Rating: Summary: The High Point of The Belgariad Review: How are you supposed to review a David Eddings novel? Every fantasy fan either loves him or hates him. If you're in the first category, then you should have no qualms about picking up "Magician's Gambit". This volume, in my opinion, is the high point of the series. It's fast-moving, witty, and well organized, with lots of sword fights and the beginnings of some romance. The plot follows the same pattern as "Pawn of Prophecy" and "Queen of Sorcery", with the group of heroes moving through various countries and occasionally picking up new travellers to help them in their quest to recover the orb. No further explanation is really necessary. Just know that Eddings is the fantasy equivalent of comfort food; you've got to indulge in his books once in a while or else you'll just forget how to have fun.
Rating: Summary: A different tpye of magic Review: I don't think I'll ever forget the day my dad handed me these books. I loved them from the first page of Pawn all the way through Belgarath, (I haven't read Poledra yet). What I really liked about these books was that the characters seem real and that the world accually affected the characters, Everything from Mr. Wolf being upset a the Alorn Kings for summoning him, to the love of C'Nedra for Garion and they way she thought about it. But the best thing I think is the way "magic" works in the story. The Will and the Word. Instead of learning magic out of a book, the Will and the Word uses humanity's own internal power and drives to affect everything else. I think that that is probably the best theory on magic I have ever heard. I suggest that if you are in to epic adventures, swords and sorcery, or just love fantasy read this series.
Rating: Summary: One of the better books in the series Review: I enjoyed this midpoint book quite a lot. It has a lot of action in it to make up for Eddings' few flaws. Garion, in this installment, goes with his aunt and grandfather to fetch what he now knows to be a talisman of great power, and to kill the talisman's thief. Garion's power continues to grow, and his affection for the little princess Ce'Nedra continues to confuse him (and her).The characterization of the relationship between Ce'Nedra and Garion is masterful, if a little stereotypical (do ANY real teenagers argue that way? I argued a lot, but I recall being a bit more quiet about it), but that doesn't detract from its fun. There are numerous other good scenes in the book, culminating in a classic wizard's duel. Probably the only real bad point in the book (and in the series as a whole) is the introduction of the angelic child Errand (I didn't like Flute, either, so there). But overall, I found the book enjoyable.
Rating: Summary: Magicians Gambit Review: I have read every book written by David Eddings and this one was by far the best. You get to see Ctuchik fight Belgerath and plenty more. If you want a good read,I definetly reccomend this book.
Rating: Summary: When will it end? Review: I hope that it doesn't have to end. These books are some of the best I have read in so long that I can re-read them anytime I feel the urge, and believe me, I read them over and over again. David Eddings is such a great writer that I would like to see him continue writing for a long time.
Rating: Summary: Garion and Harry - Separated at Birth? Review: I know some people aren't fans of Eddings, but to me the story is just so incredibly endearing it's hard not to like it. The supporting cast is very entertaining, if not given the opportunity to be fleshed out much, and the dialogue is great. This volume has the most action so far, now that the band of travelers has actually finally made it to Cthol Murgos. We finally get to meet Errand, who is really too cute.
I've read this series about three times now, but this was the first reread since I'd read Harry Potter. It strikes me sometimes how similar Garion and Harry (specifically when he's 15, the same age Garion is in this book) can be. Particularly when they've just done something incredibly stupid and are getting all sullen when people they love and respect call them out for their idiocy. At least Garion isn't quite as dumb or forgetful as Harry. And he has more success with the ladies.
Rating: Summary: Enjoyable Series Review: I'm hooked. While the series does not possess the depth of character or place as books by Terry Goodkind, they are a true guilty pleasure. Great, likeable characters, plenty of action, brisk pace, and witty banter. Read the series. Period.
Rating: Summary: On the Edge of my Seat! Review: I've long been a fan of David Eddings Belgariad series and I've long believed that this is the best book in the series. Again, David Eddings takes us along with his miss-matched group as they travel through places you've never imagined. Their adventure will fascinate you. It's humor, excitement and deep human feelings at their best and worst. And in the middle of it all, is a simple, young country boy who will capture your heart. Knights in Shining Armor, Wizards, Dragons ... The Belgariad has it all (and a lot of it is in this book). This book is part of a series I've picked up at least once a year for at lest the last 10 years. I never seem to get tired of it!
Rating: Summary: Third in one of the greatest fantasy series ever Review: In 'Magician's Gambit' we follow Garion and the rest of the adventurers as they travel in the tracks of the man who stole the stone of Aldur. Among the travellers are Garions great grandfather, the 7000 years old sourcerer Belgarath, and his daughter Polgara. They are starting to convince Garion that he has to accept the fact that he has the power of sourcery, and that he has to learn how to control his ability. To further confuse Garion he has a hard time understanding what princess Ce'Nedra, who travels with them, really feels for him. This is the sequel to 'Queen of Sorcery', and third in the amazing series of five books known as 'the Belgariad'. The series is later followed by another five in 'the Malloreon'. The story is the classic fight between the Evil which seeks to rule the world, and the Good which wants to save it, but what really makes the book so great is the characters. They are all very distinct from each other, with their own personality and desires. Eddings manages to keep them all separate, so that they are not mixed together in a faceless group. Instead they each have their part to play in the quest to save the world. I have read the entire series at least 20 times by now, and it remains my favorite fantasy. It is lighter than 'The Wheel of Time' series by Robert Jordan, which makes it suitable for younger readers as well, but it is great for anyone from around 12 to 112. I think many, like me, read this series as their first fantasy, and it is a great start to get intrested in the world of magic and swordfights. There are other great fantasy series, but this series is still required reading for fantasy lovers.
Rating: Summary: Exciting Review: It's a very interesting book. Some of the parts are fairly predictable, especially in the later books, but then something just pops up and surprises you. Near the end you are still left wondering a bit, but at the end of the series everything just falls into place. I really enjoyed the series.
|