The Belgariad, Vol. 1 (Books 1-3): Pawn of Prophecy, Queen of Sorcery, Magician's Gambit

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Description

Millions of readers have discovered the magic of David Eddings’ New York Times bestselling series The Belgariad. Now the first three books in this monumental epic appear in a single volume. Here, long-time fans can rediscover the wonder—and the uninitiated can embark upon a thrilling new journey of fantasy and adventure.

It all begins with the theft of the Orb that for so long protected the West from an evil god. As long as the Orb was at Riva, the prophecy went, its people would be safe from this corrupting power. Garion, a simple farm boy, is familiar with the legend of the Orb, but skeptical in matters of magic. Until, through a twist of fate, he learns not only that the story of the Orb is true, but that he must set out on a quest of unparalleled magic and danger to help recover it. For Garion is a child of destiny, and fate itself is leading him far from his home, sweeping him irrevocably toward a distant tower—and a cataclysmic confrontation with a master of the darkest magic.

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Customer Reviews

Glad this is such a long series
In short, I'm happy this is such a long series. Why I like this series: fun/interesting characters, gods, magic, war, heroes.

2010-08-31 | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Considering the reputation...
...I'm not terribly impressed, to be honest. Oh, don't get me wrong, Eddings spins a good yarn, and I enjoyed the Belgariad, but I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. I kept thinking "surely it can't be this obvious. He's not actually going to play this as straight as it looks. Got to be a twist in here somewhere..."

Well, no, actually. The series proceeds pretty much exactly as you expect it will after reading the prologue and chapter one. Which means that anyone with half a brain will have figured out every revelation and plot point long before they occur, and the only real pleasure is in seeing them played out. It's like watching a movie as an adult that you already saw as a child: you know the main points of what's going to occur, and just stick around for whatever entertainment is found in the details.

In fairness, the details can be entertaining. Eddings has a charming, folksy style, and his characters (while a bit shallow) are generally at least amusing as they bounce off one another. I laughed out loud at some of the things Aunt Pol said, and the depiction of the genial kings, Silk the sly thief, and the Mandorallen the stereotype Arthurian knight are always fun. Even Belgarath, for all that he's channeling a heck of a lot of Gandalf, has an amusing personality all his own. While it's true that none of these characters, Garion included, feels as though they might truly surprise the reader, there's a certain enjoyment in just watching them. They're like reminiscences about a bunch of kindly characters met a long time ago: the company never fails to feel good-hearted and easy-going.

The flip side of the coin is that, once again, this isn't helping the suspense at all. There's no real instance of two characters being at odds (at least none that Aunt Pol can't fix with a motherly tongue-lashing). None of the characters are threatening or spine-tingling. None of them ever makes you wonder about their motives, and NO ONE ever moves too far from that sort of aw-shucks-we're-all-good-fellas-here attitude that seems to sustain them as a group.

I suppose the word for this series is charming. It really is. If we put aside the fact that Eddings as a writer is so damn likable and his characters are so cute, it becomes fairly clear that The Belgariad is just a lesser son of greater parents (i.e. Lord of the Rings, Lord of the Rings, and let's not forget...Lord of the Rings), much like the Shannara series. It's also, as I said above, almost unbelievably predictable.

Fortunately, Eddings IS a likable author, his character ARE cute, and so despite its flaws this story ends up being a fun, if not particularly riveting, diversion.

As a final note, this seems, after the manner of the Drizzt or Shannara books, like a good introduction to epic fantasy for younger kids, say the 10-14 range. If possible, get them into the Hobbit first, but the Belgariad would make a solid (and nonthreatening) stepping stone between "kid's fantasy" and "adult fantasy".

2010-08-28 (Canada) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 3

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One word: EPIC
This series is amazing. My favorite fantasy series ever. Quick and easy to read, but very deep on a philosophical and creative level. If you liked Lord of the Rings this is definitely worth reading. I enjoyed this more than Lord of the Rings since it appeared to be more straight forward and down to earth than LotR. Highly recommended.

2010-06-15 | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Still a Series that's a blast to re-read
Every couple of summers I enjoy the chance to make the Belgariad my reading material for a week or two. The characters are still just as endearing, the dialog is still written just as wittily, and the pace moves just as fast - every time! Eddings did a great job at not trying to be too serious, at understanding the need to stick to a main plot line, and to really love his characters as he wrote them. Don't pass up a chance to come to know this series!

