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39th out of 256 books
—
26 voters
Magician's Gambit (The Belgariad #3)
Everyone knew that the tales from the Orb that protected the West from the evil God Torak were just silly legends. But here she was, forced to join a serious and dangerous quest to recover that stolen Orb.
Paperback, 305 pages
Published
1984
by Corgi
(first published June 1983)
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Oct 03, 2007
Sarah
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
a comfort read: predictable, but entertaining
Somewhere in the middle of book three is when I start to wonder: does anyone out there actually read a standard heroic journey myth with most of their attention on the main character? After all, one knows exactly what's in store for Garion. It's hardly a spoiler if I tell you he's going to tromp in and out of every kingdom on the continent before heading off to fight the final battle.
No, it's not the hero who's the key player in the heroic journey. The real action's off on the sidelines, where y...more
No, it's not the hero who's the key player in the heroic journey. The real action's off on the sidelines, where y...more
!
I had forgotten there were scenes and sections in MAGICIAN'S GAMBIT that were entirely from Ce'Nedra's point of view. I knew there were in CASTLE OF WIZARDRY, but I had no recollection of it in MG.
This endears the book(s) to me as an adult even more than as a teen. I was not one of those female readers who as a child felt left out because all the stories were about boys and I wasn't a boy so therefore couldn't relate. Yes, well, there wasn't a magical passageway in my closet that led to Narnia,...more
I had forgotten there were scenes and sections in MAGICIAN'S GAMBIT that were entirely from Ce'Nedra's point of view. I knew there were in CASTLE OF WIZARDRY, but I had no recollection of it in MG.
This endears the book(s) to me as an adult even more than as a teen. I was not one of those female readers who as a child felt left out because all the stories were about boys and I wasn't a boy so therefore couldn't relate. Yes, well, there wasn't a magical passageway in my closet that led to Narnia,...more
This is the third book in the series and in this one Garion and his companions continue with their tour of the continent, visiting each of the kingdoms and learning about them and their god. However in this book we are also introduced to the woman that will become Garion's lover, the imperial princess Ce'Nedra.
It is interesting some of the comments that are made of this book because in a way it seems to be the book where things begin to come to a head, with Silk and his nemesis Brill having a...more
It is interesting some of the comments that are made of this book because in a way it seems to be the book where things begin to come to a head, with Silk and his nemesis Brill having a...more
If there is one thing that I like about David Eddings’ fantasy work, its his ability to add humor to the mix. It is almost his signature, and none of his characters personify that more than the quick wit and dry humor of the weasel faced Drasnian spy and thief, and occasional businessman Silk. He is probably the most important non-lead character and has the most interactions with the three leads of the Belgariad so far. He gets the best lines and his sarcastic wit gets under the skin of Belgarat...more
I liked this book and the first two books of this series. While I am reading these books it feels like I am really there because David Eddings does such a good job at using details so you can picture it in your mind. I also like these books because I like the mythical theme so if you dont these wouldnt be good books for you, if you like adventure and some humor and some dangerous battles and catasophres these are the books for you. These books are about how the gods created earth and man, but on...more
Mar 19, 2011
Vasya
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Harry Potter fans
Shelves:
fantasy-paranormal
This story just keeps surprising me more and more.
I had such a laugh with Silk in this book. His type of humor is something that really suits my style, and that can make me laugh for hours at an end. I feel really sorry that he's a fictional character, because having friends like him will definitely make your life more interesting and amusing. And Rilk - well, his religious stupor left me in a fit of laughter so big, that my boyfriend thought I was having some kind of attack, I just couldn't sto...more
I had such a laugh with Silk in this book. His type of humor is something that really suits my style, and that can make me laugh for hours at an end. I feel really sorry that he's a fictional character, because having friends like him will definitely make your life more interesting and amusing. And Rilk - well, his religious stupor left me in a fit of laughter so big, that my boyfriend thought I was having some kind of attack, I just couldn't sto...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Garion learns a little bit more about himself, a few more mysteries are resolved, and a few more important confrontations are had.
This chapter of the Belgariad definitely feels like a middle. In isolation, it's somewhat less compelling than the previous two books, and while the plot moves forward, it didn't feel like that much happened in the grand scheme of things. Despite these failings, it is still a highly enjoyable read and kept me turning the pages.
The humor that pervaded the earlier books...more
This chapter of the Belgariad definitely feels like a middle. In isolation, it's somewhat less compelling than the previous two books, and while the plot moves forward, it didn't feel like that much happened in the grand scheme of things. Despite these failings, it is still a highly enjoyable read and kept me turning the pages.
