James Barclay

Rudaras Stronghelm · Joined: 03 Sep 2007 Posts: 17

Being a fantasy nut, I have seen it upon myself to read lots of fantasy. So now I have read both the Belgariad, mallorean and the first series of the books with Sparhawk in them (can't remember what they're called), I decided to reccomened them to some people. Has anybody else read thse books, and if so what were their opinions on them?
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TheJovialGnome · Joined: 05 Jan 2005 Posts: 295 Location: Boston

I've read the Belgariad and quite enjoyed it in a quaint sort of way but I suspect that the truth is there's a lot better fantasy out there and I'm fairly sure he's not held in too high esteem by other members of this forum......... Crying or Very sad

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Drizzt · Joined: 07 Mar 2005 Posts: 1081 Location: Easington, UK

Ok... how to do this without turning into a flame thread... Twisted Evil

'The Belgariad' was good, for when it was written and that was a long time ago. It was funny, light and bouncy, moved along at a decent pace and you didn't have to concentrate too much. Good, bubble-gum fantasy, if somewhat odd with its morals... but, that's an argument for another day. For what it was, it was good and sold hideously well. I loved reading about the exploits of Silk and his silver tongue... Very Happy

Then came 'The Mallorean' which was 'The Belgariad' again under another name. Same style... same characters... same plot. Major no-no but it still sold well because by now Eddings was rather popular thanks to the first lot. Fair enough, we all have to make a living... Confused

Sparkhawk and 'The Elenium' and 'The Tamuli'. Er... ok, take a few character models from the first series of books you do, take a similar generic plot, mix the two together and add the name "Eddings" and you have what these were. Read them on holiday after renting them from the library; buy them and you'll feel ripped off. Sad

'The Redemption of Althalus'. Here, Eddings takes his penchant for repeating plotlines in series by actually telling the same story twice in one book. Bah! Oh, and you'll feel like you know the characters because, well, they're straight from 'The Belgariad' and so forth, only they have different names. But, I do admit, it passed an afternoon harmlessly so what the hell... Rolling Eyes

'The Dreamers'... oh dear. This should never have seen print. Ever. If I were a vanity publisher I still wouldn't have put this into print. If you haven't read it, do not bother unless you really are a die-hard Eddings fan or unless you have lost a dare. I found the first two books awful, gave up, didn't go back. Foul stuff... Evil or Very Mad

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TheJovialGnome · Joined: 05 Jan 2005 Posts: 295 Location: Boston

Told you!

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Grace · Joined: 28 May 2006 Posts: 302 Location: Bristol

Heh, I rather liked The Redemption of Althalus... but then I've never read any other Eddings so I would know if it's a rip or not. Very Happy

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Drizzt · Joined: 07 Mar 2005 Posts: 1081 Location: Easington, UK

Hehe... I envy you Wink

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Grace · Joined: 28 May 2006 Posts: 302 Location: Bristol

So, the big question: Is it worth me reading any of the others now, or is it a case of picking only one or they all seem awful?
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Drizzt · Joined: 07 Mar 2005 Posts: 1081 Location: Easington, UK

Have a look at 'Pawn of Prophecy', its the first book from 'The Belgariad'. If you like that one, which you probably will if you liked Althalus, then keep going from there.

However, don't bother picking up any of the Dreamers books. It'll only encourage him and he has enough on his plate right now... Razz

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Mantyluoto · Joined: 21 Sep 2005 Posts: 573 Location: Somerset, UK

Drizzle how could you!!! Sparhawk rules!!!

Drizzt · Joined: 07 Mar 2005 Posts: 1081 Location: Easington, UK

I'll rephrase... the Sparhawk books are definitely in a class all of their own... Twisted Evil

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Wulfa_Coldheart · Joined: 27 Aug 2004 Posts: 97 Location: United Kingdom

Eddings does tend to get a bad rep on most fantasy sites and I think it's a little unfair. Sure all his books are the same and apart from The Dreamers, they are all quite enjoyable.

Many now see Eddings as YA (young adult) material and in fact The Belgariad now appears in a YA format. His books were some of the first fantasy books I read as a teenager and I loved them. They will always have a fond place in my heart and because of this I do find it hard to be critical of them. I've read the Belgarion and Sparhawk books a couple of times, but not in the last few years but I know I'll read them again for nostalgia reasons if nothing else.

The Redemption of Althalus, for a fan at least, was kinda like a best of book. All the usual character types were present and so was the usual story. Never-the-less I did enjoy it.

The Dreamers... I have the first two books, but I found them to be poorly written and the storyline just didn't excite me.

I think for a newcomer to fantasy, Eddings is a great introduction. But fantasy writing has moved on a great deal since the 70s and there is a lot more out there.
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Malop · Joined: 14 Aug 2005 Posts: 205 Location: United Kingdom

Drizzt, in the words of a number of Eddings characters

"Be nice"

But I agree about Althus and dreamers Wink

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Parmenion · Joined: 06 Oct 2006 Posts: 584

i've commented on the dreamer series elsewhere...and the summary of it is: its the biggest pile of repetetive rubbish i have ever read...its a shame that he felt he needed to write this series...he should have retited after the pants called redemption of althalus

Drizzt · Joined: 07 Mar 2005 Posts: 1081 Location: Easington, UK

Rudaras Stronghelm · Joined: 03 Sep 2007 Posts: 17

yeah, I agree the plots are basically all the same, and whats the one about the twins, where one dies,a nd the other kills the rapist who killed her? its a pretty good book, anyhow.
And after reading the reviews on the dreamers I never even bothered to read one.
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"HEY LOOK! DENSERS KISSING UNKNOWN!" Hirad, shortly after Erriene died.
If you enjoy roleplays, add me on msn. my addy is battlefieldscars@hotmail.co.uk