Conference noted::sf

    RE .1
    
    "The Guardians of the West" is the first book of the Mallorean series.
    "The King of the Murgos" is the second, which I've only seen in
    hardcover thus far.  The previous five Eddings books are referred
    to collectively as the Belgariad series.
    
    If I remember correctly, there are going to be five books in the
    Mallorean series.  The titles are listed in the front matter of
    the first two, but I don't recall what they are just off the top
    of my head.
    
    ... Bob 

    RE. 3
    
    I just finished reading "King of The Murgos" and I highly recommend
    it to people who liked Eddings first quintilogy.  Although it is
    fairly long 400+ pages it was one night read.  I would rather not
    post any pieces of the story, I don't want to give away any spoilers
    accidently, yes, most parts of the story do reveal something either
    significant to the plot or just plain interesting...
    
    
    Joe
    Waiting for the next book...

    
         "King of the Murgos" is certainly vintage Eddings.  He's developed
    some extremely interesting characters, and they don't let you down.
    I can't wait for the next one.  Anybody know when that might be?
    

    
    re .11 & .10
    
    The next book by Eddings is out in hardcover.  I saw it at a Walden
    Books in Auburn.  Title: "Demon Lord of ???".  I can't remember
    the last word of the title.  It's supposed to be a name of a place.
    I did look at the map given and it includes the whole land mass
    east of the eastern sea.  I'm still waiting for King of Murgos to
    come out in paperback.  The hardcover is a little to expensive and
    I'm not please with the quality of it either(physical quality).
    
    I guess my reading will be 6-months behind you.
    
    The list price for the book was 18.95 though they were offering
    15% off.
    
    Steve_who_is_chomping_at_the_bit_waiting_for_the_paperback_version
    

    
    
    I believe its _Demon Lord of Varanda_.  Wish I'd known about the
    discount, though.
    
    Brian

    
    
    Sorry, it's _Demon Lord of Karanda_.
    I'll have to get to it this weekend.
    
    Brian

    
    I new it was a 'K' but wasn't sure about the rest.  If you something
    in paperback let us know.  I know the first one is in paperback
    and I'm waiting on KING OF THE MURGOS.
    
    Steve
    

    
    I just finished _Demon Lord of Karanda_, and the series continues
    to be both unpredictable and enjoyable, with unforeseen alliances
    and characters you may have thought were left hanging.  It's a good
    sized book, but it reads far too fast.  In some ways, as the characters
    themselves point out, these adventures parallel the Belgariad, But
    I don't feel this has taken anything from this work at all. I loved
    it!
    Brian

  Well, I have just *got* to go get it.  I thought that King of the Murgos was
  Eddings' best book ever -- well worth the price of the hardcover edition.

  Unlike the Belgariad, the Malloreon is full of surprises.  After the first
  two books, we're still not sure just what this quest is all about, or how it
  will end.

  Speculation (possibly spoilers) following formfeed.

  - It seems inevitable to me that:
	(1) Belgarath will slug it out with Urvon, and
	(2) Poledra will be a major player.

  - The one thing that bothered me was that in the Belgariad, only Garion was
  capable of hearing the song of the Orb of Aldur.  Now, in King of the Murgos
  we are told that every Grolim in Cthol Murgos can hear "the accursed song of
  the Cthrag Yaska".

  -- Bill B.

    
         The way I understand it, when the orb performs some act, it
    can be heard just as can a sorceror.  I recall Belgarath claiming
    that the orb had always been rather noisy.  You may be right in
    noting a discrepancy, but I think that it still only 'communicates'
    with Garion unless it is being used in some worldly business.  But
    I think you are right in noting that it seems to take more of a
    conscious effort to quiet the orb down than seemed to be necessary
    in the Belgariad.

Potential spoilers follow on the Mallorean...

Its not true that the Orb of Aldur only talks to {Bel}Garion.  It also
talks to Eriond.

Personally, I think that Eriond is the key to the whole scheme...he's
the latest ``Child of Light''.  Now I wonder who the latest ``CHild
of Dark'' is...I'd bet its not either Zandrasmas OR Urvon.

And, I'm glad to see Poldera return.

    
    Errand, I couldn't think who Eriond was.  I think your right about
    Errand being the new "Child of Light".  I think that Geron, Garion's
    child, is going to be the next "Child of Dark" if they can't keep
    Zandramas from reaching the place that is no more(something like
    that) before they do.  Otherwise it will probably be Zandramas and
    a fair battle to determine who wins.  It was previously stated that
    if Zandramas reached the destination first, then Darkness would
    win automatically.  I'm still very curious about what Poledra(?)
    purpose is.  She obviously went away for a purpose and we are starting
    to get a glimpse of it.
    
    I'm still waiting for the King of Murgos to come out in paperback.
    It'll be a while before I'm caught up with the reading.
    
    Steve
    

Re: .17

I really don't think that Belgarath will 'slug' it out with Urvon, i'm 
pretty sure that it will be Beldin who does the slugging.

V.good series...anyone read The Forgotten Realms series -
Dark Walker on Moonshae
Crystal Shard
Black Wizards

If not, why not? They're also v.good.

Ady. (Eagerly awaiting book 4 of Mallorean)

    I've been working my way through the Belgariad.  Unfortunately, the
    bookstores in Hong Kong are not that well-stocked with SF and Fantasy
    and I'll have to wait to get my hands on "Castle of Wizardry." 
    However, I did something which I normally wouldn't, which is to skip
    this book and read "The Enchanter's End Game," the next book and last
    in the series.  I have now moved on to the first book of the Mallorean
    series.
    
    When I first started reading the Belgariad I wasn't sure how well I
    would like the series, and bought only the first book.  Frankly the map
    in the front of the book wasn't that impressive and seemed a bit
    simple.  The prolog to "Pawn of Prophecy" was also very sketchy and
    didn't compare well with the story itself, which took a quintet to
    finish.  But it's a good thing I went beyond those first impressions.
    
    --Simon
    

    Has anyboby heard about book 4 of Mallorean series yet?
    States side people seem to get these books before the UK.
    
    Cheers Simon...

Re .25

>    I've only just started reading The Diamond Throne.  Book two will be
>    titled The Ruby Knight, and book three, The Sapphire Rose. The Elenium
>    is unrelated to The Belgariad and The Malloreon (of which books four
>    and five are still not out yet).  Does anybody know whether Eddings has
>    completed The Malloreon already even though all five books haven't been
>    published?
    
As I understand matters, Eddings will be writing the series concurrently,
with volumes alternating between series.  So, the next four books
we can expect to see in hardcover will be:

Malloreon IV -- Sorceress of Darshiva
Elenium II -- The Ruby Knight
Malloreon V (and last) -- Seeress of Kell
Elenium III (and last) -- The Sapphire Rose

Presumably, he'll be trying to come out with two books a year, now, with
Malloreon in the fall, and Elenium in the spring.  At a guess, his
publishers were reluctant to allow too short a time between hardcover
volumes in a series, so he finessed the matter by starting a new series
to spread out hardcover release dates.  BTW, The Elenium was sold
first in Britain, then in the U.S.

				Andrew

    I must say that I liked the Elenium less than the Belgariad/Malloreon
    multilogy (to coin a word); the characters are less believable and
    the novel seems less well crafted.

    re The base topic, has Eddings written anything besides 
    serial fantasy lately ? I have an early book by him,
    "The High Hunt", which is excellent. I simply don't dig
    stuff which starts off 'Book 1 of the bla-bla-bla-gian"

I just spent the last two weeks reading The Belgariad and the first two books of
The Malloreon (sp?). I found the story to be very interesting and can't wait to 
find the next book in the series. I see in the front of the books that the third
book is out but is that in hardcover only? The last two are indicated as not yet
available (as in not written). This is the first time I've ever read a story 
where I had to wait for the series to be written. I think it's a royal pain to 
have to wait like this. I have some ideas where the story might turn from here
and I can't wait to find out if I'm right.

Pete

    There IS another book by Eddings out, that is the beginning of another
    series.  (The title escapes me.)
    
