Queen of Sorcery
by David Eddings, Leigh Eddings (Uncredited Author)
The Belgariad (02), Belgariad Universe (04 (Belgariad 02))
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Discover the epic story that inspired thousands-from Raymond Feist's The Riftwar Cycle series to George R. R. Martin's A Game of Thrones. The Accursed One isn't dead . . . He only sleeps . . . The evil God Torak covets dominion over all men. If the stolen Orb of Aldur reaches him, he will surely gain what he desires. Garion travels through strange lands with master sorcerers Belgarath and Polgara in frantic pursuit of the Orb. But as his own powers grow, Garion starts to realize that he too show more may have a part to play-a part he isn't sure he wants . . . show lessTags
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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
Book 2 in the Belgariad finished! The story definitely picks up a bit here, and is a lot more fun. Some of the big scenes are really well done; I think what shines through more than anything is yes, much of the story is familiar, but the style of writing is quite strong and a few characters are so thoroughly fun to read that it doesn't matter to me at all. It's also important to remember that in the early 80s, many of these tropes weren't overdone, so I'm not docking any points for that.
I really enjoyed how Garion's relationship with Aunt Pol and The Wolf progressed here. It's one of the more realistic depictions of a coming of age tale in a completely unrealistic world. Garion is bratty, but not overly so. Barak, Silk and Mandorallen show more dominate every page they're on and I can't wait to start book 3. show less
I really enjoyed how Garion's relationship with Aunt Pol and The Wolf progressed here. It's one of the more realistic depictions of a coming of age tale in a completely unrealistic world. Garion is bratty, but not overly so. Barak, Silk and Mandorallen show more dominate every page they're on and I can't wait to start book 3. show less
{Second of 5 in the Belgariad; fantasy, quest, adventure, epic fantasy, high fantasy}(1984)
I'm really enjoying this re-read. This was one of the first fantasy series I read and I'm having a lot of fun revisiting it. Fair warning, this is the second book of an ongoing quest and there may be spoilers for the first book ahead (although I'll try and avoid them).
Garion, an ordinary farm boy from Sendaria, is travelling on a quest with his aunt Pol, Mister Wolf, an old disreputable-looking peddler (also known as the sorcerer Belgarath), and their friends Durnik, a smith from the same farm, Silk, a Drasnian merchant, and Barak, a huge Cherek warrior. They are tracking an object that has been stolen by a disciple of Torak, the maimed god of the show more Murgos; an object which has until now assured the safety of the countries of the west and discouraged invasion by Torak's hordes. Belgarath can sense where the object has passed and they have to try to prevent it being taken across the border between west and east. However their journey is hampered by Murgos, Grolims and Nadraks who oppose their goals and along the way they also have to stop to visit the rulers of the countries that they travel through to warn them of impending war with the east. And, as they travel, they pick up companions from different countries so that Belgarath can feel that he's covered the eventualities mentioned in an obscure version of the Prophecy which they happen to be fulfilling. However, their foes are following an opposing Prophecy which they are equally determined to fulfil.
There is a lot that Eddings tells us in the prologues to each book, narrated as legends and tales of this world, that Garion doesn't pick up on; well, would you suspect that the aunt who raised you from a baby was also a famous sorceress who is thousands of years old? But I do know how the story goes and I can't remember if some of the details I caught the first time or if I'm retro-fitting. Though I wonder about some of the things that the characters are trying to hide in plain sight; aunt Pol with her single white lock in her dark tresses isn't a long way from Polgara the sorceress, for example.
This series is fun. It's serious enough but it's not deep and dark and intensive. The interaction between the characters, especially the core characters, is a joy and I'm really enjoying this re-read.
(Belgarath, remember, has been revered in legend for thousands of years.) I love the banter (however 'cheesy' as another review notes). Silk is sardonic without being mean, Barak and even Hettar get in the occasional dig and aunt Polgara is always there to support Garion when he needs it. And now he's really turning into a teenager, with all the unreasonable behaviour even when he knows better (reminds me of certain aspects of my teenage boys’ behaviour).
