Book Five of the Malloreon: Seeress of Kell

The fifth and last book of the Malloreon presents the final Choice between Light and Dark: between Garion and Zandramas. The fifth installment answers the questions of the fate of Garion’s son, Geran, and who would be the prophesied death within the party. In the first half of the book, the party travels to Kell, within the midst of the Dalasian lands to find out the exact location of the “Place Which is No More” where the fated meeting is bound to occur. The fifth book is a series of twists and turns, and most importantly, important revelations. 


I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and it looked like all options were possible–even the possibility that Darkness would be the final Choice. In the end only one prophecy would triumph, and it would mean the creation of a new God for Angarak. I couldn’t put down the book once the final meeting commenced, since it was monumental–even I was holding my breath in anticipation. If there was ever a book filled with cliffhangers, this would be the one. I liked how smooth the flow of the story was, from the start to the beginning, and how each character was developed into the final stages. Oh, and not to mention, there are newer couples introduced in this last novel–couples that you yourself would probably not predict. Sadly, though, I think most of the anticipation and plot was consumed by the first series, the Belgariad. I think that this series seemed somewhat of an echo to the success of the first series, and nothing was relatively changed with the plot except for a few differences. In eventuality, I still enjoyed reading the second series. Thumbs up to David Eddings, and now that I’ve finished reading his novels, I have become an official fan.

Book Four of the Malloreon: Sorceress of Darshiva

So transpires the fourth installment to the Malloreon, in which Garion and his party make their way to the land of Kell on their search for the Place which is No More, where the prophecy has declared for them to be.


As they continue on a hot pursuit after Zandramas, they uncover a great number of truths behind the prophecy, and the reason for which Zandramas has abducted Garion and Ce’Nedra’s son, and a little bit about Zandramas’ character and background. 


Once again, Garion and the others are caught in the middle of an impending skirmish between Urvon’s army and Zandramas’ army; both with demon lords on their sides. What’s more, they find out that Zakath is also intent on pursuing them. In this fast-paced, page-turning novel, Eddings continues the legacy of Garion as the Child of Light, intent on saving the universe and everything that matters. Now, it’s only Zandramas and the ever-looming prophecy that is getting in his way.


I have to say that the fourth book was quite eventful, and if one tried to remember all the specifics of the story, he/she would probably mix it up with the other books’ events. While much was revealed about the prophecy and several characters, it is really only the gist of it that mattered to the whole, while the details stood as supporting parts. So far it turns out to be promising, but there were many times in the book that they had to wait, stall, and plan–which pretty much took up a number of pages. Nevertheless, the fast-paced adrenaline rush parts were able to make up for those dragging events. Overall, the Sorceress of Darshiva pretty much meets expectations and is the cliffhanger for the conclusion to the Malloreon.


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Book Three of the Malloreon: Demon Lord of Karanda

Demon Lord of Karanda, being the title of the third installment to the Malloreon series, continues the tale of Garion’s journey to find his abducted child, Geran. While the party is led to the lands of Zakath, infamous Mallorean emperor, they hear word of Mengha, a powerful Grolim priest who can summon demons at will. Along their search for information, Garion and his friends stop over at Mal Zeth, wherein a deadly plague threatens to keep them quarantined in the city. However, the sudden appearance of the Seeress, Cyradis, changes things. She says that Garion has to be at Ashaba within a week, or else Zandramas, his nemesis, would win by default. Once again, Eddings was able to combine a fast-paced yet evolving fantasy with religious elements and philosophical ideology. 


This novel is indeed fast-paced and easy to understand, with a few exciting highlights such as Zakath’s seemingly impenetrable defenses, which have turned out to be in Garion’s favor as Zakath softens up enough for a friendship to commence between the two rulers. I find Zakath to be a formidable and strong character, whose complicated personality makes him quite interesting. Another important highlight involves the demon-summoning, which is a central theme in this novel in particular. Nahaz, the demon lord summoned by Mengha, is altogether a powerful force in Karanda and only continues to build power as more and more people are converted to the demonic cause. While demonic possession and power struggle are of great concern in this novel, I believe that these issues are somewhat controversial. Fantasy echoes some facets of reality in this novel, concentrating particularly on religious practices. Overall, I love how this book was able to mix a jampacked adventure with several ideas on philosophy and prophecy. 


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Book Two of the Malloreon: King of the Murgos

King of the Murgos is the second installment to the Malloreon, which centers on the “new” destiny of King Belgarion and his friends: an epic showdown between the Child of the Dark and Child of Light. Just when you thought that the first series was done and over with, here comes a new saga wherein one realizes that the battle truly isn’t over. 


With the appearances of several familiar characters come several new ones added to the mix. We have Queen Salmissra, who plays a small but significant part in this novel; Sadi, the ex-Chief Eunuch of Queen Salmissra; then Errand, the young boy, who is finally renamed Eriond. Several other characters grace the novel, such as the brilliant but misunderstood King of the Murgos, King Urgit; the elusive spy Liselle; the strange Seeress, Cyradis; and Toth, the mute servant of Cyradis. 


