I waited for 'Belgarath the Sorcerer' with great expectation; hoping to finally know more about Belgarath with his mysterious past; about what really made him the man he appears to be in the Belgariad and Mallorean series; to really know the history of the Eternal Man. In this aspect the book lived up to my expectation, yet I was disappointed in a way. There seems to be some humor missing in Eddings' approach to the whole story. The beginning was entertaining enough but then it started to get boring. This might be caused by the 'I' (that is Belgarath's) point of view of the whole story. I personally think the Belgariad series is the best work Edding has done, with the Mallorean series following close behind. I still take up a book from these two series and still feel the thrill of turning each page to reveal what happens in the next pages (despite the fact that I've probably read the whole thing a dozen of times). It's still worth the time reading it. This is not the same thing I can say about Eddings' prequel to the saga. I haven't picked up this book and read it again from cover to cover since the time I finished reading it for the first time. However, devout readers of Eddings should definitely not miss this book since it offers more insight to the Belgariad realm. It's nice to know more about Belgarath, but this book lacks the thrill and humor of Eddings previous books, which just proves the point that history is not meant to be entertaining

The Belgeriad and Mallorean series are my favorite pieces of fantasy literature - I've read them a couple times, and they are always super enjoyable, and always force me to stay up late reading them because I can't stop, even though I know what's going to happen.

This book (and Polgara) is a wonderful cap to the whole series, going all way back in time. Although much of it is a repeat of what was in the other books, this is wonderful reading since it is all from the perspective of Belgarath, alive these last 7,000 years, and he offers many, many new insights to the events of the books. It's fascinating: construct a whole series with the omniscient narrator, and then write two more books going over the whole thing again, but from the point of views of two characters in the series. Surprisingly, it not only works, it works well, and it's quite compelling reading. And Eddings writes convincingly enough to make one think it really *is* Belgarath who has written this.

Absolutely excellent reading, but of course, you really do have to read the first ten books first. And I can't recommend this series enough. Certainly the best multi-volume fantasy series that has come out (and yes, I am apostate by regarding this higher than Lord of the Rings, but so be it).

Well, this book takes off immediately (I MEAN the same second) after "THE SEERESS OF KELL" and than it goes WAY back. I had the luck to start this right after I finished SEERESS and I must say that it is a nice broadening of the Belgariad/Malloreon series. No, I didn't want to know everything that happend before Garion and his friends left Faldors Farm, I just enjoyed this book because it is a pretty good read and on par with the other works of Eddings (or, as we know now: the both Eddings). People who liked the aforementioned series should definitely read this: It has the same tone and the same style as the other books, only the structure is a little bit different. Well, as you can guess now, I loved it. NOW, some warnings: People who read the BEL/MAL series and want something new, should skip this. The next point: Although this book was conceived as a stand-alone-novel, it isn't. Or it doesn't succeed. I would not recommend this book to readers who haven't read the BELGARIAD / MALLOREON series. Unless "you know your way around" this particular world, you will be confused by this wide array of characters, countries, kings, queens and gods - this book does not work as a guide - it expects you to know already at least something about this world. Furthermore: You'll not understand the numerous side-remarks to the characters from the other novels which Belgarath, the fictional author of this novel, inserted between the tale. You can ignore them, but then you'll miss most of the fun. Finally, a warning to all readers, Eddings-Fans and new ones alike: This book starts REALLY slow. Don't let the first 100-200 pages discourage you, this book GETS BETTER and is a lot of fun. Polgara, I'm waiting for your tale now..

David Eddings is one of the most captivating authors I have ever read, and the Elenium is his best series. Unlike the Belgariad, the hero in this book is not young or particularly handsome. Sir Sparhawk, however, is my favorite Eddings character of all time. The characters in this book are vividly written, and you really get to know and love (or hate) them. The dialogue is witty and will make you laugh for hours.Once you pick up the first book of the Elenium, you can't stop reading until you get to the last book of the Tamuli. The series is wonderful and engrossing.