Garion finds it difficult to come to terms with the idea that his aunt Pol is a powerful sorceress - and then discovers he has powers, however unwelcome. I think that's fair; if you've grown up believing that all magic is confined to stories and legends and then discover that your relatives are two of the most powerful of those legends, that would throw anyone. I still think Eddings has got the balance of sulky teenager without being bratty right; Garion is believable and I can still empathise with him even if I do roll my eyes a bit.
The style of writing can come across as a bit simplistic at times but it's like comfort food; it tells the story and it's very readable. There's quite a bit of violence and blood splashed around, which I'd forgotten, but somehow it's not off-putting, even though we do witness a few deaths - maybe because it's dealt with matter-of-factly. The strength of the narrative is in the seemingly irrelevant background details and little throw away incidents that create the ambiance without detracting from the narrative.
I've always enjoyed the multinational cast of characters, especially the core group. I do remember noticing, when I read it the first time at height of the Cold War, that the countries in the west represented the 'good guys' while easterners were the 'bad guys' - but I suppose someone has to be. I've always recognised that the characters are stereotyped by country in this world but that's actually one of the things I enjoy about it; the way Sendars are considered staid and full of good sense, Chrereks are large, loud and boisterous, and Arends are the epitome of honour and chivalry - to a fault, unfortunately.
In this book, we first meet the ‘monsters’ i.e. non-humans of this universe, who also have an important role in the Prophecies. The world of this series continues to expand as we journey through its countries and meet its peoples/ creatures.
And, I have to add, I've always found the Drasnian spy language, using flickers of fingers, a fascinating concept.
I really enjoyed re-reading this; it's so much fun.
(March 2022)
4.5-5 stars show less
I'm really enjoying this re-read. This was one of the first fantasy series I read and I'm having a lot of fun revisiting it. Fair warning, this is the second book of an ongoing quest and there may be spoilers for the first book ahead (although I'll try and avoid them).
Garion, an ordinary farm boy from Sendaria, is travelling on a quest with his aunt Pol, Mister Wolf, an old disreputable-looking peddler (also known as the sorcerer Belgarath), and their friends Durnik, a smith from the same farm, Silk, a Drasnian merchant, and Barak, a huge Cherek warrior. They are tracking an object that has been stolen by a disciple of Torak, the maimed god of the show more Murgos; an object which has until now assured the safety of the countries of the west and discouraged invasion by Torak's hordes. Belgarath can sense where the object has passed and they have to try to prevent it being taken across the border between west and east. However their journey is hampered by Murgos, Grolims and Nadraks who oppose their goals and along the way they also have to stop to visit the rulers of the countries that they travel through to warn them of impending war with the east. And, as they travel, they pick up companions from different countries so that Belgarath can feel that he's covered the eventualities mentioned in an obscure version of the Prophecy which they happen to be fulfilling. However, their foes are following an opposing Prophecy which they are equally determined to fulfil.
There is a lot that Eddings tells us in the prologues to each book, narrated as legends and tales of this world, that Garion doesn't pick up on; well, would you suspect that the aunt who raised you from a baby was also a famous sorceress who is thousands of years old? But I do know how the story goes and I can't remember if some of the details I caught the first time or if I'm retro-fitting. Though I wonder about some of the things that the characters are trying to hide in plain sight; aunt Pol with her single white lock in her dark tresses isn't a long way from Polgara the sorceress, for example.
This series is fun. It's serious enough but it's not deep and dark and intensive. The interaction between the characters, especially the core characters, is a joy and I'm really enjoying this re-read.
'... I'll wear my blue gown, and you'll wear the white robe. I insist, father.
'You what? Now listen here, Polgara-'
'Be still, father,' she said absently, examining Garion's blue doublet.
Wolf's face darkened, and his eyes bulged dangerously.
'Was there something else?' she asked with a level gaze.
Mister Wolf let it drop.
'He's as wise as they say he is,' Silk observed.
