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The Malloreon #1-3
The Malloreon, Vol. 1: Guardians of the West / King of the Murgos / Demon Lord of Karanda
The first three Malloreon books appear in a single volume, taking us on an epic quest across strange lands among gods, kings, sorcerers, and ordinary men. It is a gripping tale of two ancient warring destinies fighting a battle of good against evil.
Garion has slain the evil God Torak and is now the King of Riva. The prophecy has been fulfilled—or so it seems. For there is a dire warning, as a great evil brews in the East. Now Garion once again finds himself with the fate of the world resting on his shoulders. When Garion’s infant son is kidnapped by Zandramas, the Child of Dark, a great quest begins to rescue the child. Among those on the dangerous mission are Garion and his wife, Queen Ce’ Nedra, and the immortal Belgarath the Sorcerer and his daughter, Polgara. They must make their way through the foul swamps of Nyissa, then into the lands of the Murgos. Along the way, they will face grave dangers—captivity, a horde of demons, a fatal plague—while Zandramas plots to use Garion’s son in a chilling ritual that will make the Dark Prophecy supreme. . .
Garion has slain the evil God Torak and is now the King of Riva. The prophecy has been fulfilled—or so it seems. For there is a dire warning, as a great evil brews in the East. Now Garion once again finds himself with the fate of the world resting on his shoulders. When Garion’s infant son is kidnapped by Zandramas, the Child of Dark, a great quest begins to rescue the child. Among those on the dangerous mission are Garion and his wife, Queen Ce’ Nedra, and the immortal Belgarath the Sorcerer and his daughter, Polgara. They must make their way through the foul swamps of Nyissa, then into the lands of the Murgos. Along the way, they will face grave dangers—captivity, a horde of demons, a fatal plague—while Zandramas plots to use Garion’s son in a chilling ritual that will make the Dark Prophecy supreme. . .
816 pages, Paperback
First published August 30, 2005
About the author
David Eddings
333 books5,422 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 87 reviews
July 9, 2017
The main argument given by Eddings readers against the Malloreon series seems to be that it is the same story as the Belgariad: something is stolen, after which Garion, Polgara, Belgarath, Durnik, and some others go on a quest to try and retrieve it. On the way, they encounter (and overcome) a lot of different problems, meet new people (some of whom join the group in their search), and learn things along the way - about sorcery, magic, politics, relationships, and any other topic you could probably think of.
For me, that is what I like about the Malloreon - although that could just be me. Every time I finish a good book series, I find myself sad at the fact that I won't see these characters again in a different story and that I won't know what happened to them after the series ended. In the Malloreon, that is exactly the information we get - with a similar, yet new adventure on top of that. I loved reading about the characters from the Belgariad at a point later in time, seeing how they grew up and in which ways they are the same, how relationships have evolved and young people matured.
Aside from all that, the new characters introduced are great in my opinion (especially Velvet, who is a personal favourite of mine) and really help the story along. The plot is interesting, even if it reminds the reader a lot of the Belgariad, and I never found it predictable despite that fact. Of course things can be said against these books - can't things be said against every book one could possibly think of? - but both the Belgariad and the Malloreon series are personal favourites of mine and I am very much enjoying reading them again.
For me, that is what I like about the Malloreon - although that could just be me. Every time I finish a good book series, I find myself sad at the fact that I won't see these characters again in a different story and that I won't know what happened to them after the series ended. In the Malloreon, that is exactly the information we get - with a similar, yet new adventure on top of that. I loved reading about the characters from the Belgariad at a point later in time, seeing how they grew up and in which ways they are the same, how relationships have evolved and young people matured.
Aside from all that, the new characters introduced are great in my opinion (especially Velvet, who is a personal favourite of mine) and really help the story along. The plot is interesting, even if it reminds the reader a lot of the Belgariad, and I never found it predictable despite that fact. Of course things can be said against these books - can't things be said against every book one could possibly think of? - but both the Belgariad and the Malloreon series are personal favourites of mine and I am very much enjoying reading them again.
September 4, 2021
We get to follow Garion and his crew (with some new faces) once again for the quest of good over evil.