This series even more than the Belgariad and the Malloreon immortalized the Eddings' in my mind. This beginning was great, this intro is haunting and hypnotic. Sparhawk is NOT Garion the whiner. Now I love and own every single Eddings book there is, but this series while I don't know if I can say it's my favorite, the Belgariad has a special place in my heart being the first series by them that I read, it is definately better written. The dialogue is sharp, the characters memorable and beautiful. The story is epic set against and land full of intrigue and violence. Smarter is another way I could compare this to the Belgariad, it's just more real to me. I don't know why. It's like the Belgariad was written to be a "legend" and the Elenium is as if we are experincing everything all at once for the first time. Everything has a sense of immediacy. If you don't know David and his wife Leigh Eddings, if you've never read a story by them, this is a great place to start. If you love epic fantasy, this IS what it's all about and no one in our day and age does it better. No one.

This is my first introduction to David Eddings and I have to say that I thank my boyfriend, Alex, for introducing me to him. The book is filled with adventure, humor, chivalry, and it's very well written (D. Eddings was a college English professor in a prior career). The book is entertaining even if one is not a great fan of the fantasy genre. It reads really smoothly (no jumps in logic) and I easily got enthralled with it. The plot is rather quaint: a knight must save the world from the evil darkness that threatens to overwhelm the world in which they live while trying to save his queen. But it's thoroughly entertaining because the characters are colorful and believable and the main character is not necessarily a saint. The way Eddings brought elements of social and political allegory is really poignant! What this books editorially says of our world is provocative. I really liked the social, political, and religous comments he makes. Next, I plan to read _The Ruby knight_ and can't wait to read more of Eddings' work.

This review may be abit biased, but in my opinion, those who have slated the book should have another go at it. It is important to read the Rivan Codex to be placed in the proper context of the storyline, characterisation etc. That is onlyif yout have dismally failed to realise the man's brilliance at writing. Granted, David Eddings is not the most prolific writer, but in any creative field, you grow as an artist, and he has shown considerable growth in his other series. Enchanters End Game is a book I shall continue to read, and each time, it will provide fresher entertainment to my eyes. To the reviewer who labels Polgara as a "hag" all I have to say is that you are a mysoginist who is afraid of a woman in power. With your blatant views on females, I do not suggest reading Melanie Rawn's Exiles trilogy. The story is a good one, the ending not to final, but does not leave the reader frustrated. I think the battel with torak is well-written, and was not dragged out for long. The battle of Thull Mardu is a well-written piece and for all the clods out there, it takes precision to stage a battle of that magnitude. I found it delightful reading the battle with the hierachs of Murgodom. So what if the good guys win??? Was Asharak's victory with Garion's parent not enough to satiate a blood lust?? I hav eto disagree with the reviewers who have slated the book. I found it entertaining, worth my time, and would recommend this to anybody who wishes to cut their teeth in the fantasy genre. Thanks

I have read everything I can find by Tolkein. I have read all I can of Tad Williams. I have read hundreds of books in this genre and I can say this series is excellent. This genre is popular because it requires an imagination, and it is there for the readers to have a good time, not to make literary students of all of us. I don't give a damn for character development and plot - I want something that is going to take me away and let my imagination go on a ride. Eddings did brilliantly with this. The last few books were so fast paced, I couldn't put them down. I can't wait to begin reading the Mallorean. If a person wants to do some seriouse literary reviewing then try a different Genre.

'Enchanter's End Game' brings us the story of how Garion travels towards his final encounter with the god Torak, which he will have to fight in order to save the world from a grim fate. At the same time, Ce'Nedra and the others are gathering an army to meet the threat of the Murgo and Malloreon forces which are converging upon the western kingdoms. I will not give away the ending, but this book is as great as all the other books in the series, and gives a suitable ending to the tale.

This is the sequel to 'Castle of Wizardry', and the final book in the amazing series of five books known as 'the Belgariad'. The series is later followed by another five in 'the Malloreon'. The story is the classic fight between the Evil which seeks to rule the world, and the Good which wants to save it, but what really makes the book so great is the characters. They are all very distinct from each other, with their own personality and desires. Eddings manages to keep them all separate, so that they are not mixed together in a faceless group. Instead they each have their part to play in the quest to save the world.

