Customer Reviews (28)

Better than the first book, can't wait for the third!
Book Review: "The Ruby Knight" by David Eddings. Book Two of The Elenium.

I enjoyed "The Ruby Knight" much better than "The Diamond Throne." In the first book I think Eddings spent far too much time tramping all over the world, discussing politics, and meeting new characters in the first book, all of which were much better in this second book.

While there is still a lot of travel, there is a lot more action. We have a small core group of people that we follow for most of the book. This makes it easier to form a bond with these characters and care for them, as well as follow them. Ten people to keep track of was enough.

I loved Edding's writing style. The characters in the book knew each other well and joked endlessly among each other. This made for a light-hearted times to help offset the gory battles and the constant danger the group was in.

I loved the ending. It had a good surprise. (Won't spoil it for ya.) Can't wait to read the next in the series. Wish it was available for Kindle.

OVERALL SCORE: (B+)
The Ruby Knight (Book 2 of the Elenium)

OVERALL SCORE: (B+)
READABILITY: (A-), PLOT: (B+), CHARATERS: (A), DIALOGUE: (B-), SETTING: (A+), ACTION/COMBAT: (C+), MONSTERS/ANTAGONISTS: (A-), ROMANCE: (C), SEX: (Light), AGE LEVEL: (PG13)

This is a very entertaining fantasy story, by one of the best fantasy writers of today, while it may not be quite as good as his "Belgariad" or "Malloreon" series, it comes close.

The main character is Sparhawk, a militant knight, who is erasable and direct, (kind of like John Wayne playing a paladin). He and a group of Church Knights, his squire, a young thief, and a styric mystic, embark on a just to save the beautiful young queen, who has been poisoned by the evil Prelate. God's get involved and things get complex for poor Sparhawk!

In Book 2, the group splits up and the search for the cure continues, but the action and plot slow down. This is a typical middle book, not as good as the first or last in the series, but a bridge between. Sparhawk, really gets to travel the world and meet some unpleasant characters. One Lady who likes to sacrifice children then eat them is particularly nasty.

CONS:
Some of the characters actions aren't always logical. They are very quick to kill minor character without much provocation, but major ones they let live when they should kill.

The Ruby Knight - by Robin
I have read the two first books, The Diamond Throne and Ruby Knight, they are both very good. However, I will focus on the ruby knight.

I give this book five stars for an excellent story, short and good environmental descriptions and a great character build-up.

Sparhawk is the main character of the book, he is a Pandion knight, which is a religious knight order of the church. He and his fellow knights goes on a mission to find a magical stone whom can save the young life of their queen. On their journey in the Ruby knight they encounter magical beings and other evil creatures, they use different tactics and methods to get away from them, and solve the mystery of the since long missing stone, lost in the old battle by the Randera Lake. Azash, the evil god, sends out his spies to find and eliminate the Fellowship.

This is the second book of three, it brings an extra touch to the whole story, the first one mostly brings one detail about the land the live in (Elenium) and some character based story, completed with some background information. I love David Eddings books since they are so full of life, they are both romantic as well as exciting. He uses a quite simple language compared to some other authors, like Brian Craig - Plague Daemon, I never finished that book, it was great fun, when you could read a full sentence without checking the vocabulary.

Back to Eddings, this is the 14th book I have read, written by David and Leigh Eddings.

The Ruby Knight
I have read the two first books, The Diamond Throne and The Ruby Knight, they are both very good. However, I will focus on the Ruby Knight.

I give this book five stars for an excellent story, short and good environmental descriptions and a great character build-up.

Sparhawk is the main character of the book, he is a Pandion knight, which is a religious knight order of the church. He and his fellow knights goes on a mission to find a magical stone whom can save the young life of their queen. On their journey in the Ruby knight they encounter magical beings and other evil creatures, they use different tactics and methods to get away from them, and solve the mystery of the since long missing stone. The magical stone called Bhelliom was lost in the old battle by the Randera Lake. Azash, the evil god, sends out his spies to find and eliminate the fellowship.