    K.C. Fahel

RE.     <<< Note 609.32

>>                               This is the first time I've ever read a story 
>> where I had to wait for the series to be written. I think it's a royal pain 
>> to have to wait like this.

	Total agreement. I read the Belgariad on the basis of
recommendations in this notesfile, and was able to buy the entire
series at one time (discounted - in paperback) and really enjoyed it.
Also, REALLY enjoyed not having to wait one to three years to finish
the story. When the Mallorean is completed, and all out in paperback,
I'll read that, as well. I've started looking closely now at my SF
purchases. If its an author I like: A) Check to see if its really a
novel, or is it a collection of short stories written when the author
was seven years old. B) Check the ending...... if its continued ( two
to five books expected in the series ) I pass it by, and wait until
its complete. C) Did the author on the cover really write it, or have
they started putting out their `Picks to Click' featuring new authors.
I don't mind buying work by unknowns, but rather resent picking up an
Asimov or Bova  (on the run, so to speak) then getting home and
finding I have a story written by Snidely Whiplash.

Mike J

    Re .39
    
    I did that too!  I read The Belgariad, borrowing the entire series
    from a friend.  I am just now buying it for myself (Yes, folks!
    For those who haven't read it yet, this is a RE-READ!), and am waiting
    (Not exactly patiently) for the rest of the Mallorean before I read
    it.  My friend thinks that I am nuts.  He asks how I can wait!
    
    I got the same dissappointment (?) when I found out that Gates of
    Paradise was not the last book of the Heaven series, and that book
    5 is not coming out 'till next year!
    
    Dave Eddings and V.C. Andrews drive me NUTS doing this!  I am glad
    that King doesn't write series.  ;^)
    
    K.C. Fahel

Yo! K.C.

Pardonning of ignorance here, boss.

But... what is Gates of Heaven? Who is King?

V.C. Andrews I think I've seen on the shelves. Flowers in 
the attic? (like `bats in the belfry'?).

I've not read much fantasy. LotR, of course (but even people who can't
READ seem to have read that), and a smattering of others. I read one
book about Amber, and  wasn't impressed enough to read anything else
by Zelazny. However, as I indicated earlier, really liked the
Belgariad. Are those you mentioned the equal of this?

Thanks
Mike J

    I realized that I should have been more specific after I pressed
    <return>:
    
    Gates of Paradise is the 4th book of the "Heaven" series by V.C.
    Andrews (Yes, the same person who gave us the Flowers In The Attic
    series.).
    
    King is Stephen King.  'Nuff said.
    
    I'm also thankful that Mary Higgins Clark has never written a series,
    and I am mad at Douglas Adams (Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy)
    for making Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency the first book
    of a series.  (I looked!  There was no "continued" at the end! 
    But then the second book came out!)
    
    Once again, I apologize for not making meself clear the first time
    around.
    
    K.C. Fahel

Hi again,
just a vain hope. Does anyone know when the next in the Mallorean series is to
be published??? I am getting very hacked off after waiting over a year since
the last one..

Cheers Simon...

Re .47

> Does anyone know when the next in the Mallorean series is to
> be published??? I am getting very hacked off after waiting over a year since
> the last one..

SORCERESS OF DARSHIVA, as I believe the next volume is called, will be a
December Del Rey hardcover.  It could be out sooner, as Del Rey sometimes
fudges its fall releases in order to get them on the bestseller lists in
time for holiday buying.

Expect to continue being hacked off -- Eddings' two series are alternating,
and he seems to be able to work at the rate of three books every two years.
The mathematics of the situation seems inescapable.

Incidentally, DEMON LORD OF KARANDA is now available in paperback.

				Andrew

    
    I'm still waiting for the third in the Mallorean series to be published
    in normal small paperback.....
    
    Blasted Trade paperbacks.....

The listed publication date for V4 of the Mallorean is December -- which
should mean availability in November.

>Incidentally, DEMON LORD OF KARANDA is now available in paperback.

Not only was I in Waldens last week and they told me it's not in yet (they
told me it would be November), but I just got off the phone with them and
they still don't have it.  What store did you see this at?

Mike_L

    Well, I've seen "Demon Lord of Karanda" out at Lauriat's (Framingham)
    for at least two weeks now.  
    
      Scott

re -1

Lauriat's eh?  I think I'll take a run down there during lunch.
Boy will my wife freak if I casually pull it out of my briefcase tonight
and start reading it; she's been waiting more anxiously than I have.  She 
thinks it still November for the release.

Mike_L

  The Sorceress of Darshiva (book 4 of the Malloreon) will be out in hardcover
  in November.  Demon Lord of Karanda, which just came out in paperback, has
  been out in hardcover for about a year.

  Eddings is on my automatic-must-be-the-first-one-on-my-block-to-buy-in-
  hardcover list, so I'm really looking forward to November!

  -- Bill B.

Path: shlump.nac.dec.com!decwrl!ucbvax!agate!helios.ee.lbl.gov!ucsd!sdcc6!sdcc4!
ln63f1
From: [email protected] (Marjorie Alpert[TA])
Newsgroups: rec.arts.sf-lovers
Subject: David Eddings
Summary: His new book is out!
Keywords: Mallorean
Message-ID: <[email protected]>
Date: 14 Nov 89 05:53:05 GMT
Sender: [email protected]
Reply-To: [email protected] (Marjorie Alpert[TA])
Organization: University of California, San Diego
Lines: 15

Hi.
I know the subject basically says all, but I finally saw
the hardback version of David Eddings' Sorceress of Darshiva
(Book IV of the Mallorean) out. That is, if anyone
is interested. Anyone know how long has it been out?

Hope you enjoy.  I still have to catch up (I only started the
Mallorean saga).


-marjorie alpert
[email protected]
========================================
Don't ask me.  I don't make comments.
I just read them and use the ones I like as I see 'em.

    Replies .3-.60 were split out from topic 609 where they were originally
    written.  In .3 there's a dangling reference to .1, meaning 609.1 which
    I have kept as 609.1.
    
    Note:  .0 is chonologically out of sequence in this topic.  This may
    result in your visiting this topic again if you had SET SEEN before
    some date prior to the date of .0.
    
    --Simon
    

    I saw "Sorceress of Darshiva" in the mall bookstores yesterday here in
    MA too.  Just wish it didn't take so long between books.
    
    ... Bob
    

                
                Starting to  get  back into these.  I got sick of
                'em for a while, but just finished the 2nd of the
                Mallorean, and I'm planning on grabbing Demonlord
                today.  I just hope  that Eddings comes up with a
                viable explanation of the voice in Garion's head.
                Right  now,  it  seems a very convienent  way  of
                saving him pages of writing so that the party can
                discover things on their own.
                
                - Rob, heading for Kal Zakath -
                

    
    Eddings explained the voice in Belgarion's head in the previous
    series(the Belgariad?).  The voice is nothing new.  I've already
    picked up the fourth book, at spags($14.89), and have finished it.
    It answers a lot of questions while of course raising a few with
    the answers.
    
    -steve
    

                It's been  a long time since I finished the first
                series, but I  don't  ever  recall him going into
                great detail about the  voice.   I just picked up
                Demonlord, but the new L.    Ron  Hubbard Mission
                Earth book was out (well, not new, just paperback
                now),  so I'm going to have to  read  that  first
                (also  picked  up the 7th in hardover.   COuldn't
                pass it up for $10 :') ).  Care to jolt my memory
                a bit on the voice?  Thnks!
                
                - Rob -
                

    
    Spoiler follows...
    
    
    The voice in Belgarion's head is the prophecy, he/it is taking a hand
    in ensuring/abetting a path for the prophecy to come to a satisfactory
    conclusion, as opposed to the alternative prophecy.
    
    That's not very clear, but if you have read the Belgariad then that
    should jog your memory.

	Is the Sorceress of Darshiva the last book in the Mallorean?

               Any timetable on when it's due out in Paperback?

Once the whole thing is written, I'll buy it. I gave up taking three or four
                    years to finish an `installment' book.

                                   Mike JN

                i think  there  is  one  more after that to come.
                BTW, does the  Ellenium  have anything to do with
                series, or can I safely read that one?
                
