So if you are expecting me to go off on one about how this would be better if it was darker, or how it adds nothing to the sum of human knowledge you are about to be very disappointed.
This is over all an entertaining quintet and I am fond of its essential innocence. I also like the way it rolls along at a brisk clip-after a bit of a slow start in volume one. You know good will triumph in the end, and that's what you want if you opt to read so-caked soft fantasy.
I am also enamoured of Eddings as a writer. He's good, and immerses you in his world without suffocating you.
What I don't like is Polgara, who gets right up my nose -too much uber mother and superiority. I also find myself wishing that Garion was less nice. But that could be just me.
All in all I'd recommend this as a warming winter read to be taken in front of a roaring fire with a dog on your feet.
I still prefer the Sparhawk books, but I'll always go back and give The Belgariad and The Malloreon a read every now and again.
Go on. You know you want to
April 16, 2009
By the time I got to the end of this series, I realised David Eddings wasn't for me anymore.
April 18, 2023
Traditional fantasy never fails to hit the right spot, and it doesn't get more traditional than David Eddings. i didn't think it was quite as good as the first series, but it was still very enjoyable. Would definitely recommend it to anyone who's interested in simple, classical fantasy.
4.25/5 stars
4.25/5 stars
March 26, 2011
It's great to re-visit the characters from The Belgariad and see them in action again; unfortunately, that's the best thing that can be said about the series. It's not that it's bad; it's a completely enjoyable read. However, Eddings fails to move forward with his writing and, instead, gives us what is essentially the same plot from The Belgariad over again. If you've read The Belgariad and loved it, you should certainly read The Mallorean, as well. If you're hoping for something new, though, move on to some other author. Eddings continues to re-hash the plot from The Belgariad throughout most of the rest of his writing career. The problem is that he never does it better than he did in The Belgariad, so there's no reason to read anything else.
December 27, 2017
*This review contains spoilers for the previous books in the series as well as very light spoilers for this book.
Getting to the end of this series always makes me feel a bit pensive. Of course, since there are 11 books (total) in the Belgariad and the Mallorean, I see another re-read in my near future.
I have to say that I’m starting to think that The Seeress of Kell is my favorite book in this five book series. There’s so many parts that I just get a kick out of.
I love the bromance between Belgarion & 'Zakath. I love how Garion keeps asking 'Zakath "are you sure you're not an Arend?" LOL! During the previous series Garion only had Ce'Nedra as a real friend and all the others were much, much older than he and always in a position of authority over him.
Another one of my favorite parts is everything Dal Pevior (sp?). I adored basically every moment of that. :-D
I also love everything with the wolves. My only issue with the wolves is that Eddings (once again) directly contradicts himself! Supposedly it impossible for wolves to lie because you cannot lie in thought. The wolf was shocked when she learned the man-things can tell untruths. Ok, so this is a rule. Not possible to lie. So why does Eddings show the female wolf lying quite often?!
I wish [Eddings] would just make up his mind!
Not to forget my women characterization theme, let’s take a look at Vella. Vella is a Nadrak woman who is currently owned by Yarblek (Silk’s Nadrak partner). Vella is described as heartbreakingly lovely and extremely feisty. She typically dresses in tight leather pants with a tight leather vest and her multiple daggers on display. Occasionally Vella dresses in thin (almost translucent) Malloreon dress in order to dance (almost all Nadrak women dress this way to dance – and all the dances are for the entertainment of [large] groups of men. Supposedly this dance (which ends with a sensual strut) shows the woman’s power.) *rolls eyes*
Moving on from Vella, let’s revisit Zandramas. As I mentioned (in a previous review), there appears to be some sort of parallel between promiscuity, nudity and being a woman antagonist. I feel like I’m not saying that right but hey, you get the drift. In almost every situation where there is a woman who isn’t Light, she’s also “a slut.” Good to know.
When a demon was compelled to confess who he was “working for,” he replied…
When Zandramas has a chance to try to beguile Belgarion into becoming a traitor to the Light, she immediately offers him sex:
Of course, you almost never see slut shaming without the required consequences. In this situation, after Zandramas is defeated, she is stripped naked in front of her enemies. I felt that was overkill, to be honest. She’s already defeated – so why is it necessary to strip her naked? Are we just rubbing salt in the wound? I do concede that it wasn’t difficult to strip her naked – Eddings had her wearing only her Grolim robe (but it’s satin!) for the entire series.
Getting to the end of this series always makes me feel a bit pensive. Of course, since there are 11 books (total) in the Belgariad and the Mallorean, I see another re-read in my near future.
I have to say that I’m starting to think that The Seeress of Kell is my favorite book in this five book series. There’s so many parts that I just get a kick out of.
I love the bromance between Belgarion & 'Zakath. I love how Garion keeps asking 'Zakath "are you sure you're not an Arend?" LOL! During the previous series Garion only had Ce'Nedra as a real friend and all the others were much, much older than he and always in a position of authority over him.
