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Warned by the prophecy that a new and greater danger threatens the lands of the west, Garion, Belgarath, and Polgara must begin another quest to save the lands from great evil. Three years have passed since Garion's killing of the evil god Torak and his marriage to Ce'Nedra. He is now Overlord of the West, slowly learning how to cope with the duties of a king and to overcome the difficulties within his marriage. When the Orb of Aldur warns Garion to "Beware Zandramas!" the Voice of Prophecy show more reveals that somewhere in the unknown land of the East the Dark Prophecy still exists and that great new dangers threaten. While Belgarath and Garion seek to uncover the nature of this threat, Garion's baby son is kidnapped. All evidence points to the loathsome Bear-cult, which has gained power once more, and Garion leads an army bent on its destruction. But there are even more sinister forces at work, and Garion and his followers must look towards the malign and mysterious evil of Zandramas. Their quest must begin again. show lessTags
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Sundry First book of the Belgariad, a related five book series that precedes the Malloreon.
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Member Reviews
This will be the same review for all the books in ‘The Belgariad’ and ‘The Mallorean’.
These books changed me.
I started reading them as an 11 year old who was kind of floating around in this thing called life. I had friends at school, but no meaningful connections. This I didn’t understand until I was older. By reading these books I was drawn into an incredible world filled with characters that I knew and loved, and in some cases wanted to be (come on people, I can’t be the only kid that put a streak of white paint in their hair). The story is Garion’s ‘hero’s journey’ but I felt that the adventure belonged to me too. It was my ‘Neverending story’ if you will and it gave me the confidence to be more present in my show more own life. I own all the copies of both series set in this marvellous world and most of the extras too. They are a pretty tired looking collection of books because I bought them as a university student from second book shops all over Christchurch and Auckland. I love that they have been released again relatively recently with a fresh new look so that they can appeal to the younger generation. I thoroughly recommend these books for lovers of high fantasy, action, and relatable characters. It is the quintessential hero’s journey. show less
These books changed me.
I started reading them as an 11 year old who was kind of floating around in this thing called life. I had friends at school, but no meaningful connections. This I didn’t understand until I was older. By reading these books I was drawn into an incredible world filled with characters that I knew and loved, and in some cases wanted to be (come on people, I can’t be the only kid that put a streak of white paint in their hair). The story is Garion’s ‘hero’s journey’ but I felt that the adventure belonged to me too. It was my ‘Neverending story’ if you will and it gave me the confidence to be more present in my show more own life. I own all the copies of both series set in this marvellous world and most of the extras too. They are a pretty tired looking collection of books because I bought them as a university student from second book shops all over Christchurch and Auckland. I love that they have been released again relatively recently with a fresh new look so that they can appeal to the younger generation. I thoroughly recommend these books for lovers of high fantasy, action, and relatable characters. It is the quintessential hero’s journey. show less
Or as I like to call it, "Saying good-bye to the deadweight so we can focus on the good characters". Bye, pack of interchangeable warrior dudes. Hi, much more complicated political world-building with a side of retcon. Also more women characters. Also less Garion and more ensemble. Yes, Garion is the POV character except for Errand's portion at the beginning, but the ensemble is much more out front and there's less explaining for Garion/the audience to deal with, which means the pacing on this whole series is much improved.
{First of 5 in Mallorean or sixth of 10 in Belgariad series; fantasy, high fantasy, quest fantasy, young adult} (1987)
So what happens after 'happily ever after'?
At the end of the Belgariad, the prophecies were fulfilled, the bad guys were overcome, the good guys celebrated and Garion got married and settled down to his new role (which included some lessons in climate change and using sorcery wisely):
'Guardians' opens more or less straight after Enchanter's End Game, following Polgara and another little boy as they settle into domestic life after her long life dedicated to the fulfilling of the prophecy. I felt that his childhood wasn't quite as charming as Garion's had been in Pawn of Prophecy but it served to fill in the time line of several years. There are some events of note as time passes, with incidental details which give dimension to the characters and this world, until Belgarath, Garion and Polgara discover that the prophecies have not all been fulfilled and their task continues, with some of their old companions, and some new ones, to aid them.
