You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
2.88 AVERAGE
2.88 AVERAGE
I hate giving books less than 3 stars. I generally like most books. But everyone and awhile, one comes along that I just can't give those 3 stars to.
It was awhile ago that I read this book, and I don't remember much about it. I just remember how incredibly disappointed I was. I'm not even sure I finished the book. I have read many of David Eddings' other books, and enjoyed them. I was looking forward to this new one and it fell short. I couldn't bring myself to buy the next books in the series (which, at the time, was unusual for me).
It was awhile ago that I read this book, and I don't remember much about it. I just remember how incredibly disappointed I was. I'm not even sure I finished the book. I have read many of David Eddings' other books, and enjoyed them. I was looking forward to this new one and it fell short. I couldn't bring myself to buy the next books in the series (which, at the time, was unusual for me).
So, I picked up all of the books in this series, other than this one at a little hole-in-the-wall type bookstore. When I went online to order this one, I was met with all sorts of reviews about how lacking this series was in comparison to the others. This is not the case in my eyes.
I found this books to be all the sarcastic fun, and white-knuckle action that the other Eddings series are, after you got about half way in. This is the first book, so it was a bit slow in the beginning, but all in all I like this book and the characters. I also rather like the inclusion of a certain character not being able to cope with the realities of war.
I found this books to be all the sarcastic fun, and white-knuckle action that the other Eddings series are, after you got about half way in. This is the first book, so it was a bit slow in the beginning, but all in all I like this book and the characters. I also rather like the inclusion of a certain character not being able to cope with the realities of war.
So boring I didn't finish. I knew there was a reason I have never read Eddings' books.
I gave this book, and the rest in the series, three stars... that was probably pretty generous of me. I found the characters to be poorly written and didn't connect with any of them. However, I found the premise of the books interesting. My main problem with these books, however, is the horrible dialogue all the way through them. I found it flat and painful to read. Not one of Eddings' best works.
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I am honestly quite torn on this book (and entire series). I think that the world concept is fascinating, and has a ton of potential. The idea of two groups of gods who take turns running the world is a neat thought, with lots of opportunity for creativity and personalities.
Unfortunately, the Eddings do not follow through on either of those possibilities. Instead we get a re-hash of The Belgariad, down to having a stunningly beautiful female character who is the most amazing cook in the world. There were lines that were lifted wholesale from The Belgariad, and I would check off which character said them in that series each time I ran across them in this one.
How sad to see someone give up on the potential only to fall back on formula. If you are an Eddings fan, do yourself a favor and just go re-read The Belgariad. It is a much more entertaining version of the same story. If you DO read this one, you might entertain yourself on the side by keeping a scorecard of "Things That Were 'Borrowed' From Previous Works".
I gave this two stars because of the concept potential, but if it weren't for that, it would have been one star.
Unfortunately, the Eddings do not follow through on either of those possibilities. Instead we get a re-hash of The Belgariad, down to having a stunningly beautiful female character who is the most amazing cook in the world. There were lines that were lifted wholesale from The Belgariad, and I would check off which character said them in that series each time I ran across them in this one.
How sad to see someone give up on the potential only to fall back on formula. If you are an Eddings fan, do yourself a favor and just go re-read The Belgariad. It is a much more entertaining version of the same story. If you DO read this one, you might entertain yourself on the side by keeping a scorecard of "Things That Were 'Borrowed' From Previous Works".
I gave this two stars because of the concept potential, but if it weren't for that, it would have been one star.
Fascinating mythology so far. The characters make interesting observations about humanity.
I read this and remembered liking it, but that was probably around six years ago and I hadn't read much fantasy at the time. I don't know that I would like this if I read it now.