Another one of my favorite parts is everything Dal Pevior (sp?). I adored basically every moment of that. :-D
I also love everything with the wolves. My only issue with the wolves is that Eddings (once again) directly contradicts himself! Supposedly it impossible for wolves to lie because you cannot lie in thought. The wolf was shocked when she learned the man-things can tell untruths. Ok, so this is a rule. Not possible to lie. So why does Eddings show the female wolf lying quite often?!
I wish [Eddings] would just make up his mind!
Not to forget my women characterization theme, let’s take a look at Vella. Vella is a Nadrak woman who is currently owned by Yarblek (Silk’s Nadrak partner). Vella is described as heartbreakingly lovely and extremely feisty. She typically dresses in tight leather pants with a tight leather vest and her multiple daggers on display. Occasionally Vella dresses in thin (almost translucent) Malloreon dress in order to dance (almost all Nadrak women dress this way to dance – and all the dances are for the entertainment of [large] groups of men. Supposedly this dance (which ends with a sensual strut) shows the woman’s power.) *rolls eyes*
The factor was a squinty-eyed Nadrak name is Zelmit, who was probably almost as untrustworthy as he looked. Vella had never really liked him and she customarily loosened her daggers in their sheaths whenever she came into his presence, making very sure that he saw her doing so to be certain that there would be no misunderstandings. Technically, of course, Vella was one of Yarblek's possessions, and Zelmit had a reputation for making rather free with the things that belong to his employer.
P317 Omnibus Edition
Since the age of 12, she had always relied on her daggers to ward off any unwanted attention. Although she had seldom been obliged to kill anyone – except for a few enthusiasts – she had nonetheless established a reputation for being a girl no sensible man would attempt. Sometimes that rankled a bit, though, since there were times when Vella might have welcomed an attempt. A nick or two in some unimportant places upon an ardent admirer would sustain her honor, and then – well, who knows?
P319 Omnibus Edition
Moving on from Vella, let’s revisit Zandramas. As I mentioned (in a previous review), there appears to be some sort of parallel between promiscuity, nudity and being a woman antagonist. I feel like I’m not saying that right but hey, you get the drift. In almost every situation where there is a woman who isn’t Light, she’s also “a slut.” Good to know.
When a demon was compelled to confess who he was “working for,” he replied…
"[redacted] and I contended with each other, in truth, but our contention was not on behalf of mad Urvon or sluttish Zandramas."
P438 Omnibus Edition
When Zandramas has a chance to try to beguile Belgarion into becoming a traitor to the Light, she immediately offers him sex:
"...[Belgarion] canst put aside thine earthly wife, who is not, after all, human, and thou and I could mate. Thou couldst father a race of gods upon me, Belgarion, and we could sate each other with unearthly delights. Thou wilt find me fair, King of Riva, as all men have, and I will consume thy days with the passion of the gods, and we will share in the meeting of Light and Dark."
P444 Omnibus Edition
Of course, you almost never see slut shaming without the required consequences. In this situation, after Zandramas is defeated, she is stripped naked in front of her enemies. I felt that was overkill, to be honest. She’s already defeated – so why is it necessary to strip her naked? Are we just rubbing salt in the wound? I do concede that it wasn’t difficult to strip her naked – Eddings had her wearing only her Grolim robe (but it’s satin!) for the entire series.
Zandramas shrank back even more. "Don't touch me," she said.
"It is not thee I would touch, Zandramas , but thy raiment. I would see thee receive thy reward and thine exaltation." Poledra tore back the satin hood and ripped the black robe away. Zandramas made no attempt to conceal her nakedness, for indeed, there was no nakedness. Omnibus Edition
December 4, 2022
3,75/5 ⭐
January 17, 2018
"It has come at last," Garion's inner companion said unemotionally through the Child of Light's* lips. "It is the instant of the Choice. Choose, Cyradis, lest all be destroyed."
"It has come," another equally unemotional voice spoke through the lips of the Child of Dark*. "It is the instant of the Choice. Choose, Cyradis, lest all be destroyed."
The Seeress of Kell is the fifth and final book in The Malloreon by David Eddings. And quite an end it is! The quest draws to a close as the final riddles are solved so the meeting of Light and Dark can happen to decide the fate of the world. Zandramas strives until the bitter end to thwart her opponent. Garion must stay resolute to prevent the world from sliding into darkness even if it means he must kill his own son.
It is a great ending to the series. All story threads are wrapped up, including a couple items from book one that had been left dangling. I've been with these characters for so long now that they feel like old friends and it is the character dynamics that has been the most enjoyable part of my reread. Sometimes it's hard for an author to keep track of all the characters when a series focuses on a fairly large group and I'd say Eddings is successful at giving everyone their own voice. The ending does have its bittersweet moment though. I'm quite glad to have made the journey again and am a little sad for it to be over.
*Quote changed slightly to prevent spoilers.
"It has come," another equally unemotional voice spoke through the lips of the Child of Dark*. "It is the instant of the Choice. Choose, Cyradis, lest all be destroyed."
