Rating: 
Summary: A rare non-fantasy book from Eddings.
Review: *Strongly* allegorical. Shows Eddings's usual skill at deft characterization. Thought-provoking, and also manages to stir emotions--I was in tears at the ending. Worth a read, even if it isn't fantasy.
Rating:
Summary: A rare non-fantasy book from Eddings.
Review: *Strongly* allegorical. Shows Eddings's usual skill at deft characterization. Thought-provoking, and also manages to stir emotions--I was in tears at the ending. Worth a read, even if it isn't fantasy.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Book...A Must Read
Review: I had picked the book up thinking that it would be something along the lines of his other books...it wasn't. which disappointed me a bit, but that was greatly made up for by the fact that this is by far one of the greatest...if not the greatest...book i have ever read.
Rating:
Summary: tragedy (& triumph?) of one lost in the policy of modern US
Review: Although I post a 9 out of 10 in quality it is only because my fervor for this title and its author may go unrealized to any given person. Edding's style is unique in that his character impetus is very subtle, usually occupying the place of undertone in complement with excellent dialogue and narrative.
In "The Losers" he takes a modern setting and intertwines todays social dilemmas to craft an astounding and consuming thesis on the poor health of the American social services programs.
Does Eddings proffer an answer? Simply, no. The text directly deals with the consequences of one found in an unalterable circumstance subject to an appalling degree of insincerity.
So this mild jaunt into current American culture twists into the life of the protagonist and speeds his life downward in almost flawless Bergmanesque mode.
My offering: read it. If nothing else it will leave you with a sense of personal opinion on the state of domestic practice and offer a tinge of insight into the challenges of a physically disadvataged individual in the constantly moving world which surrounds us.
Rating: 
Summary: A Loser
Review: As if the inherent fascism bubbling uncomfortably beneath the surface of Eddings' sword and sorcery efforts wasn't repulsive enough, the author has now brought his right-wing fanatacism into the 'real' world with the Losers. What is barely forgivable in the realm of fantasy becomes utterly repugnant in this allergorical tale of contemporary waste and redemption. Eddings' championing of individualism over the folly of the welfare state is nothing but a dull reflection of the writer's personal philosophy. The public should expect more than that from people calling themselves professional writers. Any bite this work does possess is eradicated by an ending that displaces plot and characters from the true to life impulses in which they are supposed to be grounded. David, go back to creating your own worlds where the rules are simple, the good guys never lose, and the complicated issues of real life never arise.
Rating:
Summary: A Loser
Review: As if the inherent fascism bubbling uncomfortably beneath the surface of Eddings' sword and sorcery efforts wasn't repulsive enough, the author has now brought his right-wing fanatacism into the 'real' world with the Losers. What is barely forgivable in the realm of fantasy becomes utterly repugnant in this allergorical tale of contemporary waste and redemption. Eddings' championing of individualism over the folly of the welfare state is nothing but a dull reflection of the writer's personal philosophy. The public should expect more than that from people calling themselves professional writers. Any bite this work does possess is eradicated by an ending that displaces plot and characters from the true to life impulses in which they are supposed to be grounded. David, go back to creating your own worlds where the rules are simple, the good guys never lose, and the complicated issues of real life never arise.
Rating:
Summary: A harsh reality check!
Review: David Eddings' The Losers was recommended to me by a friend of mine who said it was one of the best books ever. It being a David Eddings novel, (You know... the fantasy guy), I thought it to be just another piece of fantasy nonsense. I was, however, greatly surprised to find a novel that was totally different then what I expected, but a novel that was of first class quality. The characters and setting were so vivid and real that it made you think about what really went on in that part of life everybody tries to forget about. This book, without a doubt is one of the best reads I've ever had, I've read it a few times already, and I'm still picking out new little details that I missed the first couple of times.
Rating:
Summary: A stunning indictment on the American welfare system.
Review: I must admit I bought this book because it had the David Edding's name on it. A huge fan of his fantasy novels, I believed anything by Eddings had to be good. But, as I started the novel, I realized there was no Belgarath here! The first pass got me about a third of the way through and disappointed; I wanted another Belgariad. I put the book down with a sigh and went on with my life. About six months later I picked it up (because I had nothing else) and never put it down again. (I did the same thing with Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand twelve years ago, but that's another review). I realized this book was not a fantasy nor even a battle between good and evil - it was a view from the inside of todays welfare system! This engrossing story of a young man who looses his leg in an accident and his ensuing fight to not get sucked into the grips of social workers in Spokane, WA speaks volumes of what todays "caring" social programs and welfare does to people in need. The sub-story of good and evil - as portrayed by the main character Raphael and his best friend/destroyer Damon is interesting, but can lose the reader in the beginning. The reader can easily read too much between the lines and get frustrated by it never playing out (hence my first impression), but if you stick with it, you will stop trying to make too much out of that aspect and become swept up in the main plot. This book works on many levels and will not disappoint
Rating: 
Summary: Insightful, great writing from Eddings once again
Review: I read this book because I like Eddings' style of writing. It's a little different than his fantasy series, but still provacative, insightful, and heartwarming.
It's not the Belgariad or Elenium, but for a change of pace, read this and think/ponder on it for a week, then you'll appreciate it.
Rating:
Summary: Insightful, great writing from Eddings once again
Review: I read this book because I like Eddings' style of writing. It's a little different than his fantasy series, but still provacative, insightful, and heartwarming. It's not the Belgariad or Elenium, but for a change of pace, read this and think/ponder on it for a week, then you'll appreciate it.
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