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272nd out of 951 books
—
673 voters
The Ruby Knight (The Elenium #2)
Ehlana, Queen of Elenia, has been poisoned. A deep enchantment sustains her life, but it will end soon. Then Sparhawk, Pandian Knight and the Queen's Champion, learns where to get to cure for the poison. He and his companions set forth on a dangerous quest to find the antidote before the queen should perish and the peace ends....
Mass Market Paperback, 372 pages
Published
November 13th 1991
by Del Rey
(first published January 1990)
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I'm still enjoying this story very much. All the characters are enjoyable to read about, and their interactions with each other can be very fun. I especially loved the development of Talen's relationship with his father in this volume. I also liked how Flute's mysteries were handled, until at last it was revealed at the end of the book.
This book definitely felt more focused on the adventure and journey than the last book. Yet at times it did give me a Lord of the Rings feel to the travel. In oth...more
This book definitely felt more focused on the adventure and journey than the last book. Yet at times it did give me a Lord of the Rings feel to the travel. In oth...more
Originally published on my blog here in January 2002.
The second volume of the Elenium trilogy carries the story forward from the discovery that the touch of the magic jewel named Bhelliom is the only thing which can save poisoned and dying Queen Ehlana of Elenia. It basically describes a quest to find the sapphire, which has been lost for hundreds of years. This is led by Sparhawk, champion of the throne of Elenia, and the novel is named for him and the ruby he carries as a token of his position...more
The second volume of the Elenium trilogy carries the story forward from the discovery that the touch of the magic jewel named Bhelliom is the only thing which can save poisoned and dying Queen Ehlana of Elenia. It basically describes a quest to find the sapphire, which has been lost for hundreds of years. This is led by Sparhawk, champion of the throne of Elenia, and the novel is named for him and the ruby he carries as a token of his position...more
These books are quickly becoming addicting and I can't say that I'm complaining. This one is even better than the first one. I think that it's partially due to the fact that the characters are more familiar to the reader now, and the story becomes even more compelling as it advances.
I have to comment once again on the beautiful way in which Eddings could spin a tale. Sprinkles of humour and compassion help to alleviate any tension or sorrowful turn of events that might crop up, and there's enou...more
I have to comment once again on the beautiful way in which Eddings could spin a tale. Sprinkles of humour and compassion help to alleviate any tension or sorrowful turn of events that might crop up, and there's enou...more
If I'd rated this book back when I first read it in the 90's it would've gotten five stars, no doubt. It's very fun, and Eddings had this talent for snappy dialog that's tough to beat.
However after rereading it lately, it's like he tried a little TOO hard to make it clever. Every time there's a dramatic scene it's like there are big arrows pointing at it that say "DRAMATIC SCENE! THIS IS A POWERFUL MOMENT." Sometimes it stops just short of being a parody. Maybe that's what he was going for, who...more
However after rereading it lately, it's like he tried a little TOO hard to make it clever. Every time there's a dramatic scene it's like there are big arrows pointing at it that say "DRAMATIC SCENE! THIS IS A POWERFUL MOMENT." Sometimes it stops just short of being a parody. Maybe that's what he was going for, who...more
The second book in the trilogy starts exactly where the firs one finishes - Sparhawk is told that the only cure for the Princess Ehlana is the gem, Bhelliom, lost during a vicious battle centuries ago. Gathering his companions, he travels across the country to the ancient battle site, trying to keep one step ahead of the insect-like Seeker and other creatures sent by the God Azash. Along the way, he foils plots by Martel and Annais, frees communities from possessed maniacs and fights highwaymen....more
The Ruby Knight is a fantasy novel, which takes place on the Elene continent of Eosia. The four militant Church orders, the Cyrinics, the Pandions, the Genidians and the Aciones, have sent their champions to aid Sir Sparhawk in his search for the missing Bhelliom, which is the only thing that can cure Elenia’s poisoned Queen Ehlana and stop the Primate Annias from gaining Archprelacy. This series is very similar to the Belgariad in the charcters and the plot. My favorite quote is on page 16 and...more
Reading this book for the second time, I realized that I didn't remember ANY of it; which makes for a more interesting read.