The Seeress of Kell is the fifth and final book in The Malloreon by David Eddings. And quite an end it is! The quest draws to a close as the final riddles are solved so the meeting of Light and Dark can happen to decide the fate of the world. Zandramas strives until the bitter end to thwart her opponent. Garion must stay resolute to prevent the world from sliding into darkness even if it means he must kill his own son.
It is a great ending to the series. All story threads are wrapped up, including a couple items from book one that had been left dangling. I've been with these characters for so long now that they feel like old friends and it is the character dynamics that has been the most enjoyable part of my reread. Sometimes it's hard for an author to keep track of all the characters when a series focuses on a fairly large group and I'd say Eddings is successful at giving everyone their own voice. The ending does have its bittersweet moment though. I'm quite glad to have made the journey again and am a little sad for it to be over.
*Quote changed slightly to prevent spoilers.
September 30, 2008
I REALLY loved the Belgariad series, and I so looked forward to this follow up series. I had hoped it would be similar but with new story lines, and adventures.
Instead it was a bad rehash of the same story, but with the extra addition of some pretty ludicrous twists, that caused enough discontinuity with the original series, as to make it hardly worth reading.
You always hear about series that were continued in the blind search to squeeze more money out of fans of the original, and usually I think saying that is unfair. In this case though, it fits. I jumped in with both feet at the prospect of seeing what happens to some well loved characters, and what I got was a series of this already happened... Oh, and we'll change this and completely change what we already said happened before.
I am aware of the literary and movie and television tool of "hanging a lantern" on things too unbelievable to pass, but Eddings hangs so many on this story line that it grew tired instead.
Instead it was a bad rehash of the same story, but with the extra addition of some pretty ludicrous twists, that caused enough discontinuity with the original series, as to make it hardly worth reading.
You always hear about series that were continued in the blind search to squeeze more money out of fans of the original, and usually I think saying that is unfair. In this case though, it fits. I jumped in with both feet at the prospect of seeing what happens to some well loved characters, and what I got was a series of this already happened... Oh, and we'll change this and completely change what we already said happened before.
I am aware of the literary and movie and television tool of "hanging a lantern" on things too unbelievable to pass, but Eddings hangs so many on this story line that it grew tired instead.
August 12, 2023
LupThis is a review for both the Malloreon and the Belgariad.
I used to love these books, they gave me the warm fuzzy feeling of books that you loved as a child and then kept reading as an adult. The first time I read them I must have been 12 years old. In some ways, the two series still resonate with me - I love the world-building. Eddings put so much into the world and its geography. He also did a fantastic job, for the most part, with the people. The cities and towns were a lot of fun, and random people were well written. The concept of an ultimate good vs easy high fantasy story is also a lot of fun. It is easy to understand and the writing flows well. These are all great reasons to love the books. That being said, my most recent reread of these books brought forward and compounded all of the issues I have had overlooked in the past with these books.
I am sad because I think I am breaking up with these books; I have finally grown out of them for good. I am going to read through Belgarath the Sorcerer and Polgara the Sorceress one last time because I love the world Eddings made, but the good in this case just isn't able to compete with the annoyances I felt this time around.
I will say that these books were fun for me when I was younger, and as a starter fantasy series, both the Belgariad and the Malloreon fit the bill. I also think the Belgariad is a much better series than the Malloreon, and many of these issues do not seem to be as prevalent in the Belgariad as they are in tme Malloreon.
I used to love these books, they gave me the warm fuzzy feeling of books that you loved as a child and then kept reading as an adult. The first time I read them I must have been 12 years old. In some ways, the two series still resonate with me - I love the world-building. Eddings put so much into the world and its geography. He also did a fantastic job, for the most part, with the people. The cities and towns were a lot of fun, and random people were well written. The concept of an ultimate good vs easy high fantasy story is also a lot of fun. It is easy to understand and the writing flows well. These are all great reasons to love the books. That being said, my most recent reread of these books brought forward and compounded all of the issues I have had overlooked in the past with these books.
I am sad because I think I am breaking up with these books; I have finally grown out of them for good. I am going to read through Belgarath the Sorcerer and Polgara the Sorceress one last time because I love the world Eddings made, but the good in this case just isn't able to compete with the annoyances I felt this time around.
I will say that these books were fun for me when I was younger, and as a starter fantasy series, both the Belgariad and the Malloreon fit the bill. I also think the Belgariad is a much better series than the Malloreon, and many of these issues do not seem to be as prevalent in the Belgariad as they are in tme Malloreon.
Read
September 9, 2014DONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNE.
This series is RIDICULOUSLY misogynist, so don't let your kids read it until they've read The Order of Oddfish first, or maybe The Hunger Games - something where it's a chick kicking solid ass from start to finish.
I'm basically exhausted from being so infuriated, so I might need to reread Anathem or Melusine again, as a palate cleanser.
This series is RIDICULOUSLY misogynist, so don't let your kids read it until they've read The Order of Oddfish first, or maybe The Hunger Games - something where it's a chick kicking solid ass from start to finish.