This is the second book of three, it brings an extra touch to the whole story, the first one mostly focus on giving you details about the land they live in (Elenium), and some character based story, completed with some background information. I love David Eddings books since they are so full of life, they are both romantic as well as exciting. He uses a quite simple language compared to some other authors, like Brian Craig - Plague Daemon, I never finished that book, it was great fun, when you could read a full sentence without checking the vocabulary.

Back to Eddings, this is the 14th book I have read, written by David and Leigh Eddings.

Trolling for Sapphires
After some innovative medical research (use violence when in doubt), some help from a nine year old, flute-playing sorceress, and a visitation from a dead king, Sparhawk finally knows what is wrong with Ehlana and how to cure it.Now all that remains is finding the cure (Bhelliom, the sapphire rose).Not only must Sparhawk retrace his steps, but he is due for a confrontation with some deadly sendings from Azash, and an argument with an extremely ugly troll.One can only hope that Ehlana will live up to expectations and put a stop to Annias's efforts to become head of the Elene church.

And so Sparhawk, Sephrenia, Kurik, and a small crowd of other knights set about a quest that in all likelihood will kill them all.Of course, 'supposed to' and 'does' are two very different words, but they definitely have their work cut out for them.Have not fear with enough enemy hacking, enemy magicking, and a bit of divine intervention hope will spring eternal.After all, how else would Eddings be able to write the next volume of this story.

Sarcasm aside, The Ruby Knight continues to prove that the Malloreon was just sophmore slump.This time the story, filled with detail and personality, continues to be entertaining throughout.More characters, honest and not will appear, and new friends increase the complexity of the novel without bogging it down.Eddings is an up and down author, so there is always a hitch somewhere, but thus far nothing serious has materialized.I wouldn't call The Elenium innovative writing, but the series is good fantasy, and very pleasant writing. ... Read more

Product Description
Chapters: People From Spokane, Washington, Chuck Jones, Bing Crosby, David Eddings, Todd Mcfarlane, Clyfford Still, Billy Tipton, George Nethercutt, Stephen C. Meyer, C. J. Cherryh, Ryne Sandberg, Don Monson, John Babcock, Arthur C. Brooks, Darren Mcgavin, Myles Kennedy, Mark Fuhrman, George Lynch, Jan-Michael Gambill, Eric Johnston, Ryan Crocker, Ken Brett, Adam Morrison, Tom Foley, John Stockton, Doc Hastings, Mark Few, Chris Tormey, Dan Monson, Kitty Kelley, Mark Rypien, Vance Haynes, Ed Craney, Elwood Zimmerman, Wilder Penfield, Tom Sneva, Debbie Rowe, Julia Sweeney, Max Krause, Michael Winslow, Chief Garry, Rick Emerson, Lars Larson, Robert Lee Yates, Frank S. Reasoner, Sally Pierone, Charlene Teters, Michael Philip Anderson, Laurin Lyman Williams, List of People From Spokane, Washington, Michael Farris, Craig T. Nelson, Chad Little, Susan Peters, Kevin Coe, Lyle Beerbohm, Steve Emtman, Lemuel H. Wells, John Mcintire, Harry Wayland Randall, Mark Tucker, Jason Hanson, Lewis B. Schwellenbach, Larry Lujack, Jimmy Rowles, Rick Rydell, Edward Kienholz, Debra L. Stephens, Jerry Holkins, Shawn Smith, Thomas Hampson, Wesley Englehorn, Scott Levins, Irwin Rose, Gerry Lindgren, Mike Krahulik, Chester Gillette, Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne, Lee Hansen, Bruce Alan Grandstaff, Terry Davis, George Nakashima, Michael Clarke, August Paulsen, Craig Montoya, David P. Jenkins, Jesse R. Drowley, Kirtland Cutter, Albert Johnson, Paul D'amour, Compton I. White, Jeffrey Morgan, P. Cameron Devore, Hal Moe, Alex Prugh, Clarence Dill, Bill Sheffield, Paul Johansson, Danny O'keefe, Rod Funseth, Frank William Erickson, Karl Sax, Kathleen Rockwell, Megalyn Echikunwoke, Sol Lesser, Joseph French Johnson, Trevor St. John, William H. Clagett, Compton I. White, Jr., Neil Everett, Wayne Shannon, Barbara Moore, Frank Fontaine, Steve Gleason, Thomas H. Moodie, Louis Davenport, Monrad Wallgren, Frances Rich, Cory Withrow, Tommy Maxwell, Kenneth Callahan, Samuel ...More: http://booksllc.net/?id=4010 ... Read more