2010-04-24 (Maryland) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 4

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great book
This is a classic fantasy series. I first read it many years ago when my oldest was a teen, and wanted to revisit this world. Very worth it.

2010-02-07 | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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The Malloreon, Vol. 2 (Books 4 & 5): Sorceress of Darshiva, The Seeress of Kell

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• ISBN13: 9780345483874

Description

Here is the epic conclusion of David Eddings’s enthralling series The Malloreon–two magnificent novels in one volume. This monumental fantasy follows the story of two age-old opposing destinies locked in a seven-thousand-year war for control of the world, its gods, and its men. Indeed the victor will determine nothing less than the fate of all creation.

Troubles mount as King Garion, Belgarath, and Polgara pursue Zandramas, the Child of Dark, across the known world. The wicked creature has abducted the King’s infant son for sinister purposes. If Garion and his companions cannot reach the Place Which Is No More, as the Seeress of Kell has warned, then Zandramas will use Garion’s son in a rite that will raise the Dark Prophecy to eternal dominion over the universe. Only the Seeress of Kell can reveal the mysterious locale, but first Garion and Polgara must fulfill an ancient prophecy in the mountain fastness of the Seers. Although Kell is closed to Zandramas, her dark magic can forcefully extract the intelligence she needs from one of Garion’s party. Setting traps and dispatching her foul minions, she is determined to claim the world for the Dark Prophecy. But Garion will let nothing stand between himself and his son. . . .

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Customer Reviews

Great series
I have shared this series with my kids and grand kids thanks for allowing this to continue

2010-02-01 | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Splendid Read!
All I really need to say about this: it is a splendid read! The book was in new condition, physically. And the material within the covers is nothing short of magic! If you are just starting out in fantasy, The Belgariad and The Mallorean will make you a life-long fan. I would recommend for anyone from teens to adults. I would also recommend the seller, as I said, the book was new.

2009-11-19 | Lady of Literature (West Virginia, USA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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David Eddings
Over the years I've worn out the 10 paperbacks that made up the series. While I like the fact that 10 paperbacks have been compressed to 4 larger books, the pages are very thin.

2009-08-30 | babyziff (Chicago, IL) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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A good ending to a good series.
Like with all of Eddings's work these are very good light Fantasy, I think this would be the perfect Fantasy for beginners or for kids just starting out on their Fantasy adventures. A like all of the characters in this series from Garion to Silk and even the King of the Murgos, Eddings writes his characters very well to the point were you really start to care about them and I even found myself sad when main characters were killed. All in all these works are great traditional Fantasy that is a must for any Fantasy fan to read. Also this omnibus edition of The Malloreon is great value for money.

After escaping the plague ridden city of the Malloreon Emperor, they must race to find the missing codex texts and also find the lost city of Kell. Along the way they will meet old friends and older enemies, do battle with demons and dodge assassins all the while trying to stay one step ahead of two huge armies that plan to end their quest. The fate of the world stands in the hand of the child of light!

2009-05-11 | Fantasy Doctor (Liverpool,England) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 4

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NICE EDITION: SAVE SOME SHELF SPACE
This is of course a combination of the first three books which make up "The Melloreon," which is the continuation of the five books that made up "The Belgariad." In this one volume you get Gardians fo the West, King of the Murgos and Demon Lord of Karanda. This is actually a pretty good deal as it does save some space. On the other hand, the print in this edition is smaller than normal and if your eyes are getting as old as mine, then this is something to consider. That is really the only gripe I have about this particular book.

As has been pointed out by many, many reviewers, these books are not "high literature," and in fact are completely filled with errors from the first book to the last. That is not a problem though. As I have pointed out in other reviews on this series, these books are simply fun to read. The plot is simple and to be honest, The Melloreon is just another version of The Belgariad, only told just a bit differently. Again, this is okay, they are still fun. I read these books purely for the relaxation. I know the characters as I have read the books several times, could care less about the plot, and don't rally have to give any deep thought to the reading process. Now don't get me wrong, it would be horrible to have an absolute steady diet of this stuff, but to read these books between heavier works sort of acts as a cleaning agent.

For a light read that is purely for entertainment, you cannot go wrong. You must start though with the first book in The Belagriad which is the Pawn of Prophecy, and read all the books in order our you will never know what is going on. After reading the first book in the two series, and if you find you do not like it, then drop them and don't waste your time as you get about ten books of the same.