Some may say that this story is just the same as the first quest, and while it is in some regards, it's still completely different. Garion is older, he's a father now. His reality and perception differ greatly from when he was a boy. There are new faces that tag along, each vital and as unique to the first companions. Polgara, Belgarath, Silk, Ce'Nedra and Durnik continue to grow themselves along the journey, whether it's with their relationships or skills etc, shaping each other along the journey. The characters have matured and therefore the journey is transformed.
Eddings continues to supply his characteristic witty dialogue, meticulous detail, and thoroughly researched plotlines.
Given the time that is was written the women characters are bada* in different ways that make them so powerful. Polgara is a fierce sorceress and matriarch, Ce’Nedra is a mother on a mission, Velvet is the female version of Silk but better, Cyradis a shy but powerful seer, and Vella uses her seductions to her own advantage. Ain’t nobody standing in their way.
Another fun epic fantasy saga that dives deeper into the world of the Alorns and Angaraks.
IG Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CTViNmlB9...
Some may say that this story is just the same as the first quest, and while it is in some regards, it's still completely different. Garion is older, he's a father now. His reality and perception differ greatly from when he was a boy. There are new faces that tag along, each vital and as unique to the first companions. Polgara, Belgarath, Silk, Ce'Nedra and Durnik continue to grow themselves along the journey, whether it's with their relationships or skills etc, shaping each other along the journey. The characters have matured and therefore the journey is transformed.
Eddings continues to supply his characteristic witty dialogue, meticulous detail, and thoroughly researched plotlines.
Given the time that is was written the women characters are bada* in different ways that make them so powerful. Polgara is a fierce sorceress and matriarch, Ce’Nedra is a mother on a mission, Velvet is the female version of Silk but better, Cyradis a shy but powerful seer, and Vella uses her seductions to her own advantage. Ain’t nobody standing in their way.
Another fun epic fantasy saga that dives deeper into the world of the Alorns and Angaraks.
IG Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CTViNmlB9...
April 1, 2007
Even my seventh grade self found this sequal to the Belgariad to be laughably self-derivitive, and seeing that Eddings is perhaps the poster-child for derivitive fantasy to begin with, that means this book is about as un-original as it gets. Its the same characters, the same setting, and (this is when the snickering comes in), the same plot. The fact that the characters themself are aware of this (at one point, one of them asks "If feels as if we've done all of this before") doesn't help, as the in book explaination is just overly defensive on Eddings part (some crap about an unbroken, mystical cycle, having to break some pre-historical curse of dark gods etc. etc.) I was only 12, but I still could see bull-shit when I saw it.
December 22, 2010
Sequel to the best farm-boy-saves-the-world series. Said boy has grown up, unfortunately his wife's character hasn't and remains an annoyance for much of the series. Luckily my favorite oily efficacious eunuch plays a much larger role and is a constant source of amusement.
June 2, 2020
It's probably no surprise that I loved this collection as much as Eddings' others. Sadly, when I finish the next one, which is the final two books in the series, I will have read all of the related tales. No matter, these are ones which I'll shelve and eventually revisit, just for fun.
Seems as though Belgarion did not actually complete ALL of the prophesy and, now, with his infant son kidnapped, he must go to fulfill the prophecies, accompanied by his wife and some familiar characters from these series, along with a few new ones as well as new menaces.
As usual, the humour and remarks on modern society, humanity and politics are some of what makes these so enjoyable. I'll quote a few of the most memorable (to me) from the book(s).
"The way they look at it, the next Rivan King is going to be a mongrel. They hate you like poison, my little sweetheart." "What an absolute absurdity!" she (Ce'Nedra) exclaimed. "of course it is," the big Cherek agreed. "Gut absurdity has always been a characteristic of the mind dominated by religion."
After the seemingly simple, young Eriond summarily leaps in and scares off a gigantic dragon: "Doesn't the word 'danger' have any meaning for you at all?" "You mean the dragon? Oh she wasn't really all that dangerous." She DID sort of bury you up to the eyebrows in fire, Eriond." Silk pointed out. "Oh, that," Eriond smiled. " But the fire wasn't real....it was only an illusion. That's all that evil every really is -- an illusion."
Seems as though Belgarion did not actually complete ALL of the prophesy and, now, with his infant son kidnapped, he must go to fulfill the prophecies, accompanied by his wife and some familiar characters from these series, along with a few new ones as well as new menaces.
