Rating: 
Summary: Buy this book, IF...
Review: This is a great book, so long as you have already read the earlier books in the series.I repeat, THIS BOOK IS LIKELY ONLY WORTHWHILE IF YOU HAVE ALREADY READ AT LEAST THE BELGARIAD (and preferably other books in the series as well). There, now that that's out of the way, this is actually a really interesting book! If you're looking for a plotline, or new stories of Garion and Polgara, sorry. Not here. What this book does contain, however, is the fascinating history of the work BEHIND the 12 books written thus far set in the lands of the Belgariad. It opens with a short introduction by Eddings, giving some of the history behind the series and some of his reccomendations for the budding fantasy writing. The remainder of the book was actually written before any of the other books of the series. It consists of the histories and texts Eddings designed to give himself an idea of what his world would be like. As I said, no plotline whatsoever. What it does give, however, is a rewarding look in the mind of Eddings. What's more, it made the next time I read the series itself even more rewarding than the last (or the first, for that matter). If you haven't already read the series, it won't make much sense. If you have, however, this is a must-read if simply for the appreciation of the work Eddings put into everything.
Rating: 
Summary: If you Loved the first 12, then read this one too.
Review: I did Love the first 12 books, so you other avid Eddings' fans can relate to my delight when I seen this tome on the shelf. However, for those of you who haven't yet bought it ... wait for the paperback. This novel does provide some interesting information about Belgarion's world, and a great bonus is when we are treated to something that readers rarely get in hearing about the inside thought processes of the authors. However, there is simply too much in here that any observant reader should have picked up in the wonderful first 12 novels (which would all get 5 stars from me), and even worse is the almost bitter, resentful feeling that Eddings relays in his sporadic diatribes to the reader. It's almost as if he felt forced, not by the readers, but by his publisher to produce this book. I, though, remain glad that he did write this novel and look forward to some NEW adventures.
Rating: 
Summary: An unfortunate case of Ego
Review: As much as I enjoy the majority of David Eddings' story, a man who can only write one plotline with the same characters undergoing variation should not presume to tell anyone how to write a story. I am not disparaging the repeated retellings; I enjoy them (except Polgara) and I am buying the newest series in hardback. The fact of the matter is Eddings is not really an author; he's a storyteller. He's perfected one story and has become very good at retelling that one story in different ways. The fact that he presumes to laud himself and instruct others in their writing in his introduction has placed him squarely in the list of people whose product I love but would never wish to meet in person. The rest of the book is, frankly, boring. The piecemeal references to the various prophecies found in the book are more instructive, and mesh better with Eddings' own description of the personality of the Prophecy *anyway*. While not as self-indulgent as some such works can be, this book is not worth buying, unless you are trying to mine the world for fanfiction or a roleplaying game.
Rating: 
Summary: A History book for Eddings's world's fans.
Review: Do not expect a book as thrilling as the Belgariad or the Malloreon because this time, there's absolutely NO action. But if you really are a FAN of David and Leigh Eddings's series The Belgariad and The Malloreon (as I am), you'll love this book. It contains the theological, social and cultural backgrounds of each country, including money value, traditionnal costumes and other stuff. It also contains comments by David Eddings, advising you not to try to write Fantasy unless you really have the vocation, or simply telling you what to do and what not to do if you still want to write... In a few words, this book is funny to read because you learn many thing about how characters came to life, but do not expect to find even a single once of suspense in it...
Rating: 
Summary: A Disappointing end to a Great Series
Review: The Belgariad was my first introduction to epic fantasy,it enthralled me like no story had before.I have re-read it and the Mallorean a number of times and despite the rather annoyingly cute(and repetetive) banter between the characters always found myself saddened at the thought that there would be no more tales from this wonderful world. This point was made loud and clear in the Rivan Codex but beyond that there was nothing really new . If you have read the series as much as I have you will find that this pretty much old hat. The insights into the creative process were interesting in themselves but not enough to justify an entire new book. In conclusion if you are a huge Eddings fan you will find this book worth reading. I'm just not sure that it is worth buying.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Final Book
Review: This was the perfect cap to the book series. It let you see into the mind of the author, as well as how each Kingdom and character was developed. Other than the Mallorean Gospels (which bored me to tears), I couldn't put it down! Great book!
Rating:
Summary: Buy this one last....
Review: I agree with some of the reviewer's in that this book should be read after reading the Belgarid/Mallorean. If you haven't been steeped in the world it relates to, the Codex will be a very slow and boring read. But if you are a Eddings fan, this book is a great addition to your library. I too, felt David Eddings frustrations come thru in some of his commentary, but unlike some I didn't take it personal. Give the guy a break. I highly reccommend this book to all the Eddings fans.
Rating:
Summary: Very inspiring.
Review: If you read the Belgariad or the Mallorean, or both, you need to read this too! It not only gives a clearer picture of Eddings world he has created, but he also tells you how he created it. He gives many of the main steps of how he writes his fantasy epics. So it goes to show how his technical prowess and his his touch for showing his personality have created this wonderful world.
Rating:
Summary: What a Piece of Junk
Review: What a piece of junk! Is there any new information conveyed in this 'book'?
Rating:
Summary: Perfect Accompaniment to any Eddings Collection
Review: The Rivan Codex helped to pull the whole two series (the Mallorean and the Belgariad) together. It was interesting ang it made the characters and the cultures come alive. I was particlarly fascinated by the two most 'alien' cultures; the Marags and Nyissans. It posed a tantalising theory that other cultures could be viable. A poem in the shape of a snake? How cool is that?
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