(Belgarath, remember, has been revered in legend for thousands of years.) I love the banter (however 'cheesy' as another review notes). Silk is sardonic without being mean, Barak and even Hettar get in the occasional dig and aunt Polgara is always there to support Garion when he needs it. And now he's really turning into a teenager, with all the unreasonable behaviour even when he knows better (reminds me of certain aspects of my teenage boys’ behaviour).
Garion finds it difficult to come to terms with the idea that his aunt Pol is a powerful sorceress - and then discovers he has powers, however unwelcome. I think that's fair; if you've grown up believing that all magic is confined to stories and legends and then discover that your relatives are two of the most powerful of those legends, that would throw anyone. I still think Eddings has got the balance of sulky teenager without being bratty right; Garion is believable and I can still empathise with him even if I do roll my eyes a bit.
The style of writing can come across as a bit simplistic at times but it's like comfort food; it tells the story and it's very readable. There's quite a bit of violence and blood splashed around, which I'd forgotten, but somehow it's not off-putting, even though we do witness a few deaths - maybe because it's dealt with matter-of-factly. The strength of the narrative is in the seemingly irrelevant background details and little throw away incidents that create the ambiance without detracting from the narrative.
The lawn in the garden was neatly manicured. There were softly splashing fountains, and the rosebushes were all well-pruned. Fruit trees that seemed to be very old were budding, almost ready to burst into bloom in the warm sun. Sparrows bickered over nesting sites on the twisted limbs. Grinneg and the others followed Morin along a curving marble walk toward the centre of the garden.
I've always enjoyed the multinational cast of characters, especially the core group. I do remember noticing, when I read it the first time at height of the Cold War, that the countries in the west represented the 'good guys' while easterners were the 'bad guys' - but I suppose someone has to be. I've always recognised that the characters are stereotyped by country in this world but that's actually one of the things I enjoy about it; the way Sendars are considered staid and full of good sense, Chrereks are large, loud and boisterous, and Arends are the epitome of honour and chivalry - to a fault, unfortunately.
On two opposing hills parties of armored knights with bright-colored pennons on their lances watched the battle. Great siege engines lofted boulders into the air to crash down on the struggling men, killing, so far as Garion could tell, friend and foe indiscriminately. The valley was littered with the dead and the dying.
'Stupid, ' Wolf muttered darkly.
'No one I know of has ever accused Arends of brilliance,' Silk observed.
In this book, we first meet the ‘monsters’ i.e. non-humans of this universe, who also have an important role in the Prophecies. The world of this series continues to expand as we journey through its countries and meet its peoples/ creatures.
And, I have to add, I've always found the Drasnian spy language, using flickers of fingers, a fascinating concept.
I really enjoyed re-reading this; it's so much fun.
(March 2022)
4.5-5 stars show less
Tarina jatkuu. En tiedä johtuuko kirjan yllätyksettömyys vain siitä, että olen lukenut sen aikaisemminkin. Mielestäni sama vaivasi kuitenkn ensimmäiselläkin lukukerralla. Silloin kommentoin kirjasta, että se on melkoisen sisällyksetön, mutta onneksi nopealukuinen.
Kaipaisin näihin jotain yllätyksellisyyttä, jotain poikkeamaa siihen vääjäämättömään ennustuksen täyttymiseen. Lukeminen englanniksi on kuitenkin suomennosta miellyttävämpää.
Mielikuvani kansoista ovat pysyneet jokseenkin muuttumattomina. Nyt vain pystyin jäsentämään mielikuvani paremmin. Eikös vain Arendialaiset ole kuin myöhäisajan ritareita haarniskoineen tai trubaduureja. Arendian myöhäiskeskiajasta siirrytään Tolnedraan, jossa tavataan show more tyypillisiä roomalaisia - tiet, legioonat... Ja sitten matka jatkuukin Nyissaan, joka ilmeisimmin on saanut vaikutteensa muinaisesta Egyptistä. Sendaria taas kuvaa feodaalista järjestelmää. Cherekeille ja Marageille en ole vielä keksinyt omaa kansaansa historiasta, enkä sopivaa löytänyt Murgoillekaan. Cherekeissä on ehkä kuitenkin tiettyjä viikinki vaikutteita.
