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The Elenium #3
Szafirowa Róża
Wykorzystując czarodziejski klejnot Bhellion, rycerz Sparhawk uleczył młodziutką królową Ehlanę, a wkrótce potem ją poślubił. Jednak nie znikło zagrożenie, jakim dla królestwa Elenii są dwaj zdrajcy, Annias i Martel, oraz armia ich sojuszników. Największą groźbą jest jednak okrutny bóg Azash, któremu Bhellion może zapewnić władzę nad światem. Sparhawk i jego wierni towarzysze raz jeszcze muszą wyruszyć na niebezpieczną wyprawę - tym razem do głównej kryjówki wroga w mieście Zemoch. Tam, w świątyni Azasha i położonym pod nią podziemnym labiryncie, dochodzi do decydującej rozgrywki między siłami Dobra a potęgami Zła.
Szafirowa róża to trzecia, ostatnia część słynnej w całym świecie trylogii fantasy "Elenium", której pierwsze dwa tomy to Diamentowy tron i Rubinowy rycerz.
Szafirowa róża to trzecia, ostatnia część słynnej w całym świecie trylogii fantasy "Elenium", której pierwsze dwa tomy to Diamentowy tron i Rubinowy rycerz.
544 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1991
132 people are currently reading
4310 people want to read
About the author
David Eddings
220 books5,545 followersDavid Eddings was an American author who wrote several best-selling series of epic fantasy novels. David Eddings' wife,
Leigh Eddings
, was an uncredited co-author on many of his early books, but he had later acknowledged that she contributed to them all.
They adopted one boy in 1966, Scott David, then two months old. They adopted a younger girl between 1966 and 1969. In 1970 the couple lost custody of both children and were each sentenced to a year in jail in separate trials after pleading guilty to 11 counts of physical child abuse. Though the nature of the abuse, the trial, and the sentencing were all extensively reported in South Dakota newspapers at the time, these details did not resurface in media coverage of the couple during their successful joint career as authors, only returning to public attention several years after both had died.
After both served their sentences, David and Leigh Eddings moved to Denver in 1971, where David found work in a grocery store.
David Eddings' first books (which were general fiction) sold moderately well. He later switched to writing epic fantasy, a field in which he achieved great success. In a recent interview with sffworld.com, he said: "I don't take orders from readers."
On January 26, 2007 it was reported that Eddings accidentally burned about a quarter of his office, next door to his house, along with his Excalibur sports car, and the original manuscripts for most of his novels. He was flushing the fuel tank of the car with water when he lit a piece of paper and threw into the puddle to test if it was still flammable.
On February 28, 2007, David Eddings' wife, Leigh Eddings (born Judith Leigh Schall), died following a series of strokes. She was 69.
David Eddings died on June 2, 2009 at the age of 77.
They adopted one boy in 1966, Scott David, then two months old. They adopted a younger girl between 1966 and 1969. In 1970 the couple lost custody of both children and were each sentenced to a year in jail in separate trials after pleading guilty to 11 counts of physical child abuse. Though the nature of the abuse, the trial, and the sentencing were all extensively reported in South Dakota newspapers at the time, these details did not resurface in media coverage of the couple during their successful joint career as authors, only returning to public attention several years after both had died.
After both served their sentences, David and Leigh Eddings moved to Denver in 1971, where David found work in a grocery store.
David Eddings' first books (which were general fiction) sold moderately well. He later switched to writing epic fantasy, a field in which he achieved great success. In a recent interview with sffworld.com, he said: "I don't take orders from readers."
On January 26, 2007 it was reported that Eddings accidentally burned about a quarter of his office, next door to his house, along with his Excalibur sports car, and the original manuscripts for most of his novels. He was flushing the fuel tank of the car with water when he lit a piece of paper and threw into the puddle to test if it was still flammable.
On February 28, 2007, David Eddings' wife, Leigh Eddings (born Judith Leigh Schall), died following a series of strokes. She was 69.
David Eddings died on June 2, 2009 at the age of 77.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 359 reviews
December 30, 2020
"I did ask him to move out of our way,' he explained. "Since he chose not to, what just happened is entirely his responsibility, wouldn't you say?”
"It was indeed, I see no blame accruing to you in this matter. You were the very soul of courtesy.”
So, I finally got around to reading the third (and final) entry of the Elenium.
