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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
This one seemed a bit more derivative of LotR, with our "fellowship" breaking into two groups: a small group to sneak up and attack the big baddy, and everyone else to gather an army as a distraction.
In the fourth book of the Belgariad, The Castle of Wizardry, all the set up from the series so far finally come to fruition and the stage is set for the final book. Picking up where the story left off Garion finds himself leading the small group as Belgarath is out of it after the last show down and Polgara is maintaining a shield to protect Errand. What follows is Garion not just making the journey into adult hood but also stepping up into a position of responsibility and authority. Garion finally grows up and it is wonderful to see.
The middle of the book does drag a bit as it gets bogged down in some very necessary but at least mostly peaceful politics. Stick with it to the last third and you will be rewarded.
This book features a major plot twist to set up the fifth and final book, and I won’t spoil it for you except to say that Garion is not the only one that does some major growing up, Ce’Nedra does as well. And, finally, we see some sparks start to really fly between our two annoying love birds.
We also finally get to journey through Drasnia and of course see the prince, Silk, in his element. The ending will leave you begging for the final book in the series.
I listened to this entire series on audio book and I just have to say that the reader for this series, Cameron Beierle, is phenomenal. Not only does he have a different, unique, and distinct voice for each of the characters but each kingdom has its own unique accent. The moment you hear him start to speak a line of dialogue you can tell what kingdom they are from immediately. He is an excellent reader and I can’t recommend his audio books enough.
The middle of the book does drag a bit as it gets bogged down in some very necessary but at least mostly peaceful politics. Stick with it to the last third and you will be rewarded.
This book features a major plot twist to set up the fifth and final book, and I won’t spoil it for you except to say that Garion is not the only one that does some major growing up, Ce’Nedra does as well. And, finally, we see some sparks start to really fly between our two annoying love birds.
We also finally get to journey through Drasnia and of course see the prince, Silk, in his element. The ending will leave you begging for the final book in the series.
I listened to this entire series on audio book and I just have to say that the reader for this series, Cameron Beierle, is phenomenal. Not only does he have a different, unique, and distinct voice for each of the characters but each kingdom has its own unique accent. The moment you hear him start to speak a line of dialogue you can tell what kingdom they are from immediately. He is an excellent reader and I can’t recommend his audio books enough.
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
adore silk’s storyline !!! but,,,,,that’s it that’s all : /
The series just keeps getting better. I wish that the bad guys were not denoted by race, but it's a bit late to change that now.
I still think the quality of writing is high, and I thought Garion's ascent to greater heights was handled really well. Polgara (Aunt Pol) remains my favorite character, and I did enjoy Ce'Nedra's arc as well. Quite Lord of the Rings-y, but I think that's the point. Snappy dialogue and kept my interest, though slightly less than the first three.
I don't think this is the strongest book in the series, but I am still enjoying the overall flow. I go back and forth on Eddings' treatment of female characters. Sometimes they are well-rounded and complex, and sometimes male characters threaten to spank their figureheads if they get out of line. It was probably meant as a joke, but I'm a bi sensitive to such "jokes' in the current climate.
It is nice to get to know Ce'Nedra better and watch her step out of her initial caricature, though I do wish she was a bit less "anything for Garson" inclined. Likewise, the witch of the fens is so consumed by maternal instinct that she's willing to sacrifice the natural order of the world. And Barak's wife (who has every justifiable reason to hate him) is suddenly softening now that she has had a son. There are just a few parts that leave a bad taste in my mouth.
I'll definitely finish the series, and hopefully resolve some of my conflicts with the characters.
It is nice to get to know Ce'Nedra better and watch her step out of her initial caricature, though I do wish she was a bit less "anything for Garson" inclined. Likewise, the witch of the fens is so consumed by maternal instinct that she's willing to sacrifice the natural order of the world. And Barak's wife (who has every justifiable reason to hate him) is suddenly softening now that she has had a son. There are just a few parts that leave a bad taste in my mouth.
I'll definitely finish the series, and hopefully resolve some of my conflicts with the characters.
another instalment over, the quest reaches it's conclusion, but it's not over yet.
A dividing of the group sees our characters discovering inner strength as they prepare for war!!!
A dividing of the group sees our characters discovering inner strength as they prepare for war!!!