In this segment of the series, Sparhawk and company are chasing down the gem, Belliom. They scour the countryside for information, dodgeing the insectiod Seeker and his minions in a race for the prize.
There are seveal adventures on the way, but this book has a real Tolkien feel to it because the so much of the story takes place on the road. Eventually, the protagonists loca...more
In this segment of the series, Sparhawk and company are chasing down the gem, Belliom. They scour the countryside for information, dodgeing the insectiod Seeker and his minions in a race for the prize.
There are seveal adventures on the way, but this book has a real Tolkien feel to it because the so much of the story takes place on the road. Eventually, the protagonists loca...more
I enjoyed “The Ruby Knight” much better than “The Diamond Throne.” In the first book I think Eddings spent far too much time tramping all over the world, discussing politics, and meeting new characters in the first book, all of which were much better in this second book.
While there is still a lot of travel, there is a lot more action. We have a small core group of people that we follow for most of the book. This makes it easier to form a bond with these characters and care for them, as well as f...more
While there is still a lot of travel, there is a lot more action. We have a small core group of people that we follow for most of the book. This makes it easier to form a bond with these characters and care for them, as well as f...more
Long since donated, I read this more than 15 years ago. Both the Belgariad and the Malloreon series became absolutely a part of me. I read them, in order, straight through over the course of two weeks and when I came to the end I was devastated that it meant I had to bid the characters farewell. When I started the Elenium series I just wasn't grabbed by it in the same way. I think I enjoyed the others so much that nothing else would do, so I wasn't able to enjoy the first and barely got a chapte...more
seconda parte della trilogia degli Elene. Ora sappiamo che per la regina Ehlana c'è una speranza. La magia. Il bhelliom è l'unico che oggetto che può scongiurarne la morte. La sua ricerca non è però così facile dal momento che la gemma risulta scomparsa da 500 anni. Ritrovarlo è l'unico modo per guarire la sovrana e mandare all'aria i piani del primate Annias, otre che impedire che cada nelle mani del terribile Dio Azash.Sparhawk e il colorito gruppo che già abbiamo incontrato nel primo libro, p...more
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I have read all of David Eddings books, but the Elenium, Belgariad, and Mallorean series are my favorites. I actually bought the Ruby Knight first before realizing it was part of a series,so I had to wait to read it after I bought the Diamond Throne. Then I had to wait for the Sapphire Rose to come out in hardback. I immediately read everything else as soon as I could get my hands on them. I introduced my oldest son to these books and they remain favorites of his also.
I've read what others have...more
I've read what others have...more
David (& Leigh) Eddings is equal parts gateway drug and macaroni and cheese: it's basic fantasy, but so enjoyable, interesting if not astoundingly innovative, just fun, and it's just comfort food. I've re-read the Belgariad/Mallorean and the Elenium/Tamuli so many times since I originally devoured them in middle school. While I prefer the Belgariad, both series can just hit the spot.
The Elenium/Tamuli involves more political and religious intrigue while also being more 'knightly' than the Be...more
The Elenium/Tamuli involves more political and religious intrigue while also being more 'knightly' than the Be...more
Although I'm interested enough to finish this trilogy, I'm finding that the writing is annoying me. And I'm particularly disturbed by the women in the story (or the lack thereof.) It's like every woman is either a mother or a whore or completely deranged. The hero, Sparhawk, is singularly virtuous as concerns the women, but the little girl he championed into her pre-teens is now becoming an object of desire. But she's held in stasis in a diamond/glass encasement, so she's not a real character ye...more
Sparhawk and his band of adventurers through this book find all their leads in finding a cure for Elenia coming to nothing and are eventually put on the path to the Sapphire Rose a long lost powerful artefact which imprisons the Troll Gods and is the sole remaining hope for the queen.
In the Belgraion and Sparhawk series of books Eddings tells superb stories and builds deeply complex and rich characters that you can’t help but connect with and root for.