I have read the entire series at least 20 times by now, and it remains my favorite fantasy. It is lighter than 'The Wheel of Time' series by Robert Jordan, which makes it suitable for younger readers as well, but it is great for anyone from around 12 to 112. I think many, like me, read this series as their first fantasy, and it is a great start to get interested in the world of magic and swordfights. There are other great fantasy series, but this series is still required reading for fantasy lovers.

The Elenium series was definitely one of the best fantasy series I have ever read. Eddings inserts humor in every line; there is a lingering amount of his own wit in every character which I found simply fascinating. My love for enchantment as well as the knights of the Medieval era was realized in this series--no small feat by any means. I recommend this series--Diamond Throne, Ruby Knight, and Sapphire Rose to anyone who appreciates magic, adventure, comedy, and romance in the same book.

I have read all of Eddings books, and many other.
Now I do not know how to live without Sparhawk when I finished the last one. I can strongly recommend anyone to start at the first book, but be careful, you will not be able to stop until the last book is finished to the last page.
I am from Sweden and I have read them all in swedish and now I will buy them in english to see if I missed anything in the translation.

Anyone who likes science fiction will like David Eddings. Just loved all books of the Elenium series.

Read this after you read "Belgarath the Sorcerer," since this book picks up where BtS left off.

Queen Ce'Nedra of Riva, having finished reading Belgarath's autobiography, decides to visit her distant in-laws in the Vale of Aldur. Once there, Ce'Nedra's true mission comes forth: she wants Polgara, the immortal sorceress, to "fill in the gaps" of Belgarath's autobiography and write her own story. Of course Polgara dismisses this idea as childish, until Polgara's mother, the divinely wise Poledra (undoubtedly THE most powerful and respected person ever) simply orders her to do it. Reluctantly but obediently Polgara pens her tale...

Born and raised in the Vale of Aldur, Polgara and her twin sister Beldaran were raised by the other sorcerers, since the twins' parents were not there. Polgara was the dark one, quiet and brooding. Beldaran was the light one, sunny in appearance and disposition. Polgara went through a misfit teen stage and lived in a tree for years while bright and happy Beldaran lived in a quartz castle surrounded by love and affection. Soon though, Beldaran, who is mortal, was betrothed to a prince destined to become a powerful king. Polgara, accepting responsibility, cleans up her act and begins the long trip to immortal supremacy. Along the way she learns to harness her godlike magical powers, falls in love with an Arend and gains the title of "Duchess of Erat," is briefly "owned" by a wealthy Nadrak merchant, loses loved ones in wars, pines for her sister, oversees a long line of nephews, and of course, gets exasperated with her father, Belgarath.

Polgara, who came across as cold, scheming, strict, and "waspish" in the Belgariad/Mallorean, here is quite different. She seems warmer, more compassionate, more approachable, more tolerant of people, a bit silly, and still quite serious about what she obviously considers to be the most important virtue, Sobriety. Not quite the same Polgara from the First Ten books. This one is more "girlish" in a giggly sort of way. Polgara the Woman of PtS seemed more realistic than the icily calculating Polgara the All-Powerful Sorceress of Belgariad/Mallorean. Two similar but different Polgaras, and I'm not sure which one I liked better.

Belgarath is even more of a bumbling dunderhead here in PtS than he was even in "Belgarath the Sorcerer," yet Polgara's exasperation and unwavering love for him is still evident. Poledra, who was born a wolf, lacked any real warmth yet remained acceptable in her "wolfishness."

A very poignant part of Polgara's story is her deep and genuine love for the charming Ontrose, a Wacite Arend nobleman. This was very moving, and a bittersweet memory that Polgara had cherished for countless centuries. A disappointing aspect of PtS was the briefness of Polgara's tale of her stay with a Nadrak. This was mentioned briefly in Belgariad/Mallorean, "the time when Polgara was owned by a Nadrak." Now, talk about intriguing! Polgara being led around on a leash and SOLD (although for a goodly amount of gold) to Belgarath? I wanted more; the Nadraks are one of the more interesting tribes of Eddings' world, and while being "owned" is nothing like slavery, it was an interesting position for Polgara to be in. I was looking forward to it and was quite disappointed that the entire ordeal was covered in only a few pages.