I'm basically exhausted from being so infuriated, so I might need to reread Anathem or Melusine again, as a palate cleanser.
August 27, 2024
★★★★
That is a satisfying conclusion. It may not be a perfect last book; there are certain parts that are too predictable and dragging; but you feel content when you finish it.
This series is a "comfort and cozy" epic fantasy, the kind you would like to read on a cold day, sipping a hot coffee, wrapped up in a blanket. It has more or less got a simple plot and magic system but it grows over you because of well-designed characters, their traits, interactions and friendships. The narration by Cameron Beierle adds depth to this, with the individual character accents and makes it a great listen.
That is a satisfying conclusion. It may not be a perfect last book; there are certain parts that are too predictable and dragging; but you feel content when you finish it.
This series is a "comfort and cozy" epic fantasy, the kind you would like to read on a cold day, sipping a hot coffee, wrapped up in a blanket. It has more or less got a simple plot and magic system but it grows over you because of well-designed characters, their traits, interactions and friendships. The narration by Cameron Beierle adds depth to this, with the individual character accents and makes it a great listen.
October 28, 2014
The final book in the pentology, or so we thought
31 August 2012
Well, I have now come to the end of another pointless series of books that does very little to add to the collection of human literature that is pounding our vision these days. A lot of people do seem to have liked these books and I must admit that when I was a teenager I was one of them, but these days I hope that books like these will end up being confined to the dust bin of history and forgotten like the many other books that have vanished over the centuries. It is interesting that I look just below this commentary (I keep backups of all my commentaries on a Word document) and I see Lucian of Samatosa. The reason that I mention him is that one of his pet annoyances was the ridiculous amount of literature that was being published around his time that would forever make him cringe. The difference is that the ancient Romans didn't have a printing press which meant that everything had to be copied by hand, which made books incredibly expensive. Today not only do we have printing presses, we also have computers, which gives us the ability to churn out rubbish like never before.
I have already suggested that some people write because they want to become rich from what they consider to be an easy job. This is a delusion because first of all writing is not easy, and secondly, you are highly unlikely to become rich. Writing takes an awful lot of discipline, especially having to write at those times when you do not want to write. I admit that I like writing, but I have trouble disciplining myself to remain committed to one piece of work. I like writing fiction, but once again, there is the discipline not only to work on the story until it is completed, but to also structure it in a way that the characters are realistic and the story is consistent. In a way that I why I like these commentaries because, even though I do not get paid to write them, I am able to write down my thoughts and ideas in a way that allows me to consider new and different things based upon the book on which I am commenting, and I do not need to structure it in the same what that I would a novel. Also, the idea of creating a realistic character is not necessary, though the essence of discipline is still present. In a way I like writing because it allows me to put these thoughts down on paper (or rather, on the Internet) so that others can read them, and maybe be challenged by them as well.
Anyway, I have not said anything about this book, and as I look at the time, I am unlikely to say anything on this book. All I have said is that this is the last book in the series, and I have said enough about the series in the other four books that I do not feel that it is necessary to repeat what I have already said. I still occasionally read fantasy novels, but most of them these days have fallen by the wayside. I am no longer interested in the Tolkeinesque style of adventure, and in many ways these attempted copies come nowhere near the brilliance of Tolkien's original works. I have read some Conan books recently, but that was more out of interest and to also experience some of the pre-Tolkien fantasy literature. Of course, there are also the books that have been written by friends, and in a way I would not be much of a friend if I did not read their books. However, when it comes to a novel these days I am generally looking for something different, and even then, most of those books end up staying in the bookshop rather than being transferred to by bookshelf (not that I have one at the moment).
31 August 2012
Well, I have now come to the end of another pointless series of books that does very little to add to the collection of human literature that is pounding our vision these days. A lot of people do seem to have liked these books and I must admit that when I was a teenager I was one of them, but these days I hope that books like these will end up being confined to the dust bin of history and forgotten like the many other books that have vanished over the centuries. It is interesting that I look just below this commentary (I keep backups of all my commentaries on a Word document) and I see Lucian of Samatosa. The reason that I mention him is that one of his pet annoyances was the ridiculous amount of literature that was being published around his time that would forever make him cringe. The difference is that the ancient Romans didn't have a printing press which meant that everything had to be copied by hand, which made books incredibly expensive. Today not only do we have printing presses, we also have computers, which gives us the ability to churn out rubbish like never before.
I have already suggested that some people write because they want to become rich from what they consider to be an easy job. This is a delusion because first of all writing is not easy, and secondly, you are highly unlikely to become rich. Writing takes an awful lot of discipline, especially having to write at those times when you do not want to write. I admit that I like writing, but I have trouble disciplining myself to remain committed to one piece of work. I like writing fiction, but once again, there is the discipline not only to work on the story until it is completed, but to also structure it in a way that the characters are realistic and the story is consistent. In a way that I why I like these commentaries because, even though I do not get paid to write them, I am able to write down my thoughts and ideas in a way that allows me to consider new and different things based upon the book on which I am commenting, and I do not need to structure it in the same what that I would a novel. Also, the idea of creating a realistic character is not necessary, though the essence of discipline is still present. In a way I like writing because it allows me to put these thoughts down on paper (or rather, on the Internet) so that others can read them, and maybe be challenged by them as well.