As usual, the humour and remarks on modern society, humanity and politics are some of what makes these so enjoyable. I'll quote a few of the most memorable (to me) from the book(s).
"The way they look at it, the next Rivan King is going to be a mongrel. They hate you like poison, my little sweetheart." "What an absolute absurdity!" she (Ce'Nedra) exclaimed. "of course it is," the big Cherek agreed. "Gut absurdity has always been a characteristic of the mind dominated by religion."
After the seemingly simple, young Eriond summarily leaps in and scares off a gigantic dragon: "Doesn't the word 'danger' have any meaning for you at all?" "You mean the dragon? Oh she wasn't really all that dangerous." She DID sort of bury you up to the eyebrows in fire, Eriond." Silk pointed out. "Oh, that," Eriond smiled. " But the fire wasn't real....it was only an illusion. That's all that evil every really is -- an illusion."
January 15, 2023
After reading the Belgariad series I thought for sure that this series would be as riveting. Boy was I wrong. Out of the 3 books in this collection, the Demon Lord of Karanda was the most entertaining. The first book was a snooze fest and was very difficult to get through. The 2nd book (King of the Murgos) was a bit better, but all in all this book was just not that exciting. All three books probably could have been written as one book in less than 300 pages. There are just too many things that are long and drawn out, descriptions of things that don't really matter, and mundane day-to-day tasks are written about in detail that really don't add to or carry the story further.
I found the plot line to be very uninteresting as well. Garion's son is kidnapped... Welp, let's go on an epic journey to get him back...and I do mean epic.. long..very long.. I was just imagining the people who kidnapped his son having to take care of an infant baby the entire time while on the run. Who would do that? Who would want to do that? You've got an enraged father and mother on your tail and you have to stop to change diapers and feed the baby..no thanks. It's just so out of place for a fantasy story. I'm not a fast reader, so this one was a slog. If you really enjoyed the Belgariad like I did, this one will probably disappoint. Oh, and there's no resolution. You have to read the next 3 books to get to any actual ending. Hard pass.
I found the plot line to be very uninteresting as well. Garion's son is kidnapped... Welp, let's go on an epic journey to get him back...and I do mean epic.. long..very long.. I was just imagining the people who kidnapped his son having to take care of an infant baby the entire time while on the run. Who would do that? Who would want to do that? You've got an enraged father and mother on your tail and you have to stop to change diapers and feed the baby..no thanks. It's just so out of place for a fantasy story. I'm not a fast reader, so this one was a slog. If you really enjoyed the Belgariad like I did, this one will probably disappoint. Oh, and there's no resolution. You have to read the next 3 books to get to any actual ending. Hard pass.
December 13, 2023
The first volume of the sequel series to The Belgariad brings us back into the lives of our colorful cast of characters, years after the previous battle between good and evil. It starts off a bit slow as we get acquainted with what has happened with everyone - some cheerful, some not so much. While the concept around Errand (later Eriand) feels very familiar, as it resonates with Garion's own beginnings, Eddings did a good job of making feel new and provided explanations in-store on why it felt similar. Once Garion and his prophesy-selected companions (both old and new) start their travels to rescue his kidnapped son, the pacing of the story picked up. I was a bit confused by Durnik's sudden obsession with water and fishing, and no one finding it unusual. There were a few times that the author repeated themselves in a span of a few pages; I get it - there were cobwebs and leaves blown into the hallways of the ruins. Overall, I'm still enjoying this story and the world Eddings has created, and look forward to the concluding volume of this series.
January 13, 2021
When I first read this, I was excited to see some familiar characters return. However, some of the old members of the group weren't there and the new additions left the group feeling busy (After 20 years I still don't know why Violet is there).
I enjoy cyclical plots -- history repeating itself -- especially when characters of conscious of the repetition and realize something is up. The repetition has purpose vs a lack of ideas.
I still think Belgarion and Ce'Nedra are a terrible couple -- actually a lot of the couples are not healthy relationships. But I guess the Prophecy had bigger fish to fry ... Like them making babies so those babies could show up at the right time and place and do hero things. 😒 No time for healthy communication skills here.