The Eddingses should be commended for making the voice of Polgara different from the voice of Belgarath. I'm not saying that Polgara's book was "feminine" or that Belgarath's story was "masculine," just that the two books had two different (although sometimes similar) souls. While not as joyous in temperament as "Belgarath the Sorcerer," PtS was still an enjoyable read. Now if only the Eddingses would grace us with the tale of Beldin!

Recommended for Eddings fans, and for fans of general Fantasy.

If you haven't read the Belgariad (mostly) or the Malloreon, then don't even bother picking this up because you probably aren't going to know what the heck is going on. David Eddings seems to polarize people even more than say, Robert Jordan, there are people like me who have read the Belgariad a million times (and I generally don't read books more than once) and there are folks who spit in his general direction upon hearing the name Eddings. So I'm biased. Who isn't? Like the similiarily gigantic Belgarath, this is basically the three thousand year history of Eddings' world told from the point of view of the woman who wound up guarding the line of Rivan kings for about a thousand years or so. Polgara is an engaging narrator and even though she's going events that we know a lot about already, her perspective is both different from the omniscient narrator of the series and Belgarath's from the other book. The thing I most liked about the Eddings' books (at least initially) was they had a bit of a gentle, homespun quality. There may have been high sorcery and world shattering events going on around everyone but you got a sense of wonder and a feeling that these are regular people being thrust into something that's been going on forever that they have little conception of. Of course that's Eddings' best and worst trait as a writer. He's pretty much incapable of detailing complex emotions in any way shape or form and over the course of seven hundred pages it can get tedious, it's never less than entertaining but you may want to take short breaks from the book before going back to it. It's also very slow moving, because being immortal is mostly sitting around and waiting for stuff to happen. With Polgara being three thousand years old, it takes a while to get anywhere and there's a lot of repetition in events, heck, even the Rivan king names start repeating after a while. Also, for some reason, every fantasy writer except for Tolkein decides that he has to give his or her personal view of male/female relationships, Jordan is notorious for this and it never really bothered me in Eddings until now, perhaps because of said repetition. All the woman are manipulative, but tender and sensitive, the men are gruffy ineffectual, needing a woman to guide them and nobody is ever complete until they are married, and just about everyone falls apart completely when his or her spouse dies. Polgara winds up restating the same point several times, which isn't uncommon in a long, somewhat ramblinh narrative but still jarring nonetheless. Still, there is lots to recommend to fans, Polgara's accounts of how she became a duchess and basically created Sendaria are pure Eddings and the Vo Mimbre section of the book alone is worth the price of admission, if only because it's the only really epic action packed thing there (it was the last clash of Light and Dark before the Belgariad). Definitely a kind and gentle way to say goodbye to a series that has thrilled me more times than I can remember and it was great revisiting all those great characters and events one last time. If you've grown up on Eddings, you owe it to yourself to get this, if you're new, get the Belgariad first and see if you like that, then come back here. It'll be waiting. Or something.

I understand now why some readers gave a poor review of this book. However, they have forgotten that this book was written from Polgara's viewpoint, not from her erratic father's or a warrior's viewpoint. The reading of this story is absolutely necessary for the avid Eddings' reader. It answers many nagging questions. You finally find out exactly what sacrifices Polgara made to bring Belgarion safely into their world in order to satisfy the prophecy. Her story also completes Belgarath's historical recounting of what had transpired prior to Faldor's Farm. This completion of historical events could only have been told by Polgara. I must change direction here and extend my comments to the authors, Eddings. Please do not end the storytelling here. Your writings are exciting reading. I have not read more enthralling characters or events since the Lord of the Rings. I have been reading your work since the publication of the Pawn of Prophecy in 1982. I feel like I have grown up with Garion. I'd like to know what happens to the Rivan throne and Geran; does Belgarion abdicate or retain the throne (he is immortal)? Or what Garion does after Ce'Nedra dies? Or now that events can begin anew, how does their world evolve? Will other prophecies now have potential to intrude upon them? You are masterful storytellers. Please continue with this world. It fills my imagination.