This book serves mainly to show us how Garion, Polgara et al got on with living their lives since the end of Enchanter's End Game and sets the scene for the beginning of the new adventure. To be honest, I found the beginning a bit slow but there is plenty of action after that; essentially this book is the bridge between the two series and sets up the new quest. The book was true to the ambiance of the first series, which I enjoyed, though of course Garion has grown since then; by the end of Guardians of the West about four or five years have elapsed since the end of Enchanter's End Game so Garion must be around twenty one years old. Eddings's trademark humour from the Belgariad and the banter and affection between his characters are still very much in evidence.
I think there is enough introduction to the characters with the preamble chapters (and the prologue does a good job of summarising the events in the first series) so that you could read this book and the Mallorean series without having read the Belgariad first - though you do have to read the books within each series in order as they are about ongoing quests - but it is probably more enriching to return to the lives of well-loved characters
I like the way Eddings's ladies in these series are always 'lovely', 'flawless', 'exquisite' and so on, but at the same time he makes it clear that they are strong characters. Even maternal Queen Layla disguises her strength under her flutters. I remember thinking, the first time I read this in my teens, that Ce’Nedra gets a bit hysterical but, on mature reflection, I suspect I wouldn’t be too coherent under similar circumstances and her reaction is in line with her character.
I think, the first time I read it, I possibly felt that the Belgariad came to a good ending so I wondered how it would continue but I was happy to keep reading about the same characters that I had grown to love. This time reading it, it flowed more easily from one series to the other and I could see some information being fed to the reader about the 'unfinished business' as early as Enchanter's End Game. In fact, there was a detail (unless it was written into the new editions) that becomes relevant later in the Mallorean. I suspect, though, that the second series hadn't been planned when the very first books of the Belgariad were written.
I did enjoy being able to revisit this world and spend more time with Garion, Polgara, Belgarath and friends.
(August 2022)
4.5 stars show less
So what happens after 'happily ever after'?
At the end of the Belgariad, the prophecies were fulfilled, the bad guys were overcome, the good guys celebrated and Garion got married and settled down to his new role (which included some lessons in climate change and using sorcery wisely):
If you thought that was an emergency, you should have seen the blizzard you touched off in the Vale with your foolishness - and the hurricanes it spawned in the Sea of the East - not to mention the droughts and tornados you kicked up all over the world. Don't you have any sense of responsibility at all?'show more
'I didn't know it was going to do
that.' Garion was aghast.
'Boy, it's your business to know!' Belgarath suddenly roared at him, his face mottled with rage. 'It's taken Beldin and me six months of constant travel and the Gods only know how much effort to quiet things down. Do you realize that with that one thoughtless storm of yours you came very close to changing the weather patterns of the entire globe? And that the change would have been a universal disaster?'
'One tiny little storm?'
'Yes, one tiny little storm,' Belgarath said scathingly. 'Your one tiny little storm in the right place at the right time came very close to altering the weather for the next several eons - all over the world - you blockhead!'
'Grandfather,' Garion protested.
'Do you know what the term ice age means?'
'Guardians' opens more or less straight after Enchanter's End Game, following Polgara and another little boy as they settle into domestic life after her long life dedicated to the fulfilling of the prophecy. I felt that his childhood wasn't quite as charming as Garion's had been in Pawn of Prophecy but it served to fill in the time line of several years. There are some events of note as time passes, with incidental details which give dimension to the characters and this world, until Belgarath, Garion and Polgara discover that the prophecies have not all been fulfilled and their task continues, with some of their old companions, and some new ones, to aid them.
Thou must have with thee as well the Guide and the Man with Two Lives - and one other whom I will reveal to thee. Thou wilt be joined at some later times by others - the Huntress, the Man Who Is No Man, the Empty One, and by the Woman Who Watches.'
This book serves mainly to show us how Garion, Polgara et al got on with living their lives since the end of Enchanter's End Game and sets the scene for the beginning of the new adventure. To be honest, I found the beginning a bit slow but there is plenty of action after that; essentially this book is the bridge between the two series and sets up the new quest. The book was true to the ambiance of the first series, which I enjoyed, though of course Garion has grown since then; by the end of Guardians of the West about four or five years have elapsed since the end of Enchanter's End Game so Garion must be around twenty one years old. Eddings's trademark humour from the Belgariad and the banter and affection between his characters are still very much in evidence.
