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Castle of Wizardry (The Belgariad #4)
The Orb protecting the West from the evil God Torak was regained and the quest was nearing its end. Or so Garion thought. But the Prophecy still held future surprises for Garion--and the little princess Ce'Nedra.
Paperback, 373 pages
Published
1985
by Corgi
(first published January 1st 1984)
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This is the penultimate book in the Belgariad and pretty much from what I can remember of it has Garion ascending the throne and also the scene is being set between the massive battle between the good nations and the evil nations. When I read this as a teenager, as I have previously mentioned, in many cases the books seemed to be a travelogue exploring Edding's world, and it isn't exactly a world that I really considered to be too realistic.
My suspicions were confirmed in this book when Garion...more
My suspicions were confirmed in this book when Garion...more
Jun 18, 2012
Harold Ogle
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
fantasy,
fun-characters
Fun, fun characterization makes this a much faster read than the previous novel I'd read, even though Castle of Wizardry is considerably longer. Like each of the other Belgariad novels, this one picks up right where the previous one ended. Eddings has sketched his characters broadly but distinctly, so that each character has a distinctive voice. This is important, because there are a LOT of characters after so many books. In his foreword, Eddings admits that his approach to the novels was to pre...more
Castle of Wizardry sets up the last book of the Belgariad perfectly. We still have the continued character growth of Garion. He is no longer the sullen and whiny child. He matures, especially once he realizes his role in the Prophecy that guided their journeys so far, and decides that he may be the only one who can do it.
Ce’Nedra has also grown, especially once she realizes her title as an Imperial Princess means little among her companions. To get what she wants, he uses her smarts and charm to...more
Ce’Nedra has also grown, especially once she realizes her title as an Imperial Princess means little among her companions. To get what she wants, he uses her smarts and charm to...more
Sue me, but I think that if someone lived for thousands of years, the effect would be much different form what we see here. It has too childish of a take, like reading a fairy tale. Which has a very good moral hiding under it all, same as here, but I am finding out that it does not seem to work quite as well in a work as long as this.
I am giving way too low of ratings to this series based on how much I really enjoy it, but it feels like it is between 3 and 4, but for some reason I just cannot gi...more
I am giving way too low of ratings to this series based on how much I really enjoy it, but it feels like it is between 3 and 4, but for some reason I just cannot gi...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Mar 20, 2011
Vasya
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Harry Potter fans
Shelves:
fantasy-paranormal
Castle of Wizardry left me a little short on all the information I would love to have at the moment, but I guess that's just because I'm a bit greedy here.
The big culmination point that I was waiting for from the beginning of book one, Pawn of Prophecy, is here - Garion finally knows who he is, what he must do and he's got to get used to that idea really, really fast. I liked that part of the book a lot, but after that I got a little bit confused. The prophecy tells us that the Child of Light an...more
The big culmination point that I was waiting for from the beginning of book one, Pawn of Prophecy, is here - Garion finally knows who he is, what he must do and he's got to get used to that idea really, really fast. I liked that part of the book a lot, but after that I got a little bit confused. The prophecy tells us that the Child of Light an...more
Just when I thought things were going to comet to some sort of conclusion.. David Eddings throws me for a spin with the ending of this book.
But I get ahead of myself -
In Castle of Wizardry Belgarion finally comes into his own - sort of. The prophecy peaks, things we, as readers, have known since the first and second book are revealed (and the characters are surprised by them? Really?). I suppose it would have helped, also, to have the prophecy revealed at the start of each book so we could see...more
But I get ahead of myself -
In Castle of Wizardry Belgarion finally comes into his own - sort of. The prophecy peaks, things we, as readers, have known since the first and second book are revealed (and the characters are surprised by them? Really?). I suppose it would have helped, also, to have the prophecy revealed at the start of each book so we could see...more
An epic adventures that feels so thoroughly plotted out that you just have to jump on and hang on for a delightful ride. The main band of characters are people you have come to love by now if you managed to make it to book 4 of a 5 book series. Garion does still annoy slightly with his antics but then you have to understand how young a boy he really is and how his background (that he knew of) would totally leave him unprepared for how things have turned out. We also see his courage and self sacr...more
Garion gets a shock and Ce'Nedra gets a personality.
(Pulled from Pawn of Prophecy to cover series)
I still remember walking through the book store trying to find something to pass the time one not-so-fine summer. I was young enough to identify with the cover and picked this book up the first book solely for that reason. Quite a lucky break for me...