I really was looking forward to joining all the old characters from the Elenium and I brought this book the second it came onto the shelf. I was extremely dissapointed to find out that all the characters I had grown to love were gone. All replaced by a single person with a too sarcastic wit who was playing all of the main characters at the same time. There was never any tension in the story as it was always clear that our hero(s) would always outwit the stupid enemy while making fun of him at the same time. Sadly, I have not even considered picking up a David Eddings book since that day, and I would reccomend that if you like Eddings don't read this book; it may change your mind.

I haven't read anything by Eddings since the Belgariad series years ago. As I recall, I enjoyed it. The first book of the Tamuli series, "Dome of Fire", is a pleasure if you enjoy dialogue between characters and a fast paced plot. In "Dome", the situation and characters appear to be very straight forward. Eddings keeps things moving and the characters are sarcastic in their humor, direct in their conversation, emotional as necessary, and honest(the Elenes) to a fault. The "Bad Guys" are typically distasteful and so far, not too bright. In this book, the bad guys represent very little of a threat. Sparhawk and his "clan" dispatch them handily on every occasion and are never really pressed. But Eddings gives you every impression that the tables will turn and the Elenes will be sorely tested in book three(I assume). My only complaint is that there is an ABUNDANCE of references to events and people that Sparhawk and his group encountered in the past, that may or may not be relative to their current situation. This is a little distracting and keeping track is impossible. Nevertheless, I am quickly reading book 2, "The Shining Ones" for which I have very high hopes.

It seems that all you have to do to enjoy a book by Eddings is turn your brain off. It's been some time since I read the Elenium, and I didn't have much expectations as it comes to this sequel, but yes, the man can still write. Some people here complain that the characters never encounter any real danger, but I don't see that as a bad thing. In fact, what I've been missing in many fantasy books is a certain sense of lightness. You can get tired of savage, breathtaking battles for the victory of the good. I mean, we all know the good _will_ win in the end! So why bite your fingernails off for nothing.

Eddings is a humorous writer, of course, but his language is great and makes me laugh very often. Also he has a certain understanding of human nature. This is not great art, but surely there's worse fantasy writers around. I'll be very delighted to read the rest of Tamul.

I did Love the first 12 books, so you other avid Eddings' fans can relate to my delight when I seen this tome on the shelf. However, for those of you who haven't yet bought it ... wait for the paperback. This novel does provide some interesting information about Belgarion's world, and a great bonus is when we are treated to something that readers rarely get in hearing about the inside thought processes of the authors. However, there is simply too much in here that any observant reader should have picked up in the wonderful first 12 novels (which would all get 5 stars from me), and even worse is the almost bitter, resentful feeling that Eddings relays in his sporadic diatribes to the reader. It's almost as if he felt forced, not by the readers, but by his publisher to produce this book. I, though, remain glad that he did write this novel and look forward to some NEW adventures.

David and Leigh Eddings have done every Eddings fan an enermous favour and privilege by releasing this. The Rivan Codex is the "back story" the working notes from which the Belgariad was produced. Any Eddings fan will love these documents, original style writings that reflect the different chartachers and cultures, from the epic Battle of Vo Mimbre to the History of Tolnedra with notes by Master Jeebers to the Book of Torak. Eddings' show us the basis of their work, the hard work that created this world before the Belgariad was produced. While I would not encourage this as an intro for Eddings work, it is of interest to anyone who loves his work, hs read his work, or is interested in how a grat fantasy work is written. And I think those of us who are into medieval literature woudl also get a kick out of it. I highly recommend this, even just for the intro - where we are told how the Belgariad was written, and the top ten things a fantasy novel needs list is a winner.

Highly recommend it, but read it after the other books - you will get much more out of it! And it looks great sitting beside the others :)

This was the perfect cap to the book series. It let you see into the mind of the author, as well as how each Kingdom and character was developed. Other than the Mallorean Gospels (which bored me to tears), I couldn't put it down! Great book!