Personally, I love this entire series and plan to keep reading them even as I wear copy after copy out.

Don Blankenship
The Ozarks

2008-11-15 (The Ozarks) | Helpful Votes: 6 | Rating: 5

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The Malloreon, Vol. 1 (Books 1-3): Guardians of the West, King of the Murgos, Demon Lord of Karanda

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• ISBN13: 9780345483867
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Description

Discover the magic of The Malloreon–David Eddings’s acclaimed series, the sequel to his bestselling The Belgariad. Now 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. . .

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Customer Reviews

se
I'm falling in love with a whole new author...Belgariad and Mallorean are the most intertaining books ever...I can't hardly put them down, the story just keeps evolving and growing...well written.

2010-03-22 | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Old friends
Ah, the Malloreon - Belgarion and his eastern counterpart managing NOT to carve up the world. The only problem is... there ain't no more! Yet, anyway. There are the stories from the rest of his family, but no continuation. I'd still like to see how the Riven Queen manages childrearing. Maybe Pol will tell us some other day.

This particular pair of books is a nice size- the first three sets I purchased, I got the individual books, and the only thing missing is the various cover art. But for those of us who already know exactly how the characters look, it's not an unimaginable loss.

Maybe, with multiple books in one volume, they won't leave my house so fast. Maybe.

2009-10-03 (Durham, NC United States) | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 5

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Not as good as the first series, but worth reading!
These are not as good as his first series, that being said I still think they're well worth reading. If you're just starting on your Fantasy adventure then these books are perfect for you or if you're a kid who wants a good fantasy yarn then any of Eddings's work will be enjoyable. However if you're a veteran Fantasy reader who might be expecting a series like Erikson's or Martin's then Eddings's work is not for you. While he writes well his writing is nowhere near the standard of the top writers of Fantasy, what I usually do is read Eddings after I read a top notch Fantasy, just to sort of mellow me out a bit. lol This all being said I still think Eddings's work is well worth reading for any Fantasy lover and for all ages.

The story starts a few weeks after the end of The Belgaraid, Belgaraid is just starting to settle down being King when a crisis is start, the bear cult have united behind one leader and are preparing for war. It falls to the new King of Rivan to put a stop to their fanaticism, behind the scene a new plot is being brought together, while Belgaraid is away fighting the bear cult a new dark power kidnaps his new born son Garan. Here starts the new war between light and dark, as the Rivan King and a few chosen companions race to fight this new evil, they will face fanatic Golems, demons from the very pits of her and the new possibility that a new dark God will rise.

2009-05-11 | Fantasy Doctor (Liverpool,England) | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 4

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Mallorean Vol 1
A real joy to re-read this epic fantasy with a new forward by the author. Enjoyable and shelf-saving to have all five books in two volumes. I received the Belgariad Vol 1 and 2 for Christmas and then purchased these. A welcome addition to my library.

2009-03-21 (Astoria, OR) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Awesome Read!
If you're an Eddings fan and enjoyed the Belgariad - don't miss this follow-up! I didn't want to put it down, and now I'm buying Volume 2 to finish the story.

2008-10-15 | Tucker (Spokane, WA USA) | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 5

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The Tamuli: Domes of Fire - The Shining Ones - The Hidden City

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• ISBN13: 9780345500946
• Qualification: New
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Description

For the first time in one magical volume–the three exciting novels of David Eddings’s epic heroic fantasy THE TAMULI

Danger stalks Queen Ehlana’s realm. Peasants whisper of the heroes of old who will rise again. Outlaw bands ravage the hill country. Then comes an ambassador from the far-off Tamuli empire, requesting aid: Tamuli is being torn apart by monsters, ancient warriors, and foul magics. Queen Ehlana turns to the great knight Sparhawk, and the two begin the perilous trek to the distant empire of the east, toward a glittering court seething with corruption and treachery.
This tale of rousing adventure, glory, and betrayal is fantasy at its best, as told by one of the finest storytellers of our time.

“This tale of comradeship, dastardly doings, multiple gods, strange races and noble and ignoble humans is vintage Eddings.”
–Publishers Weekly, on The Shining Ones

“Eddings continues to reward lovers of great, sweeping fantasies with creative ingenuity in characterization, world building, and magical effects.”
–Booklist, on The Hidden City

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Customer Reviews

The best of Eddings I've read thus far!!!
The Tamuli is hands down my favorite of David Edding's writing thus far. I have read all of his books at this point except for "The Dreamers."
Eddings is a master of political intrigue, culture and intricate conspiracy. It makes his plots quite meandering and wide flung. However, his true, greatest strengths are his characters. He is able to give them such life and personality. I also love his humor, which is not something often found in high fantasy in general.