                - rob -
                

    
    There is one more in the current series, "Seeress(sp??) of Kell".
    I have no idea when it's due out or when the fourth book is supposed
    to be in paperback.
    
    The Ellenium, whatever that is, has nothing to do with the Mallorean
    series.
    
    -steve
    

   
>    The Ellenium, whatever that is, has nothing to do with the Mallorean
>    series.
 
...but it is the first book of a new series....

                But... is it any *GOOD*?!?!?
                
                :')
                
                

    re .70:  Actually, The Elenium *is* a new series, and the first book is
    titled The Diamond Throne.  Look back a few replies in this topic.
    
    re .71:  Opinions vary.  Personally I liked it well enough, but I'd
    wait for the paperback unless you're an avid fan of Eddings.
    
    --Simon
    

    To put all Eddings fans in the picture...        
    
    ************************ SPOILERS (sort of)*******************************
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
                                                                              
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    The Mallorean like the Belgariad consists of five books.
    DE has only just published the "Sorceress of Darshiva" and the final
    book "The seeress of Kell" where the ultimate choices will be made
    by Cyradis is not due for release for another year........UG!!!!!!!!
                                       
    The Elenium is a new series involving orders of religious Knights that
    have magical skills (well sort of). The story involves trolls and
    childish and surly Gods that play at being Grand.
    The first book is called "The diamond throne" - the paper back is
    due before spring in the next decade......
    Two other books will complete the series and the second is not due
    until next fall
    At the moment I can't remeber their titles but I do know that they
    involve roses and emeralds in their titles.........
    
    
    I wish he would write a bit faster.
    
    Cheerio
    Tasmanian beer atom
    

    
    
>    I wish he would write a bit faster.
    
>    Cheerio
>    Tasmanian beer atom
    
From what I understand, it's not him writing any faster, but his Publisher
"holding" out for the 'bucks'.  Even the book store operators I've talked to
say that it's not the author, but the publishing company giving time-frames,
then even postponing them so to enthuse the public to buy hardcover editions.
One store operator told me that the publishing company is upset that some
people won't shell out the 20 bucks for the hardcover, and it was their
assumption that that's why they seem to "sit" on it for awhile before releasing
in paperback.  I also heard that the hardcover one that's available now
(Sorceress of ???) and the new one not released (Seeress of Kell ?) have been
written for well over a year.

I recently bought the paperback "Demonlord of Darshiva" and noticed it was a
buck more than most other paperbacks.

Should this guy (Eddings) get a new publishing company or what???

Mike_L

    RE .75
    
    Uh, Mike ... that's Demon Lord of Karanda (book 3) and Sorceress of
    Darshiva (book 4).  I know, there's a lot of them and it gets confusing
    sometimes.
    
    Yes, he should get a new publisher.  At least, that's a fan's
    perspective.  Of course, if we all refused to buy the hardcovers ...
    
    ... Bob
    

                
                The publisher is working it so they (and Eddings)
                earn the maximum amount of cabbage they can, so I
                kind  of  doubt  Dave    is    unhappy  with  his
                publishers.
                
                - Rob who is just  about  done with Demonlord and
                may  or may not wait for  the  paperback.    I'll
                probably hold out for a while until  I run out of
                things to read -
                
                

    
    I'm still waiting for No 2/3/4/5 etc of the Mallorean to be published
    in normal sized/normal priced paperback.....
    
    I trade paperbacks are even more of a con than hardback !

                I don't think 2 & 3 are going to get any small or
                cheaper!  They  are  both  out  in  paperback (at
                something  like  $5  a  shot  though!    Geez,  I
                remember when these things were in the $1-2 area,
                and I'm only 22!)
                
                :')
                

re .76
    
>    Uh, Mike ... that's Demon Lord of Karanda (book 3) and Sorceress of
>    Darshiva (book 4).  I know, there's a lot of them and it gets confusing
>    sometimes.
    
Whoops, sorry about screwing up the titles.  I was typing very quickly because
I needed to go somewhere.    

Maybe they should call it Demon Lord of Boston for easier memory.  However,
then they would confuse that with Dukasis.  :^)

Mike_L

    When we were young we lived in shoeboxes and had to lick it road
    clean with our tongues...........
    
    Sorry Guys and Gals just got carried away there.
    
    I the UK D. Eddings' paperbcaks are either �3.99 = $6.26ish (for
    the first in the mallorean) and �6.99=$10.97ish at this morning's
    exchange rate - to think that when the Belgariad first came out
    the prices were about �1.95.
    
    The problem here is that books are given recommneded prices that
    are truely extrotionate and I don't see why we the public should
    have to pay these incredible prices so that publishers can own yacths
    (sp?)
    
    However, when it comes to Edding I'm afraid that I buy the Hardbacks
    after all..
    The reason being it is not much more expensive than the paperback
    and since I read them over and over again I don't want to have to
    buy a new copy each time the paperback falls apart at the seams....
    

    
>    However, when it comes to Edding I'm afraid that I buy the Hardbacks
>    after all..
>    The reason being it is not much more expensive than the paperback
>    and since I read them over and over again I don't want to have to
>    buy a new copy each time the paperback falls apart at the seams....
    
I'll have to agree with you there.  With all the paperbooks we own (an entire
full size bookcase worth), my wife has reread the Belgariad series the most
times; probably about four times by now.  Needless to say, some of the pages
are starting to fall out.  I've only read it once, but enjoyed it immensely.

However, I don't know about the UK, but in the states, hardcover is much more
than paperback in price.  The latest Eddings hardcover is $19.99.

The other thing I don't like about hardcovers is they don't fit too well in
the bookcase.

Mike_L

..... and  then my father used to beat us to sleep.


	I waited until the Belgariad was complete, then walked into Hooked on
Books (a used Book Store) and got all of them for � price.

	I plan to use the same strategy for the Mallorean. (even doing this,
you can figure close to $15.00 for the set) I must be getting old. I have over
2,000 books on shelves in my basement, about � of which are SF.  As I go
through and read and re-read, I sure find a lot of good sized books that cost
25� or 50� brand new!

Mike JN

    Read Sorceress of Darshiva over the week-end.  Too bad I'm gonna have
    to wait a year now for the Seeress of Kell.
    
    One thing though that's starting to bother me about Eddings.  Literally
    ALL the women characters in the first nine books are portrayed as
    scheming and manipulative when it comes to their significant others. 
    At first, when it was just Ce'Nedra, it was humorous and added to her
    character.  Then it got a little tiring.  Now it's getting annoying. 
    It got to that point on about the time Urgit's bride-to-be started
    talking about "changing" him.  Even Polgara seems to have Durnik
    properly henpecked at this point.  And all Poledra has to do is show up
    and Belgarath starts shaking in his boots!
    
    It's one thing to throw a little of this type of characterization into
    a novel, it's another thing to make it a stereotype.  Does this guy
    have something against women?
    
    ... Bob

    But... AREN'T all women characters scheming and manipulative when it
    comes to SO's?  ;^)  ;^)
    
    Ask my hubby sometime.
    
    K.C.

    Having read all his books twice over I am seriously considering
    suing his publishers - when is the second book of the Elenium going
    to be released (anyone have a clue) and for that matter what about
    book five of the Mallorean - and he'd better start writing somthing
    else new soon
    
    Tahi - seroiusly-aggravated-smallish-italian-eddings-reader

    
    count yourself reasonably lucky...
    
    the third of the Mallorean has only just been published in the proper
    size of paperback !

    
    re .86
    
    Having re-read the previous books, you should be able to tell us
    were the final confrontation will take place, at least the name
    of the place.
    
    -Steve
    

	re .88  Having done the same exercise as .86, refer to the
	5th book of the Belgariad (Enchanters Endgame). The opening
	is an extract from the "Book of Torak" in which he describes
	using the Orb to 'crack the world'. It states that he did this
	'from the heights of Korim, a place which is no more' or words
	to that effect. In one of the earlier books of the Belgariad,
	there was an earlier reference to the Korim being a mountainous
	region where Torak used the Orb.

