Queen of Sorcery (The Belgariad, Book 2)

Eddings continues to deliver a story that is so light and delectable, one cannot help but refer to it as whipped cream for the mind. As the series builds, a few "nuts" are thrown into the mix, and trust me, this is a good thing. Garion's little band grows, gathering a more delightful cast of characters. Eddings really grabs the reader and gives him every reason to love and sympathise with the characters. Additionally, Eddings takes the reader on a continued journed through his world. Unlike many author's who draw a map and then tell their story in one locale, Eddings established a map in the first pages of "Pawn of Prohesy" and then he takes us by the hand and walks us through a few countries at a time. Not only do you get to see the characters' growth along the way, you get to see them in differing locales and their reaction to each. Garion continues to grow into his powers, though they are nowhere near controlable as of yet, and we begin to understand a bit more about his destiny. My favorite moment in this book comes when "Aunt Pol" reveals to Garion just how much she has gone through to help him and his family. Instantly evaporated are the tedious complaints that can come from s many reluctant heroes, and Garion begins to grow into the young man he will be. I continue to adore this series. Try it with the expectation of some lighter fantasy reading and you won't be disappointed.

Obviously if you are looking for deep and deeply moving literature, David Eddings is not the author you are looking for. However, if you crave straightforward storytelling in which setting, character and plot are unfolded at a steady, entertaining pace, this is the right book for you. Heck, this is the right series for you. I'll even go so far as to say this is the right author for you. Eddings doesn't let himself or his stories get bogged down in endless description of the nice little world he has created. Rather, he has a lot of story to tell and he tells it crisply and with steady determination. His characters reveal humanity at just the right intervals, drawing us readers into the story deftly. Eddings has returned to good versus evil, magic and destiny (like the old, delicious fantasy of our younger years). As for this book specifically, it continues the Belgariad quite satisfyingly. Garion does seem a little bit slow at times, but really, is it easy for a young man to come to terms with being the King of the World? Polgara steps up in this addition also, adding to our knowledge of the way magic works in this universe. Honestly, the fringe characters are my favorite thing about this series. Destinies intertwine wonderfully as one man fights the beast within while another avoids his birthright at all costs. All in all, thoroughly enjoyable reading.

Yes, I know most of us are sick of the puny runt who whines and complains yet contains a hidden and incredible power that will be needed to save the world from a vague dark evil. I hear you and agree with you, and that's exactly what the Belgariad does. So why the five stars? Well, it's done so well and it's a fun read. The strength of Queen of Sorcery, book 2 of the Belgariad,is the characters. We're introduced to a few more and somehow David Eddings is able to give them unique personalities and convictions so they each bring something special to the table. It's nice for a change to skip the typical dwarf and elf theme as well. Book 1, Pawn of Prophecy, was a slow and often repititous story. Queen of Sorcery certainly is not. It doesn't have the grit and hardcore reality that George R.R. Martin brings to his epic series, but it weaves an excellent story with witty dialogue. An excellent book for all ages.

I can't think of anything bad to say about this book, apart from the fact that it wasn't long enough. I have read it dozens of times over the last 15 years and still love it. The whole Belgariad series is one of my favourite of all time, in my opinion only Robin Hobb's recent Farseer and Liveship trilogies are on a par with this.

Queen of Sorcery is second in The Belgrariad series, following Pawn of Prophecy. This series takes the reader into an entire world of fantasy and sorcery all its own. The characterization was outstanding. The vividness with which the author described the characters was remarkable. Eddings has a way in which he gives you front row seats inside each character's mind. Throughout the book I could always tell how each character would respond in a situation. Also, David Eddings introduces so many characters in this book. There is Garion, an average scullery boy just months before and now the center of the struggle. Belgarath, the ancient but mischevious sorcerer. Polgara, the perfectly beautiful and sorceress and daughter of Belgarath. Durnik, the sensible Sendarian smith. Barak, the hulking bear of a man from Cherek. Silk, the small rat-faced mna from Drasnia who often disgueses as a Drasnian merchant. Lelldorin, the brave and rebellios young Arend who proves to be an extrememly skilled archer. Hettar, the stern-faced Algar with the ability to talk to horses. And Mandorallen, the extrememly strong and noble Mimbrate kinght. The plot is fantasitc. The story line revolves around Garion. Garion has to overcome many conflicts, both mentally and physically. Throughout the book I felt involved in Garion's struggle with the self-resented fsct that he is a sorcerer. In conclusion, Queen of Sorcery is a wonderfully written piece of literature. Its world is indepth and complete. Every addoloscent can relate with Garion as he conflicts with his ability. I think this book should be read by every young adult who has ever asked "Why me?" in times of crisis.