I enjoy cyclical plots -- history repeating itself -- especially when characters of conscious of the repetition and realize something is up. The repetition has purpose vs a lack of ideas.
I still think Belgarion and Ce'Nedra are a terrible couple -- actually a lot of the couples are not healthy relationships. But I guess the Prophecy had bigger fish to fry ... Like them making babies so those babies could show up at the right time and place and do hero things. 😒 No time for healthy communication skills here.
June 20, 2023
It feels as if we've never left! The first installment in the second series depicting the world of Garion and the gang, and if it's been a while, you're eased back in effortlessly. Drama, humor, and action. Just as good as the first series. I will say, some beloved faces don't join us on the journey, but we see some old and new faces that we fall in love with just as much! TW for some scary scenes involving attempted murder. We also say goodbye to a great character.
0/5 chili peppers
tears
0/5 chili peppers
tears
November 6, 2017
Quite a good series so far, lots of surprises and new characters, also old characters coming back to play a more formative role in the story. The writing style has definitely improved. I'm torn as to whether this, or the Belgariad are better, but I guess I still have two books left to figure that out :-)
March 6, 2020
I started to read this series when it was first published in 1982 by Del Rey. When each subsequent book was released, I started back at the beginning. This has been my habit through the Rivan Codex. Now, I revisit my old friends every few years by reading the entire collection, enjoying every moment.
A master tale with all the trappings. Well planned and thoroughly enjoyed.
A master tale with all the trappings. Well planned and thoroughly enjoyed.
January 30, 2018
Very good! Here was a little repetition of the plot, but I loved being with all the characters again! I can’t wait to read the next volume!
July 24, 2019
Great adventure. A little slow moving and repetitive, but good nonetheless.
June 28, 2020
Stopped reading at 306.
I got through my issues with the Belgariad by riding a wave of childhood nostalgia. It has now broken at the shores of disappointment.
I got through my issues with the Belgariad by riding a wave of childhood nostalgia. It has now broken at the shores of disappointment.
November 21, 2020
Binging this was the best idea for comfort reading when I got tired of netflix
Read
June 3, 2021Great story
August 6, 2019
Essentially a rehash of The Belgariad (even the characters say so!) but Garion and Ce Nedra have become less likeable since then. A decent addition to the saga but nothing groundbreaking.
December 22, 2011
Je ne sais pas si vous le saviez mais je suis un fan des suite et des crossovers. Quand on annonce un "sequel" d'un film ou d'une série ou de quoi que ce soit, ça m'attire tout le temps (sauf si cé produit/écrit par un auteur/producteur graine à ti-budget). J'aime revoir les personnages, j'aime qu'on nous rappel que les personnages secondaire ont une importance eux aussi, surtout quand ils prennent même plus de place. La seule chose, il est rare qu'une suite est aussi bonne que l'originale. Même que je crois qu'en général, l'original gagne toujours.
Cette suite ne fait pas exception à cette règle. Cependant, on est pas loin. Les deux premiers ouvrages de ce recueille sont carrément à la hauteur de ce qui s'est fait de mieux dans la Belgariad. Guardians of the West nous démontre comment Belgarion reigne sur les terres et s'arrange pour garder la paix. Comparé à Pawn of Profecy (le premier de la Belgariad) ce roman est beaucoup plus rapide et on se fait un bonheur de revoir d'anciens amis qui ont évolué et qui ont maintenant soit des nouvelles responsabilité en lien à la dernière guerre et d'autre qui n'ont tout simplement pas changé.
Dans King of the Murgos on se fait introduire le nouveau continen de la Mallorae et on y rencontre le personnage que j'ai trouver le plus cool de la Belgariad mais qui fut laisser pas assez longtemps: L'Empereur des Angaraks. On le voit interagir et même participer à l'aventure, ce qui a été pour moi un cadeau qui m'a fait chaud au coeur. Je voulais en savoir plus sur ce personnage et je me fait donner le tout sur un plateau d'argent. En plus de nous introduire à de nouveaux personnages qui sont eux aussi très intéressant.