The Tamuli, I feel, shows Edding's writing at its best. Sparhawk and co are back to right the world once again. This time they have to literally go to the other side of the world, sounds a bit like the Mallorean...;) So plot wise it ends up being a lot of travel and cultural interaction. In Matherion, things come to a head, and Edding's political imaginings are supurbly ridiculous and fun.

In the end my favorite parts usually revolved around Danae and Sparhawk. There is a brilliant balance struck between daughter and father, goddess and man, which leads to amazing quips and, for me, many laughs.

At this point, I've only finished the first two books in the trilogy, but I'm so impressed by what I've read so far, I felt compelled to review! Will update when finished!
UPDATE:
So now I've finished. I have to say it was a very satisfying ending. If you like Edding's, this will not disappoint. I'm sad to see it end, but now I get to look forward to rereading it!

2010-07-05 | book-a-holic | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Great epic! Entertaining and fun!!
For people who like stories of knights in shining armor, this one's for you! But you should start with the first three stories: The Elenium. There you will be introduced to the great cast of characters. David Eddings created a world that is fun to visit over and over again (this is the third time I've purchased these books because I reread them so often, I've worn them out!). My only complaint is that there is no sequel to The Tamuli -- come on Mr. Eddings! Tells us what happens next!

2010-05-12 (New York, NY) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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The Tamuli - Excellent
The Belgariad, Vol. 1 (Books 1-3): Pawn of Prophecy, Queen of Sorcery, Magician's Gambit This is the first book by David Eddings that I read and enjoyed so much. Since then I have followed up with The Elenium: The Diamond Throne The Ruby Knight The Sapphire Rose and The Malloreon, Vol. 1 (Books 1-3): Guardians of the West, King of the Murgos, Demon Lord of KarandaThe Tamuli follows along seamlessly, the characters stay with you and you even care about the Trolls. There is always some fun involved as well with jesting among the warriors and the women's views on their men. Very enjoyable.

2009-07-19 | Helpful Votes: 2 | Rating: 5

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Love it
I love David Eddings and I loved The Tamuli series as well as the previous series The Elenium.

I feel this is a great sequel to the Elenium. And I love how David brought back the old characters and some new ones that are easy to fall in love with. This is a great adventure story that is a relatively easy yet enthralling read, especially for people who are just getting into fantasy stories. The Elenium and Tamuli were actually the very first books that I read on my own outside of school over 10 years ago. And I have reread them any numerous amounts of time since then.

My only issue with this copy of the Tamuli series is that, since it isnt a hardcover edition, I found it difficult to keep the covers looking nice. My poor copy got pretty bent up. I know most paper backs get beat up preatty easily, but I feel since this volume was a bit larger then an average sized book, it was harder to keep it in tact. That and something about the way I was holding it caused the clear plastic covering on the book to start to peel apart.

So if you decide to purchase this particular copy of this really good series, those are just some things to look out for. However I would definitely recommend this book to others. It is just so much fun to read and reread.

2009-06-29 (United States) | Helpful Votes: 3 | Rating: 5

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Tamuli
Once again - love David Eddings style. Here we get to read about characters we are familiar with from "Elenium" and new charaters are added. Although this book was "bloodier" and more gruesome than I usually care for, it's a fun read.

2009-04-04 | multitasker (Iowa) | Helpful Votes: 2 | Rating: 5

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The Belgariad, Vol. 2 (Books 4 & 5): Castle of Wizardry, Enchanters' End Game

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• ISBN13: 9780345456311
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Description

David Eddings’ acclaimed series, The Belgariad, reaches its stunning conclusion in these final two gripping novels. Continue on this magnificent journey and be entranced by a saga of strange lands and peoples, of prophecy and strife set against the background of a seven-thousand-year war of men, Kings, and Gods.