Anyway, I have not said anything about this book, and as I look at the time, I am unlikely to say anything on this book. All I have said is that this is the last book in the series, and I have said enough about the series in the other four books that I do not feel that it is necessary to repeat what I have already said. I still occasionally read fantasy novels, but most of them these days have fallen by the wayside. I am no longer interested in the Tolkeinesque style of adventure, and in many ways these attempted copies come nowhere near the brilliance of Tolkien's original works. I have read some Conan books recently, but that was more out of interest and to also experience some of the pre-Tolkien fantasy literature. Of course, there are also the books that have been written by friends, and in a way I would not be much of a friend if I did not read their books. However, when it comes to a novel these days I am generally looking for something different, and even then, most of those books end up staying in the bookshop rather than being transferred to by bookshelf (not that I have one at the moment).
October 5, 2015
Final rating: 5/5 stars
Final rating - for the whole series ( Belgariad universe): 5/5 stars
I started this series when i first bought first series The Belgariad, but it wasn't my favorite series back then.
I knew there was a sequel series, but i didn't rush to buy it (until all copies were almost sold, then i went into panic and bought the sequel as well). Reading the sequel series, The Malloreon, was unique experience.
The books were much longer, with more interesting story, and it was interesting and funny read. Sad in some moments, but also very very funny. I don't remember i laughed that much anytime recently.
____________________________________________
OVERALL :
____________________________________________
Overall, this whole universe, Belgariad, is worth reading once you get past the first five, also very very short, books. I liked them too, but i didn't love them as much as i love the sequel. In any case, this series is worth reading.
____________________________________________
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
____________________________________________
REVIEW(S) RELATED TO THIS BOOK:
◈ Pawn of Prophecy (The Belgariad #1)
Final rating - for the whole series ( Belgariad universe): 5/5 stars
I started this series when i first bought first series The Belgariad, but it wasn't my favorite series back then.
I knew there was a sequel series, but i didn't rush to buy it (until all copies were almost sold, then i went into panic and bought the sequel as well). Reading the sequel series, The Malloreon, was unique experience.
The books were much longer, with more interesting story, and it was interesting and funny read. Sad in some moments, but also very very funny. I don't remember i laughed that much anytime recently.
____________________________________________
OVERALL :
____________________________________________
Overall, this whole universe, Belgariad, is worth reading once you get past the first five, also very very short, books. I liked them too, but i didn't love them as much as i love the sequel. In any case, this series is worth reading.
____________________________________________
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
____________________________________________
REVIEW(S) RELATED TO THIS BOOK:
◈ Pawn of Prophecy (The Belgariad #1)
July 29, 2015
This is the fifth and final in the Malloreon series and finds all the separate threads being brought together in an intense and epic finale that is worthy of the series as a whole. Every character faces their own challenges with Garion is deceived into wasting precious time following red herrings set by Naradas and Cyradis having to face the choice between Light and Dark without the aid of her trusted Toth, risking everything in the process. Once again Eddings grips us with his characters and even though deep down we know all will be well there is a small element of doubt that keeps you reading to the very end. A tried and tested series that adds nothing but good things to the world.
July 17, 2014
Now, what to say about the final book?! Reading this series has opened me up to a whole new thinking of fantasy, I liked it before hand but not now I just love reading it! A lot happens in this book and none of it is boring. You will be gripped when reading this book and will both want to continue reading and not read it at the same time. I found myself struggling between needing to know what would happen and not wanting to finish it too quickly. When I did finish, I felt very empty, I hadn't realised how much I loved both the Malleorean or Balgariad until that moment! Definitely two series worth reading!
May 25, 2016
What a fantastic ending to a great series. The plot of the entire series comes to a head with shocking clarity. The way that all of the different parts of the story are wrapped up was rewarding. At the same time, the forward progression of the tale and the intricate world building never ceases.
The dynamic between the members of the group is so well defined by this point in the series that I felt as if I were part of it. Each individual has captured a piece of my heart throughout the series yet they still managed to shine in unexpected ways throughout this novel.
The ending of this novel was a bittersweet moment. It was a brilliant journey but I’m sad to see it end.
The dynamic between the members of the group is so well defined by this point in the series that I felt as if I were part of it. Each individual has captured a piece of my heart throughout the series yet they still managed to shine in unexpected ways throughout this novel.
The ending of this novel was a bittersweet moment. It was a brilliant journey but I’m sad to see it end.
April 22, 2023
Is this actually a five star read? Probably not. But this whole experience has on the whole been a five star one and if the academy awards can claim Return of the King is worthy of a billion Oscars for being last, I can make this five stars for being last.