The humor that pervaded the earlier books...more
This is the first book of Edding's Belgariad series that has earned less than a 5 star rating from me. Don't get me wrong - I'm still enjoying the world, the setting, the progression .. but the addition of some characters (Relg is just weird, folks)and the darkness of the world as the progression is happening really made it easier for me to put the book down and do other things less important, like play Bejeweled.
That said, let me talk about what I did like in the book - I enjoyed finally seeing...more
That said, let me talk about what I did like in the book - I enjoyed finally seeing...more
The Belgariad has been beloved by me since I was a kid, but having read many more books of as many genres and authors since then, I've realized that Mr. Eddings authorship leaves much to be desired. I still love the story, characters, mythology, and magic, but there are a number of glaring problems. Mr. Eddings omits tactical and practical details. If it really takes Garion and friends weeks and months to travel around, then why don't Polgara and Belgarath use the time to teach Garion about sorc...more
I'm so disappointed in myself that I didn't order the next books sooner. Now I'm going to have to wait to continue despite the fact that these books have seriously got a hold on me. I wasn't sure after I read the first book, but I'm completely in its grip now.
This one had me trying to squeeze in the last pages during my break at work because I couldn't stand the thought of stopping and not knowing how the book ended. I wouldn't have been able to get anything done at work! So I finished it and I...more
This one had me trying to squeeze in the last pages during my break at work because I couldn't stand the thought of stopping and not knowing how the book ended. I wouldn't have been able to get anything done at work! So I finished it and I...more
(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
Have I talked at all about what they are about? It's a tedious, obvious prophecy slowly winding its way toward completion. An intolerable boy, who, surprise, surprise, doesn't understand girls, or humans, or anything, a bunch of princes and stuff, lots of noblesse oblige, good and evil, pomp and circumstance, all of the wise characters are total assholes, all the good guys are obsessed with murder and stealing but it's okay because it's only bad guys that they do it to, human concern lasts only...more
I'm blowing through these books like nothing. They're fast reads and yet they remain well written. I think what I appreciate most about this series is that it's concise. It doesn't bog down with useless scenes or add a million characters I couldn't care less about. It stays true to the main plot line in most cases and other plot lines are character driven making them seem less invasive and distracting. Overall, I'm really liking this series. The first novel is a little Young Adult for my tastes,...more
After having Ce'Nedra join their group, Garion, Belgarath, Polgara, Durnik, Silk, and Barak had to go through Maragor, a haunted kingdom. Following the freightning experience they had in Maragor, they continued their quest to find the Orb. They stopped by the Ulgo caves to get another member of their group, they leave behing Ce'Nedra, and retreive the Orb. But Belgarath is required to fight and beat Ctuchik first...
I started this book because I liked the first book, and since I don't own the sec...more
I started this book because I liked the first book, and since I don't own the sec...more
This book had a 'middle book' feel, as it didn't have a clear start or end that were distinct from the books before and after. However, it feels like a darker turn for the series. The journey through Maragor was genuinely creepy. The almost psychopathic glee most of the characters take in committing acts of murder also becomes somewhat chilling after a while. I get that fighting to the death is a staple of this sort of story, but they really seem to seek it out and enjoy it. I wasn't impressed w...more
Magician's Gambit immediately takes up the tale from where the previous book left off. The story is fast paced and easy to read. The typical wandering from one end of the continent - to the other, chasing evil foes in an effort to fulfill one of two possible prophecies that Garion - the protagonist is made aware of by the voice in his head;in fantasy you can get away with this kind of thing. The merry gang recruits a new member from the land of Ul in the religious fanatic Relg, who can walk thro...more
De keizerlijke prinses van Tolnedra was in verwarring. Iedereen wist dat het verhaal over de Orbus en de boze god Torak tot het rijk der fabelen behoorde. En toch moest ze mee op een gevaarlijke reis om de gestolen Orbus terug te vinden. Niemand geloofde in tovenarij. Toch schenen Garions tante en grootvader de legendarische tovenaars Polgara en Belgarath te zijn en duizenden jaren oud! Zelfs de jonge Garion scheen over buitengewone krachten te beschikken. Garion was een gewone boerenjongen, nie
...more
Ho hum. They travel lots of places, have adventures, meet lots of people. Some are more interesting than others, but all individuals and races have one strong, defining characteristic that will be repeated every time they are mentioned: rat-faced, fanatic, bear like, etc. The worst is the girl they meet whose "lush" beauty is seriously mentioned over a dozen times. That word just seems an annoying euphemism for sexy.