	So now the questions are: where was it, are there any traces left
	of it to head to (perhaps in the Sea of the East)? No reference
	is left to it on any of the maps published to date.

	Happy Hunting...

	Chris

    
    Very good.  I saw the same thing.  Belgareth says a few times that
    there is something about the phrase "place which is no more" that
    is familier but he can't quite remember.  I'm sure the phroficy(sp?)
    has something to do with his failing memory.  They never do mention
    where korim was.  The only guess I can make is that it definitely
    is east of the eastern coast of Cthol Murgos.  Supposedly after
    Torak cracked the world, and the orb rebelled against him, he gathered
    his people is the wastelands(Cthol Misthrak) and settled down. 
    My guess is that this location is on the island just off the south
    coast of the Dalasian Protectorates.  Either that or the location
    sank beneath the sea and will either rise up to greet them or they'll
    have to travel down to it.
    
    I wish the publishers would get in gear and publish the last book.
    
    -steve
    

         
         As to where the "Place that is no more" is, my guess is that,
         in following the first set of books and Torik's face, that
         the two orbs will mend the crack that Torik made, bringing
         the 'place' back (although it might be the place where Horse
         can go). 
         
         I'm disappointed in that Eddings seems to be giving away the
         series ending in the 4th book.  Aldur's secret talk with
         Belgarath & Polgara (and Eriond?) seems to confirm it with
         me. 
         
         On another note:  Why isn't Durnik call Beldurnik?  He's
         been a sorcerer since the end of the first set of books.
             
         			---Jack
         

>>>         As to where the "Place that is no more" is, my guess is that,
>>>         in following the first set of books and Torik's face, that
>>>         the two orbs will mend the crack that Torik made, bringing
>>>         the 'place' back (although it might be the place where Horse
>>>         can go). 

I'm not quite sure I agree. It would seem more likely to be the remnant
of some prior place, like the island off Dalasia. Someone carried the
Sardion away by boat to "someplace", so it's got to be more generally
reachable. 

>>>         I'm disappointed in that Eddings seems to be giving away the
>>>         series ending in the 4th book.  Aldur's secret talk with
>>>         Belgarath & Polgara (and Eriond?) seems to confirm it with
>>>         me. 

The sequence of events certainly comes to a head by the conclusion of
"Darshiva", but a number of loose ends need to get tied up along the way.
The full party complement has been created finally, but Poledra's role
is still unclear. Also, it was predicted in the first book that one of the
party will die. Which one, and when?
         
>>>         On another note:  Why isn't Durnik call Beldurnik?  He's
>>>         been a sorcerer since the end of the first set of books.
             
I'd expect to see more on that in the 5th book, based upon his last actions
in "Darshiva". Consider that up until that point, Durnik may have been
undergoing an "apprenticeship". Now he seems to be treated as a full-fledged
disciple of Aldur, entitling him to the Bel- prefix.

Actually, I'd like to see how Eddings ties up what may be a major loose
end. During the first series, Ce'Nedra was upset about her title until the
idea of "co-ruler" was created. How is she going to react when she realizes
that Garion, as a full-fledged sorcerer, is going to outlive her by a few
thousand years???? The precedent was set in the first series that the power
can not be taken away (re: Polgara). So, what happens due to the fact that
Riva has an immortal king? Does Geran ever get to rule (if he survives)?
Does Garion retire to the Vale, to a tower, once more to scrub pots and
pans for his aunt? 

Of course, all of this is resolved if Garion is the one who dies....

Chris         

    re. 91 & 92
    
    Here are my conclusions based on the format of the fisrt five
    books...There are no spoilers....
    
    Firstly, I believe that Durnik will never be called Beldurnik. This
    is because of his nature - he has never been quite at ease with
    his magical status. Anyway Garion doesn't use the Bel prefix - it
    is the people around him who do. I do concede the point however,
    that in view of his actions in the last book some may start to see
    him in a different light.
    
    I like the theory that the 'place which is no more' will come into
    being when the orbs heal the rift that Torak created. However, events
    in the book state that the end will occur at the 'place which is
    no more' - and the orbs will not come together before that; hence,
    the 'place which is no more' must be accessible in some other way!
                                
    As to the person that will die I have a feeling that we will not
    be seeing much of Belgarath again - not unless Poledra can be brought
    to life again (I don't believe that she is alive in the real world
    as such). 
    
    As for Ce'nedra - she might die too and then the gods would resurect
    her like Durnik - this sounds too much like a complete replay of
    past events but then again Belgarath and Garion have already noticed
    this phenomena.
    
    I like a good discussion...
    
    Tahi Massari - on location in Darshiva.                              
    

    
    
    Food for thought.  Mentioned in the second book, second series is
    the fact that Eriond will eventually become the child of light.
    Is it possible for that power/connection to switch without the previous
    person dying?  Torak had to die for a few reasons.  He was flawed
    for the purpose he was created for.  They had to make room for a
    new God of Agnarak(sp?).  I believe the purpose of the gods was
    for them to be all benevolent.  We know who/what is going to become
    the next god or Agnarak(sp?).  I'm not sure who'll die yet.  It
    won't be one of the miscellaneous characters(sadi, silk, velvet).
    It's quite possible that with the switching of the child of light
    might provide Eddings with the chance to kill of Belgarion and solve
    both the Child of Light question and Belgarion outliving C'Nedra
    with Geran taking over as a normal(non-magical) king of Riva.
    
    I think that Poleda is still alive by that worlds standings.  Belgareth
    was probably told she died so he would/could get on with his task
    without wondering about where she was or what she was doing.
    
    -steve
    

    First of all, I never considered Silk to be a miscellaneous character. 
    Secondly, Geran is probably has just as much magical potential as
    Garion, though whether it will ever be realized is another story.  I
    agree about Poledra though.
    
    Wook

	My theory:  Durnik was not Beldurnik, because until now he was not a 
disciple of Aldur.  (It's not sorcerors that get the Bel.  It's Aldur's 
disciple's.) 

	I don't think that the "Place which is no more" is revealed in the 
passage mentioned in the first series.  One of things that we discovered in the
SoD was that Ce'Nedra will be the one who reveals where the place is.  Somehow
I doubt that she'd know anything about the old prophecies.  Also, Belgarath
would not need to go to Kell to read the "whatever the heck" prophecy if the
name were just sitting around in a readily accessible source. 

	I don't recall Eriond being told that he will be the Child of Light.
(Maybe I just missed it...)  I always figured he was going to be the one to die.

 	Of course, what do I know?

	Tracey

    Once Geran comes of age there is no reason why the living King of
    Riva, Belgarion cannot retire to the Vale and build his won tower.
    Also I can't remember references as to a definite candidate for
    the new God of Angarak...I had a suspicion that Geran or Eriond
    could become that God...Appropriate that the new child of light
    become a God - after all he can communicate with the Gods and the
    prophecy in a way that neither Garion nor Belgarath can..
    
    I agree with the previous reply Silk a Miscellaneous character?
    Never...

    Ahem, guys...
    
    SOME of us want to read THE MALLOREAN, but haven't had the chance yet. 
    SOME things are being given away here that can be considered spoilers.
    
    Please,  have a bit of courtesy.  :^)
    
    K.C.

    Re: Garion outliving Ce'Nedra.
    
    Don't forget that Ce'Nedra is half Dryad (or whatever). This gives
    her a considerable life span (the same as her tree?) and provides
    Eddings with plenty of scope to resolve the problem, in a hundred
    years or so.
    
    Dave.

    
         Who is going to die...  my guessed spoilers after ff (I hope)
         
         Sorry KC :-)
         
                    
                                      
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         I think that it's obvious.  It can only be Eriond.  Of course
         he's not REALLY going to die, just replace Torik.  Someone
         has to parellel (Bel)Durnik's two lives. Eriond has been
         thinking about sacrificing something, for the good of all,
         for a while now and Eddings seems to be setting him up for
         sacrificing himself.  He, Gerion, and Garion are the only
         folks who can touch the orb and it seems that the two rocks
         have to be put back together by someone, The Child of Light
         or Dark.  The talk that Belgarath, Polgara and Eriond had
         with Aldur that is being kept from Garion (and us) are also
         clues to Erionds status. There have been references that
         Gerion and Eriond will probably be the final contestants from
         the prophicy. Garion will have to decide whether or not he'll
         kill his son, but I think that at that time that Eriond will
         step in and make the sacrifice. 
                                         
         I do wish I could figure out what 'horse' has to do. The
         prophesy rang the bell for something. 
         
