Rating: 
Summary: A good book for patient people
Review: The Rivan Codex is not actually part of the series of either the mallorean or the belgariad. Its also quite different from the Belgarathe and Polgara books. If you were expecting a continuation of the Garion storie, your going to be disappointed. But, if you want to know stuff like how the other books were written, or if you want to know more about the individual civilizations of the series then this is the book for you. It starts with a foreword by David Eddings, describing his own adventures while writing the book. After this mini-autobiography, is a series of chapters including all the books, eg. the Book of Torak, the book of Ulgo, etc. Most of this is given at the beggining of the belgariad and mallorean books, but its here altogether. Then comes the part I liked best, which is an analysis of the different cultures, i.e, stuff like what currency each race uses, what they dress like and other interesting stuff. Then to top off the book there's King Anhegs diary, which is the closest youll come to another Garion story. It gives a very small account of what happens after the mallorean. I bought it in the hope of another Garion story, and was a little disappointed at first, but in the end I enjoyed quite a bit.
Rating:
Summary: For fans only
Review: This is a enjoyable book, but the reason that I gave it four stars instead of five is that the Codexes (Darine and Mrin) are not included. Those books are pretty important in the story, so I was really looking forward to reading them in full.
Rating: 
Summary: unasked for and unneeded
Review: The Belgariad is considered an epic by most, and the Mallorean is a welcome continuation. "Belgarath" and "Polgara" were reasonably interesting, but not this one. The Rivan Codex is contains such trivialities that the authors had forgotten to include in the books, along with tidbits that no one really wanted to know. It seems as though the authors are milking the cash cow that is this series as far as it can go. Read the first ten books of the series, and the two following if you wish, but this book is by no means a necessary addition to your library.
Rating: 
Summary: half good - litterally
Review: I'm a big fan of David and Leigh Eddings, and I've read most of their books twice and more, but when I bought this one I was severely disappointed - from the minute I read the idea behind the book I started having second thoughts, but as a fan I bought it, started reading and was hooked... most of the begining, some of the himns books and the first two or three Dals books are great, but after a while I got tired of it - the dals books are a repitition of each other, when each added a little new event (which is great, but after the third it's annoying), and the religious books are mostly boring (that's the bad half). as a hooked I was realy disappointed, and considered giving it even less, although it had some good parts. if you want a good book of them try Polgara the sorceress, this one is only for the realy realy hooked.
Rating: 
Summary: Don't Bother ...
Review: I am a huge David Eddings fan. As with all of his books, I couldn't wait to get my hands on the Rivan Codex. I'd have been better off never buying that book.Before I read the Rivan Codex, I thought that David Eddings was the most wonderful writer in the world and that he could never write a bad book. Now, I think that David Eddings is a pompous jerk. The Codex has very little information that isn't found in the other books and it's a hard read. The Codex is not even always accurate as David Eddings will tell you. It's put together from bit and pieces of other books and from his personal notes. Many of his notes had ideas or parts written in that Eddings didn't use or that the modified as he wrote the books, but these secrets are not interesting and seem insignificant. They certainly are not things that would have made any real difference in the story. I have read and reread and savored every word from the Belgariad and the Mallorean but I couldn't finish reading the Codex. It's a waste of money as far as I'm concerned. I bought the book because I couldn't stand the thought that David Eddings had a book out there that I didn't own. I wanted to make sure my collection was complete. Now I wish I never would have bought it. The anticipation of buying it was a lot more fun than owning it and trying to read it.
Rating:
Summary: Too derivative - and citing Shakespeare is NO excuse!