Product Description
The fantasy masterwork complete in one volume -- 1456 magnificent pages: DOMES OF FIRE THE SHINING ONES THE HIDDEN CITYPrince Sparhawk and Queen Ehlana are married and their union is blessed with a very special daughter named Danae. But in the Tamul Empire far to the east, unrest of paranormal origin is brewing. The pre-eminent Styric magician Zalasta suggests that the Empire look to the legendary warrior Sparhawk for help.Trolls despoil Atan in the North, and vampires, werewolves, zombies, ghouls and Ogres form a vast conspiracy to take over the Empire. Most disturbing of all are reported sightings of Shining Ones among the hordes. These luminous beings inspire more fear than the rest combined.While Sparhawk resurrects the Blue Rose and battles the enemies of the empire, Queen Ehlana is taken, captive, to the Hidden City of the Cyrgai. The City is protected by magic and by the invincible Klael. The ultimate battle must be fought.This spectacular trilogy is fantasy at its best. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

The Tamuli
The Tamuli is indeed a sequel to The Elenium. Eddings did a great job of picking up a story that had ended somewhat conclusively and developing in a semi-predictable fashion. I felt that the decisions made by Eddings were entertaining and his use of foreshadowing was subtle enough that younger readers might be surprised quite frequently.
There is nothing wrong with these stories. If you happen to be of a religious nature and you are offended easily, don't read it. If tolerance and acceptance are more in your vocabulary, read it, by all means! Theology and politics are a few of the only subjects that can get the population hot and bothered, and Eddings does a wonderful job at spreading out the attacks on both.
If you want a book with lots of blood and gore you may be disappointed, there is quite a bit of time spent on character development and development of the plot.
Thank you for writing such wonderful novels, Mr. Eddings.
If you want more of his books, read The Redemption of Althalus, it might be something close to what Eddings may have considered a book of Talen.

elenium and tamuli
After reading the belgariad and the mallorean, this series was very disappointing. It took me five times to want to continue reading it. It's entertaining that's for sure but it's an absolute no brainer, it doesn't swoop you off your feet like the other series does. It's a shallow story with as mentioned before a very preaching undernote. The characters don't really have to fight they are always stronger then the enemy, it's all about Gods I understand but the deus ex machina element is tiresome and predictable. This is mostly reading material for very young minds. The only good thing I can say about it, is it's entertaining. Sparhawk the hero of the story is like the untouchable, wise and superior person, he doesn't seem to have any flaws. His queen, the perfect woman, beautiful, gifted and smartn yet doesn't seem to realize her daughter is a godess. they show their face anywhere and are welcomed with open arms, they hardly encounter opposition. Everyone is open-minded as hell and prepared to take any measure whatsoever to do what is necessary... it's irrealistic (as fantasy goes) and a bit trivial. Sorry David, hope you do better on the next ones.