In the Belgraion and Sparhawk series of books Eddings tells superb stories and builds deeply complex and rich characters that you can’t help but connect with and root for.
Still working on casting the characters, but slowly figuring out my dream cast.
This one as a movie, though, wouldn't be able to be a movie as easily as the first one, because of the gore and blood and guts and so on. Maybe the series should be a TV show for a while (with as many seasons as necessary to get you through the entire story properly).
Others who've read these books, who are your picks to play the characters? I'll post my choices after a few others have offered theirs. :)
This one as a movie, though, wouldn't be able to be a movie as easily as the first one, because of the gore and blood and guts and so on. Maybe the series should be a TV show for a while (with as many seasons as necessary to get you through the entire story properly).
Others who've read these books, who are your picks to play the characters? I'll post my choices after a few others have offered theirs. :)
Second in The Elenium series. This series is a prequel to his earlier Tamuli series and fills in a lot of information that was referred to in the later books. However, many of the plotlines have already been given away in the earlier-published but later-occurring books. It's starting off as a good series, and I'd recommend you read this series first before moving on to The Tamuli - there's more suspense that way.
c1990. Saved this from the trash can as my sister had read this copy so many times that the cover had come off and all the pages were loose. Now this normally makes me ill disposed to actually read the book - but I am glad that I rescued this one. Sparhawk is such a great character and the humour did not seem so forced as I found his it to be in his later novels. I really liked the character of Sephrenia and Flute as well. Tynian is well drawn as well. Enjoyed it.
The knight Sparhawk's quest for an ancient jewel to save the Queen's life continues in the second volume of the Elenium. In a company of ten, the quest is hindered by politics, unexpected events, the flesh-devouring servant of an evil god, and deformed trolls. As always, David Eddings delivers a rich world and like-able characters along with a healthy dose of humor.
I didn't care as much for the book this time around. I think part of the problem is that the group spends to much time traveling and hitting roadblocks. Without those the book would have been half as long. I skimmed a bit over some of the trips. I didn't have this problem with the Belgariad so I can only say that this series doesn't have the same quality.
I'd definitely say the second installment of the series is better than the first, and definitely does a better job of fleshing out the characters. However, I'd rather that establishing the characters of the leads be done in the first book, so they can undergo growth and development in later books - like this one.
Oh, and the little Carmilla sequence fit in nicely with October.
Oh, and the little Carmilla sequence fit in nicely with October.
I always enjoy David Eddings but being the second book in the trilogy it just seem to go anywhere. There is lots of travelling a few side adventures and I was disappointed that achieved their quest so quickly in the end.
I was also disappointed with the development of the Flute character. I understand what she is but it seems to me the more you get into the book and the more the group has problems, Flute wiggles her nose and fixes everything. Now that I am reading it again I believe that it actua...more
I was also disappointed with the development of the Flute character. I understand what she is but it seems to me the more you get into the book and the more the group has problems, Flute wiggles her nose and fixes everything. Now that I am reading it again I believe that it actua...more
Mar 06, 2012
Jasmine
added it
Good book, lived up (enough) to my expectations from the first book, but didn't exceed them (and they were low enough from the way the first one ended). But it didn't end on a cliffhanger. Cliffhangers on middles of trilogies are a little bit annoying.
Feb 24, 2009
Nola
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
fantasy fans
Recommended to Nola by:
Eddings
Another awesome fantasy novel by David Eddings. A little heavy on the "organized religion is full of blind fanaticism and hypocrites," but I didn't notice that so much until after I read a later series that was significantly speaking out on the subject; this one is a little more subtle unless you are aware of it. In terms of fantasy, plot, and character, however, an excellent read. I really appreciated the complete lack of explicit sex, although casual sex and prostitution is mentioned rather fr...more
I couldn't put the book down. It's awesome! I am very lucky to have all the rest of the series at my house, since my whole family has read these books already, so I don't have to wait to read the third book. It's very suspenseful.
Really like this world and how a lot of characters have some mystery behind them. Good progression of adventure, good story, will have to look up more of this author's work!