Anyway, the ending was dumb too. The bad magician guy got so scared that he did...more
Anyway, the ending was dumb too. The bad magician guy got so scared that he did...more
The tension in this series in unbelievable. Seriously. I can't even analyze why I'm so anxious to finish it. The characters are rarely hurt physically, and they get out of serious danger quickly. Maybe I'm so drawn to the books and characters because everyone is so fleshed out that they seem real. The fact that they are not nearly dying at every turn makes the series seem more realistic than the super-exciting books with the dramatic battles all the time. Also, anything can happen in this world....more
With each installment the tale of Belgarion/Garion becomes harder to put down. I personally keep making the mistake of starting the book as I go to bed and finishing it in the early hours of the morning. The group continues to grow in numbers and they’re journey becomes ever more extraordinary as they travel to unfamiliar places and meet Gods with increasing frequency. The stakes continue to be heightened as the prophecy becomes clearer and clearer. Eddings elegantly makes each of the human race...more
The third novel of the Belgariad series, Magician's Gambit moves the story along more than either of the previous two books. At some points, it seems that the events of the novel feel as though it was just Eddings checking events off a list, with little connectedness between them. However, this is a result of the premise of the novel and I expect things to be tied together in the subsequent books. As well, the characters begin to show more depth as people rather than as archetypes in this novel....more
Jul 07, 2009
James
rated it
2 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
People struggling to get through The Belgariad
This was the weakest of the Belgariad books so far. Most of the book seemed like a rambling Dungeons and Dragons game filled with random encounters and new, made-up monsters described on the spot and forgotten about just as quickly. There was a smattering of character development, the introduction of a few new party members, and a short but satisfying showdown.
I'm not really sure why the book was titled Magician's Gambit. There wasn't much of a gambit at all. Perhaps David Eddings should have n...more
I'm not really sure why the book was titled Magician's Gambit. There wasn't much of a gambit at all. Perhaps David Eddings should have n...more
1 like · like · see review
Apr 19, 2013
Dark-Draco
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
fantasy-series,
favorites
The quest to retake the Orb becomes even more dangerous and the two youngest members of the companions start to realise that they have a special part to play. For Ce'Nedra, leaving her palace and people behind started as a temper tantrum, but drawn into a quest that she doesn't really believe in, facing the truth outside the city is hard. And Garion, struggling against his newly discovered powers, starts to understand that he has the most important role of all. Through haunted lands, cities unde...more
Mar 13, 2011
Peter
added it
Sharing a gift from my youth: My mum bought me the first in the Belgariad series when I was 13 in 1983. I didn't start reading the book until a year later, but by then was completely hooked on the expanding story line.
I bought the next four books in one go and read them all in a matter of weeks.
I've just returned to the series in order to buy them for my nephew who is about to turn 13, about the age I started reading the series and the age of the main character in the series, Garian.
I would reco
...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
Feb 22, 2011
Abigail
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
fantasy-sci-fi,
series
This book actually felt much more climactic than previous books in the series. Granted it's probably because the characters finally reach their initial quest goal and will be able to move the prophecy along in the next book. The character background tantalizers are more and more frequent, especially regarding Garion, and I find it slightly irksome because, that is all there are right now, hook after hook with absolutely no new information, just more confusion. Would it have killed Eddings to may...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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“What was that?" Belgarath asked, coming back around the corner.
"Brill," Silk replied blandly, pulling his Murgo robe back on.
"Again?" Belgarath demanded with exasperation. "What was he doing this time?"
"Trying to fly, last time I saw him." Silk smirked.
The old man looked puzzled.
"He wasn't doing it very well," Silk added.
Belgarath shrugged. "Maybe it'll come to him in time."
"He doesn't really have all that much time." Silk glanced out over the edge.
"From far below - terribly far below - there came a faint, muffled crash; then, after several seconds, another. "Does bouncing count?" Silk asked.
Belgarath made a wry face. "Not really."
"Then I'd say he didn't learn in time." Silk said blithely.”
—
190 people liked it
"Brill," Silk replied blandly, pulling his Murgo robe back on.
"Again?" Belgarath demanded with exasperation. "What was he doing this time?"
"Trying to fly, last time I saw him." Silk smirked.
The old man looked puzzled.
"He wasn't doing it very well," Silk added.
Belgarath shrugged. "Maybe it'll come to him in time."
"He doesn't really have all that much time." Silk glanced out over the edge.
"From far below - terribly far below - there came a faint, muffled crash; then, after several seconds, another. "Does bouncing count?" Silk asked.
Belgarath made a wry face. "Not really."
"Then I'd say he didn't learn in time." Silk said blithely.”
“As soon as a friendship passed a certain point - some obscure and secret boundary - a woman quite automatically became overwhelmed by a raging compulsion to complicate things.”
—
4 people liked it
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Feb 02, 2013 07:54am