Rating: 
Summary: Blech! Not worth reading.
Review: This was an incredibly aggravating and disappointing book. The book is not a story, it is just random scribbles and background from his attempts to create the the Belgariad and the Mallorean. To add to the annoyance, most of this background was changed in the actual writing of the books. I suppose it might be useful for aspiring writers, but I doubt it. The best lesson might be not to publish this kind of stuff! The preponderance of arrogant snide remarks directed to the reader left a bad taste in my mouth. I enjoyed the Belgariad and the Mallorean, but I don't know if I can enjoy re-reading them after this.
Rating: 
Summary: A very good reference for role-playing in Eddings' world.
Review: A good story? No. A good reference for those wanting to write their own fantasy literature? Yes. Definately a must-have for those interested in playing fantasy role-playing games in the world of the Belgariad.
Rating:
Summary: Fascinating, but for real Edding's fans only.
Review: This book is feally fascintating. I really think that, if you want to read this book, you should read the Belgariad and Mallorean series at least twice before, and read Polgara the Sorceress and Belgarath the Sorcerer. If you haven't read these books beforehand, none of that book makes sense. It's a shame the David Eddings isn't going to write anymore of this series, but give him a break! He's almost 80 years old (wow).
Rating: 
Summary: Very Good..... Looking for something more.
Review: I think David and Leigh Edding are wonderful writers. I've read every book of the whole Belgarath series and the Sparhawk series. But even though I loved all the backstories, I'd really like to see a new world with new people. There's just so much I can take of Belgarath and Polgara. The Elenium and Tamuli were very refreshing. But when they ended they really ended for good. A new world can bring a lot of new ideas. That's what I'm looking for instead of three prologues. One other thing: the books are way to short. It seems as soon as I pick it up I'm finished. A big series with eight 900 hundred page books is what I want. Lastly, I'd like a lot more anomosity between characters in a series. I'm tired of everyone liking everyone else. It'll add a lot more spice to the novels. And maybe a bit more tragedy; like someone dying or things not always falling into perfect place. That's all I ask.
Rating: 
Summary: Author's introduction is most interesting aspect of the book
Review: Eddings' introduction is the reason to buy this book. He seemingly admits that the 12-volumes of the Belgeriad and Mallorean were stretched from a planned three books, and that all the "hooks" appeared in the first book. This does help explain the repetitive nature of his works. And oddly, he attacks Tolkien, who created the genre which allows Eddings to earn his living. Perhaps his attitude is explained by the fact that Tolkien was a professor at Oxford and Cambridge, while Eddings claims to have abandoned a teaching position over the lack of a raise, in order to resume his career in middle age as a box boy at a grocery store. Very odd.
Rating: 
Summary: Puts the best series ever into context...
Review: For those of you who feel that this book was a major let down from the series... well what can I say? If you had read the back you would have seen that it was only a collection of the histories of the Belgariad and Mallorean's world. In my personal opinion, after reading the whole twelve book series, "Belgarath the Sorcerer" and "Plogara the Sorceress", I felt this was a perfect way to end it all (the series that is). This book summs all of the meat of the Edding's creation. It was this preperation that set his series far from all others. So to leave you with the words I began with, this book puts the best series ever into context.
Rating:
Summary: Great book for fans/those interested in the writing process
Review: There are 2 good reasons for buying this book. (1) You are an avid Eddings fan and want to learn about the behind the scenes work. (2) You are interested in the writing process in general. If the first is your reason, warning: don't expect a story. Expect an encyclopedia-like chapter about each Belgariad/Mallorean country and religion, as well as some "primary sources" from each culture. If your interest is in the writing process, the first chapter is well worth the price of the book. It describes the origins of fantasy literature and explains the kind of work that goes into writing and publishing. However, it is not pretentious in the least and is written with the "dry voice" wit one has come to expect from an Eddings book.
Rating:
Summary: This is NOT a story! Get over it!
Review: This book is NOT a story in the Belgariad/Malloreon series. It's a neat collection of David and Leigh Eddings' notes from way back when they started the series...it includes notes on the races, the governments, the money, the Grolims, and all sorts of very cool and interesting background material for the world.It has SOME short stories in it, but it's NOT A STORY. Get over it, everyone! If you wanted a new story about Garion and the gang, I don't think it's coming. If you loved the books and love knowing everything possible, then this book is GREAT because of the background it provides. Personally, I love it as a great source of reference for the series...
Rating:
Summary: This is excellent!
Review: The Rivan Codex is a very good reference for The Belgariad, The Malloreon, Belgarath the Sorceror and Polgara the Sorceress. It is a book-long appendix to the series. The length is a testament to the complexity of Eddings's world and his superiority as an author. However, the shortsightedness of The Histories of the West and A Cursory History of Angarak is tedious to someone who has read the others which involve more sorcery. It is, however, depressing to know that this is probably the last book he will write in the series.
Rating:
Summary: Intricate but no real punch to it
Review: I liked the detailization of the storylines.....but not the lack of flair and style.
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