Very glad to have returned to this world and these characters. So much of this entire series is probably where many of my reading buttons come from and also in many ways why so many more interesting modern fantasy series DON'T work for me. At heart I am a simple creature who likes simple stories and when you start playing with form and breaking convention, I'm just not always willing to go along for the ride.
I am bereft that it appears Belgarath and Polgara's books are seemingly not available via any of my libraries and they're so big that I'm not sure I'm going to be able to convince myself to read them with my hands. But we'll see. I definitely at least want to read the part about Polgara in Arendia. I have pretty vivid memories of that and I'd like to see if they're accurate.
What beloved series from my youth should I explore on audio next??
Very glad to have returned to this world and these characters. So much of this entire series is probably where many of my reading buttons come from and also in many ways why so many more interesting modern fantasy series DON'T work for me. At heart I am a simple creature who likes simple stories and when you start playing with form and breaking convention, I'm just not always willing to go along for the ride.
I am bereft that it appears Belgarath and Polgara's books are seemingly not available via any of my libraries and they're so big that I'm not sure I'm going to be able to convince myself to read them with my hands. But we'll see. I definitely at least want to read the part about Polgara in Arendia. I have pretty vivid memories of that and I'd like to see if they're accurate.
What beloved series from my youth should I explore on audio next??
September 7, 2025
" ... artık bu kitabı kapama zamanı geldi. Başka günlerimiz ve başka hikayeler de olacak ama bu hikaye burada bitti."
July 18, 2017
As I finished the last book in David Eddings’ MALLOREON, I sat back and thought about the five books in the series. I like David Eddings and he one of the first fantasy authors I read growing up. I fell in love with his characters and their interactions with one another. I enjoyed the sense of humor, sarcasm, and wit each of them portrayed. I have fond memories of the BELGARIAD and the MALLOREON and think they are part of the golden age of fantasy, where heroes are good, villains are pure evil and there is a happy ending for those on the side of right.
The MALLOREON series was good. I got to see the characters I love on another quest and get to know them better, and that’s why I re-visted this series. However as I listened to the stories I found myself drifting of at times. The MALLOREON is almost a recycled version of the BELGARIAD, and even in one of the chapters the characters make that same observation “that the same events seem to be repeating themselves”. Then there seem to unnecessary side trips with long winded conversations or drawn out scenes that slowed the pace of the story. We are also taken to off our hero’s quest to check in on minor characters, which in a way was interesting but not really necessary to the story. I found myself fast forwarding through many of them just to get the tale going forward again.
With the fond memories I’ve had with the series, I was little disappointed that the re-vist didn’t live up to them. Although THE MALLOREON is not my favorite series out of David Eddings' collection, it was still an enjoyable read/listen.
The MALLOREON series was good. I got to see the characters I love on another quest and get to know them better, and that’s why I re-visted this series. However as I listened to the stories I found myself drifting of at times. The MALLOREON is almost a recycled version of the BELGARIAD, and even in one of the chapters the characters make that same observation “that the same events seem to be repeating themselves”. Then there seem to unnecessary side trips with long winded conversations or drawn out scenes that slowed the pace of the story. We are also taken to off our hero’s quest to check in on minor characters, which in a way was interesting but not really necessary to the story. I found myself fast forwarding through many of them just to get the tale going forward again.
With the fond memories I’ve had with the series, I was little disappointed that the re-vist didn’t live up to them. Although THE MALLOREON is not my favorite series out of David Eddings' collection, it was still an enjoyable read/listen.
February 4, 2017
I have decided that the problem with the Mallorean is that it is too long. Three books would have been perfect rather than five, because ultimately the series is virtually the same as the Belgariad, but with the added bonus of trying to rescue Garion's son and the drawback that half the characters that you loved in the first series barely feature.
What I liked most about this last book is that the meeting between the Children of Light and Dark wraps up fairly quickly, leaving ample time to find out what happens to everyone afterwards. Something that you are often left to guess with a lot of books.
I still struggled with the whole gender basis. Little boys get dirty just sleeping, women disapprove of drinking, love bathing and get emotional at romance etc, etc. You get the idea! It is a shame when all of the female characters are so strong, clever and very much the equals of the males.
Don't let it put you off reading these series' though, as despite my complaining, I do love these characters and it has been nice getting to know them again. 4 stars
What I liked most about this last book is that the meeting between the Children of Light and Dark wraps up fairly quickly, leaving ample time to find out what happens to everyone afterwards. Something that you are often left to guess with a lot of books.
I still struggled with the whole gender basis. Little boys get dirty just sleeping, women disapprove of drinking, love bathing and get emotional at romance etc, etc. You get the idea! It is a shame when all of the female characters are so strong, clever and very much the equals of the males.