Là ou sa se gâche un peu c'est dans Demon Lord of Karanda. Voir même un peu avant. Rendu à cette partie on voit très bien que les auteurs (he oui ils sont deux même s'il n'y en a qu'un sur la couverture) n'essaieront pas de modifier la recette qui les ont fait devenir riche. Le groupe, formé de puissant héros fera le tour du continent pays par pays avec un présentation de tous ceux-ci avec l'idéologie de chacun. Dans la Belgariad sa faisait rafraîchissant et sa faisait du "worldbuilding", dans ce livre là ça fait carrément réchauffé et fade. Pourquoi, car cette fois-ci les auteurs on passé de façon évidente moins de temps à bâtir le continent de la Mallorae. En plus chaque jour du voyage est quasiment traité avec les dialogue qui commence à un moment donner à faire "on sait pu quoi dire faque on va parler de tout et de rien". Oui sa démontre c'est quoi de jaser quand on va à l'aventure, mais dans Demon Lord ils auraient pu coupé.
Je crois que les auteurs ont trop voulu (à moins que ce soit les éditeurs) que la série fasse 5 volume comme la première série. Donc ils ont du faire du "filling" pour combler les trou et le manque de préparation avant d'écrire une suite qui avait la même recette qui donc aurait dû demander la même préparation. Au moins la fin du roman rattrape ce problème et nous raccroche à l'histoire.
Donc pour moi c'est une bonne suite, qui n'est pas à la hauteur de la première mais qui s'en approche assez pour dire que c'est aussi un "Must" à lire. Alors comme disait l'annonce de chip "betcha you can't just read one".
Cette suite ne fait pas exception à cette règle. Cependant, on est pas loin. Les deux premiers ouvrages de ce recueille sont carrément à la hauteur de ce qui s'est fait de mieux dans la Belgariad. Guardians of the West nous démontre comment Belgarion reigne sur les terres et s'arrange pour garder la paix. Comparé à Pawn of Profecy (le premier de la Belgariad) ce roman est beaucoup plus rapide et on se fait un bonheur de revoir d'anciens amis qui ont évolué et qui ont maintenant soit des nouvelles responsabilité en lien à la dernière guerre et d'autre qui n'ont tout simplement pas changé.
Dans King of the Murgos on se fait introduire le nouveau continen de la Mallorae et on y rencontre le personnage que j'ai trouver le plus cool de la Belgariad mais qui fut laisser pas assez longtemps: L'Empereur des Angaraks. On le voit interagir et même participer à l'aventure, ce qui a été pour moi un cadeau qui m'a fait chaud au coeur. Je voulais en savoir plus sur ce personnage et je me fait donner le tout sur un plateau d'argent. En plus de nous introduire à de nouveaux personnages qui sont eux aussi très intéressant.
Là ou sa se gâche un peu c'est dans Demon Lord of Karanda. Voir même un peu avant. Rendu à cette partie on voit très bien que les auteurs (he oui ils sont deux même s'il n'y en a qu'un sur la couverture) n'essaieront pas de modifier la recette qui les ont fait devenir riche. Le groupe, formé de puissant héros fera le tour du continent pays par pays avec un présentation de tous ceux-ci avec l'idéologie de chacun. Dans la Belgariad sa faisait rafraîchissant et sa faisait du "worldbuilding", dans ce livre là ça fait carrément réchauffé et fade. Pourquoi, car cette fois-ci les auteurs on passé de façon évidente moins de temps à bâtir le continent de la Mallorae. En plus chaque jour du voyage est quasiment traité avec les dialogue qui commence à un moment donner à faire "on sait pu quoi dire faque on va parler de tout et de rien". Oui sa démontre c'est quoi de jaser quand on va à l'aventure, mais dans Demon Lord ils auraient pu coupé.
Je crois que les auteurs ont trop voulu (à moins que ce soit les éditeurs) que la série fasse 5 volume comme la première série. Donc ils ont du faire du "filling" pour combler les trou et le manque de préparation avant d'écrire une suite qui avait la même recette qui donc aurait dû demander la même préparation. Au moins la fin du roman rattrape ce problème et nous raccroche à l'histoire.
Donc pour moi c'est une bonne suite, qui n'est pas à la hauteur de la première mais qui s'en approche assez pour dire que c'est aussi un "Must" à lire. Alors comme disait l'annonce de chip "betcha you can't just read one".
