The Redemption of Althalus

All age ranges will enjoy this fantasy novel.

Although I agree with some of the other readers who pointed out that some of the plot was a bit over-used (Andine and Ce'Nedra are identical; Dweia and Flute could be sisters; much of the same dialogue can be seen in his other books) but all in all, it is a very entertaining read. Regarding such harsh reviewers as Nassir Isaf, I must conclude that, having abused Leigh Eddings and their collaborative effort of "Polgara the Sorceress" (his only work that revolves around a female character, and a book I thought was absolutely amazing) that your problem rests in the fact that you are most likely a sexist male that would much rather read about a male hero, rather than a strong, empowered woman. I recommend that anyone, a die-hard Eddings fan like me, or simply someone who enjoys writing, read this book.

I have to say that the way it started out reminded me of the way Eddings writes when he's taking the point of view of a minor character who appears in the story for about three pages and then disappears forever; i.e. similar to the style with which he writes about a murderer or plague-bearing sailor who does his thing and then leaves. But it gets better as it goes on. What David Eddings is really good at is providing the reader with amusing banter and a sense of the humanity of his characters - and of course he does this in this book too. I'm very fond of his earlier work - my favorite characters were the two thieves from the two series: Silk and Stragen, both dashing, urbane, charming, and dangerous. Rather like Althalus, in fact. It's a bit disturbing to have a character I'm used to seeing on the sidelines be front-and-center; Eddings has picked, in both Sparhawk and especially in Garion, rather self-deprecating, ironic, quiet, well-behaved characters - the types who love home and family and who don't really want to rule the world, etc, etc, and the reader sees the more dashing and on-the-edge characters only through their eyes. I think Althalus is a bit of a change, but I get the feeling that he becomes more like Garion and Sparhawk as the book goes on (I haven't finished it yet). ANyway, anything by Eddings is a good read, so y'all should read it.

I had read and loved all fantasy books by David and Leigh so far, and I was thrilled when I heard a complete new story was in making. "The Redemption of Althalus" is a stand-alone novel, and it's also a outstanding book! I will not go into any details, since I don't wish to spoil any surprises for people who haven't yet read it, but I will say that it once more truly captures that traditional niceness and character warmth that we have come to love so much in the authors' other work. The story was gripping, exciting and the humour was sharp and witty. I really liked the characters and the touches of philosophy were in one word brilliant! I webmaster a site (The Eddings Codex) dedicated to the books of David and Leigh Eddings, and after reading "Althalus", I immediately updated it with information and illustrations about the new book. Meanwhile, enjoy reading, for if you loved the Belgariad-Malloreon and Elenium-Tamuli books, I'm sure you'll love Althalus!

In a choice that only proves the Gods work in mysterious ways, the Goddess Dweia selects a thief, who has committed murder, as humanity's champion. ALTHALUS is proud to be one of the top ten thieves, a top five liar, and an occasional killer when the need is there. His latest client, Ghend, a servant of the destroyer God Daeva, hires ALTHALUS to steal a book in a house at the edge of the world. He arrives at his destination, finds the book, and meets Dweio disguised as a cat. Dweio teaches ALTHALUS to read and use the book before the pair ventures back into the realm of mankind. The latest battle has just begun between good and evil with many dying on both sides, but the final victory resides with THE REDEMPTION OF ALTHALUS. David and Leigh Eddings have been writing exciting epic fantasy for years, but THE REDEMPTION OF ALTHALUS is their finest hour. Readers will liken the work to that of Tolkien and Brooks yet see much originality in the fast-moving story line. Fans will believe in chattering cats speaking "humanese", magical houses, and goddess manifestations as everyday occurrences. This acceptance allows the audience to concentrate on the interpersonal relationships that turn this epic fantasy into quite an achievement for this writing duet.Harriet Klausner

David and Leigh Eddings invites us back into their wonderful imagination. Although this is not a continuation of their previous novels its stands happily on its own. The title character Althulas draws you in right from the beginning, how could you not be drawn with an opening discription like this. "It would be sheer folly to try to conceal the true nature of Althalus for his flaws are the sruff of legend. He is, as all men know, a thief, a liar, an occasional murder, an outrageous braggert, and a man devoid of even the slightest hint of honour. He is, moreover, a frequent drundard, a glutton, and a patron of ladies who are no better than they should be."One of the strongest elements in all Eddings novels, is the strong character developments of the secondry characters, there are no two dimmensional just to support the plot characters here!! All of the characters seem to leap of the page and demand to be considered in their own right.bravo again can't recommend this book high enough! Now if only they would write another Elenium-Tamuli novel I would be totally happy!