enjoyable... provided you don't think
At first glance this book is a great gift for younger fantasy enthusiasts. It has no graphic sex, an enjoyable plot, and familiar characters (as this is a sequel to the Elenium)and everything ends up ok. There is humor, action and romance. This is on the surface.
The Tamuli is a book that requires you not to think. With all the gods and goddesses this book uses, religion is a huge problem in a logical sense. Words attempting to explain the 'rules' of the spiritual world are constantly disregarded for the sake of having an 'unpredictable' enemy. And if you are of the Christian faith, get ready for a scalding, one-sided flaming of the church. The Tamuli, like the Elenium, seems to be a vehicle for Edding's own arguments without the courtesy of debate.
Eddings also seems to be unable to let some characters rest in peace. When he killed of Kurik in the Elenium, Eddings brought in Khalad, Kurik's son, who acts and talks exactly like him. If you are going to kill off a character, have the grace to let him remain dead.
Like in the Elenium, the main characters are all open-minded like the best of us. Wives of unfaithful husbands welcome said husbands bastard and mistress into their homes, and the fact that the husband cheated doesn't seem to be an issue. Despite the medieval-ish setting and the prejudices of that time, our group of heroes each gives unanimous acceptance to homosexuality, which, while politically correct, is dreadfully inaccurate.
Overall, if you are prepared to shut down your brain for a bit (or just like having your own beliefs preached at you to a silence of opposition) this is a wonderful series. If you want something a bit more stimulating, go for Guy Gavriel Kay. If you want to stick with Eddings, go for the Belgariad or the Mallorean, which have a much higher level of entertainment and much lower level of preaching.
... Read more

Product Description
As he seeks to recover Bhelliom, the lost jewel of power, Sparhawk meets the Shining Ones, beings whose touch brings death. By the author of The Seeress of Kell. 250,000 first printing. $150,000 ad/promo. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (23)

Loves these books, but....
Ok, first, I do love these books. As previous reviewers said, they are light and quite comfy. While entertaining, they are not all-encompassing and are nice to take up a weekend or even fill the gaps from one newly bought book/series to another (which is what i'm doing right now actually). Yes, Eddings goes to the well far too often but I still find myself interested and loving most of the characters.

Having said that, I do kind of wish he wouldn't make EVERY single character have that arrogance they all seem to have. Not every single character in a book has to be the absolute best at what he does. ESPECIALLY Ehlana! Eddings did this in the Belgariad books too, he just outright makes me hate the hero's wife! As a matter of fact this book has one of my favorite moments in all of his books I have read. Right after she "commands" Sparhawk to once again make a fool of himself and put her ring back on her finger like a good little sheep, Bhelliom basically takes her arrogant haughty center-of-the-world attitude and let's her know that it's not impressed. I think I actually cheered the first time I read it. I have no problems with authors empowering women at all (for god's sake I love the Drizzt novels and you just don't mess with the women in those books!!), but Eddings takes it to an annoying level. Arrogant spoiled brat does not equal strong independent woman. I think even women readers would get sick of how often some of the women in these books get their way by being bratty, not convincing.

Still, I gave this 3 stars because for all my complaints about him going back to the well, I do that same thing every time I pick up his books and read them again.

Satisfying as a book to relax with
The Shining Ones is a book right up the natural alley of the Eddings productions, with an adventure in a world where there is an easy relationship between humanity and the supernatural gods of the land.It's a fun read, not meant to challenge the reader or force you to think long and hard about the plot or the topics.Sparhawk's adventures are just right for a pleasant book to read at the beach on a plane or just before falling asleep at night, when all you want to do is let the story unfold and provide entertainment.

Okay
This second book of the Tamuli is again a little bit less interesting then the first book, which in turn is less then the Elenium books, which are less then the Belgariad and the Malloreon ... Still, an easy and fun enough read to give it 4 stars. The large number of characters introduced make things a bit hard to follow, with all the different governments, positions, kingdoms etc.

Troll Stopping for Fun and Profit
This adventure wouldn't be the same without the reappearance of Bhelliom, the rose with a bite.Sparhawk threw it in an unknown ocean at the end of the Elenium, hoping to never see it again.But events in Matherion have convinced the visiting Elenes that the situation is a bit too dire for a small company of knights, a mage, and a goddess.Trolls are massing against the Atan legions, revolution dogs the steps of the Tamul empire, and everywhere you look legendary heroes and resurrected dead are raising chaos everywhere.With it clear that at least one god is working on world conquest it is time to bring Bhelliom back into the fray.

The reader will be surprised to discover that the Blue Rose is a great deal more than a powerful trollish toy.In fact, it has its own personality and agenda and Sparhawk plays a very central part in its plans.With Bhelliom on their side, the Elenes have a chance, but the odds still aren't very good.Somehow the enemy seems to be able to counter everything they try, as well as throw in a few punches on their own.