I think there is enough introduction to the characters with the preamble chapters (and the prologue does a good job of summarising the events in the first series) so that you could read this book and the Mallorean series without having read the Belgariad first - though you do have to read the books within each series in order as they are about ongoing quests - but it is probably more enriching to return to the lives of well-loved characters
I like the way Eddings's ladies in these series are always 'lovely', 'flawless', 'exquisite' and so on, but at the same time he makes it clear that they are strong characters. Even maternal Queen Layla disguises her strength under her flutters. I remember thinking, the first time I read this in my teens, that Ce’Nedra gets a bit hysterical but, on mature reflection, I suspect I wouldn’t be too coherent under similar circumstances and her reaction is in line with her character.
I think, the first time I read it, I possibly felt that the Belgariad came to a good ending so I wondered how it would continue but I was happy to keep reading about the same characters that I had grown to love. This time reading it, it flowed more easily from one series to the other and I could see some information being fed to the reader about the 'unfinished business' as early as Enchanter's End Game. In fact, there was a detail (unless it was written into the new editions) that becomes relevant later in the Mallorean. I suspect, though, that the second series hadn't been planned when the very first books of the Belgariad were written.
I did enjoy being able to revisit this world and spend more time with Garion, Polgara, Belgarath and friends.
(August 2022)
4.5 stars show less
Easily the weakest of the Mallorean, most of this book is taken up with the affairs of state of the Rivan King And Friends, none of which are especially exciting but at least add some flavour to the world. This lack of interest causes the reader to notice other faults in Eddings' writing - that many of the characters are essentially the same, aside from some very broad-brush ethnic tendencies. Most of them share the same manner of speaking, the same linguistic characteristics, and the same sense of humour. One doesn't really notice this when the action is proceeding at pace, but during the slow bits it is oh so annoying. But! the macguffin has macguffined, the prophecy speaks again, and we're off on another quest that will be the same show more but different as the Belgariad, and this is A Good Thing. Looking forward to another go at Book 2 whenever I get around to it. show less
Guardians of the West is the first book in The Malloreon by David Eddings. This is the sequel series to The Belgariad so as long as you've read that, you'll know all the players involved and basically what to expect from the series since the story follows the same formula.
Several years have passed since the Child of Light and Child of Dark met to decide the fate of the world. A time of peace and prosperity has come to the Kingdoms of the West. The child Errand finally knows what it is to have a family when he goes to live with Polgara and Durnik in the Vale of Aldur. Garion and Ce'Nedra have settled into married life and their roles of ruling the island nation of Riva and work to produce an heir. The Prophecy has been fulfilled. Or so show more everyone thought. One fateful night the Orb burns red and the Voice gives warning: "Beware Zandramas!" No one is sure who or what Zandramas is though it quickly becomes apparent that the Prophecy is not done yet. Garion once again finds himself in the middle of the struggle between Light and Dark with the fate of the world, and his family, resting on his shoulders.
This was a wonderful comfort reread. I have read these books so many times that it is like returning to old friends, even all these years later. I remember how much the first half of this book used to bother me with how slow it is. This time I found I didn't mind it at all going through the background information, catching up on everyone's lives in the years that have passed. I was a little sad to see some favorite side characters pass away. I am also reminded of just how annoying I find Ce'Nedra now. Thankfully she doesn't feature as prominently as in past installments. The story is still quite enjoyable and just as much fun as it was when I first read it. show less
Several years have passed since the Child of Light and Child of Dark met to decide the fate of the world. A time of peace and prosperity has come to the Kingdoms of the West. The child Errand finally knows what it is to have a family when he goes to live with Polgara and Durnik in the Vale of Aldur. Garion and Ce'Nedra have settled into married life and their roles of ruling the island nation of Riva and work to produce an heir. The Prophecy has been fulfilled. Or so show more everyone thought. One fateful night the Orb burns red and the Voice gives warning: "Beware Zandramas!" No one is sure who or what Zandramas is though it quickly becomes apparent that the Prophecy is not done yet. Garion once again finds himself in the middle of the struggle between Light and Dark with the fate of the world, and his family, resting on his shoulders.
This was a wonderful comfort reread. I have read these books so many times that it is like returning to old friends, even all these years later. I remember how much the first half of this book used to bother me with how slow it is. This time I found I didn't mind it at all going through the background information, catching up on everyone's lives in the years that have passed. I was a little sad to see some favorite side characters pass away. I am also reminded of just how annoying I find Ce'Nedra now. Thankfully she doesn't feature as prominently as in past installments. The story is still quite enjoyable and just as much fun as it was when I first read it. show less
One of the problems with an author deciding to cash in on a successful series by extending it is that it generally feels like it was bolted on after the fact rather than an organic whole with the story that went before. I'm going to give Eddings the benefit of the doubt and assume that this was an after-the-fact extension rather than his initial story plan—'cause otherwise I'd have an even lower opinion of this quintology.
