World Famous Comics: The Malloreon, Vol. 1 (Books 1-3): Guardians of the West, King of the Murgos, Demon Lord of Karanda
The Malloreon, Vol. 1 (Books 1-3): Guardians of the West, King of the Murgos, Demon Lord of Karanda
By: David Eddings Publisher: Del Rey Average Rating: Binding: Paperback Label: Del Rey Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 816 Publication Date: August 30, 2005 Release Date: August 30, 2005
Product Description: Discover the magic of The Malloreon–David Eddings’s acclaimed series, the sequel to his bestselling The Belgariad. Now the first three Malloreon books appear in a single volume, taking us on an epic quest across strange lands among gods, kings, sorcerers, and ordinary men. It is a gripping tale of two ancient warring destinies fighting a battle of good against evil.
Garion has slain the evil God Torak and is now the King of Riva. The prophecy has been fulfilled–or so it seems. For there is a dire warning, as a great evil brews in the East. Now Garion once again finds himself with the fate of the world resting on his shoulders. When Garion’s infant son is kidnapped by Zandramas, the Child of Dark, a great quest begins to rescue the child. Among those on the dangerous mission are Garion and his wife, Queen Ce’Nedra, and the immortal Belgarath the Sorcerer and his daughter, Polgara. They must make their way through the foul swamps of Nyissa, then into the lands of the Murgos. Along the way, they will face grave dangers–captivity, a horde of demons, a fatal plague–while Zandramas plots to use Garion’s son in a chilling ritual that will make the Dark Prophecy supreme. . .
The Malloreon, Vol. 1 (Books 1-3 This is an excellent continuation of the Belgariad series by David Eddings. He has created so much depth in this series. The world is vivid and the characters seem to pull you right into the story. It is like you live it as you are reading.
hardly worth the effort This is literally "Belgariad" part two. Same characters, same dialogue, same quest only not as much fun. The female characters are either cartoon villains and quickly killed off or simply shoved aside. "Pol" the most powerful woman in the world can only find fulfillment with marriage . . . shades of Ozzie and Harriet. Frankly the way women are treated in the Malloreon is embarrassing. Eddings tries to put in too many characters (almost like an RPG) and then doesn't seem to do anything with them. "Silk" is still the only useful character/sidekick. "Errand" takes up most of the first half of v1, then is mostly forgotten, rather like "Barak" and "Mandorallen" in the Belgariad. Speaking of which, I could grit my teeth and ignore "Mandorallen" simply trimming a tree to make a lance(a knight's lance was a custom weapon made by skilled craftsmen) in the Belgariad but then in "Demon Lord" we have this stupidly wrong bit of advice
"A sidestep an' a smart rap across the back of the head be usually enough t' roll 'em out f the saddle, an a man in armor, once he's off his horse be like a turtle on his back, don't y' know."
Not only wrong, but grossly, stupidly wrong. A knight was very hard to knock out of the saddle (war saddles were build high front and back for that reason) the horses were more like modern quarter horses, quick and agile and finally knight (from childhood) practiced doing acrobatics and tumbling in full armor. Repeating this old chestnut is simply lazy sloppy writing. Unfortunately it doesn't get any better. I loved the Belgariad, but the Malloreon simply left a bad taste in my mouth.
Actually you can have a LOT of fun if you use "A Tough Guide to Fantasyland" by Diana Wynne Jones to pick out all of the cliches in this series. There is a new, revised edition so even if you have an old one, get the new edition as well.
Love Eddings For people who enjoy reading for the purpose of getting into the story. The books written by David Eddings' are for people who get attached to characters and love to immerse themselves in reading. To me his books are like coming home for a visit.
If you want to read simply to get to the finish line---Eddings is not for you.
Good Gift for Teenagers My brother (who loves reading books) suggested I give this to a friend's teenage daughter who's into Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, etc. I bought her Vol 1-2, and the sequel after that. And she loved it!
Relax and enjoy it. Eddings writes mindless drivel, but it is ENTERTAINING mindless drivel - great for telling the world to go soak its head and just sitting back and having a good time.
Anything Goes Trivia
Megaton Man
Tailipoe
Trevor
