Disappointing
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Having thoroughly enjoyed The Redemption of Althalus as well as the Belgariad, the Malloreon and all related books, I was hoping that I'd be similarly delighted by the Elenium. Unfortunately, the depth of character that Eddings achieves with Garion and Althalus was lacking even in the main character of the Elenium, Sparhawk, and the series itself seemed to me to be just an inferior rewrite of the Belgariad - a precious blue stone with the power to destroy the world, a dark Emperor serving a dark God, a powerful female sorceress and ten companions questing to retrieve said blue stone. Although I enjoyed characters such as Kurik, Ulath and Bevier, the latter two weren't developed as they could have been, and indeed I was often losing track of which Church Knight was which, not a problem I've ever had before with Eddings.
I also found the book's lack of anything approaching conscience rather disturbing - Sparhawk's companions casually brain, behead or dismember anyone, innocent or otherwise, who offers them the least impertinence, and Sephrenia's disapproval seems token. I'd come to expect more from Eddings than this, and have given up halfway through The Sapphire Rose.
Certainly don't read as a taster of Eddings - begin with The Redemption of Althalus or Belgarath the Sorcerer.
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At times infuriating, but consistantly engrossing...
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This trilogy is definitely shaping up not to be as daunting as either the Belgariad or Mallorean series by the same author, but unfortunately it remains considerably lacking in comparison to those excellent series. But being a David Eddings novel...there's much here to satisfy the casual fantasy reader. The enjoyable prologue teases with themes that will develop in this story (as is so often this authors custom) and very soon the reader's also up to speed with the events that unfolded in the trilogy-opener 'The Diamond Throne,' which all prepares you for another satisfying, if somewhat unchallenging continuation of the Elenium series.
The prose of this middle book in the trilogy once more has an enchanting cadence that makes the plot less a chore than it would if written by another fantasy author. But on the downside- the characters don't develop at all in this story, we learn very little more about their history or personalities and so each remains as two-dimensional as always. Consequently, I suppose it's all credit to the author that the reader still invests emotion in the adventures of the protagonists and doesn't succeed in repressing unnecessary concern for their welfare- this book has an excellent writing-style and the story here is dependable and intriguing enough to keep the reader engrossed throughout.
Personally I still find the hierarchy of the characters and the political situation of this world less involving than the previous series developed by Eddings, both of which had familial relationships at their heart and explored the conflict that arose from that close association on a similar journey to save the world. Events do however move along at a great pace in this book- there's no time to get bored. There is plenty of time however, to be annoyed by the dialogue- almost every response to a perfectly reasonable question is a sarcastic remark or barbed comment and after a while this starts to grate. But if you can come to accept this characteristic as the authors trademark wit (even if it does go into overdrive in this story) you'll probably be able to overcome this annoyance and come to be charmed rather than annoyed by the characters and their speech.
This is a better book than 'The Diamond Throne' if only because the story here is comprised of lots of little engaging adventures that the Church Knights delve into as they travel across Northern Eosia, all the while in search of the only object with the power to save Sparhawk's Monarch and love. But the big problem here is how often our religiously-affiliated, warrior group allow events to dictate their actions at the behest of their little mother Sephrenia and constant companion Flute. The number of times the jewel slips through their hands I found maddening, they are constantly thwarted at every opportunity and yet Sparhawk and his companions largely take it in their stride. But while they might have the patience to wait until conditions are absolutely perfect for the jewel to fall into their hands, I as a reader was often left feeling irritated. Definitely a three-stars book- a good book, but not a great one.
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The Ruby Knight (The Elenium
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The crystal block that Sephrenia, Vanion and 11 other Pandion have created to sustain Ehlana's life is getting weaker and weaker and Sparhawk has to hurry. The attack on Ehlana is not the only problem out there, somethings much more significant is happening and he must fids blue rose to save her
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david eddings is a true sorcerer!
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ok i know the titles a bit lame but fortunatly i didn't write this book, eddings did. as wonderful as belgariad, the story of sparhawk entrances and delights readers of all ages. truly magical.
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A must read!
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This book is a brilliant sequel to The Diamond Throne and carries on the story well. David Eddings has a unique style of writing which is both easy and fun to read. So far I have read almost all of David Eddings' books and enjoyed them all, however the Elenium and the Tamuli are my favourite series possibly because I read them before I read the Belgariad and the Mallorean. I'd recommend this book to anyone, not just Eddings fans and I would also suggest that you try all of his other books. Happy reading!
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