         Is Garion a disciple of Aldur?  I never saw that.  Belgarath
         and Beldin said something about their not having had a new
         brother in a long time.  Garion (as did Belgarath) got the
         'BEL' designation as soon as they delibrately used their
         power, signifing their status'.  I think Durnik is being
         gyped or Eddings missed something. 
                                        
                               ---Jack        
         

    re .98:
>    SOME of us want to read THE MALLOREAN, but haven't had the chance yet. 
    
    Not to negate the point about spoilers, but this led me to consider
    that maybe we should have separate topics for each of Eddings' series. 
    This discussion (640.*) is mostly about the Mallorean; maybe we should
    change the topic title.  There are a handful of Elenium replies; maybe
    they should be moved to their own topic.  (Moderators, if you need help
    again, I can do that another weekend.)
    
    re .96:
>	I don't recall Eriond being told that he will be the Child of Light.
    
    I don't recall where in the first two books I got the impression that
    the Child of Light _might_ be Eriond rather than Garion.  I think that
    everybody (in the story) assumes that Garion is the Child of Light
    again.  Indeed, in the Demon Lord of Karanda (which I got around to
    reading just recently) even Cyradis did not contradict this assumption.
    I'm not positive that Cyradis actually said so in so many words that
    Garion is the Child of Light, but if she did, that would be tantamount
    to confirmation of the fact, because Cyradis did not lie.
    
    --Simon
    

    As to not remembering whether Garion is a disciple of Aldur...
    
    Do you think the 'voice of the Orb' might be indicative?  I've always
    thought so.
    
    (All above re: 98:)
    
    --Cat
    

    Regarding the disciples of Aldur....
    
    
    POTENTIAL SPOILER
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    Garion is a Magician if that is the appropriate word to use. He
    gained the title BEL when he exhibited the ability to use the will
    and the word without any hestitation - he became at ease with his
    new status - if that is at all possible with his Sendarian Background.
    
    Durnick a real Sendarian is much more imbedded in sensibility and
    he does not like to use his powers. He is not at ease with his new
    status and has until the last book not used the will and the word
    with any confidnece whatsoever. I think this is the reason why he
    has not earned the title BEL.
    
    As to being disciples - being a magician does not make the person
    a disciple of Aldur. Zandramas is a classic example of this. I am
    not sure whether you need to be asked by Aldur to become a disciple
    or what but we know that Belgarath became a disciple by endlessly
    pestering Aldur unitl the latter relented.
    
    Belgarion has no tower in the Vale - something that all other disciples
    other than Polgara have - even Zedar's tower is still standing after
    all this time. This is not a conclusive arguement I know but if
    Garion gives up his seat in Riva to his son Geran (that is if Geran
    doen't become a God or it is going to be Eriond ?)
                                                     
    Most importantly however, The voice that comes from the Orb - no
    I don't think that the voice is actually coming from the Orb but
    I agree that is very strongly related. Anyway the voice is infact
    the profecy that Garion is following to be precise it is the good
    profecy - it is not one of the Gods - they are not allowed to interfere
    directly, neither are the Prophecies but they do try to bend the
    rules now and again - remember if the godd prophecy tells Garion
    something deliberately than the bad prophecy can tell Zandramas
    anything it wants eg where the place that is no more is located.
    
    Tahi_and_now_I_am_really_confused......
    
    
    
    
    

One nit in .104. The term magician is consitered to be an insult amongst 
sorcerers. I seem to remeber Belgarath on his way to his big fight to regain
the orb using the term magician as an insult. Just to be on the safe side,
wouldn't want Belgarath, Polgara, Belgarion or Durnik to turn you into a 
toad. ;-)

:-Chuck

    I have just been overtaken - whilst re-readign The Belgariad - by
    a strangs sense of forwarning ... As Garion Battles with voices
    inside his head I begin to see the likly conclusion of the D. Eddings
    school of Publishing... Does anybody harbour the suspicion like
    me that this is the likelyhood of developing into a mediocre film?
    
    The only reason I use the term Mediocre is that I doubt that my
    interpretation of some of the characters would be realised on the
    screen this as always leading to diappointment - also how could
    htey compress five books into two hours I don't know - mind you
    I'd be the first to admit that if a film or series ever came out
    I'd be at the cinema like a SHOT!!!
    
    Any speculations on the actors that you would like to see in the
    roles of Garion, Polgara, Durnik, Silk and Belgarath???
    
    I wonder how yound Indiana Jones would fit into the role of Garion
    - can't think of any other suitable young actor at the moment...

	I think that a decrepid Sir Alec Guinness (sp?) would make and
	ideal Belgarath

                 

        My picks:
        
        Eriond:	Tough one? 
        
        Garion: Matthew Broderick (has a great 'why me' look)
        
        Belgarath: Jack Nicholson (great attitude for the part) 
        
        Durnik: Kris Kristopherson (a great weathered look) 
        
        Polgara: Kathleen Turner (for her steely gaze and beauty) 
        
        Silk:  Sean Penn (I don't know why.. he fits the part for me)
        
        C'nedra: Annie Potts (small & has the red hair already)
        
        Beldin: Sean Connery (not too many could pull it off like him) 
        
        Torak: James Earl Jones (what a voice!)
                                               
        -------- Expensive movie tho'
        
        				---Jack
         

    It's been so long since I read the Belgariad I'm having trouble
    remembering the names of many of the important characters.  But I can
    imagine some actors who would play the parts well (IMO of course).
    
    I'd agree with .107 on Alec Guiness for Belgarath
    
    I'd agree with .108 on Matthew Broderick for Garion and Sean Penn for
    Silk and Annie Potts for Ce'Nedra and James Earl Jones as Torak.
    
    Some others I'd like to see ...
    
    	Danny DiVito as Beldin 
    
    	Jack Nicholson as Taur Urgas 
    
    	Sean Connery as Ce'Nedra's dad (forgot his name, Tolnedran Emperor)
    
    	Cher as Polgara
    
    	Arnold Schwarzenager (sp?) as Mandorellan (sp?)
    
    	Mel Gibson as Lelldorin
    
    	Lee Van Cleef as Asharak
    
    	David Ogden Stiers as Ce'Nedra's teacher (forgot his name too)
    
    I'll probably think of more later ...
    
    						... Bob
    		

    What was the name of the guy who was in "Top Secret" and "Willow"?
    
    I think HE would make a good Mandorallen.
    
    K.C.  
    
    (Oh, yes!  Val Kilmer! or something like that.)

    Also; a possibility for Silk (thinking on the line of "weasle-faced")
    
    The guy who was on the show Benson,  you know,  Rene last-name-begins-
    with-an-A-but-is-vertually-unpronouncable-and-unspellable.  He looks
    the part, and it would give him a chance to REALLY play up;  he's good!
    
    K.C.

    RE .110
    
    Yeah, but wouldn't Val Kilmer also make a great Hettar.
    
    ... Bob
    

    
    Has anyone noticed that a lot of characters in the Belgariad/Mallorean
    stories have annoying tendencies to wink ! After rereading the
    Belgariad a couple of times I noticed this, also there are a lot of
    'in-jokes' which are only apparent after several readings.
    
    regards Carl
    

    Personally I find that the "in-jokes" are what makes each re-read
    of the two series (incomplete though one is) funny and new every
    time - I always seem to find something new to smile or laugh at
    I can't get enough of the series...
    
    Tahi

    I made the mistake of reading "Guardians of the West" first, so
    I knew what was going to happen in the Belgariad.  :-( :-(
    I've lost count of the number of times that I've read the first
    8 books.  I don't know of any of the other series that I've
    read that I've enjoyed so much...better than any of the Asimov's
    (and I like Asimov alot!), Heinlein's, Tolkein's, ...even McCaffrey's
    dragons (now THAT means something!).
    