November 4, 2012
Omnibus edition, books reviewed separately below:
Guardians of the West:
This is such an oddly structured book, and yet it's easily my favorite of the entire ten-book series. The whole first section is just a gentle, peaceful refresher of what all of Our Heroes have been up to since the events of the Belgariad that I find it immensely relaxing, and the middle section, covering Garion's exploits as King, is equally soothing in a episodic sort of way. And then bam! the last third of the book is All Action All the Time, and serves as the lead-in to the whole narrative arc. I can understand if people found this volume boring unto death, but I like it rather a lot.
King of the Murgos:
The first half or so of the book tends towards the tedious - it's a rehash of Queen of Sorcery to the point where the characters are remarking on it. (The fact that Eddings made this into an actual plot/worldbuilding point is sort of clever, I guess, but given the fact that his entire oeuvre consists of the exact same plots/themes/characters, it comes across as retconning rather than planning.) It is a trifle more grown-up, though - the violence isn't nearly as underplayed, and the villain does some pretty horrific things, if always offscreen.
The second half, involving the titular King, works much better. If you can ignore the problematic implications of the pervasive race-as-destiny assumption, Urgit's story is unexpected and rather delightful, and while it doesn't really undercut the core "the slanty-eyed people are bad" premise, at least they become rather more human than they were. The various adventures are entertaining enough that I was mostly able to block out some of the gender-related twitching, and while the ghouls rang particularly false - just needed to move that section along, huh? - it remains a solid entry in the series.
Demon Lord of Karanda:
Demon Lord is a rather disjointed book - there are several episodes that don't really hang together in theme or narrative drive. None of them are bad in themselves, really, they just don't come together to make anything that feels like a stand-alone volume. Definitely a middle book.
Guardians of the West:
This is such an oddly structured book, and yet it's easily my favorite of the entire ten-book series. The whole first section is just a gentle, peaceful refresher of what all of Our Heroes have been up to since the events of the Belgariad that I find it immensely relaxing, and the middle section, covering Garion's exploits as King, is equally soothing in a episodic sort of way. And then bam! the last third of the book is All Action All the Time, and serves as the lead-in to the whole narrative arc. I can understand if people found this volume boring unto death, but I like it rather a lot.
King of the Murgos:
The first half or so of the book tends towards the tedious - it's a rehash of Queen of Sorcery to the point where the characters are remarking on it. (The fact that Eddings made this into an actual plot/worldbuilding point is sort of clever, I guess, but given the fact that his entire oeuvre consists of the exact same plots/themes/characters, it comes across as retconning rather than planning.) It is a trifle more grown-up, though - the violence isn't nearly as underplayed, and the villain does some pretty horrific things, if always offscreen.
The second half, involving the titular King, works much better. If you can ignore the problematic implications of the pervasive race-as-destiny assumption, Urgit's story is unexpected and rather delightful, and while it doesn't really undercut the core "the slanty-eyed people are bad" premise, at least they become rather more human than they were. The various adventures are entertaining enough that I was mostly able to block out some of the gender-related twitching, and while the ghouls rang particularly false - just needed to move that section along, huh? - it remains a solid entry in the series.
Demon Lord of Karanda:
Demon Lord is a rather disjointed book - there are several episodes that don't really hang together in theme or narrative drive. None of them are bad in themselves, really, they just don't come together to make anything that feels like a stand-alone volume. Definitely a middle book.
March 25, 2022
Okay, so I will say I think the second series does hold up a bit better, partially because in sending our characters to the rest of the world a bit we naturally encounter more people from some of the other cultures that were kind of demonized in the first series who are just... people. I'm not sure how much of that was Eddings making a deliberate point of it and how much of it was (as I mentioned previously) him being fine with/not noticing the kind of structurally odious stuff he's set up in this world but not actually having the desire or stomach to have the individual people he has to write in detail as characters actually live down to that reductive stuff. Can I just say, though, the way he treats Ce'Nedra in general is not great, in ways that I didn't even realize as a kid, especially since she was a character I already liked a lot. I kind of bought the surface-level messaging about how well, actually, you know, women have all the real power in relationships and etc. - just in a way where it read to me as a young kid like she and Garion were more equal partners than they actually are. And boy, the way she gets used by the authors in this series... just total dogshit.