Sinänsä kirjailija on ihan hyvin yhdistellyt nämä historialliset kansat tarinaansa, mutta se juuri saa ne tuntumaan niin persoonattomilta.
Polgara kävi ärsyttämään tässä kirjassa. Hyvänen aika, millainen pomottava nipottaja kirjan ainoasta järkevästä naishahmosta on tehty. Polgaran tehtävä ennustuksessa on ilmeisesti äidillisesti huolehtia, että kaikki käyvät ajallaan pesulla ja pukeutuvat soveliaasti kuninkaiden vastaanotolle. Lisäksi kirjan toinen naishahmo prinsessa Ce'Nedra on kiukutteleva pikkutyttö, joka antaa vaikutelman, että naiset saavat aina tahtonsa lävitse tavalla tai toisella tai jos eivät saa ovat oikullisia ja hankalia. Minua todella häiritsee, ettei kukaan uskalla todella laittaa Polgaralle hanttiin. Belgarathkin on niin tossun alla...
Muuten tämä on ihan tuttua sujuvasanaista perusfantasiaa. Aikoinaan luin tämän kanssa muitakin muiden kirjailijoiden kirjoittamia perusfantasioita. Näitä muita fantasiatiiliskiviä en usko jaksavani uudelleen kahlata, mutta kyllä Belgariad on säilyttänyt ärsyttävyydestään huolimatta tietyn uudelleen lukuarvonsa. show less
Kaipaisin näihin jotain yllätyksellisyyttä, jotain poikkeamaa siihen vääjäämättömään ennustuksen täyttymiseen. Lukeminen englanniksi on kuitenkin suomennosta miellyttävämpää.
Mielikuvani kansoista ovat pysyneet jokseenkin muuttumattomina. Nyt vain pystyin jäsentämään mielikuvani paremmin. Eikös vain Arendialaiset ole kuin myöhäisajan ritareita haarniskoineen tai trubaduureja. Arendian myöhäiskeskiajasta siirrytään Tolnedraan, jossa tavataan show more tyypillisiä roomalaisia - tiet, legioonat... Ja sitten matka jatkuukin Nyissaan, joka ilmeisimmin on saanut vaikutteensa muinaisesta Egyptistä. Sendaria taas kuvaa feodaalista järjestelmää. Cherekeille ja Marageille en ole vielä keksinyt omaa kansaansa historiasta, enkä sopivaa löytänyt Murgoillekaan. Cherekeissä on ehkä kuitenkin tiettyjä viikinki vaikutteita.
Sinänsä kirjailija on ihan hyvin yhdistellyt nämä historialliset kansat tarinaansa, mutta se juuri saa ne tuntumaan niin persoonattomilta.
Polgara kävi ärsyttämään tässä kirjassa. Hyvänen aika, millainen pomottava nipottaja kirjan ainoasta järkevästä naishahmosta on tehty. Polgaran tehtävä ennustuksessa on ilmeisesti äidillisesti huolehtia, että kaikki käyvät ajallaan pesulla ja pukeutuvat soveliaasti kuninkaiden vastaanotolle. Lisäksi kirjan toinen naishahmo prinsessa Ce'Nedra on kiukutteleva pikkutyttö, joka antaa vaikutelman, että naiset saavat aina tahtonsa lävitse tavalla tai toisella tai jos eivät saa ovat oikullisia ja hankalia. Minua todella häiritsee, ettei kukaan uskalla todella laittaa Polgaralle hanttiin. Belgarathkin on niin tossun alla...