As the plot moves toward an earth-shattering crisis, Ehlana provides much of the comic relief as she instructs an emperor almost twice her age in the fine art of overthrowing his own government.Also a source of comic relief is the courtship of Mirtai and Kring.But the seriousness of the main plot sets the mood.The more Sparhawk and Ehlana discover about the convolute plots around them, the more desperate the struggle becomes.They face old enemies and new, betrayal and old hatreds will either kill them or make them stronger.

This volume bogs down a bit in the middle as Eddings seizes an opportunity to inform the reader of a great deal of the history behind the current problems in a narration that borders on tedious and isn't absolutely necessary.Even so the overall work is good with a conclusion that is flashier than Eddings' norm.The characters flesh out a bit more (although one has a habit of speaking in dialect that makes my eyes cross.If nothing else, one can say that this is a much better followup series than the Malloreon, which was at least a volume too long.

Eddings can do no wrong
I love the Tamuli books, if there is any way in which you have reached this point without having read anything by David Eddings, you must convert.He has enjoyed the sort of universal acclaim of the Harry Potter novels, and with much better reason & writing.

Whilst it is true that by the time he wrote the Rivan Codex and more co-authored with Leigh Eddings they seem a little over impressed with themselves, this is a stand alone Eddings and well worth the read.

Satisfying & occasionally silly go ahead and read it - if you haven't already, congratulations it's a great book, a great series and I am confident that you will enjoy yourselves.

So I believe that David Eddings can do no wrong -- unless you rate Polgara the Sorceress as a grevious sin... ... Read more

Product Description
The group around dan's brother had been held together by a mutual taste for liquor and endless arguments. Now, high in the mountains on a quest to see who could bag the biggest deer, old jealousies and hatreds were being dusted off and revived. Everyone knew an explosion was coming. No one knew who would survive. And none of them were willing to turn back. Reissue. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Ironically, the best book of a famous fantasist
Although Eddings will go down as a creator of (many) (very good) fantasy epics, his best work is the little known High Hunt, from his early days as a writer.

High Hunt is contemporary fiction. It tells the story of two brothers in the Pacific Northwest - coming to grips with maturity, masculinity and one another. Both are 'lost souls' in almost every sense of the word - burned out, desperately looking for something upon which to cling. Both attract equally desperate friends and acquaintances - other men (and occasionally women) in search of focus.

The book isn't action-packed - so the occasional reprint/resurrection of this title as FROM THE AUTHOR OF THE EPIC FANTASY SERIES... invariably fails. Anyone expecting flaming swords and legendary duels will certainly end the book disappointed. However, in its calm, insightful way, High Hunt ranks among the best books of the era in painting a picture of the lost, confused modern man. The characters are searching for a definition of masculinity that no longer exists, and have a hard time struggling to find a sense of purpose in its absence.

On a less profound (or pretentious) level, High Hunt is also an engaging story about the struggles and triumphs of a family in the Northwest. Trying to make ends meet, trying to make friends, trying to find a reason to wake up in the morning. Slightly bleak, but ultimately very inspiring.

This is a terrific book, and, although the lack of flaming swords may prove a disappointment to some, those seeking something different will be thoroughly rewarded. (I like flaming swords - I'm just lucky enough to like this too)

The beginning
This is the beginning of the spectacular career of one of the greatest fantasy-authors: David Eddings.
But this book is no fantasy, however, it's great. Focusing on human characters on the scene of Mountain Hunt, Eddings creates intrigying book, which will delight the fans.
A must read, like everything by this author.

Hunting High And Low Paid Off
About ten years ago, I read this book about a bunch of guys going out hunting in the mountains.After losing/misplacing/etc. the book, all I could remember of the book that the author's name was David something andthe word hunt was in the title. A few months ago, also being a sci-fi fan,I picked up something by Eddings, saw his other works, and bagged myself acopy of "High Hunt" which I've read a couple of times already,and recommended it to everyone. If you're looking for just a damn goodread, this is it.