I can't deny both of the Garion series even on this re-read kept me turning pages on a moment-to-moment basis (even if I find his dialogue about 33% as charming as I did as a kid...), but what a frustrating and dispiriting experience going back to some of my very favourite books from childhood and finding they've aged like fine milk. Especially so because in a lot of cases the changes that would make them less frustrating could genuinely be relatively minor, and so much of it feels like the Eddingses getting in their own way.
I can't deny both of the Garion series even on this re-read kept me turning pages on a moment-to-moment basis (even if I find his dialogue about 33% as charming as I did as a kid...), but what a frustrating and dispiriting experience going back to some of my very favourite books from childhood and finding they've aged like fine milk. Especially so because in a lot of cases the changes that would make them less frustrating could genuinely be relatively minor, and so much of it feels like the Eddingses getting in their own way.
March 19, 2016
I read Edding's novels with great relish when I was much younger. His characters were easy to engage with and the plot moved with swift pace through various exciting scenarios. Best of all was his great attention to detail in the creation of his fantastical world. It was, as one of my first introductions to fantasy a primer in how magical and strange civilizations are built off and grounded from the real world.
I did however despise his characterization, while some of the minor characters were interesting: Silk, Mandorallen and Barak for instance, his protagonists quickly became clear stereotypes instead of effectively building upon their archetypal bases. Belgarath as the mentor and Garion as the Child of Light are most clearly guilty of never quite becoming more three-dimensional rather than just filling in roles to serve the overarching plot. The female characters, and in particular Polgara and Ce'Nedra were also extremely irritating, as they were to all intents and purposes identical in both speech, beliefs and customs. The only thing that would allow one to differentiate from Eddings's irritating women was their appearances and names. This became more and more apparent as the story slowly progressed into the later novels as neither of these characters (and particularly Polgara) showed absolutely no evidence of change in character, instead remaining as, vain, annoying and shallow as when they were first introduced.
As a primer or first reader in fantasy The Belgariad, and The Mallorean are excellent introductions to the genre, for their obvious use of standard tropes that make the fantasy genre distinct from others, but it won't offer readers' much beyond that.
I did however despise his characterization, while some of the minor characters were interesting: Silk, Mandorallen and Barak for instance, his protagonists quickly became clear stereotypes instead of effectively building upon their archetypal bases. Belgarath as the mentor and Garion as the Child of Light are most clearly guilty of never quite becoming more three-dimensional rather than just filling in roles to serve the overarching plot. The female characters, and in particular Polgara and Ce'Nedra were also extremely irritating, as they were to all intents and purposes identical in both speech, beliefs and customs. The only thing that would allow one to differentiate from Eddings's irritating women was their appearances and names. This became more and more apparent as the story slowly progressed into the later novels as neither of these characters (and particularly Polgara) showed absolutely no evidence of change in character, instead remaining as, vain, annoying and shallow as when they were first introduced.
As a primer or first reader in fantasy The Belgariad, and The Mallorean are excellent introductions to the genre, for their obvious use of standard tropes that make the fantasy genre distinct from others, but it won't offer readers' much beyond that.
February 26, 2017
An oldie, but a goodie. This is a favorite of our household and what better to read when you are recovering from major surgery? Love, love this book.
May 9, 2020
If you didn’t like The Belgariad, then you won’t like The Malloreon. If, on the other hand, after finishing up Enchanter’s Endgame and putting the series back on the shelf you felt like you’d lost some dear friends - you missed Belgarath’s dry witticisms delivered from in between pulls off his tankard of ale, the mischievous twinkle in Silk’s eye as he swindled an unsuspecting merchant, or Polgara’s no-nonsense queenly presence - than you’re in luck because our old friends are back.
The Malloreon picks up where The Belgariad left off. Yes, Torak is dead, but despite his death there were too many loose ends that created a void for evil to fill. Remember the Bear-cult, or those crazy demon-conjuring magicians? How about the Grolim priesthood? And what about the orb?
This volume contains the first three books of this series (Guardians of the West, King of the Murgos, and Demon Lord of Karanda) and starts off another great tale (though admittedly a little bit of a rehash) with a great cast of characters - including a few new ones!