King of the Murgos centers mostly around the authority of King Urgit, while he fights for the dominion of his country in the war against Kal Zakath, the Malloreon emperor. Belgarion and his friends are caught in the middle of the skirmish as they journey to pursue Zandramas, the new nemesis and so-called Child of the Dark. As the chase goes on, Belgarion and Ce’Nedra become more fearful for the fate of their child (who was abducted by Zandramas) as the prophecy states that a sacrifice must be made. 


Will the sinister kidnapper finally be brought to justice? Or will their newfound nemesis lead them to the brink of another world-shattering encounter? 


King of the Murgos was a very entertaining read. It doesn’t lose any of the animated storytelling of the previous series, nor does it lose its appeal for another fantasy. While this plot seems to be full of new twists and cobwebs along the trail, this book does not disappoint its readers with a boring set of events. I like how Zandramas’ abduction is not the only thing that the main characters have to worry about, and how many other factors add to the supposedly simple equation. Apparently, after perusing this novel, I began to realize that their quest is not as simple as I thought it would be. Well, considering the Malloreon is a set of another five books, then I’d have to assume that it would not easily come to an end. I’m sure that along the way there will be many obstacles for the characters, which will only make the plot more interesting. I must say I’m still loving this series.


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Book One of the Malloreon: Guardians of the West

Again.. might contain spoilers!! 


So begins the sequel to another saga after the Belgariad, and this time more trouble is in the air. At the beginning of the book, it is reported that Garion and Ce’Nedra are not on very good terms, and are upon the thought of separating from each other. Meanwhile, Polgara the Sorceress marries her beloved Durnik, a former Sendarian smith, and they take Errand, the Bearer of the Orb of Aldur, and settle in the Vale, where Polgara was born. Errand develops quite an interesting set of powers. Over the course of the novel, King Belgarion continues his reign, solving problems in Riva and other regions over which he is the most respected individual, given by his title “Overlord of the West”. He also encounters problems with Ce’Nedra, as they still had no son and heir to the throne of Riva. There are several attempts made on Ce’Nedra’s life, and Garion tries to figure out who is responsible with the help of his friends. Everything boils down to a terrible war on the Bear Cult, when Belgarion finds that his son is abducted. Now there are a few mysteries for him to solve: who is behind the abduction of his son? And why is the Bear Cult suddenly active in trying to kill Belgarion, his family, and his heir? 


Once again, another great novel from David Eddings, and a definite way to continue the series despite the ending of one prophecy. The second series is another perilous quest in which Belgarion and his friends must partake–to save the heir to the Rivan throne, and to pursue the ever elusive Zandramas, the new “Child of the Dark”. A new enemy is introduced, and more characters are taking the limelight, such as that of Errand, whose only role in the first series was to carry the Orb of Aldur in all his innocence. Again, prophecies must clash in the fulfillment of what is to come, and the exciting adventures that Belgarion must now face are foreshadowed by this epic of a first novel in this series. Of course, fans of the Belgariad would be more than thrilled to find that the first series doesn’t end there. David Eddings sure does know how to cook up new dangers and twists for his series, and once again, it has become a promising start to a compelling fantasy series. Two thumbs up!!


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Book Five of the Belgariad: Enchanter’s Endgame

I am officially done with the first series of the Belgariad!! Just finished it in school today, read the last few pages after my first class. Anywhoo… caution for spoilers once again! If you haven’t read the first few books.


The startling conclusion to the Belgariad entitled the Enchanter’s Endgame is where the first saga is completed. It features the epic face-off between evil god Torak and Garion, farmboy turned Rivan king and rightful heir to the throne. Most of the book talks about war preparations, and the fateful journey of Garion, Silk, and Belgarath to the land of Mallorea in order to fulfill the prophecy. Everyone plays a part in the impending war: the Angaraks against the Alorian men. Moreover, the book encompasses battles within the self and within the mind: that between Polgara and her willpower to overcome the seduction of Torak to be his bride; Garion’s cousin Adara and her love for the aloof Algarian named Hettar; Princess Ce’Nedra and the entirely courageous role she plays in the series; and Garion’s mental struggles against the mighty Torak and the challenge that lay before him. In order to fulfill a prophecy that has long been foretold, both sides are taking steps in order to make the outcomes of events turn out the way that seems right. And the most cataclysmic, breath-stopping event ultimately turns out to be the faceoff between Garion and Torak–who will win this fateful battle that will decide the fate of the rest of the world?


Enchanter’s Endgame is the thrilling conclusion to this first saga in the life of Garion in the discovery of his real identity. I’d say that the conclusion is very satisfying, as well as the buildup of events that play an enormous part in the final events. There were unexpected twists and turns here and there, coupled with sudden suck-your-breath-in moments; as well as moments that were completely relevant. Although the cataclysmic face-off seems to be the riskiest event that would have to occur sooner or later, I like the way David Eddings wrote and planned things out. The execution of the plot is totally amazing, though the war preparations were quite dull at some points, for it was a bit dragging. The latter events were a bit more fast-paced, especially the moment when Belgarath, Silk, and Garion reach Mallorea to face Zedar, the Apostate, and a worshipper of Torak. Just recounting the events in my mind brings a sort of satisfaction to me; though the next saga is just around the corner. I can’t wait to start reading it! I can finally say that I am officially a full-fledged fan of the Belgariad.