The quest may be nearing its end, but the danger continues. After discovering a shocking secret about himself he never could have imagined—all in pursuit of the legendary Orb—Garion and his fellow adventurers must escape a crumbling enemy fortress and flee across a vast desert filled with ruthless soldiers whose only aim is to destroy them. But even when the quest is complete, Garion’s destiny is far from fulfilled. For the evil God Torak is about to awaken and seek dominion. Somehow, Garion has to face the God, to kill or be killed. On the outcome of this dread duel rests the future of the world. But how can one man destroy an immortal God?

“Fabulous . . . Eddings has a marvelous storyteller style . . . exceedingly well portrayed and complex people. . . . More! More! More!”
—ANNE MCCAFFREY

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Customer Reviews

EPIC
This is a great continuation of the series. The character development and mythology in this series is remarkable. Like I said in my review of volume 1, I much prefer this series to Lord of the Rings. This is a must read for any fan of the fantasy genre and should also be read by people looking for something imaginative to read. Don't take my word though, read it and judge for yourself.

2010-06-15 | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Amazing story
This is by far one of the best fantasy series I have ever read. I never wanted it to end, but couldn't read it fast enough at the same time.

2010-06-12 | Pryde97 (CO) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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They are Wonderful
Thank you so much, both books arrived together, in perfect condition, in just a few days. They are a gift for my Loving Hubby for his Birthday. He has searched for them endlessly, every where, but here.

2009-10-09 | Wolves (PA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Growing legs
Well, here I go again, purchasing ANOTHER set of the Belgariad. I'll remember the speed at which these books leave my house the next time I think it's a good idea to teach kids to read.

The size of this particular book is great - light and flexible enough to hold, tall enough to rate a full spot in the bookshelves. The only drawback is missing the originals' cover art, but I know what the characters look like already.

I hope Amazon keeps these in stock - the story just doesn't stick around my household very long.

2009-10-03 (Durham, NC United States) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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We need all the Garion books on Kindle!
Why is 'volume 2' the only part of the series available on Kindle? What about part one and what about the sequel, 'the Mallorean'? We fans need to make sure they become available-on the regular amazon website there is an icon on the product page of every book that is not available on kindle: 'would you like to read this on Kindle?' Please visit Eddings' books and click on this link to show them how eager we are to read these books on our kindles!

2009-08-20 | New Kindle DX owner :) (Yucca, Arizona USA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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The Elder Gods (The Dreamers, Book 1)

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• ISBN13: 9780446613330
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Description

Somewhere beyond the farthest pole of the world, the land of Dhrall lies anchored by the will of four powerful Gods. Able to bend reality to their whims and influence the lives of mortal men, these deities are still bound by the laws of nature and cannot take lives. Yet the Gods are not the only power. For in the center of Dhrall lives a voracious horror known as the Vlagh. A nightmare made flesh, the Vlagh has bred a massive army of hideous monsters to overrun the world. In the coming battles the people of Dhrall will be aided by a ragtag force of foreign mercenaries and pirates, but the true champions of the war will be four enigmatic children known as the Dreamers. Raised by the Gods themselves, these children can alter the fabric of reality. But, unlike the Elder Gods, the Dreamers do not hesitate to kill...

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David and Leigh Eddings introduce readers to their newly minted Land of Dhrall with The Elder Gods, the first book in the four-book Dreamers Saga. Dhrall is under the gentle rule of four gods representing the four compass points. These gods are reaching the end of their terms of power when the god of the North brings four children who are destined to take over for them into his siblings' lairs. The children are dreamers and able to see the possible outcome of battles in a coming war with the evil creature that controls the wasteland at the center of Drahll's map. Thus, the gods and their young charges undertake quests to hire mercenary armies and thwart the initial invasion into their lands.

The book unfolds like a children's primer. This pedantic style proves to be heavy-handed for adult readers and will quickly try their patience. If the Eddings were trying to concoct a book that would be suitable for reading aloud to fifth graders they've succeeded, but even the most die-hard fantasy fan will tire quickly of the sing-song approach and plot twists that can be sniffed out from miles away. --Jeremy Pugh

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Customer Reviews

Waste of time and money!
This book, and especially this series as a whole, is a terrible waste of time and money. After managing to plod through all four books, hoping somehow they would get better, I just found myself getting angrier and angrier that the books are as bad as they are. Normally I wouldn't have wasted my time with a series as bad as this, but unfortunately I didn't have any other books to read at the time.

You never really get drawn into the story, the plot execution is terrible, and it's eye-gougingly repetitive. Every event is told from 3 or 4 different people's perspective making you just want to scream because you already know exactly what will happen and who cares if this character thinks slightly different thoughts about the outcome! All four books could have easily been condensed into 1 book without losing any content of the story - that's how repetitive it is.