Don't let it put you off reading these series' though, as despite my complaining, I do love these characters and it has been nice getting to know them again. 4 stars
June 24, 2015
This is the last book in the Malloreon series and the end was definitely reading through the series if the characters have a special place in your heart. As much as I love the characters and the world that the story is set in I can't help but feel a little short changed with this series. It feels very much the same as the Belgariad series, just rehashed. To the point that the characters are commenting that so much that happens in this adventure mirrors the plot in the Belgaraid just with place name changes. I understand this was deliberate but I cant help feel that Eddings got a little lazy with ideas but wanted the characters to mature, grow and settle down living happily ever after.
All that being said I would still recommend this to people that loved the first series. But if you only liked the Belgariad I would maybe steer clear of this later series as I feel you may just get annoyed.
All that being said I would still recommend this to people that loved the first series. But if you only liked the Belgariad I would maybe steer clear of this later series as I feel you may just get annoyed.
January 14, 2022
A fun conclusion to a series that I've read over and over again. However, I have one specific problem with this book, which will be in Spoiler tags:
Other than that, however, this is an enjoyable book, and it does a good job wrapping everything up. I'd recommend the series entire. It's fun reading.
Other than that, however, this is an enjoyable book, and it does a good job wrapping everything up. I'd recommend the series entire. It's fun reading.
April 4, 2018
This is the final book in the Mallorean and I suppose it is a decent conclusion to the whole series. My problem with this book is a lot of it felt like ‘filler’ with the whole story was just being dragged out to make sure there were enough pages to complete the final book.
I suppose it doesn’t help I am not reading this for the first time, but at times it felt almost pointless reading the story because it was all mapped out by the ‘Seers and the Stars’.
There were a few incidents that kept it interesting and although I didn’t enjoy this as much the second time around, it is still a reasonable read.
I suppose it doesn’t help I am not reading this for the first time, but at times it felt almost pointless reading the story because it was all mapped out by the ‘Seers and the Stars’.
There were a few incidents that kept it interesting and although I didn’t enjoy this as much the second time around, it is still a reasonable read.
July 6, 2015
This is my review of both the Belgariad and the Malloreon. I read both through because I'm a sucker for a series about a long quest. However, it was nearly impossible to ignore the blatant misogyny and racism that permeated each and every book. He goes to needless lengths to make sure all his female characters - even the "strong" ones - are shown to be weak and "feminine" at least once or twice. And don't get me started on his description of non-white ethnicities.
The white male characters are also fairly one-dimensional however, so with that balance, it was a fun though rather mindless swashbuckling romp through a strange little universe with an awful lot of gods and rules.
The white male characters are also fairly one-dimensional however, so with that balance, it was a fun though rather mindless swashbuckling romp through a strange little universe with an awful lot of gods and rules.
September 15, 2010
the problem for me with this series is number 1 its practically a retelling of the Belgariad, #2 practically every character is the same, #3, I think the middle three books are just a bunch of chatter for chatter sake b/c Eddings is very good at dialogue and characters ad we love the characters but these would have been a whole lot better if the series was 3 books than 5. There is just too little plot advancement in the middle frew books.
July 22, 2017
A very satisfying if somewhat predictable ending to this mammoth double epic. I particularly liked the fact that we aren't left wondering what happened to all the characters but are treated to a couple of chapters tying up loose ends and giving us an overview of how their lives continue on, after the final cataclysmic episode.
September 15, 2015
This series became a proper slog towards the end, with plotholes you could drive a bus through and a repetitive nature with the first series that was hand-waved away airily by the authors through some tenuous discussions between their characters. Glad I'm done, to be honest. Nostalgia is the only thing not reducing this to a two star read.
August 17, 2017
El mejor de la saga y con diferencia. Qué pena me ha dado terminarla. Como ya dije estos personajes se van a quedar siempre en mi corazón. No será la mejor saga, no brilla el trasfondo psicológico de los personajes, y en algunos casos la trama es muy previsible. Aún así esta saga tiene un algo especial se la recomiendo a todo el mundo.
May 16, 2018
In the fifth and last book of the series we do not have any particular surprises in relation to what we expect in this genre. Of course, it is through the ordinary something extraordinary can occur, and I think this is what the author does. The book begins in the same way that the previous one ended with our heroes wandering into the war zone trying to find the place of the final confrontation. Then we make a medieval break as knights, joustings and dangerous dragons invade our story. In the third part we finally arrive at the final showdown which is as it should be in a epic fantasy work. Intense and adventurous, written in melodramatic tone, with a very delightful pompous style. The end of the book and the series is a long epilogue, which strangely does not become tiring, closes all the issues and offers an emotional and pleasant closure.
A very good book that is the culmination of a very interesting epic fantasy series . The reading of the series was a very entertaining experience and it offered me some exciting moments. At the same time, it has a "historical" value, as did the author's previous series as a bridge to later works of the genre that he has clearly influenced. For these reasons I come to the end with very good impressions.