Like many others writing reviews for this book I am a fan of the classic Eddings fantasy, the Belgariad was a superb piece of fantasy fiction, the Mallorean was decent sequel series. The Ellenium was good although the parallels to the Belgariad were many, and the Tamuli was just plain campy. It seems after this the Eddingses just quit. Everything after that became formulaic. The Redemption of Althalus was a fun read but about as deep as a mud puddle. Okay enough about their former work. Regina's Song leap out at me for the name of the author's alone, and the premise from the back of the book sounded intriguing, one twin brutally murdered and the other falls into a state of psychosis. She returns to the real world and murders start to happen. Now of course it all points to her, but I was expecting a true plot twist, something supernatural, something scary. I got a slight surprise and if the book ended at page 319 in the paperback I would have given this book two more stars. Instead it went downhill. With less than trilling courtroom drama to a James Bond style car chase I was left not only disappointed but nearly scared off of reading for awhile. With a rehashing of the cutesy camy dialogue that became Eddings' trademark from Domes of Fire to the present I nearly wanted to vomit every time someone said "Be nice." I know this review does not give a whole lot of detail about the book or it's characters but I truly do not like to give too much away. If someone actually wants to read this book I would hate to ruin the very few surprises it has.

First off, this is not the Belgariad. However, like the Belgariad, I couldn't put it down. Amazing story. Wow.

Lightly exploring the relationship shared by identical twins and hinting at the loss that a twin would feel after the brutal murder of her sister, Regina's Song is more than a crime novel, yet falls far short of a crime novel in the actual crime aspect. What kind of novel is it? Beats the heck out of me, but I devoured every page.
The string of violent murders that try to overpower the story are, while central to the story, not why I continued reading. I wanted more "Twink" (the surviving twin) and less of the "Big brother and his over protective graduate student friends".

I'm a guy, so I probably shouldn't admit this, but the relationship stuff was interesting. Although, I was disappointed in the apparent celibacy of every main character.

If you've read and enjoyed The Losers, give this one a try.

Yes, as other reviewers have mentioned, the Eddings' writing is fairly predictable - especially if you've read their stuff as avidly as many of us have. The major plot twist was given away early, but the ending was not.

I bought this book because of the author. I am a big fan of David Eddings' fantasy novels. When I heard this book was going to be released, I put in on my wish list, and then ultimately pre-ordered it. I didn't think it was going to be that great, since Eddings is pretty much a fantasy author, and his two normal "fiction" novels are usually forgotten when speaking about his bibliography. I put it aside when it arrived, figuring that I'd read it when I was done with summer school and had nothing better to do.

Well, I decided to read it a few days before summer school ended, and I couldn't put it down. I spent hours reading it when I should have been doing my final project. I finally finished it this morning, my first day of true summer vacation, and I loved it.

True, Eddings is a fantasy writer, and maybe shouldn't have wandered into this horror/mystery genre. Besides the witty sayings that are characteristic of Eddings' other novels ("I thought I noticed you noticing," "Be nice," etc.), I almost forgot it was Eddings writing the story. I was so caught up in the story that it didn't bother me that it was not fantasy.

The story line is pretty basic: there are two identical twins that are more than best friends. They are so identical that no one could tell them apart. When one of them is raped and murdered, the surviving twin lapses into their secret language, "twin-speak," and is committed to an asylum. After six months of babbling, the twin wakes up, forgetting who she is and why she was there. She forgets her parents, but remembers Mark Austin, a family friend seven years older than she is. She begins to recover, and then convinces everyone that she is on the road to recovery, and should be allowed to audit classes at the University of Washington, where Mark is a graduate student. Everyone assumes that this twin is Renata, the less-dominant twin, and that Regina was the one murdered (conveniently, the twins' footprints taken at birth were lost, and since they have identical DNA, no one can be sure which twin survived).

The story takes a different turn when Renata (who insists on being called "Twinkie," Mark's petname for the twins, and pushes the murder of her sister, or that she even had a sister, as far away from her reality as possible) arrives to take classes at U.W. She begins to have nightmares, and, finally, during the second half of the book, Mark realizes that these nightmares might be connected to a serial killer in Seattle. (All of this is described on the book, so I'm really not spoiling anything.)