    One of the most interesting things about the series is that it
    deals with a global setting (like DragonFlight), where you have 
    alot of different people with their own peculiar characteristics.
    There is not one common theme that makes everyone the same so it's
    fun to watch all the interactions between different cultures.
    
    Remember how funny it was...
    
    ...during the scene when the "Duchess of Arendia" was trying to 
    mend the wounds of Asturia?  When everyone realized why they were
    fighting?  When they decided to "keep this matter close to thy heart,
    lest it confirm that abject stupidity is our [most] prominent trait"?
    I couldn't stop laughing at that! 
    
    Ack!  I'm dying for the next two books. :-(
    
    B.

    
>    Garion is a Magician if that is the appropriate word to use. He


 Belgarath would turn you into a toad or a grolim if you ever called him a
magician. Magician's were the scruffy ones that would call up demons and then
try to control them by a contest of wills.
 Also, the voice that Belgarion hears is the prophesy guiding the good AND the
bad(dark and light) party's to the decision point. This "voice" is also what
caused the prophesy's to be written down in the first place.


				Joe


				
    

    RE: .116
    
    ...but then Belgarath is also a "magician" since HE can also summon
    and banish demons.  Just because he's a sorceror doesn't change that.
    
    
    B.

    Sounds like calling a systems engineer a coder, just because he knows
    FORTRAN.

    I haven't read the books, but I get the impression from this discussion
    that there is a better way for the elite to control Demons than by a
    contest of wills?

    -- mikeK

    Well, there's at least three methods to supernatural abilities:
    
    	sorcery, magic, and witchcraft.
        
        Each pertains to a different discipline.  Each discipline looks
        down on each other and regards the others as charlatans.  That's
    	why Belgarath insults other sorcerors by calling them "magicians".
    
    	On the other hand, Belgarath has proven that he is as good a
    	magician as anyone else by defeating another magician with his
    	own demon.  Those particular skills qualified him as a magician;
    	he doesn't just know magic.  He's undergone extense training to
    	be a powerful magician.

I was just thinking...

Now that Torak's dead, wouldn't his hold over Belzedar be over?
Belzedar only did what he did because of Torak's domination.


B.

The remaining servants of Torak haven't rushed off to join any
friendly alliances during the first 4 books of the 2nd series. 
In typical fashion, they all simply try to take his place, since
nature abhors a (power) vacuum. Belzedar wouldn't likely be any
different...

Chris

Ah yes, but those remaining servants are Angaraks...they belong to Torak and
his ideals.  Belzedar was formerly a disciple of Aldur; Belzedar even knows
and acknowledges his mistake in thinking that he could defy Torak.  He's not
in the same league as Urvon, Z-what's-her-name, and the other guy in Cthos 
Murgos, who were already evil.  I would think that Aldur might have wanted to
try and reverse Torak's domination.


Remember that he was really upset when he accidentally killed Durnik.
Gee, how do you insert form-feeds here while in DECWindows Notes?

B.

You insert a formfeed for the benefit of the character-cell folks.  For us DW
types, it's completely useless.  Create a file that contains a formfeed and
include it using the file pulldown.  Like so...


Zedar is in the grip of the dark prophecy that is tied to Cthrag Sardion, so
being free from Torak only lessens the acuteness of Zedar's apostacy.  It's 
entirely likely that the Sardion motivated Zedar as the Orb motivates Belgarath.
It never talks directly to him, but is constantly nudging him in the direction
that it wants him to take.

Regarding the place that is no more, the prologue to the Enchanter's Endgame
mentions the high places of Korim which are no more.  The prologue is supposed
to be an extract from Torak's own version of the story, so Korim is a good 
candidate for the "Place which is no more".  Where is it?  Could be an island
in the eastern sea or maybe a mountain in Darshiva.  Who knows?

Wook

Has anyone seen the release of "Sorceress of Darshiva" yet in paperback?
It's not at Waldens yet, however, I remember Lauriettes (sp) in Framingham
had it first.

Mike_L

    I was in our local Waterstone's this lunch time and enquired about
    the availability of The_Seeress_of_Kell.  I was told that it is
    now scheduled for hardback publication (in the UK anyway) in June
    of 1991.  The explanation given was that Eddings has been ill with
    heart trouble (now thankfully fully recovered) and has not yet finished
    writing it.  I thought I'd read somewhere in this notes conference that
    he'd already written them all and that it was the publishers who were 
    delaying release.
    
    Either way, looks as thought we've got a long wait ahead.
    
    Michelle

Still no Sorcerer of Darshiva in paperback though as far as I can
tell.  Went to 3 different bookstores today for other stuff
and happened to look for it each time.  'Twas a good series, but
not good enough to shell out the $$$ for hardcover... *sigh*

- Rob who is still also waiting for the Chtorr's next book -

    ya know, when you think about it, isn't it kinda weird that
    the people's of the world in the Belgariad and the Mallorean were
    not evenly divided among the gods of the universe.
    
    There was Mara who lost his people, UL had the the Ulgos, Nedra had
    the Tolnedra, Belar had the Alorns, Chaldan had some other group,
    and Aldur didn't have anyone.  
    
    Torak had everyone else: The Murgos, the Thulls, the Nadraks, *AND* 
    the Malloreans.  When you think about Zakath taking over the eastern 
    continent, that also included the Karandans and the Melcenes.
    
    It seems kinda weird that it would end up that way...

    No one ever said Life was fair.  ;^)
    
    K.C.

    To all fans worrying about books by David Eddings - Please note that
    the small paperback edition is now out in the UK. Price is either �3.99
    or �4.50 (Sorry I forgot to check the back)
    
    Regards 
    
    	Tahi

    Hey, hey, hey!!!!!
    
    The "Sorceress of Darshiva" is out in paperback!!!
    (at least it was, at Wordsworth in Harvard Square...)
    
    hey...hey...hey...it's out!!!!

    re .130: Ayup. Got mine at Lauriat's in Pheasant Lane Mall yesterday.
    (Now, which of my kids took Demon Lord of Karanda?)
    
    --Simon
    

    I can't believe I stayed up until 4 am reading it...*yawwwwn*....
    
    B.

    I just finished reading Sorceress in hardcover, thanks to the Marlboro
    public library, I'll go down to Harvard Square and get it and the new
    Xanth book.  I really used to like Eddings, but I don't know.  Darshiva
    just didn't make that good of a read.
    
    Joe 

The following 2 items are from the Dec. 1990 LOCUS.

From the "Along Publisher's Row" column which lists upcoming releases
and is described as "tentative" and "subject to change":
             The Seeress of Kell, May '91


Gleaned from the "People & Publishing" column paragraph on Eddings:
(the actual text of the column is copyrighted of course)

Eddings has turned in "The Seeress of Kell" (book 5 of the "Malloreon")
and "The Sapphire Rose" (book 3 of the "Elenium") to his publishers. He
also sold (but has not turned in) five new books for a hefty advance.
Three of these are further books in the "Elenium" and two are prequels
to the "Belgariad".

                After just  finishing  Sorceress  of  Darshiva, I
                have come to  a  decision.   I will read the last
                one and that's it.   This is turning into another
                Xanth series.  I have  a big problem as well with
                these stories.  It's like a  group of 3rd graders
                out  on  a  field  trip.    We  have  Garion  all
                concerned about  hiding  Ce'Nedra's delicate eyes
                from death and  blood,  Polgara and others making
                sure Eriond doesn't go  near  sex  or  alcohol or
                anything, a thief who can swindle his way through
                anything, but has a personality of  your favorite
                uncle.  He's not malicious at all.    Many  pages
                devoted  to  the  topic  of  this  stupid  snake,
                including  it   having  babies  and  sleeping  in
                Velvet's shirt.   WHO  CARES!!!   Get this cutesy
                little thing out of  here.    Then  there are the
                constant  stupid  pun  and  wit    battles,  very
                remnicient  of  Xanthony.  BARF!   I  think  this
                thought every time I pick up one  of  his  books,
                but  it gets to be so long before  the  next  one
                comes around, I say what the hell, might as  well
                read it, I've read all the others.  SO when  this
                thing  ends  with 10, that's it for me.  It's not
                often I  do  this.   I read 26 Gor books, 9 Amber
                books, 6 Covenant  books  etc  and  I  could keep
                reading these.  They  are  good  books!   But the
                only series I have ever  quit  are  Xanth, Adept,
                Incantations and now this...
                