The problem with The Mallorean is that it's basically the same story as The Belgariad with different details. One cannot escape the feeling of déjà vu while reading it. In fact, even the characters feel it and offer some lame rationale that it's some cycle of destiny.
The Belgariad ends at a perfectly good spot. show more Just quit there. show less
The problem with The Mallorean is that it's basically the same story as The Belgariad with different details. One cannot escape the feeling of déjà vu while reading it. In fact, even the characters feel it and offer some lame rationale that it's some cycle of destiny.
The Belgariad ends at a perfectly good spot. show more Just quit there. show less
With the publication of the Malloreon, we learned an important fact about David Eddings: He only has one story in him. The plot of the Malloreon is essentially identical to that of the Belgariad, and the books suffer from all the same weaknesses. That said, the characters are now old friends, and Eddings knows and writes them better. The likable characters were the chief charm of the first series, and if you enjoyed the first series for that, then the characters may be enough to get you through the second series. Otherwise, don't bother.
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David Eddings was born on July 7, 1931 in Spokane, Washington. He received a B.A. in English from Reed College in Portland in 1954 and a M.A. in Middle English from the University of Washington in 1961. After serving in the U.S. Army for two years, he worked as a grocery clerk, as a sales clerk for the Boeing Company, and as an English teacher in show more a business college and a teachers' college. During his lifetime, he wrote more than 25 books, many of them with his wife Leigh Eddings. His first novel, High Hunt, was published in 1973. His other works include the Belgariad series, the Mallorean series, the Elenium series, and the Dreamers series. He died on June 2, 2009 at the age of 77. (Bowker Author Biography) show less
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- Canonical title
- Guardians of the West
- Original title
- Guardians of the West
- Original publication date
- 1987-04
- People/Characters
- Aldur (God); Anheg (King of Cherek); Barak (the Dreadful Bear, Earl of Trellheim); Beldin; Belgarath (the Eternal Man, Mister Wolf, Old Wolf); Belkira (show all 36); Beltira; Bethra; Brand, the Rivan Warder; Ce'Nedra (Imperial Princess of Tolnedra, jewel of the House of Borune, the Queen of the World); Cho-Hag (King of Algaria); Cyradis (Seeress of Kell); Drosta lek Thun (King of the Nadraks); Durnik (the Man with Two Lives, the One with Two Lives); Eriond (Errand); Fulrach (King of Sendaria); Garion (Belgarion, the Child of Light); Geran (son of Belgarion); Greldik; Hettar (the Horse Lord); Javelin (Margrave Khendon); Kheva (Crown Prince of Drasnia); Lelldorin of Wildantor (the Archer, the Bowman); Mandorallen (Baron of Vo Mandor, the Knight Protector); Lord Morin; Nerina (Baroness of Vo Ebor); Poledra (the Woman Who Watches); Polgara (Aunt Pol, the Duchess of Erat); Porenn (Queen of Drasnia); Ran Borune XXIII (Emperor of Tolnedra); Sadi (the Man Who Is No Man); Silk (Ambar of Kotu, the Guide, the Nimble Thief, Prince Kheldar, Radek of Boktor); Varana (the Duke of Anadile, Ran Borune XXIV, Emperor of Tolnedra); Velvet (the Huntress, Margravine Liselle); Yarblek; Algar Fleet-foot
- Important places
- Algaria; Vale of Aldur; Isle of the Winds; Drasnia; Asturia, Arendia; Arendia (show all 7); Ashaba, Mallorea
- Dedication
- For Judy-Lynn: A rose blooms and then fades, but the beauty and the fragrance are remembered always.
- First words
- Being an Account of those Events whereby Belgarion came to the Throne of Riva and how he slew the Accursed God Torak.
- from the Introduction, Legends of Aloria
After the seven Gods created the world, ... (show all)it is said that they and those races of men they had chosen dwelt together in peace and harmony.
It was late spring. - Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)"You'd probably get lost if I weren't along to show you the way."
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