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4.0 AVERAGE


So. The story I like. But this book is slow and I hate the female characters: they're vain (boohoo I have not enough boobs), stupid, deceiving, unstable or derive their joy in life from only motherhood or pretty clothes. Towards the end Ce'nedra becomes more tolerable but that doesn't do enough to save. Is it really too much to ask for one decent female character? (Polgagra doesn't count, in the books the kings don't consider her a woman which seems to equal being sain). I know this book is a bit camp and as such could perhaps take the women ironically but quite honestly they just piss me off. Onto the next book, let's hope for better.

Well, I couldn't stop after the third installment and here I am, stuck with this. This one proved even worse than the others. Lots of telling instead of showing-- especially bad in a book that is most adult so far in terms of content. The romance is extra weak. Ah well, only one more to go.

This series is in many ways extremely predictable, employing many of the standard tropes in fantasy. It's still enjoyable though.
adventurous informative fast-paced

Loved Garion. He’s grown so much in character. The scenes we have been waiting for so long have played out so well, that it’s just so rewarding to read. The political gamesmanship displayed at the end is somewhat lackluster especially the way that the Tolnedrans are swayed into joining the army. Overall a respectable entry in the series and perfectly sets up the next book. 

Missed Relg though, he was a delight in book 3, but didn’t do much in this one.
adventurous funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

There's a real sense of nostalgia for me with these books as it's the first fantasy series I ever read as a teenager. Is it the best fantasy literature out there? Probably not! But, I absolutely love following the characters on their fairly straight forward and low stakes adventures! 

The fourth book in the Belgariad kicks things back into gear and the action takes off once again. Belgarion assumes his role as the Rivan King and begins his quest to do battle with the God Torak. Ce'Nedra, whom I previously found to be an annoying itch on the surface of Arendia, has improved her disposition greatly. Her acceptance of being the Rivan Queen shotguns her into maturity as she leads the armies in support of Garion.[return][return]As stated in previous reviews, this story is far from unique, but Eddings' characters make the series quite enjoyable. Up next, Enchanter's End Game.
adventurous dark funny mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

 Eddings' characters are the real highlight of "The Enchanted Castle." Garion, Ce'Nedra, and the other members of the group are well-characterized, and their interactions are always funny and engaging. A book that celebrates friendship, courage, and magic, with a touch of irony that is always welcome. 

Quests! Prophecies! Dim witted Kings!

Some really great moments. Also, some attempts to undercut sexism that, in today’s world, still seem pretty sexist. Overall a good read.