                Just had to get that out of my system, thanks for
                listening :').
                
                - Rob -
                

Strange....I've never had any problems reading any of the Eddings' books...
in fact, all of my Eddings' paperbacks are so worn from re-reading that 
I might have to get a new set...It's got to be my favorite series.

I don't think it's anywhere near as bad as the Xanth series.

...but that's just my opinion...

B.

    I haven't read Xanth (and from what I see hear, I may not), but most of
    the things mentioned in (I think) .135 are the things I LIKE!  The
    snake, Silk & his attitude/personality, the puns, the bantering, the
    very HUMAN-NESS of the characters.  As soon as book 5 comes out, I am
    doing a complete re-read.  After that, I MAY start the Elenium.
    
    K.C.

No, Xanth is not that bad.

For the first 3-4 books.

then it becomes horribly worse. :-(

grins,

clark.

I used to think Eddings characters were freshing.  But after 10+ books, they've
become tiresome.  The same thing over and over.  I agree.  The stuff about
the snake, and Polgara watching over Eriond have grown monotonous.  Add to
the fact that the hardcovers are expensive, have wide margins and are 
triple-spaced...  Frankly, I can't bring myself to buy the second book of
the Elenium.  The comparison to Anthony is a good one.  Fun and interesting
reading for the first n books.  After that, predictable, tiresome, and 
costly.

John Piekos

    Actually, I thought the first book in the Belgariad was boring and
    didn't get REALLY interesting until the third book (Castle of
    Wizardry).  Of course, I made the mistake of reading Guardians of
    the West before reading the Belgariad.
    
    B.

                Re: .139
                
                THANK YOU!!    I  thought  it  was just me!  :').
                Everybody I've talked  to (several people outside
                of this conference) all  say  it's  one  of their
                favorite  series  and can't understand  what  I'm
                talking about! :')
                
                I feel much better :')
                
                

I have to agree.
I waited on the Belgariad until all the books were out in paperback,
bought them all... and read `em... boomp!
Not bad.

Then came the Mallorean.
I refuse to buy books that aren't finished, and for which I have to wait
years to read the ending.
While waiting for the Mallorean to be completed, he starts another
series!
Pissed me off.
In the meantime, the conversation here and elsewhere got to the place
where it seemed that the series were indistinguishable... one from the
other.
So I decided to pass on the whole mess, even when they are completed.

Right now I'm reading Poul Anderson's `Boat Of A Million Years', and
like it quite a bit.

Mike JN

	According to an ad in the lastest LOCUS.

Tracey

    
    
    I just picked up my copy of "The Seeress of Kell" at Spags in
    Shrewsbury at the cost of $14.89.  
    
    -Steve
    

Would that mean that the paperback might be out for the Christmas season?

--Simon

Re .145 

> Would that mean that the paperback might be out for the Christmas season?

I wouldn't hold your breath.  This Christmas's Eddings paperback is
probably going to be THE RUBY KNIGHT.  Expect to wait about a year for
SEERESS to be published in the cheaper format, and at that it'll have a
cover price of least six bucks, and maybe more.

				Andrew

    re: .144
    
    Huh?  It's out?  Could have sworn Locus said not until May...
    Are you sure you're not confusing it with "Sorceress of Darshiva"?
    If not, sounds like it's time for a Spag's trip this weekend!
    
    	-td
    

	re .-1

	Nope, it's true. After reading .144 this morning, I wandered to the
	local Waldenbooks in beautiful downtown Manalapan NJ and purchased a
	copy at lunch time. A hefty $20.00 list price, but it was on sale for
	$15. 

	Oh well, so much for accomplishing anything else this weekend...

	Chris    

    re .-1
    
    I stand corrected!  My wife bought me a copy at Waldenbooks this
    weekend!  Now if I can only find time to read it...
    
    	-td
    

    The Ruby Knight is already in LARGE paperback in this part of the
    globe - UK. So if we are lucky the Seeress may be in paperback by
    Christmas....
    
    Tahi

    soooooooooooo,
    
    Any comments on the Seeress?  I'll probably buy in paper-back but I am
    interested in hearing about the tale.
    
    
    Thanks
    
    Joe

In my opinion, it was very predictable and not that exciting.  On a more 
positive note, the publishers did shrink the margins and I think the font was
a bit smaller than his previous books in this series (I compared the two). Thus
there seemed to be more text to this book.  That comment alone should tell 
you my opinion of this once exciting/refreshing author.  I was more pleased 
with the format than the content.

I'm sure others will have a much more positive review.

John Piekos

    Predictable is exactly the word I'd have used.  I wasn't disappointed,
    really, because I still liked the story and the characters.  But
    Eddings has lost his appeal for me ... I may read the other series he's
    working on one of these days, but I sure won't bother buying any of
    them till they're all in print.
    
    ... Bob
    

>I'm sure others will have a much more positive review.

Not that much more positive. I thought it was OK, but that was about it. It 
certainly was predictable -- I knew who would be the new God, where the final
battle would be, who was going to die, who was going to get married ...

I enjoyed it, but nothing grabbed me.

    Quite anticlimactic.  As others have noted, if you've been following
    the series, you probably have already guessed the ending.  It was
    nice to see it all wrapped up, but this final book just didn't do
    anything for me -- I had it all figured out after Sorceress of
    Darshiva.  Liked the series, though; just thought that this last one
    was weak.  I mean, really, 50 pages of denoument? (sp?)
    
    	-td
    

yeah, but this time he really finished the series...:-)

The last touch was kinda nice.

B.

I thought that the ending was predicatable, but I enjoyed the book.  
Practically read it in one sitting, too.  I think that the strongest parts 
of the book were the character development and the "scenery".  I enjoyed
it for those features, but then again, that's why I liked ST:TMP (the
scenery).

BobW

    Managed to borrow a US copy of the book and I must say it was all too
    predictable. The only one I wasn't sure of was who was going to die but
    then once I knew I thought silly me of course it had to be......
    
    I still enjoyed the book very much - I like that all lose ends were
    tied up and everything smoothed out. When the British Hard back comes
    out I know I shall buy it and then take the opportunity of rereading
    the saga from start to finish (and I mean all ten books)
    
    Tahi

    Remember the Mrin Codex?  There was an "interdiction" that prevented
    anyone from reading the text without the light of the Orb?
    
    Did they ever say who put that interdiction on the Mrin Codex?
    That person had to be still alive for the interdiction to work.
    It wasn't Torak or Ctuchik who were dead.  Zandramas should not have
    been alive when it happened, although the document referred to her.
    
    B.

>>    Did they ever say who put that interdiction on the Mrin Codex?
    
    Just from memory (which fails at times :-)  )
    
    I believe the interdiction was put on by the Prophesy that is tied up
    with Belgarion.  I believe it was written there by a mad scribe. As I
    recall the prophesy spoke to Belgarion, telling him how difficult it
    was to get the scribe to do the work.
    
    				---Jack
    
    

    Yeah, that makes sense because of where Mrin is...
    I guess that "the bad guys" wouldn't have gone over to the West
    to put that curse there...
    
    On the other hand, they sorted of hinted that it was one of the 
    bad guys who did it...they made reference to "whoever did it back 
    then must be very powerful...and still alive."
    
    B.

I believe it was the alternate prophecy via Torak. I think it was said at some
point.

    I got yesterday my copy of the _Seeress_of_Kell_ in hard back at the
    WHsmith for �14.95. Guess it has been out here for only a short time.
    
    Have read half of it yesterday night, and I like it.
    
