I've probably read this 4 or 5 times. It's fun, entertaining & amusing. I liked this first trilogy better than the second (Tamuli) but both are good if you're looking for something quick, light & entertaining. ( )

For Eddings fans, this was the start of a great new series. A new cast of characters and a new world! Instead of wizards, the focus is on a society of paladins, and one paladin in particular, Sparhawk. For anyone interested in a good portrayal of a paladin and all that means, this is an excellent example. If you just like Edding's books or other modern fantasy, this is also a good, interesting read. ( )

I thought I'd try one more series after The Mallorean, hoping that, by starting over in a new world, the story might feel a bit more like The Belgariad and less like a rehash of the same plot.

Unfortunately, it still feels like the same story. I guess Eddings is just a one-trick pony. I won't bother to go on with his stories. ( )

http://home.comcast.net/~ktoonen/summ... ( )

A somewhat rougher version of the Belgariad and the Mallorean, but much worse. I enjoyed them for a short while, but I would never ever recommend them to anyone.