I strongly urge anyone considering buying this book or this series to think again and find another book that looks interesting. Don't waste your time and money on this!

2010-06-05 | FantasyFanVII | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 1

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The worst series he's ever written
I've never before been so disappointed with a familiar author's work. I've read all but two of the books that Eddings wrote before this set, and every one of them is still on my shelves so that I can curl up with them again and settle down for what I know will be an exquisitely enjoyable read. Not this set. This set is going in the recycle bin. I won't even take them to the used book store to foist off on some other unsuspecting soul.

The Belgariad is a grand adventure with all the right elements: a mythic tale; well-developed characters, each with a unique personality; intrigue and spying; sorcery; witty dialog; excellent plot development with every element revealed at its proper time. The Dreamers was 4 books that told the same basic story over each time; characters from 4 continents and 7 different cultures who are barely differentiated and even use the same odd turn of phrase; dialog that repeats several times from the viewpoints of different characters who were in the same conversation -- once an entire paragraph was reused verbatim 2 pages later with only one sentence added; and one of the most rudimentary plot lines I've ever encountered: gather the troops, build some forts, worry about how we are going to kill the enemy, fight some, talk a lot, have an unknown god take care of everything for us. I've seen better in fanzines.

I read all 4 volumes of The Dreamers like someone watching a train wreck. I kept hoping it would get better, but it does not. I agree with so many of the other reviews. Was it ghost written? Eddings would have been over 70 when this started to come out. Maybe he's done writing. Was there no editor? If there was, he or she ought to be fired. Did Eddings need money and get paid by the word? I've never before, in 50 years of reading fantasy & science fiction, encountered a series that felt so utterly padded and inflated in ways that were of no value to the story. Did Leigh Eddings write this series? I certainly don't see David's deft story handling and phrasing here.

If this is your first experience with Eddings, I so *very* strongly urge you to go read the Belgariad, the Mallorean, the Elenium, and the Tamuli. They are all orders of magnitude better that this dreck.

Personally, I've already started to re-read the Belgariad to wipe the "taste" of this horrible mess out of my mind.

2010-03-24 | Nana Sarah (Springdale, PA United States) | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 1

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This series is horrible, "wouldn't you say?"
What a disappointing series! I've always been a huge Eddings fan. The Belgariad, Mallorean, Tamuli, and Elenium are some of my all time favorite series of books. The Dreamers on the other hand...horrible...I find it hard to believe Eddings wrote this nonsense.

The story had a decent basis to start with, but fell flat quickly. There was never any flow to the story, because once an event took place, that event was re-told from another character's viewpoint. Now this may have been ok if it would have added something to the story, but it never did. It just seemed a simple regurgitation of events to fill out the pages. Even how the "end" of the Vlagh happened, was told twice..from the same viewpoint. Still scratching my head over that.

I think the most irritating thing about this series though, was the very frequent repetition of phrases used by the characters. I'm sure in the 4 books, the phrase "wouldn't you say?" was used 200 times(if not more)....heck, sometimes you'd see it 2-3 on a single page! I also lost count how many times a character covered their mouth with a hand to conceal a grin.

Save yourself time and money. Here's how the 4 books all play out:

1) Bugs attack 2)Outlanders create breastworks and forts. 3) Blah blah blah for 300 pages. 4)One of the gods finishes off the bug army.

Wash, rinse, repeat.

2009-03-05 | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 1

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pink effing dolphins?!?!?!?!?!?!?
i had to stop when the god mounted his pet lightning bolt (insert incredulity here) and tells her "let's go home, baby"... let's go home baby????? seriously? (insert vomit sound effect here). unbelievable. i suffered through 164 pages of this dreck before i had to check other reviews to see if i was just crazy. alas, i am not crazy. this appears to be a lazy attempt to make publisher's happy. i absolutely loved the belgariad and mallorean, and i can't believe eddings wrote this s#*&t.

2008-10-02 (dc) | Helpful Votes: 2 | Rating: 1

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Not Eddings' Best Work
I was very disappointed with this series. It's not the typical David Eddings fare I am used to. Maybe I was expecting something along the lines of the Belgariad series. This story line just never grabbed my attention the way Belgarion and company did.

2008-04-08 (Iraq) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 2

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