    Beware, Spoiler
    
    
    I found that when Garion and Zakath hurt that Dragon, and came back to
    the king, he told the dragon went to the West. Then 'Narradas' (you know
    who I meen) countered them, and wouldn't let them see the chart. Garion
    could have told the King, that as they were supposed to kill the Dragon
    and it escaped, they should have a look at the chart to see where the
    Dragon might have fled too and finish it. Don't think that 'Narradas' 
    could have objected to this.
    
    So far I don't see the purpose of the 'Seabird' in that area now, but
    guess they will be just usefull to bring the small group (-1) back to
    Riva.
    
    							Erik

    Good book, I liked it very much, extremly entertaining.
    And was a bit surprissed by the end of the quest.
    
    But, I found the end was to gentle, If Belgarath & Poledra had left, on
    a different balance. That would have made the end a bit more heavy.
    Even if Belgarath & Poledra, wandered on the world as Wolf-spirits,
    that would do.
    
    SPOILER
    
    The fact that Beldin & Vella flew away was disturbing, Vella had no
    magic to transform herself in an Hawk. And I don't think Beldin could
    transform Vella.
    When Garion & Poledra left Riva for Pol's house, they could have
    taken the shape of birds (owls). that would have been faster ?
    
    Anyway I liked it a *LOT*.
    							Erik

re 640.164

Spoiler


>    SPOILER
    
>    The fact that Beldin & Vella flew away was disturbing, Vella had no
>    magic to transform herself in an Hawk. And I don't think Beldin could
>    transform Vella.

I didn't have any trouble believing that Beldin could have transformed
Vella into a hawk.  If anything at all, it would be that she could fly
right away.  Remember Garion's thoughts when he first transformed into
a hawk or flying feathered creature.  It was very awkward and took practice,
"do not fight the air currents, let them carry you".

Mike_L

    SPOILER
    
    HOW HAVE BEEN WARNED ...
    
    	But if Beldin could transform, why din't all the group took,the
    shapes of birds during the quest.
    
    BTW Eddings, could have at least shown the Twins at the end !
    
    							Erik

re .166
Spoiler, although really common knowledge.


>    	But if Beldin could transform, why din't all the group took,the
>    shapes of birds during the quest.

Probably because of the "noise" or sound it would make.  It would bring too 
much attention their way.  You also have to consider the horses and supplies 
they needed.  It would also be conspicious to see several hawks flying.
Even Beldin mention several times that "bored" soldiers will occasionally take
shots at him once in awhile.

    
>    BTW Eddings, could have at least shown the Twins at the end !
    
My wife said the same thing.  She hopes Eddings will do something with them
in another book.

Mike_L

    Well, to say that one of the best fantasy series I have read has now
    come to a close, there hasn't been much comment - have you all been
    hibernating? I loved the last instalment as much as the first, which I
    read SIX years ago. I finished SEERESS a week ago and was very
    impressed - maybe its all tied together a little too neatly, but hey,
    this is fantasy, right? Fave character vote - no question, has to be
    Silk - coins the term cool. If any Eddings fans (or even those who
    aren't) have anymore info. on any more books, can you post it here?
    
    Cheers,
    Steve.

    HAS the last installment of The Mallorean been released in p-back yet? 
    I'm still waiting to read the whole series 'til I get it.
    
    K.C.

    What K.C. said...
    
    					andrew

    To K.C and Andrew :
    
    The version I bought was the BIIIG paperback (I've forgotten the
    offficial term!) ie, it won't fit in your pocket and it cost nine pounds
    from W.H Smiths in England. Apparently, its only just been released in
    this version, so England at least will have to wait another 6 months
    for the normal paperback. But if you are a true Eddings fan, forget the
    expense - I, for one, loved it!
    
    Cheers,
    Steve.               

    I got the last book in hardcover for $12 at Crown books in San Diego...
    I had then managed to get the previous three books in hardcover for
    about $5 each...what a deal...about as good as the paperback...
    Anyone want to sell their hardcover "Guardians of the West"...?
    
    B.

    Re: .173
    
    If that is referring to the end of the series (or any information in
    the final book)...could you PLEASE put a spoiler in?  I'm still
    awaiting for the paperback.
    
    K.C.

    Gee, K.C., they have three copies at the Nashua Public Library.  Or is
    it a philosophical issue?  :-)
    
    Norm
    
    BTB:  My son was originally holding out for the paperback, too (he says
          he hates holding hardbounds).  But after I brought home a copy
          from NPL he changed his mind.

    RE: .174
    
    sorry about that...I keep forgetting that the paperback didn't come out
    yet...
    
    Anyways, here is the question again after the formfeed...
    
    Just thinking...
    
    Who/what would have repaired the hole in the cosmos if Zandramas
    had won?  As it turned out, Zandramas' body turned into the stars
    that would fix the hole that split the universe into two.  If the
    dark had won and everything made into one again, would one of the
    light people gone instead?
    
    B.

    
    
    
    
    
    	Spoiler
    
    
    
    
    	Belgarion asked his friend from above, who responded that Garion
    would be headed there instead.  
    
    -Steve
    

    
    SPOILER....... I can't seem to get how to do it so I will line feed.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    This is you last warning...................
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    	I like the whole series except the ending it just seems sort of a
    let down.  What do the rest of you think??????????????????????????????
    
    Terry

    RE: .-1
    
    ;
    
    Well, he probably could have left out the last couple of chapters
    but he wanted to tie up all the loose ends.
    
    I think that the addition of the last few chapters put a definitive 
    closing on the story.  The whole point of the second series happened
    because time could not move forward; they were going around in a
    circle.  The end of the Seeress of Kell showed that the division of
    the universe is over and it's time for things to happen.
    
    Remember when Sadi's snake couldn't have her babies until she took
    care of business?  Polgara waited four thousand years to have hers.
    Now that she's performed her task, she put away all the duties that
    have kept her from having her family.  Life goes forward.  We're not
    left wondering if another calamity is waiting to show up.
    
    B>

    Well I have finally finished this series... took about 2 months.
    
    This is the first I have read of Eddings, but have to say I love the
    style.  The first 2 books in the story I found something amusing on
    almost every page... the second two not quite so amusing, but the
    closing chapters were excellent, and very necessary to close things
    off.
    
    I do have one question however.  Would it be worth while read the
    Belgariad ?  Have read this series I feel I have enough understanding
    of the story to continue on to pasture new.
    
    Bob

    RE: .180
    
    Yes!
    
    K.C.

    IMO - the Belgariad series was a more satisfying read than the
    Mallorean series.
    
    ... Bob
    

    In the Netherlands the English version of the Seeress of Kell in normal
    paperback is now available (Corgi). After waiting such a long time I
    reread the whole series( both Belgariad and Malloreon). 
    Great fun, especially because some of my guesses turned out correct 
    (the next child of light) and some were wrong (The-Place-Which-Is-No-More)
    
    Marjan 

I have the 5 book Malloreon series, first-edition hardcovers in
excellent condition that I would like to sell.  I'm asking $60 for
all 5 books.

1: Guardians of the West
2: King of Murgos
3: Demon Lord of Karanda
4: Sorceress of Darshiva
5: The Seeres of Kell

I also have a first edition of The Diamond Throne for $10.

Contact me at DSSDEV::PIEKOS, if interested.

Thanks,

John Piekos

My wife just picked up a new Eddings last week for my Birthday.  It's called
_Belgarath_the_Sourcerer_ and is authored by Eddings and his wife.  It's a
narrative by Belgarath about how he came to be who he is and why things happened
the way they did in the Mallorean series.

It's a huge book and I've only just started it, but it's been pretty interesting
so far....

Cheers!

Stu 
_
 /_

    I finished this book a while back, but just know got around to posting
    a note.  I liked it pretty well, but is was kinda slow going.  It read
    like biography and not a novel.  I found this interesting, but it made
    the story line seem plodding at times.  
    
    All in all a good read, but be prepared for some work getting started. 
    
    One interesting note, it suggests that a similar "autobiography" could
    come from Polgara.  That could be interesting....
    
    Stu
    --
     /
     --