Not very captivating.
I was introduced to Eddings through the Belgariad, which held my interest because of its excellent character development.High Hunt is lacking in this aspect.I felt that the main character was written as though it wasEddings himself he was writing about.This is the only character that hasany substance.The antagonist is the typical one-dimentional unlikable guyfor 3/4 of the book, at which point he's actually given some real humancharacteristics.It was too little-too late for this novel. It may bethat this book comes too close to how real human relationships work.Ascharacters of our own human dramas, we tend to fit most casualacquaintences into neat little packages.An unlikable relative, an edgyex-marine, a prep, a fat guy.High Hunt reads like that.However, as areader, I expect these characters to be developed.I've got enough1-dimensional relationships; I don't need to read about them. One positivewas that Eddings' humor is evident throughout this book, as it is throughhis others.There's just not enough depth to High Hunt to make it awinner.

An author with flexibility
High Hunt illustrates that David Eddings is more than just a fantasy writer.This is simply a good adult story one would not expect from a the best fantasy writer ever ... Read more

Product Description
The Diamond Throne))The Ruby Knight))The Sapphire Rose))3 ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

The Elenium/Boxed Set
I have been a reader of Fantasy Fiction for most of my life but David Eddings is the best. You have to marvel at the level of detail in these novels. The Belgariad was very entertaining as was the Mallorean (You had to love 'Zakath and Hettar) but Eddings grew up in the Elenium and the Tamuli. The characters were more mature and so was the storyline. I was particularly entertained by the church politics. Eddings draws you in to his stories and you literally can't put them down until you've read the last word of the last novel. We await the story of Danae and Talen.

I LOVE YOU DAVID!
After 3 weeks with no sleep, food or social life I have finished The Elenium, The Tamuli, The Belgariad, The Mallorean, Belgarath and Polgara, The Rivan Codex and High Hunt! Just The losers to go! It was one amazing ride! You get completely taken up with the characters. I've fallenin love with Berit, hated Asharak, cried about Toth and been completelyenvious of a man who can write such an amazingly detailed set of works! Howdoes he do it? These novels might not change your life but they'll make youlaugh, cry, hate and love. I can't wait to do the experience again! Therehave got to be some more Elenium novels! It can't end until Danae has welland truly caught Talen!READ THESE BOOKS NOW!love Snow White

What's to say? It's the best - that's all.
READ THESE BOOKS - NOW! Edding's writes the best fantasy. Just begin today! The story,the characters - everything is just amazing. I love David Eddings.

What to say? - It's the best - that's all!
READ THESE BOOKS - NOW! Edding's writes the best fantasy. Just begin today! The story, the characters - everything is just amazing. I love DavidEddings.

THE MOST AMAZING STORY I HAVE EVER READ!!!
NO BOOK HAS EVER MADE ME CRY, AND BURST OUT IN LAUGHTER, LIKE THESE STORIES DID.IN FACT, NO BOOK HAS EVER TAKEN ME THROUGH THE RANGE OF EMOTIONS THAT DAVID EDDINGS TAKES YOU TO, AND BEYOND.FROM DISGUST, TOLAUGHTER. DEEP SADNESS, TO PURE JOY. BY THE TIME YOU GET TO THE END YOUWILL WANT TO RELIVE THE STORY IN YOUR IMAGINATION AGAIN, AND AGAIN.ICAN'T WAIT TO SEE IF THERE'S A STORY TELLING US HOW DANAE, WILL ROPE HERVICTIM TALEN.., AND YOU KNOW SHE WILL TOO. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (36)

A Great Read
Eddings' series The Belgariad is one of my all-time favorite reads.It's the classic fantasy good-vs.-evil, coming-of-age, lost-kings-returning, quest-with-companions epic.These are common themes in fantasy, but Eddings' writing is so witty, and his characters so intriguing, that it never gets old.He seems very aware he is using some well established cliches, but puts new twists on them and even makes fun of them as the story goes on.I especially love Eddings' twist on the concept of prophesy:In this story, the prophesy is actually sentient, and does not hesitate to tell our hero, Garion, when he is being an idiot.
This series is funny, entertaining, engrossing, and complex.It was my introduction to the sword and sorcery genre of fantasy, and I absolutely love it.