The Ruby Knight is a fantasy novel, which takes place on the Elene continent of Eosia. The four militant Church orders, the Cyrinics, the Pandions, the Genidians and the Aciones, have sent their champions to aid Sir Sparhawk in his search for the missing Bhelliom, which is the only thing that can cure Elenia’s poisoned Queen Ehlana and stop the Primate Annias from gaining Archprelacy. This series is very similar to the Belgariad in the charcters and the plot. My favorite quote is on page 16 and...more
Searching for new books I realized I hadn't added the rest of the books for this series and The Belgariad - I think I am going to have to re-read some of these.
Another great read from David Eddings. The characters are so believable, not perfect cut-outs but individuals with flaws and foibles, just like the rest of us.
I thought that The Ruby Knight was waaaaaay better than The Diamond Throne. The jokes were better in this one than in the previous book. The characters are still two-dimensional, which makes it hard to love or hate them.
The 'coincidences' are so eyebrow archworthy but I give stars for the introduction of Flute, so obviously a younger amalgamation of Belgarath and Polgara.
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David Eddings is an American author who has written several best-selling series of epic fantasy novels. David Eddings' wife, Leigh Eddings, is uncredited as co-author on many of his early books, but he has lately acknowledged that she contributed to them all.
David Eddings' first books (which were general fiction) sold moderately well. He later switched to writing epic fantasy, a field in which he...more
More about David Eddings...
David Eddings' first books (which were general fiction) sold moderately well. He later switched to writing epic fantasy, a field in which he...more
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“It's really a very simple arrangement, little mother. He fully understands that either they get healthy, or he gets sick. That sort of encourages him to do his best.”
—
5 people liked it
“Sparhawk: Niye bizim gibi tam takım değil de basit bir örme zırh giyiyorsunuz? bizimkisi daha avantajlı olmaz mı?
Ulath: Nehir geçmek zorundaysan olmaz ve geldiğim Thalesia'da bir sürü nehir vardır. Örme zırhı nehrin dibindeyken bile çıkarabilirsin ama diğeriyle kurtulamazsın.
Sparhawk: Bu anlamlı.
Ulath: Evet biz de öyle düşündük. Tam takım zırh giymemiz gerektiğini düşünen bir eğitmenimiz vardı.
Kardeşlerimizden birisini örme gömlekle nehirden aşağı attık. Gömleğini çözüp yukarı çıkması bir dakikadan az sürdü.
Eğitmen tam takım zırh giyiyordu, onu attığımızda yukarı çıkamadı.
Belki aşağıda daha ilginç bir şey buldu.
Sparhawk: Kendi eğitmeninizi mi boğdunuz yani!!?
Ulath: Hayır, onu zırhı boğdu. Sonra Sir Komier'i seçtik.
Salakça öneriler yapmayacak kadar anlayışlı.”
—
1 person liked it
More quotes…
Ulath: Nehir geçmek zorundaysan olmaz ve geldiğim Thalesia'da bir sürü nehir vardır. Örme zırhı nehrin dibindeyken bile çıkarabilirsin ama diğeriyle kurtulamazsın.
Sparhawk: Bu anlamlı.
Ulath: Evet biz de öyle düşündük. Tam takım zırh giymemiz gerektiğini düşünen bir eğitmenimiz vardı.
Kardeşlerimizden birisini örme gömlekle nehirden aşağı attık. Gömleğini çözüp yukarı çıkması bir dakikadan az sürdü.
Eğitmen tam takım zırh giyiyordu, onu attığımızda yukarı çıkamadı.
Belki aşağıda daha ilginç bir şey buldu.
Sparhawk: Kendi eğitmeninizi mi boğdunuz yani!!?
Ulath: Hayır, onu zırhı boğdu. Sonra Sir Komier'i seçtik.
Salakça öneriler yapmayacak kadar anlayışlı.”
Lo leggo, promesso. Devo solo superare il momento di impasse ahahah!! :D
Jun 15, 2013 10:27am