Contrary to my own recommendation (in my review of The Ruby Knight) I took my sweet time to get around to this book. Reading The Sapphire Rose in isolation doesn’t really do the overall story justice, since there were a few characters that I couldn’t place without referring back to the previous books. Anyway, nothing insurmountable, but it is a bit of a shame, considering that I enjoyed the previous books (especially The Diamond Throne).
Let’s get the obvious out of the way first: this isn’t high literature by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, it stoops to being downright silly on more than one occasion. Having said that, one of the strongest things this trilogy has going for it is the snappy dialogue, and that is present here in spades.
I enjoyed the book well enough, but I do have some minor qualms, notably pertaining to the child-goddess Aphrael, who comes across as just a little too doe-eyed and cloyingly-sweet, and the lack of detail surrounding some of the locations (it’s possible that this was dealt with in the previous books). Funnily enough, Queen Ehlana didn’t annoy me as much as some other readers, although I have to concede that the romance angle had a certain creep factor that took some getting used to. No, it’s not weird here, fortunately, but considering that she was (basically) in love with a grown man since she was a child can be a bit disconcerting (or very cute, depending on how much you read into this type of thing I suppose).
On the other hand, I rather enjoyed the politicking of the Elene church in Chyrellos, which is quite funny at times, and the temple of Azash is every bit as cool and forbidding as the old-school fantasy rulebook dictates.
These books go from lighthearted to ultra-violent in a heartbeat, which can be jarring, and though it isn’t the best fantasy I have ever read, Sparhawk is such a cool protagonist he easily pulls the whole thing off. Not to mention his grumpy horse (which didn’t feature nearly enough in this instalment). I don’t know if it’s indicative of anything, but I’m still interested in reading the Belgariad after having finished this.
“He's bad enough by himself, but when you put him on that horse, he turns into a natural disaster.”
"It was indeed, I see no blame accruing to you in this matter. You were the very soul of courtesy.”
So, I finally got around to reading the third (and final) entry of the Elenium.
Contrary to my own recommendation (in my review of The Ruby Knight) I took my sweet time to get around to this book. Reading The Sapphire Rose in isolation doesn’t really do the overall story justice, since there were a few characters that I couldn’t place without referring back to the previous books. Anyway, nothing insurmountable, but it is a bit of a shame, considering that I enjoyed the previous books (especially The Diamond Throne).
Let’s get the obvious out of the way first: this isn’t high literature by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, it stoops to being downright silly on more than one occasion. Having said that, one of the strongest things this trilogy has going for it is the snappy dialogue, and that is present here in spades.
I enjoyed the book well enough, but I do have some minor qualms, notably pertaining to the child-goddess Aphrael, who comes across as just a little too doe-eyed and cloyingly-sweet, and the lack of detail surrounding some of the locations (it’s possible that this was dealt with in the previous books). Funnily enough, Queen Ehlana didn’t annoy me as much as some other readers, although I have to concede that the romance angle had a certain creep factor that took some getting used to. No, it’s not weird here, fortunately, but considering that she was (basically) in love with a grown man since she was a child can be a bit disconcerting (or very cute, depending on how much you read into this type of thing I suppose).
On the other hand, I rather enjoyed the politicking of the Elene church in Chyrellos, which is quite funny at times, and the temple of Azash is every bit as cool and forbidding as the old-school fantasy rulebook dictates.
These books go from lighthearted to ultra-violent in a heartbeat, which can be jarring, and though it isn’t the best fantasy I have ever read, Sparhawk is such a cool protagonist he easily pulls the whole thing off. Not to mention his grumpy horse (which didn’t feature nearly enough in this instalment). I don’t know if it’s indicative of anything, but I’m still interested in reading the Belgariad after having finished this.
“He's bad enough by himself, but when you put him on that horse, he turns into a natural disaster.”
December 1, 2023
This feels like such a harsh rating but I just didn't get much enjoyment out of this book, and lets be honest that's what is important. I did think the prolouge was really well done and the world building and background of the world was captivating and believable for a fantasy world.
Now on to the reasons this didn't work for me: the pacing was one of my main gripes, there would be sudden brutality out of no where I felt like I was getting whiplash from the pacing. One moment it would be all sunshine and rainbows and next blood guts and gore it was quite distracting. The politics in this one really drag out the length of the book - it meant there was virtually no action for pages and pages and just a lot of pretty boring talk.
In a way this book just felt like one big epilogue to the first two books in the series, although we do get a new 'big baddie' it is wrapped up pretty quickly and takes so long to get going. It felt predictable and because of that low stake. Sparhawk felt like the only character with any characters so I didn't really care what happened to the others - the romance was forced and a little strange at times with Sparhawk being in his lovers life since she was a child.
