Guardians of the West (The Malloreon, Book 1)
by David Eddings
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 1657)
Read in January, 1993
recommends it for:
young fantsy readers
The Malloreon (TM) is the continuation of the story about Belgarion, the first half of which forms The Belgariad (TB) by the same author.
What little quality there was in TB is lost as the story continues. I have a feeling that Eddings is constantly trying to squeeze a little bit more juice out of a very small lemon. As many other fantasy writers, Eddings does not seem to know when to stop, or how to gauge how much material there is in a plot.
Eddings's Belgarion universe jus...more
What little quality there was in TB is lost as the story continues. I have a feeling that Eddings is constantly trying to squeeze a little bit more juice out of a very small lemon. As many other fantasy writers, Eddings does not seem to know when to stop, or how to gauge how much material there is in a plot.
Eddings's Belgarion universe jus...more
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I read the Bellgraid and the Malloreon about 10 years ago now, so my memory isn't up to a synopsis of the series or anything, but I did highly enjoy them then, they still grace my shelves now, and I hope to reread them in the near future.
These books are great for the reader that enjoys fantasy series reading (so if you prefer a one off, try something else). They develop an amazing story and history that kept me engaged. The two series are intimately related/connected. The world is more of...more
These books are great for the reader that enjoys fantasy series reading (so if you prefer a one off, try something else). They develop an amazing story and history that kept me engaged. The two series are intimately related/connected. The world is more of...more
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Read in April, 2007
The first of Edding's five-book sequel to The Belgariad, this books needs to spin out a dozen or so years of events right away to get to the main story and set up the remainder of The Mallorean. Since the first pentology was a fun read, this also seems worthy at this point, as it delves deeper into the world of Garion & Co. and the prophecies and codices that guide the events. However, at several points the storytelling lacks focus. As always, very little characterization is introduced (w...more
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recommends it for:
Those that liked the Belgariad
Like most sequels, the Mallorean is not as good as its predecessor. But, also like most sequels, it is nice to catch up with the familiar characters you fell in love with in the original.
Although the storyline is similar to the first series (to the point that the protagonist points it out at one point in conversation), the adventure is still just as much fun.
Anyone that loved the first series (the Belgariad) will find this series a worthwhile read.
Although the storyline is similar to the first series (to the point that the protagonist points it out at one point in conversation), the adventure is still just as much fun.
Anyone that loved the first series (the Belgariad) will find this series a worthwhile read.
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Read in January, 2007
The Mallorean, ... the followup to the Belgariad series is just as crucial to the story as the first part of the series is. It goes past the initial story of the little boy to after he's performed his initial task and goes into his life with his new queen. The story still follows and interesting plot of what fate has in store for these characters and the duties they continue to have to perform to save mankind from being controlled by evil. it's still awesome.
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Read in August, 2007
the sequel series to the belgariad, amazing still!! i have read this series about 5/6 times and i still love it every single time!!! you can never get tired of eddings' sarcastic humour, or his vivid descriptions. this book made me realise that no matter how insignificant you may feel at a particular point in your life, you will achieve a greatness that is suited to your personaility and character.
cheesy rubbish i know, but just read it!!
cheesy rubbish i know, but just read it!!
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Read in October, 2007
And how can I re-read the Belgariad without re-reading the Malloreon?
Unlike the Belgariad's straight-forward hero's quest, the Malloreon's more about the characters than the plot; it's more about the balance between good and evil than the struggle to defeat evil as a matter of course. Sure, the bad guys are still the bad guys... except when a few of them turn out to be on "our side" after all.
Unlike the Belgariad's straight-forward hero's quest, the Malloreon's more about the characters than the plot; it's more about the balance between good and evil than the struggle to defeat evil as a matter of course. Sure, the bad guys are still the bad guys... except when a few of them turn out to be on "our side" after all.
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This begins the second series, where the little boy from Pawn of Prophecy has become a King and Overlord Protector. If you have trouble getting into fantasy fiction, this is one of the easiest to really get into and get hooked. His writing is descriptive and polished but there is plenty of humor and an ease of things that is hard to describe. Anyway, good books, I recommend them.
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This book takes you through about 12-14 years after the Belgariad ends. It takes a while to get to the point of the whole series, and I felt that Eddings was sometimes trying to pull teeth to put more into the story.
Overall, I've decided that the Mallorean isn't as good as the Belgariad. However, that doesn't stop me from re-reading the entire series every couple of year.
Overall, I've decided that the Mallorean isn't as good as the Belgariad. However, that doesn't stop me from re-reading the entire series every couple of year.
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Read in September, 2007
recommends it for:
Hardcore Fantasy Lovers
THis is a great book coupled with an even better series that makes you dangle on the edge of reality, because this book just wants to pull you in. The second part of the Belgariad series, the Mallorean is even better, and fully develops the characters you have followed through five books already. An insanely great series and astonishing read.
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First book of the 2nd 5 book series (The first being the Belgariad). Once again prophecy stirs and afew loose threads start to re-weave into the ultimate confrontation between the child of light and the child of dark. This time however it's not just Belgarians life on the line. It's his family. And he's not thrilled about it.
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Has a copy to sell/swap
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Read in July, 2008
i read about 40 pages of this today and decided i just didn't care at all about these characters anymore...it felt a bit self-indulgent on the author's part, actually, like he was a bit too enthralled with his own creations...blech...so while it's now on my "read" shelf, i didn't actually make it through the first chapter...
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recommends it for:
junior high on up
This book series has some of my favorite characters. This is a follow up from the The Belgariad series. These books are so captivating and enchanting. The story line is great and so easy to get caught up in. To really understand these books you really do have to read the previous books. LOVE THEM!!
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I read the Mallorean many years ago, and although I recall at least the gist of most books I've read, I draw a blank for this series. I think it's the equivalent of a popcorn action-adventure flick. Fun if you've read the Belgariad, but forgettable.
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Exciting new conflict emerges in this book. Wonderfully written, with great characters and plot. Perfect series for anyone who loves fanstasy. Once again, David Eddings creates a captivating tale that draws you in and won't let you go.
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Read in January, 1994
Great aftermath of the first part of the story and a nice lead-in for the second part. I read this series outloud to my wife because were were both intrigued by the Belgariad and didn't want the other to read ahead. :)
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Read in January, 1988
These books were my favorite when I was in high school. I read them over and over, I especially loved the characters and the humor. I keep them around as they are old friends.
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Read in October, 2003
recommends it for:
Fantasy
By the time I began the second part to the series, I had all ten books myself--and, believe me, I did not wait long after finishing the first set to continue ;)
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Read in March, 2008
i finished this between sets at the they might be giants concert tonight. ending a great book and watching my favorite band in the same few hours, awesome.
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Malloreon's a little weaker than Belgariad for me - maybe because the characters have changed quite a bit from how they were. Still a good read though.
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