To bad it is all finished and in the past
I recomend all of david eddings books to any reader of any age.
David eddings is my idle in a short way of putting it... he has brought a new light to me and my writing since i was a child... His books have a certian amount of amusement in them. Yet the characters are all lovable. This is a book that i promise all will remember and read again... I love all of his books. his philosiphy is simple to understand, yet the writing syle is one that i still have not seen in any other books. He allows a certian amount of ammusement into them, yet keeping them serious. His books are like a good movie that you dont want to end. After reading one of them you want more and more. until you have devoured the very sould of his writing.

To put it short i dont know why i like them there just fun loving and honest to god books.

Belgariad & Malloreon. My Favorite.
I have never came across a set of books that is so moving,very few authors have made me as emitional as this athor has with this set.I hope their will be a follow up,it would be nice to see how everything whent after all was said and done,peace doesn't last for ever. Highly recomened,own the full set,have read them so much I can almost tell the story myself.

Great Entry-to-Mid-level Fare
This is, I believe, Eddings' first real foray into the realm of true Fantasy, and it doesn't disappoint.Eddings does well to develop characters over time and doesn't sacrifice depth for brevity.I've always enjoyed the sense of humor he brings to his works and the repartee that develops between the characters.

If you are looking for a great starter series in the fantasy genre or a more developed work, look no further.Those looking for the complexity and seriousness of high-fantasy should stick with Tolkien and Donaldson.

This was one of my favorite starting fantasy series, and continues to entertain after all these years.

Praise-worthy
David Eddings' Belgariad series is one of the masterpieces of modern fantasy literature.I fell in love with his books many years ago, and re-read them to this day.His characters are lifelike and amusing, and written in a very human manner.Every time I read, I feel like I am visiting with old friends.Although Eddings writes conflicts into his story, he writes with an assurance that success will come which parallels the great epics of history.His novels, though not thrilling, are relaxing and enthralling in a more stoic fashion-- you will care about the characters and want to see them succeed.

I would recommend this book to the starting fantasy reader, or the reader of modern fiction who hasn't yet delved into the genre.Eddings' personal style and lovable characters have turned me into a dedicated fantasy reader, and I have not yet found his equal among the other authors I've read. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Un second volume à la hauteur du premier
Si vous avez aimé "Le pion blanc des présages" vous ne pourrez faire autrement que d'apprécier sa suite, "La reine des sortilèges". Dans ce deuxième livre, Garion se découvre des pouvoirs de sorcier, tout comme son grand-père et sa tante. Le mystère entourant sa famille prend corps et on en apprend d'avantage sur les diverses tâches qui attendent nos héros. Dans sa quête de l'Orbe, il traverse de nouvelles contrées, rencontre de nouveaux personnages et gagne de nouveaux compagnons, dont une certaine petite princesse nommée Ce'Nedra...

Premier volume d'une excellente série
"Le pion blanc des présages" est le tout premier livre d'une décagologie formée de deux séries de 5 volumes chacune, "La Belgariade" et "La Mallorée". Ce premier volet de cette grande saga présente les principaux personnages : Garion, Polgara la sorcière, Durnik, Barak, Silk, Belgarath le sorcier et j'en passe. On y trouve relatée l'enfance de Garion et l'auteur y jette les bases d'une histoire de sorcellerie, de Dieux et de constante lutte entre le bien et le mal. David Eddings nous familiarise avec ses nombreux personnages et avec l'univers fantastique qu'il a créé avec l'aide de sa femme, Leigh. Il réussi à nous ammener en douceur à comprendre la tâche immense qui incombe à nos héros, soit retrouver l'Orbe d'Aldur. Bien que les personnages soient quelque peu stéréotypés (surtout les personnages féminins), ils sont si attachant et bien présentés qu'on leur pardonne facilement leurs défauts et on prend part sans même s'en appercevoir à leur fabuleuse aventure. ... Read more