Overall this was a long book for a fairly basic conclusion to a series. I do have David Eddings' other series on my TBR but I will be waiting a little while before I jump in!
Now on to the reasons this didn't work for me: the pacing was one of my main gripes, there would be sudden brutality out of no where I felt like I was getting whiplash from the pacing. One moment it would be all sunshine and rainbows and next blood guts and gore it was quite distracting. The politics in this one really drag out the length of the book - it meant there was virtually no action for pages and pages and just a lot of pretty boring talk.
In a way this book just felt like one big epilogue to the first two books in the series, although we do get a new 'big baddie' it is wrapped up pretty quickly and takes so long to get going. It felt predictable and because of that low stake. Sparhawk felt like the only character with any characters so I didn't really care what happened to the others - the romance was forced and a little strange at times with Sparhawk being in his lovers life since she was a child.
Overall this was a long book for a fairly basic conclusion to a series. I do have David Eddings' other series on my TBR but I will be waiting a little while before I jump in!
August 21, 2025
The end of the long journey and a satisfying conclusion. The final book in the trilogy starts minutes after the end of the second. This book would never stand alone, but keeps the adventure of the first two going. Finally, Sparhawk has the Bhelliom and can use it to restore his queen. There is a lot more to it than the simple healing he had envisioned, though. Another journey with an even greater threat to be dealt with. More betrayal, treason, and heresy than he would believe. And an ending that shows even gods can weep. 4.25/5
October 22, 2011
I've read this book many times, so many, in fact, that the pages are falling out. What I adore is Eddings' complete, unassailable, and believable world that he creates. The world that this series, and its sister series (The Tamuli) I think is more solid than even his first world/series. This is epic fantasy, make no mistake. Our hero treks about the globe hunting down powerful magical objects, slaying gods, and building a reputation for himself that makes everyone cringe. But, it's done with a grating kind of sarcasm that I find refreshing.
However, that sarcasm is why this and others of Eddings' books has four instead of five stars. That sarcasm flows seamlessly through prose and dialogue, many times blurring the distinctive characters. One could argue that since the characters are largely in the same profession (Church Knights), they may all have a similar sense of humor. I don't feel that's accurate, though. When I read, I would like my characters to have individual personality, (hence why Ngaio Marsh will always win out over Agatha Christie for me) and aside from costume, there is little that separates the main characters.
However, that sarcasm is why this and others of Eddings' books has four instead of five stars. That sarcasm flows seamlessly through prose and dialogue, many times blurring the distinctive characters. One could argue that since the characters are largely in the same profession (Church Knights), they may all have a similar sense of humor. I don't feel that's accurate, though. When I read, I would like my characters to have individual personality, (hence why Ngaio Marsh will always win out over Agatha Christie for me) and aside from costume, there is little that separates the main characters.
July 30, 2012
This was my favourite of the three! It's definitely a great conclusion to the trilogy, but at the same time it doesn't leave things completely closed off with no chance of continuing the story. That's one of the things that makes me excited to start with The Tamuli next.
There was, of course, sadness in the book and many conflicts, but Eddings managed to rise above it all and he carried us through to the end of the book.
Flute and Talen have to be my favourite characters, but there are so many awesome people to choose from. All of them have their moment to shine, and I think that's one of the things that makes Eddings' writing so compelling. No one is unimportant in his world.
I really liked the way old conflicts were finally resolved and how more was revealed about the faiths and the gods.
There was, of course, sadness in the book and many conflicts, but Eddings managed to rise above it all and he carried us through to the end of the book.
Flute and Talen have to be my favourite characters, but there are so many awesome people to choose from. All of them have their moment to shine, and I think that's one of the things that makes Eddings' writing so compelling. No one is unimportant in his world.
I really liked the way old conflicts were finally resolved and how more was revealed about the faiths and the gods.
June 25, 2022
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reread June 2022: That was a nice end to the series. The pacing improved dramatically and there were almost no slow spots. Yet again I had misremembered a couple of minor points. It's always interesting how upon reread I can see the foundation laid for the follow up series.
Reread June 2022: That was a nice end to the series. The pacing improved dramatically and there were almost no slow spots. Yet again I had misremembered a couple of minor points. It's always interesting how upon reread I can see the foundation laid for the follow up series.