The Malloreon picks up where The Belgariad left off. Yes, Torak is dead, but despite his death there were too many loose ends that created a void for evil to fill. Remember the Bear-cult, or those crazy demon-conjuring magicians? How about the Grolim priesthood? And what about the orb?
This volume contains the first three books of this series (Guardians of the West, King of the Murgos, and Demon Lord of Karanda) and starts off another great tale (though admittedly a little bit of a rehash) with a great cast of characters - including a few new ones!
August 25, 2014
Nebbia emozionale
Confermo quanto scritto per la saga di Belgariad: notevolmente scorrevole in ogni sua parte. Questo è il pregio che ho riscontrato in tutto il tomo. L'unico.
Il viaggio, gli eventi, le caratterizzazioni, lotta tra male e bene, be', mi hanno lasciato indifferente di un'indifferenza sconfortante. L'autore si diverte a raccontare, si vede, ma ha giocato tutte le carte che aveva a disposizione per rappresentare il suo divertimento, e nulla più. La trama è ricca di eventi senza nerbo, si seguono i protagonisti più per assuefazione che per passione, accompagnati da una nebbia emozionale non indifferente. Nessuno spunto di riflessione leggermente inserito neanche quando ce ne era l'occasione.
Lo consiglio a chi vuole intrattenere il tempo (se ne avete da gettar via). Lo sconsiglio a chi vuole viversi un viaggio.
Confermo quanto scritto per la saga di Belgariad: notevolmente scorrevole in ogni sua parte. Questo è il pregio che ho riscontrato in tutto il tomo. L'unico.
Il viaggio, gli eventi, le caratterizzazioni, lotta tra male e bene, be', mi hanno lasciato indifferente di un'indifferenza sconfortante. L'autore si diverte a raccontare, si vede, ma ha giocato tutte le carte che aveva a disposizione per rappresentare il suo divertimento, e nulla più. La trama è ricca di eventi senza nerbo, si seguono i protagonisti più per assuefazione che per passione, accompagnati da una nebbia emozionale non indifferente. Nessuno spunto di riflessione leggermente inserito neanche quando ce ne era l'occasione.
Lo consiglio a chi vuole intrattenere il tempo (se ne avete da gettar via). Lo sconsiglio a chi vuole viversi un viaggio.
December 29, 2015
Everything I said about the Belgariad applies here. The story is more complex, although it follows a similar outline (a fact which is addressed in-story, by way of pointing out how the Prophecies cause events to repeat until the future can resume). The characters are as rich, and their interactions as witty, as before (although some of the repeated jokes do become a mite tedious after the 20th iteration). We get much less King Rhodar here, so Prince "Silk" Kheldar takes up the slack in the comic-relief department. Eddings' style becomes a bit more gory in this series, and romance becomes more outre, marking this as a somewhat more adult-oriented pentology.
January 16, 2008
Unfortunately, David Eddings basically repeats all of the themes of the Belgariad in the Mallorean. We experience the same conflict, but with characters that have grown since the first installment. He cleverly (or obviously, take your pick) covers himself for the repetition by virtue of a plot device (you can read it yourself), but it's a little thin. Overall, it's still a very enjoyable read and takes your much deeper into the lore of the world that he's created.
October 29, 2010
Eddings does not hide the fact that this book is pretty much the same as the last. However, I love the characters & a new-ish & very intriguing one has been introduced & will guest star in the last installment of this series & I can't wait! The characters we already know very well are stagnant. However, another character who is not new but wasn't known too well in the first series is blossoming.
February 6, 2021
I like continuing the story of Garion and Cenedra and company during their not-yet-happily-ever-after, but I wasn't thrilled with the adventure this read through. My favorite male characters felt shallow and not as clever as in The Belgariad. My favorite female characters seemed to have become nitpicks and waspish.
I'll still read part 2 to finish the story, but maybe next time I'll stop at the end of The Belgariad instead.
I'll still read part 2 to finish the story, but maybe next time I'll stop at the end of The Belgariad instead.
May 27, 2007
This is different than what I would normally read seeing as it's an "adventure/fantasy" story. I would say it`s a mix between Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings and I loved it. A friend suggested it and although I was hesitant, I read it. I'm not sure it's for everyone and perhaps it's geared towards adolescents but it is interesting nonetheless.
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