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Book Four of the Belgariad: Castle of Wizardry

The quest of retrieving the orb from evil Grolim priest Ctuchik is now over–thanks to Belgarath, Garion, and Polgara, the magician met his defeat. The fourth book details the journey of the party to Riva, and the plans that they will concoct in the event that a war between countries should take place. Surprise of surprises is the million dollar answer to the question that has been around since Book One: Who exactly is Garion, and what does his identity and newfound power have to do with the plot of the Belgariad? And true enough, spoiler-free for the matter, the answer shall be found in this novel. While nearly the whole of the book revolves upon this answer, the last part of the book is devoted to the Imperial Princess Ce’Nedra, and the huge part that she is to play in the events to come. While the quest may be over, there are lots more surprises in store–what with the fact that the evil god Torak shall soon come into the picture. 


Again, another action-packed novel from David Eddings, and this does not fail to impress. There are quite a number of surprising twists that will keep one reading. I also find that with the advent of each of the novels, the plot thickens, and there is more to the story that meets the eye. The part I would criticize, however, is that a bit of logic and close attention to the details would bring one to predict the next step. While Eddings inserted a lot of surprise twists in his novels, there are some that become rather “anticipated” upon closer examination of the bigger picture. It may not be the most original fantasy story around, but it sure packs a lot of punch. I’d be quite amused if someone were to turn this into a motion picture, as they did Lord of the Rings, and Chronicles of Narnia. I also like the maps in between parts of the book (the novels are marked by part, wherein each part is named after the specific country that they are traveling in). They are rather reminiscent of Lord of the Rings (Here I go again in saying that this fantasy series is rather like LOTR). Moreover, the books are not hard to understand. I rather appreciate how the author narrates the whole story, as it does not inhibit emotional display, or one character trying to read the other. It is rather insightful, though, when it comes to Garion; after all, the Belgariad does revolve around his character, as well as that of the sorcerer Belgarath and his daughter Polgara. 


So far I find that the Belgariad series, despite having some similarities to other well known fantasy novels, has that unique quality that makes it a really good fantasy read. Perhaps it is Eddings’ writing style, which I must say is rather commendable and consistent throughout the series. I appreciate the plot and writing style most, as they are the very elements that keep the story thriving. Now if many people would stop paying attention to vampires, I suppose fantasy would be a very popular book genre. 🙂 (Kidding aside, vampire novel fans–I am a fan, but not as much anymore). Anyways, that’s all for now! 😀 I’m currently reading the Fifth book of the Belgariad, entitled the Enchanter’s Endgame. I hope to finish it before the semestral break ends. 


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Book Three of the Belgariad: Magician’s Gambit

So the adventure continues in this novel entitled the Magician’s Gambit, wherein the sorcerers Belgarath, Polgara, the young boy Garion, now named the “Chosen One”, and the rest of the party finally get to Cthol Murgos, the Land of the god Torak. The book involves a secret meeting between Belgarath and his old mentor, the god Aldur in the Vale of Aldur, and the party’s travels to the strange Ulgoland, wherein they meet yet another member of their assorted group: Relg, a devout Ulgo who is under the belief that everything he does is for his mighty god UL. Throughout their perilous journey they encounter the Spirit of Mara in the country Maragor, wherein Belgarath and Polgara put their other party members into a deep sleep in order to avoid the dead spirits playing with their minds; and the unpredictable Taur Urgas, King of the Murgos. Ultimately, Belgarath and the group eventually meet the evil magician Ctuchik, who is now in possession of the Orb of Aldur (which was given to him by the thief). In this fast-paced storyline, Garion comes to know his power bit by bit, while trying to figure out why the Princess Ce’Nedra of Tolnedra keeps an eye on him when she thinks he is not looking. In this third installment, we discover more about this unique world rich in history, about to erupt into a power struggle over the mighty Orb of Aldur. Still, the ultimate goal for the group remains to be to prevent the evil god Torak from ever rising from his deep slumber.

So goes a brief summary of the Magician’s Gambit, another exciting installment in the series. I must say, this far along the story, that Eddings is not a predictable writer, and the twists and turns that he manages to think up definitely keep the whole story in motion. He puts such life in his characters that one cannot help but imagine his whole world with the same life that he wrote into it. We get brief glimpses of each land and each culture within the whole land, and it is exciting to see each of the characters get tested at each and every twist of the story. Garion is one of the best protagonists I’ve ever encountered; he may not be the sharpest crayon in the box, but he does his best to learn and to make his own choices wherever possible. In this book, he showcases more of his power, and tries to learn how to wield it in certain circumstances. Will he be able to live up to the title bestowed upon him by the Prophecy?

What I liked best about the third installment is how easily the story flowed from one country to another, from one person to the next. As one sees the characters constantly on their toes, it becomes a custom for the readers to think the same. Nevertheless, the plot does keep one guessing and leads to a frequent amount of surprises, both pleasant and unpleasant. Once again, another interesting installment from Mr. Eddings, and I must say that once again he did a pretty good job.


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