Muuten tämä on ihan tuttua sujuvasanaista perusfantasiaa. Aikoinaan luin tämän kanssa muitakin muiden kirjailijoiden kirjoittamia perusfantasioita. Näitä muita fantasiatiiliskiviä en usko jaksavani uudelleen kahlata, mutta kyllä Belgariad on säilyttänyt ärsyttävyydestään huolimatta tietyn uudelleen lukuarvonsa. show less
The first 3/4 went quickly, with the usual bantering between the companions, but the adventure with the Nyissans was superfluous. What was that about? Showing the compulsion and degradation of drug addictions? Warning the younger boys in the audience that women were temptresses and they will lose their special abilities if they experience their sexuality too soon? And how biblical to have the snake be the instigator of temptation.
I'm glad I don't own the next book in the series. I'll move on to some of my other TBR pile.
I'm glad I don't own the next book in the series. I'll move on to some of my other TBR pile.
I have to say, I like Ce'Nedra. She's a pain, but she's funny. Silk is still, by far my favorite character, but I do like the Imperial Princess. I'm starting to get a bit confused, with the names and the people, but they do mostly make sense. Pity that Lelldorin character didn't get to stay, but I think Mandorallen is a good man. He reminds me of Sturm Brightblade, from the Dragonlance Chronicles, and I always liked Sturm. And this book just made me even more curious-- who is the voice in Garion's head? I'm guessing it's Belgariad, mostly because it's a sorcerer's name and he hasn't shown up yet, but then again, Belgariad could be a thing, or dead. Yet... dead people, in books like these, often turn out to be not dead at all, but merely show more thought dead by the vast majority. Including me. ^_^ show less
This series is the fantasy I recommend for people who don't like fantasy. I particularly like that the characters change over time, something which happens too rarely in most high fantasy.
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Author Information
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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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Common Knowledge
- Canonical title
- Queen of Sorcery
- Original title
- Queen of Sorcery
- Original publication date
- 1982-11
- People/Characters
- Asharak the Murgo (Chamdar the Grolim); Barak (the Dreadful Bear, Earl of Trellheim); Belgarath (the Eternal Man, Mister Wolf, Old Wolf); Bethra; Ce'Nedra (Imperial Princess of Tolnedra, jewel of the House of Borune, the Queen of the World); Durnik (the Man with Two Lives, the One with Two Lives) (show all 24); Garion (Belgarion, the Child of Light); Grinneg; Hettar (the Horse Lord); Issa (the Snake God); Issus; Korodullin (King of Arendia); Lelldorin of Wildantor (the Archer, the Bowman); Mandorallen (Baron of Vo Mandor, the Knight Protector); Mayaserana (Queen of Arendia); Nerina (Baroness of Vo Ebor); Polgara (Aunt Pol, the Duchess of Erat); Emperor Ran Borune XXIII; Sadi (the Man Who Is No Man); Eternal Salmissra (Queen of Nyissa); Silk (Ambar of Kotu, the Guide, the Nimble Thief, Prince Kheldar, Radek of Boktor); Xantha (Queen of the Dryads); Xera; Aldur
- Important places
- Vo Wacune, Arendia; Asturia, Arendia; the Great Arendish Fair, Arendia; Vo Mimbre, Arendia; the forest of Vordue, Tolnedra; Tol Honeth, Tolnedra (show all 10); Wood of the Dryads; Nyissa; Algaria; Arendia
- Dedication
- For Helen, who gave me the most precious thing in my life, and for Mike, who taught me how to play.
- First words
- Being an Account of the Battle of the Kingdoms of the West against the most heinous Invasion and Evil of Kal Torak.
- based upon The Battle of Vo Mimbre
In the youth of the world, the evil God Torak st... (show all)ole the Orb of Aldur and fled, seeking dominion.
Vo Wacune was no more. - Quotations
- I don't think the ordinary people and the gentry pay much attention to each other here...They live side by side, but they don't know anything about each other. Maybe that's what's wrong with Arendia. (p.117)
I charge thee... to care for this [apple] tree. It hath grown here to renew thy faith and trust...As the tree gives freely, so shalt thou. (p.120) - Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)The ship slid through the oily water, moving upstream against the current, with Silk's laughter trailing behind in the ash-laden air.
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