Rating: Summary: Well done but not significantly new Review: The writing quality and character development were, as usual, unique to the Eddings and quite satisfying. There were convincing new insights into Polgara's personality and the character of her mother. The problem with retelling essentially the same story (Belgarath the Sorcerer) is that only the most dedicated fans (the real marketing target?) will fully appreciate the retell of the story - regardless of the fact that the point of view is fresh. If there had been more new ideas introduced or startling clarifications in this rewrite of the same history, then it would have been considerably more satisfying. [Yes, my review appeared at another bookseller's website last year]
Rating: Summary: An overview of my favorite character of David Eddings Review: David and Leigh Eddings have done it again. This book was wonderful. It let you see the stuggle of the light and dark thru the daughter of Belgarath the Sorcerer. It takes you on a journey to place that Belgarath briefly touched on. I really enjoyed seeing the world and history thru her eyes. I also enjoyed the female perspective. It helps you understand even more the character Polgara in the series. After I read Polgara the Sorceress I reread the series to look for things I may have missed but now understand. I enjoyed seeing her raise Belgarion's family by hiding and protecting them. I enjoyed reading about her time with the Arendish people. You learn in this book where she learned her love of cooking, the beginning of her close relationship with her Uncle Beldin and why she detested her father so much at times. You also learn what drove her to become a physician. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves fantasy or who loves David Eddings books.
Rating: Summary: Fantastic commentary on the events of the series Review: The Belgeriad and Mallorean series are my favorite pieces of fantasy literature - I've read them a couple times, and they are always super enjoyable, and always force me to stay up late reading them because I can't stop, even though I know what's going to happen. This book (and Belgarath) is a wonderful cap to the whole series, going all way back in time. Although much of it is a repeat of what was in the other books, this is wonderful reading since it is all from the perspective of Polgara, daughter of Belgarath, alive the last 5,000 years. Polgara offers many, many new insights to the events of the books. It's fascinating: construct a whole series with the omniscient narrator, and then write two more books going over the whole thing again, but from the point of views of two characters in the series. Surprisingly, it not only works, it works well, and it's quite compelling reading. And Eddings writes convincingly enough to make one think it really *is* Polgara who has written this. Absolutely excellent reading, but of course, you really do have to read the first ten books first. And I can't recommend this series enough. Certainly the best multi-volume fantasy series that has come out (and yes, I am apostate by regarding this higher than Lord of the Rings, but so be it).
Rating: Summary: Very, very well done, Pol Review: Finally, the saga is complete and this book doesn't disappoint at all. It is, off course, very similar to "Belgarath the Sorcerer". People who read the other books by David & Leigh Eddings will love it, for everyone else, let me warn you: The book takes its time to get into high gear and many things that Pol writes about are hard to understand for people who haven't read the other books. So, for those of you, you can subtract two stars from my rating. For Eddings-fans, this is a must-read: We finally learn how Polgara guarded the Rivan line and it is a fascinating concept that someone has to take care for a blood-line for 15(!) centuries, staying with that family for so long, always seeing people get born, grow up and die. Very sad, but a fascinating idea. For everyone who has read "Belgarath the Sorcerer" here's a valuable hint: Have the Belgarath-book close by when you read Polgara's story. It is absolutely fascinating to read the same events from two perspectives. A hint to the publisher: How about putting those two books together in one single (very thick) volume in a cross-cut style switching always from Belgarath to Polgara and back?
Rating: Summary: Wonderful! Review: This book is the perfect conclusion to a perfect series. It shows things that happened in the past from Polgara's view. It is absolutely wonderful! I suggest you read this after you read Belgarath the sorcerer.
Rating: Summary: My absolute favorite book! Review: I cannot even begin to say how much I thought that Eddings topped off the Mallorean and Belgariad with this book. I can say, however, that this is one of the best books I've ever read. I didn't even like Eddings when I heard about his books, but they're those kind of series you have to read 3 times over to really appreciate. Polgara was also my favorite character and I was so happy to learn that Eddings wrote a book about her. As soon as a finished the Belgariad I went out and bought Polgara. I've read it 5 times now, but I recommend that you read the Mallorean before you read this fantasic novel. And if you haven't read either the Belgariad of Mallorean, I highly recommend them, whether you like fantasy or not. I think the information about Polgara's past really help me to understand how Eddings developed her character. Character development is one of Edding's strong points. If you thought you knew Polgara before, you'll find out all you did and didn't want to know in this book.
Rating: Summary: Bre's Review: I haven't enjoyed a book so much in a long time. This book is fabulous! The characters are real and vivid. The plot is good. Written with a distinct feminist slant, the book is characterised with sly humour that make such a long book much easier to read. The relationships in this book are truly heart-warming. Fascinating. For anyone who loves a good fantasy story, this is a must.
Rating: Summary: great book, but belgarath's better Review: To begin with, my very first introduction into fantasy was David Eddings' Pawn of Prophecy, so I've always been a huge fan of his. I have to say, this is a wonderfully captivating book, and I love books that tell you what happened before. I will say, though, and keep in mind I do still really love this book, that I love the story of Belgarath a whole lot better. No reason really, just that I like the character of Belgarath and I don't think he gets any credit for anything here. Other then that, though, it was an fantastic book. I found the character of Killain and his children to be especially interesting. Although what I'd really like is a history on Silk. I know David said he wasn't doing anything else, and especially after he came out with the Rivan Codex, which if that isn't a goodbye, I don't know what it, but come on! Silk is by far my favorite character from the series, and I'd love to hear about his spy adventures! So, all in all, great book, but start with Pawn of Prophecy then move on, because the series keeps getting better and better, it'd be kind of a disappointment to start with this book and Belgarath the Sorcerer, then move to the series.
Rating: Summary: Hoorah for the female point of view! Review: Excellent twist on a familiar story. To get the "truth" about how things really happened and learning some interesting history along the way. We already knew Polgara was all woman but it was eye opening to read about the other men in her life before Durnik. Not to mention some insight on Poledra and Beldaran. Polgara worked extremely hard to get where she got and all I can say is "You go girl!"
Rating: Summary: THE BEST BOOK EVER! READ EDDINGS! Review: Here is the crown of the works of David Eddings - and words can't describe it. I laughed, I cried and I was having the time of my life while I read this. Eddings way to make the characters come alive is fantastic, and you can't help love the characters once you get to know them. For everyone who don't know David Eddings: Start NOW on The Belgariad - I promise: you won't be disappointed!
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