Review: I had a hard time trying to rate this book because first of all...as a `behind-the-scenes' guidebook, it works very very well. However...well I have to admit that I've never actually read either the Belgariad or the Mallorean, but that's not why I was dissatisfied with The Rivan Codex. I'd heard plenty about Eddings before, so I was expecting something Really Impressive. What I WASN'T expecting, was something so derivative. I'm sorry, but I simply have no patience for writers who `take the easy way out' and simply transplant our own world's history and/or cultures, plonking them down into a `fantasy' world of their own making. Why do people insist on doing this all the time! This isn't fantasy, this is simply what I like to call "transplanted history". For goodness sakes, can't you even come up with your own creations? Invent something new and original, for once? This type of "world-manufacturing" or whatever he calls it, is not something to be admired or commended. It's just plain lazy. And Mr. Eddings, I'm afraid I do NOT buy into your excuse of pointing out that Shakespeare was derivative too. That is NO excuse! Yes, Shakespeare did a lot of pinching of his own, but should you use that to justify your own? Besides, there's a big difference here. Shakespeare was writing during a particular period in time, for a particular audience. It's not the same thing, Mr. Eddings. I would've thought modern fantasy had more of a licence to be more creative. I'm sorry, but I've read a LOT of fantasy authors, and there are many out there who have the ability to NOT be derivative. Fantasy is all about dreaming up new and fantastic - oftentimes impossible - scenarios. Otherwise, it's not fantasy. What's the point of coming up with something that already exists in our world? You want to read some REAL fantasy, something with REAL imagination? Try Neil Gaiman's Stardust, a beatiful and delicately-crafted piece of fairytale. Or Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman's Death Gate Cycle, the epic set in a TRULY fantasy world. Also, I disagree that modern fantasy developed out of medieval romances. Mr. Eddings, there are lots of types of fantasy out there, and not all of them stem from the medieval West. May I point out, as an example, the Arabian Nights? Lastly, as someone from the East (I am Asian) I take issue with the many sweeping stereotypes employed in defining the different peoples/cultures in the story. Hasn't anyone told the Eddingses that the outmoded Good West vs. Bad East has become a rather tired formula, not to mention rather politically incorrect? Sorry, as adventure stories, I've no doubt that the Belgariad and the Malloreon are indeed as brilliant as everyone has said they are. But as a guidebook into the world the Eddingses have `created', the Rivan Codex does not impress me in the least.
Rating: 
Summary: David Eddings' research guide to the Belgariad and beyond
Review: I really enjoyed this volume of work. David Eddings takes you thru the process of how to write fantasy. He tells you how it difficult it can be and informs you of the basic building blocks of good fantasy. I also enjoyed his different religious books for the different people of The Belgariad and the Malloreon. Anyone who has the desire to write this genre needs to read this book. Also if you are a fan of David Eddings it is very informative of how he came up with the characters and the extent of the background history of the series. I really enjoyed his commentary thru out the book. I also enjoyed hearing about his own history and background on becoming a fantasy writer. He helps you realize that it is very hard work to become a really good writer.
Rating:
Summary: The Rivan Codex
Review: When I first got this book, I think my expectations were a little different to what the book actually presented, hence, I put it down and didn't pick it up again for a year! When I did however, I had just finished re-reading all of the other books in the series and knew what to expect. What I found was an intriguing look into the creation and manifestation of an imaginary world which had been contrived with more complexity than I had believed. The Belgariad is no "inspired" creation, but is rather a crafted literary work, designed in the manner of the great romantic writings of times past. I now find I look at the series of books as almost a controlled experiment in writing. This book is useful to those who both study the art of Literature as well as those who are interested in "crafting" their first novel. I cannot say I am enthused with the clinicality with which the writers approached the series, but I can certainly understand the formula applied and appreciate the end result. Not what I would call light reading if all you want is something to pass the time - its more like an education!
Rating:
Summary: Great for lovers of their work
Review: The only terribly dissapointing thing about reading this book is that David and Leigh have been quoted as saying they will never write another book in this wonderful series that has spanned most of young adult life. I mean I would really be interested in a few other bios (like Silk for one) I guess I will have to re-read them all again and pray that they will come to their senses and begin another adventure for us all.
Rating:
Summary: Great follow-up!
Review: I found this a great read. If you liked the Belgariad/Mallorean series you'll love this! This book finishes up the series with histories of the people and countries in the books. It was also littered with humor from David Eddings who I've come to greatly admire. If you love Eddings you most own this book.
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