Στο πέμπτο και τελευταίο βιβλίο της σειράς δεν συναντάμε ιδιαίτερες εκπλήξεις σε σχέση με αυτά που περιμένουμε σε αυτό το είδος. Φυσικά το ζητούμενο είναι μέσα από το συνηθισμένο να προκύπτει κάτι ασυνήθιστο και νομίζω ότι αυτό το καταφέρνει ο συγγραφέας. Το βιβλίο ξεκινάει με τον ίδιο τρόπο που τελείωσε το προηγούμενο με τους ήρωες μας να περιπλανώνται στην εμπόλεμη ζώνη ψάχνοντας να βρουν τον τόπο της τελικής αναμέτρησης. Στη συνέχεια κάνουμε ένα μεσαιωνικό διάλειμμα καθώς στην ιστορία μας εισβάλλουν ιππότες, κονταρομαχίες και επικίνδυνοι δράκοι. Στο τρίτο μέρος φτάνουμε επιτέλους στην τελική αναμέτρηση η οποία είναι όπως πρέπει να είναι σε ένα έργο επικής φαντασίας. Έντονη και περιπετειώδης, γραμμένη σε μελοδραματικό τόνο, με ένα ιδιαίτερα απολαυστικό πομπώδες ύφος. Το τέλος του βιβλίο και της σειράς είναι ένας μακρύς επίλογος, ο όποιος περιέργως δεν γίνεται καθόλου κουραστικός, κλείνει όλα τα εκκρεμή ζητήματα και προσφέρει ένα συναισθηματικό και ευχάριστο κλείσιμο.
Ένα πολύ καλό βιβλίο που είναι το επιστέγασμα μιας πολύ ενδιαφέρουσας σειράς επικής φαντασίας. Η ανάγνωση της σειράς ήταν μία ιδιαίτερα διασκεδαστική εμπειρία και μου πρόσφερε και αρκετές συναρπαστικές στιγμές. Παράλληλα έχει και μία "ιστορική" αξία, όπως και η προηγούμενη σειρά του συγγραφέα λειτουργώντ��ς ως μία γέφυρα προς τα μεταγενέστερα έργα του είδους τα οποία έχει σαφώς επηρεάσει. Για αυτούς τους λόγους φτάνω στο τέλος έχοντας πολύ καλές εντυπώσεις.
A very good book that is the culmination of a very interesting epic fantasy series . The reading of the series was a very entertaining experience and it offered me some exciting moments. At the same time, it has a "historical" value, as did the author's previous series as a bridge to later works of the genre that he has clearly influenced. For these reasons I come to the end with very good impressions.
Στο πέμπτο και τελευταίο βιβλίο της σειράς δεν συναντάμε ιδιαίτερες εκπλήξεις σε σχέση με αυτά που περιμένουμε σε αυτό το είδος. Φυσικά το ζητούμενο είναι μέσα από το συνηθισμένο να προκύπτει κάτι ασυνήθιστο και νομίζω ότι αυτό το καταφέρνει ο συγγραφέας. Το βιβλίο ξεκινάει με τον ίδιο τρόπο που τελείωσε το προηγούμενο με τους ήρωες μας να περιπλανώνται στην εμπόλεμη ζώνη ψάχνοντας να βρουν τον τόπο της τελικής αναμέτρησης. Στη συνέχεια κάνουμε ένα μεσαιωνικό διάλειμμα καθώς στην ιστορία μας εισβάλλουν ιππότες, κονταρομαχίες και επικίνδυνοι δράκοι. Στο τρίτο μέρος φτάνουμε επιτέλους στην τελική αναμέτρηση η οποία είναι όπως πρέπει να είναι σε ένα έργο επικής φαντασίας. Έντονη και περιπετειώδης, γραμμένη σε μελοδραματικό τόνο, με ένα ιδιαίτερα απολαυστικό πομπώδες ύφος. Το τέλος του βιβλίο και της σειράς είναι ένας μακρύς επίλογος, ο όποιος περιέργως δεν γίνεται καθόλου κουραστικός, κλείνει όλα τα εκκρεμή ζητήματα και προσφέρει ένα συναισθηματικό και ευχάριστο κλείσιμο.
Ένα πολύ καλό βιβλίο που είναι το επιστέγασμα μιας πολύ ενδιαφέρουσας σειράς επικής φαντασίας. Η ανάγνωση της σειράς ήταν μία ιδιαίτερα διασκεδαστική εμπειρία και μου πρόσφερε και αρκετές συναρπαστικές στιγμές. Παράλληλα έχει και μία "ιστορική" αξία, όπως και η προηγούμενη σειρά του συγγραφέα λειτουργώντ��ς ως μία γέφυρα προς τα μεταγενέστερα έργα του είδους τα οποία έχει σαφώς επηρεάσει. Για αυτούς τους λόγους φτάνω στο τέλος έχοντας πολύ καλές εντυπώσεις.
May 1, 2021
Absolut würdiges Finale, mit Allem was so ein richtig guter klassischer Fantasy Roman braucht. Mir hat die ganze Reihe viel Freude bereitet, wenn es auch insgesamt nicht so gut war wie die Belgariad Saga. Aber das Ende war genial, so wünscht sich das mein Leserherz
Displaying 1 - 30 of 517 reviews