My fascination for finding the next epic fantasy novel began with this book. Eddings brings all the characters to life with good dialogue and development. The places and lives you encounter all feel rea...more
I still remember walking through the book store trying to find something to pass the time one not-so-fine summer. I was young enough to identify with the cover and picked this book up the first book solely for that reason. Quite a lucky break for me...
My fascination for finding the next epic fantasy novel began with this book. Eddings brings all the characters to life with good dialogue and development. The places and lives you encounter all feel rea...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Part four in this five part quest book. Pretty standard fare, young man does not know his noble antecedents, find out as a young man when he is thrust into the leadership role. The twist is that he is also a sorcerer. During these times, sorcerers could live for hundreds and thousands of years. I enjoy reading about the characters. His fiance, grows up mentally quite a bit in this book and begins thinking of others, not just herself and her ranking. She actually takes on a role which shows her f...more
So let me get this straight. I'm supposed to have my sympathies with a bunch of kings who are intentionally leading their soldiers into a genocidal war for religious reasons. The kings secretly think that they are going to sacrifice the lives of their soldiers for nothing, but mislead the soldiers by promising them the gold and the blood of their racial enemies. When they are led by a 16-year old farm hand, they won't stop calling him "Your Majesty" even when he orders them not to, but when they...more
Castle of Wizardry by David Eddings
Well, no one has eaten that annoying princess yet, but she does show a few signs of growing up, so maybe it will OK. Kind of tired of her being called "a tiny little girl" when she's 16. Unless she's a dwarf or a midget, she's probably not that tiny anymore. She's just short. And yes, they called her "winsome" again. It's a good thing this author is dead, or I'd be writing him a letter.
That aside, I did enjoy this book and I'm deep into the final book now. Sid...more
Well, no one has eaten that annoying princess yet, but she does show a few signs of growing up, so maybe it will OK. Kind of tired of her being called "a tiny little girl" when she's 16. Unless she's a dwarf or a midget, she's probably not that tiny anymore. She's just short. And yes, they called her "winsome" again. It's a good thing this author is dead, or I'd be writing him a letter.
That aside, I did enjoy this book and I'm deep into the final book now. Sid...more
CASTLE OF WIZADRY continues the evolution of Garion the peasant farm boy into Belgarion – The Child of Light fated to do battle with his nemesis – Torak- the maimed God. Once again David Eddings writes in a style that is easily digestible and keeps the pace moving, so that at times the reader may feel like there is little sustenance to the book. Many fantasy clichés are implemented and during Garions ascendance to the throne of the Rivan king and his apprenticeship in the managing of state affai...more
Apr 19, 2013
Dark-Draco
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
fantasy-series,
favorites
Garion and his friends have finally taken the orb, but now have to flee back to the Kingdom of Isles, dodging enemy armies and sorcerers, all intent on stopping them. But once there, Garion discovers that his part is far from over. The prophecy that has directed them all has some final surprises in store and Garion ascending the throne of the Riva King seems to him the greatest. With no choice in the matter, he must learn to make decisions and lead all the other Kingdoms of the West, while tryin...more
This is what I call a tragic ending for readers. A series starts off well and loses its charms because of overdose.
Ce'Nedra (who in their right mind would put an apostrophe in their child's name?) is an absolute royal pain in the ***. And I felt that the characters, while delightful at times, are too shallow to be of any importance. I never really cared, and the "chronicle" factor, which means everything is revealed beforehand, makes reading a tedious chore.
I realized I could care even less, and...more
Ce'Nedra (who in their right mind would put an apostrophe in their child's name?) is an absolute royal pain in the ***. And I felt that the characters, while delightful at times, are too shallow to be of any importance. I never really cared, and the "chronicle" factor, which means everything is revealed beforehand, makes reading a tedious chore.
I realized I could care even less, and...more
Garion and the rest of his group has retrived the Orb, it is revealed who Garion really is. But right after he is crowned, he must leave on another quest; to find and kill Torak, the dragon god. Leaving with Silk and Belgarath, Ce'Nedra decides to take action. To help them in their quest, she raises an army to stop the Angaraks from delaying Garion.
I started this book because I enjoyed the first and third, so naturally I read the fourth. Just as good as the other two.
I finished this book because...more
I started this book because I enjoyed the first and third, so naturally I read the fourth. Just as good as the other two.
