I truely loved this book the best out of all of the series so far and would have rated it five stars, if the ending had been a bit more clearer with the demise of the evil magician and the recovery of the orb. I felt like I wanted more information to be exchanged about the child before going on to book four. However, the defilement that brings to Chtuchik's death in his secret chamber, when he tries to unmake it, is truley powerful of how good triumphs over evil and all the ways of how the prophecy is ultimately protected by Belgarath at all costs are cleverly revealed to the reader. ( )

I like the introduction of the second main narrative character. Although I can more readily identify with Garion than with Ce'Nedra I find it refreshing to hear another thought pattern. Although I am older now than when I first read these books I can remember how important Ce'Nedra's views on what she saw was. She was very different from me but at the same time many of the feelings she exhibited were feelings I had (and still have).

The book continues to mix humour with the serious. The characters are further developed (although some characters remain very one dimensional) and the plot thickens.

I enjoy this book (and the series as a whole) for the pure escapeism they offer. None of the books are difficult to read. The plot is intricate but not difficult to follow. The lands depicted throughout the story bear striking resemblances to countries in our world(and the stereotypes connected with them). Me and my friends would spend time trying to deduce which countries or cultures from our lives were portrayed in the books. ( )

See review for Book One. ( )

This series really isn't getting any better. I will continue with book four though, after a break to reinvigorate my reading habits once more. ( )

This is the third book in the Belgariad (Book 1 and Book 2). This book like the others was an enjoyable quick and easy read. I am starting to rethink my comments about these books being good for young readers -- it just occurred to me that a lot of people die in these books. They're all bad guys, and the violence isn't all that graphic, but I guess it might worry some parents.

http://www.stillhq.com/book/David_Edd... ( )