David Eddings: An Overview
Many people who love fantasy as adults cut their fantasy teeth as young adults on Eddings' work. I did. My grade 8 English teacher "forced" the class to read "Pawn of Prophecy" as a class reading. Let it be known he also introduced us to Anne McCaffrey, another author of some prestige. Eddings and, more recently, his wife Leigh, have written several books, as follows:
The Belgariad
1. Pawn of Prophecy
2. Queen of Sorcery
3. Magician's Gambit
4. Castle of Wizardry
5. Enchanter's End Game
The Mallorean - series continues The Belgariad
1. Guardian of the West
2. King of the Murgos
3. Demon Lord of Karanda
4. Sorceress of Darshiva
5. The Seeress of Kell
Supplementary reading - relating to The Belgariad and The Mallorean
Belgarath the Sorcerer
Polgara the Sorceress
The Rivan Codex
The Elenium
1. The Diamond Throne
2. The Ruby Knight
3. The Sapphire Rose
The Tamuli - series continues The Elenium
1. Domes of Fire
2. The Shining Ones
3. The Hidden City
The Dreamers
1. The Elder Gods
2. The Treasured One - yet to be published
Stand-alone Novels
High Hunt *
The Losers
Regina's Song *
The Redemption of Althalus
I have read all of them, save the two with stars by them and the one that has not yet been published. I will tell you this, if you have not yet read Eddings' work: The newer books are of a slightly lower quality than his older ones. The Belgariad and the Mallorean were spectacular epic fantasy. Vivid characters, believable cultures and lands. The Gods were not outlandish and the method of "magic" is defined down to a science so realistic you wonder if perhaps it is the truth.
Once you have read these two series, you should DEFINATELY read the Belgarath/Polgara books. The Rivan Codex is very interesting but is more in the format of a history text and thus might not appeal to all readers. I found that the religion of the cultures was very intriguing and anyone else who also thought so will definately get a kick out of the Codex. (Most Tolkein fans will like it too as they are accustomed to some dry history/mythology parts).
The Elenium and Tamuli are also good. Not quite the depth of the Belgariad/Mallorean but you learn to love and hate with the characters, you care about the fate of their world. Once again, realistic method of magic. The cultures are slightly more fantastical, but described well enough to maintain belief.
The Dreamers so far has been a HUGE letdown. Those who have read Eddings' other work will recognize several "trademarked" phrases (eg- "Be nice" and "Would I do/say something like that?") and the staple sarcastic bickering between family members who really love each other. The plot seems rushed and lacklustre. The whole book builds and builds (slowly, but it does build) and then the big "finale" is only a few pages long! I was left feeling terribly unsatisfied and a little betrayed.
The Redemption of Althalus was an interesting read. As I said before, not up to the Belgariad standard but still worth a read. His first attempt at an epic fantasy in one book was a letdown. Character development could have been better but the plot is at least interesting enough to grab and maintain your interest. Still uses the trademarked phrases and petty sarcasm between loved ones, in typical Eddings style... Not sure if maybe this is his wife's bad influence? Only the books she has her name on seem to be bad... Hmm... Yoko Ono anyone?
The Losers was a very different style for him. I quite liked it though. It has a modern feel, set on Earth. Anyone who feels like they're been dealt a sub-par hand in life will likely find this a good read. I don't really feel that way but I still liked it and I can see how others who do feel that way would appreciate it all the more.
So. That is my little tirade about David Eddings. Hopefully that gives everyone a jumping off point! Dive in!
Disclaimer: His books are good but do not expect an "adult" book. There is no sex, no coarse language except the occasional fictional "curse" in the ways of the cultures in the novel (eg- "Belar!!" the name of a God from The Belgariad). They are an excellent starting point for newcomers to the genre. Old hands at fantasy will still enjoy them, but probably won't find them as life-changing.
The Belgariad
1. Pawn of Prophecy
2. Queen of Sorcery
3. Magician's Gambit
4. Castle of Wizardry
5. Enchanter's End Game
The Mallorean - series continues The Belgariad
1. Guardian of the West
2. King of the Murgos
3. Demon Lord of Karanda
4. Sorceress of Darshiva
5. The Seeress of Kell
Supplementary reading - relating to The Belgariad and The Mallorean
Belgarath the Sorcerer
Polgara the Sorceress
The Rivan Codex
The Elenium
1. The Diamond Throne
2. The Ruby Knight
3. The Sapphire Rose
The Tamuli - series continues The Elenium
1. Domes of Fire
2. The Shining Ones
3. The Hidden City
The Dreamers
1. The Elder Gods
2. The Treasured One - yet to be published
Stand-alone Novels
High Hunt *
The Losers
Regina's Song *
The Redemption of Althalus
I have read all of them, save the two with stars by them and the one that has not yet been published. I will tell you this, if you have not yet read Eddings' work: The newer books are of a slightly lower quality than his older ones. The Belgariad and the Mallorean were spectacular epic fantasy. Vivid characters, believable cultures and lands. The Gods were not outlandish and the method of "magic" is defined down to a science so realistic you wonder if perhaps it is the truth.
Once you have read these two series, you should DEFINATELY read the Belgarath/Polgara books. The Rivan Codex is very interesting but is more in the format of a history text and thus might not appeal to all readers. I found that the religion of the cultures was very intriguing and anyone else who also thought so will definately get a kick out of the Codex. (Most Tolkein fans will like it too as they are accustomed to some dry history/mythology parts).
The Elenium and Tamuli are also good. Not quite the depth of the Belgariad/Mallorean but you learn to love and hate with the characters, you care about the fate of their world. Once again, realistic method of magic. The cultures are slightly more fantastical, but described well enough to maintain belief.
The Dreamers so far has been a HUGE letdown. Those who have read Eddings' other work will recognize several "trademarked" phrases (eg- "Be nice" and "Would I do/say something like that?") and the staple sarcastic bickering between family members who really love each other. The plot seems rushed and lacklustre. The whole book builds and builds (slowly, but it does build) and then the big "finale" is only a few pages long! I was left feeling terribly unsatisfied and a little betrayed.
The Redemption of Althalus was an interesting read. As I said before, not up to the Belgariad standard but still worth a read. His first attempt at an epic fantasy in one book was a letdown. Character development could have been better but the plot is at least interesting enough to grab and maintain your interest. Still uses the trademarked phrases and petty sarcasm between loved ones, in typical Eddings style... Not sure if maybe this is his wife's bad influence? Only the books she has her name on seem to be bad... Hmm... Yoko Ono anyone?
The Losers was a very different style for him. I quite liked it though. It has a modern feel, set on Earth. Anyone who feels like they're been dealt a sub-par hand in life will likely find this a good read. I don't really feel that way but I still liked it and I can see how others who do feel that way would appreciate it all the more.
So. That is my little tirade about David Eddings. Hopefully that gives everyone a jumping off point! Dive in!
Disclaimer: His books are good but do not expect an "adult" book. There is no sex, no coarse language except the occasional fictional "curse" in the ways of the cultures in the novel (eg- "Belar!!" the name of a God from The Belgariad). They are an excellent starting point for newcomers to the genre. Old hands at fantasy will still enjoy them, but probably won't find them as life-changing.
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