I finished this book because...more
The Belgariad Series and the Mallorean Series are hands down one of the best science fiction series ever written. These series along with the companion books, Belgarath and Polgara are must reads for any science fiction fans. The characters are extremely well developed. These start off slow, but they are well worth the reading. I have recommended these series to at least 30 different people and not one of them have not come away being a die hard fan. My daughters have even recruited their friend...more
The Belgariad is, possibly, the best fantasy series ever written after The Lord of the Rings. It's totally formulaic, although that was sort of the point. However, it was written while the formula was still being established, so, when I read this series the first time (more than 20 years ago), it was fresh and new. I don't often re-read (because, really, there's always something waiting that I haven't read at all, so why read something I've already read?), but I have returned to this series twic...more
Endings was my first foray into High Fantasy which would probably explain why none of the clichés riled me. I’ve now read plenty of stories about nameless orphans etc who turn out to be the missing bloodline to the throne who then go on to battle unimaginable (except that of many a fantasy writer) evil to save the world.
Personally I absolutely loved the Belgariad series of books and found them to be enthralling and exciting. In particular I loved the characters and thought them to be some of th...more
Personally I absolutely loved the Belgariad series of books and found them to be enthralling and exciting. In particular I loved the characters and thought them to be some of th...more
Castle of Wizardry represents a partial hiatus from the endless trekking all over the known world for Garion and his friends. Some of my complaints from the previous books are still present. Garion's mentors really were wasting a lot of time in training him for his roles. He finally finds out what his purpose is and why he's been caught up in world changing events, and he's still completely not ready for anything. There is some good, though rapid maturing and character growth for both Garion and...more
Mar 13, 2011
Peter
added it
A well written, enjoyable novel.: The castle of wizardry is an enjoyable and engrossing read.Many people have stated that its tone and content are rather 'young',but I find that the simplicity serves only to enhance the plot.With each new character Eddings adds new twists.It is something of a risk,however, to add a new main figure but Eddings has sniffed at this rule and introduced,by the fourth book, nearly 18 other main characters .This could make or break a novel,in this case,it made it.I was...more
The action picks up, but unfortunately the story does not. They go around from seemingly random encounter to encounter, they do stuff, the fight invincibly, Garion doesn't understand the ramifications of being the chosen one, and Ce'Nedra is annoying despite attempts to show some character growth.
It also bothers me that the different races' characteristics are so completely determined by that race. Multiple races sharing bloodlines with other races are determinedly stupid, with no variation for...more
It also bothers me that the different races' characteristics are so completely determined by that race. Multiple races sharing bloodlines with other races are determinedly stupid, with no variation for...more
So far it has been really good, They have just escaped from Rak Cthol after killing Ctuchik and escaped with the orb and its holder Errand aswel as a Slave girl, who's name I can't remember, and are currently retreating from the Murgos who are looking for them. Also Garion has been put in charge for the time being as Polgara is to busy protecting Errand and Belgarath is still in a dazed state from his fight with Ctuchik and are heading back to Ulgo to retrieve Princess Ce'Nedra.
Great ending to...more
Great ending to...more
Not, as it turns out, my favorite of the series, despite Ce'Nedra's taking the helm in many ways. I remembered it more fondly. And there's nothing particularly wrong with it, except it largely feels like a filler book: this is where Garion gets crowned and Ce'Nedra raises an army, and that's sort of all that happens in this 'un. It's entertaining enough, with laugh out loud moments like all of them have, but not the strongest of the series. Looking forward to finishing 'em up, though, because I...more
The Orb has been recovered, but that does not mean all is well. The orb must be returned to the Hall of the Rivan King and the Rivan King must be returned as well. The Queen must be presented to the King. The Kings prepare for war, but no amount of battles can decide the outcome. The Rivan King, Belgarion must fight Kal Torak. The adventure drastically changes shape as a small party struggles to meet Kal Torak while the others prepare for war led by the most unlikely of heroines.
(This is the fou...more
(This is the fou...more
Castle of Wizardry is the fourth book of the 'Belgariad' series, and chronicles the continued adventure of Garion and his companions through the richly detailed world created by David Eddings (with uncredited help from his wife).
Eddings once again makes use of the 'in media reas' literary device, picking up the story only moments after events in Magician's Gambit. With the stolen magical artefact recovered the travelling party strives to return it to its 'rightful home' before a certain time so...more
Eddings once again makes use of the 'in media reas' literary device, picking up the story only moments after events in Magician's Gambit. With the stolen magical artefact recovered the travelling party strives to return it to its 'rightful home' before a certain time so...more
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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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“As soon as somebody falls in love, all the wits seem to dribble out of the bottom of his head.”
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“Garion started shaving. "Try to keep away from your nose," said Hettar wryly. "A man looks quite strange without a nose.”
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