So, what's wrong with the book? The only thing I could complain about is how the twins conveniently cannot be told apart. I think that perfectly identical twins are pretty near impossible, and only thing that can tell them apart (their footprints) are lost. Hmm. But then again, I don't really know. The second problem is that the plot about the murderer really isn't discussed until the second half of the book, therefore making the first half of the book completely different from the second. The first half may not have as much "plot" as the second half, especially for people looking for those horror/mystery books. I don't think this was a major problem, but some may.

I strongly recommend this book, both to those who are Eddings fans, and those who just want a good book to read this summer.

While I won't suggest that Eddings actually did a find-and-replace on his previous books and changed all the names, he could have easily done it, with much to the same effect.

I actually liked the first 50 pages or so of the book. Then, the rest of the book happens.

There's the ball-busting female character who likes to keep her man in line, and her womanly mysteries a mystery; the blunt, rogue thief who gets involved with gods, and suddenly becomes Immortal; the princess (or whatever) who is spoiled and hates (yet secretly lusts after) the young warrior.

The witty banter among the characters is almost unbearable. It's exactly like every other Eddings book; even most of the quotes are the same. The mysterious woman-goddess-cat character who is Althalus's squeeze leads them around in a series of events that "have to happen because that's the way things are". The main characters accept the most incredible circumstances with virtually no resistance, except for some weak explanation from the woman-goddess-cat character who "dumbs it down" for them exactly the same way the characters in every other Eddings book have. It's the plot of the Belgariad and the Mallorean except there's three gods instead of seven. Instead of the Orb, there's a book and a knife. There's disciples/immortals working for the good god and the evil god. The fate of the world is at stake, good and evil on a massive scale, blah blah blah.

I mean, I got a little tired of the Mallorean - it was basically a regurgitation of the Belgariad, with additional/altered characters - then I read the other series he wrote (whose name escapes me), which is purportedly set in a different world and everything, but the characters/banter were virtually the same. That one at least had somewhat of a distinctive plot.

But, really.. do we have to keep reading the same story with the same characters over and over again? I wish I could give this book more than two stars. I suppose it'd be somewhat decent if you hadn't read any of the other books but there's still the matter of the dry plot that doesn't really make sense.

Avoid this book like the plague! I love the Belgariad and the Mallorean. This time, however, Eddingses (their spelling not mine) have really elevated regurgitation to a new level. By compacting all of their previous epics into a 700 page snore fest, the duo may have finally alienated me from their works.
Be especially cognizant of the fact that the same bad joke is repeated every 15 pages by any number of characters. Several characters are written completely inconsitently (Gher can't remember people's names, but can calculate supposedly complex temporal theories). Take the advice of other reviewers and reread the Belgariad. Stay away from this manure pile. I'll thank the Eddings to put more effort and inteligence into their future works if they want to continue selling novels on the value their good name.

I have to say that the way it started out reminded me of the way Eddings writes when he's taking the point of view of a minor character who appears in the story for about three pages and then disappears forever; i.e. similar to the style with which he writes about a murderer or plague-bearing sailor who does his thing and then leaves. But it gets better as it goes on. What David Eddings is really good at is providing the reader with amusing banter and a sense of the humanity of his characters - and of course he does this in this book too. I'm very fond of his earlier work - my favorite characters were the two thieves from the two series: Silk and Stragen, both dashing, urbane, charming, and dangerous. Rather like Althalus, in fact. It's a bit disturbing to have a character I'm used to seeing on the sidelines be front-and-center; Eddings has picked, in both Sparhawk and especially in Garion, rather self-deprecating, ironic, quiet, well-behaved characters - the types who love home and family and who don't really want to rule the world, etc, etc, and the reader sees the more dashing and on-the-edge characters only through their eyes. I think Althalus is a bit of a change, but I get the feeling that he becomes more like Garion and Sparhawk as the book goes on (I haven't finished it yet). ANyway, anything by Eddings is a good read, so y'all should read it.