June 3, 2022
5 stars - Dutch hardcover/ English Ebook
The entire Elenium trilogy. of which this is book 3, is a terrific example of fantasy by a master of storey telling. In my view, it is necessary to read the the entire trilogy to grasp how good the author is.
Having read the entire series some 30 years ago, it still has a magical entertainment. I am some what surprised that no film maker has considered bringing to the screen. Hint hint Hollywood or a series Netflix!
The entire Elenium trilogy. of which this is book 3, is a terrific example of fantasy by a master of storey telling. In my view, it is necessary to read the the entire trilogy to grasp how good the author is.
Having read the entire series some 30 years ago, it still has a magical entertainment. I am some what surprised that no film maker has considered bringing to the screen. Hint hint Hollywood or a series Netflix!
March 17, 2010
Well, yay textbook mediaeval warfare! Jane-Rhea caught me laughing out loud when I got to the point where (not really a spoiler, this) they were being right well besieged in Rome that warm-temperate city with all the basillicas and popes and things and thinking themselves very clever to have manned the walls against the inept enemies...I was thinking 'ang on, even if they don't need a Roman sewer system because of the cleaning wizards, if the Vatican citadel doesn't have overground water supply it'll have lined irrigation tunnels separate from but linked to all those crypts you're sitting on... when one of the characters rushed in the next line I read going "Sparhawk! Sparhawk! Martel's going to lead an army up the aqueduct that links to the old crypt tunnels!" ecksdee
Anyway, apparently Martel's pet shogg (did I miss that getting killed, or did it just vanish?) ate the bit of his brain that knew all the interesting tricks of siege warfare and gave him an irrational aversion to trebuchets. I mean, if you're going to forest-build rather than flatpack, why build mangonels when you could have a trebuchet? (mute the sound on that one.) On that note, a tip: if you have a fair amount of wood, it's dry, you have a good supply of flour from many captured mills and the enemy are being all oblivious to the fact that their cellars are leaky in a leaking-dudes-in-chainmail kind of way, blow them the hell up.
There was also the most bemusing attempt to bring a human interest/sympathy to a siege, wherein a local soldier watches a civilian dragged into an alleyway by a mercenary. Presumably he thinks the mercenary meant to feed her tea and cakes back there, because despite being encouraged to use the roving mercs outside the citadel walls for target practice he leaves the guy well alone until he twigs that the screams must mean the guy's bad at baking or something and shoots him as soon as he leaves the alleyway, abruptly all worked up. The hell, Eddings?
All in all some very odd ideas about women expressed in this book in general, and the creepiest, creepiest hero-gets-the-girl ever. Seriously.
That aside, worth reading for the return of the only horse character that isn't mechanical/presumably stupefied on plotoles, Bevier's crowning moment of psychotic Awesome (in hindsight, whilst it'd be a far more interesting story to give the poor boy a complete trial of faith by fire, no Albigensian similie intended, sending him off for coffee at all the moments where other gods turned up rather undeniably was a good idea for the lighthearted adventure story Eddings PBUH was trying to tell), redundant zombies and spectacular lack of planning, death by retirement and the most *adorable* True Form of an Elder God ever. The teeny little tentacles! [squee:]
Verily a worthwhile experiment. Like those pink wafer biscuits, a bit dry and less novel after the second one, but I wouldn't say no to another.
Anyway, apparently Martel's pet shogg (did I miss that getting killed, or did it just vanish?) ate the bit of his brain that knew all the interesting tricks of siege warfare and gave him an irrational aversion to trebuchets. I mean, if you're going to forest-build rather than flatpack, why build mangonels when you could have a trebuchet? (mute the sound on that one.) On that note, a tip: if you have a fair amount of wood, it's dry, you have a good supply of flour from many captured mills and the enemy are being all oblivious to the fact that their cellars are leaky in a leaking-dudes-in-chainmail kind of way, blow them the hell up.
There was also the most bemusing attempt to bring a human interest/sympathy to a siege, wherein a local soldier watches a civilian dragged into an alleyway by a mercenary. Presumably he thinks the mercenary meant to feed her tea and cakes back there, because despite being encouraged to use the roving mercs outside the citadel walls for target practice he leaves the guy well alone until he twigs that the screams must mean the guy's bad at baking or something and shoots him as soon as he leaves the alleyway, abruptly all worked up. The hell, Eddings?
All in all some very odd ideas about women expressed in this book in general, and the creepiest, creepiest hero-gets-the-girl ever. Seriously.
That aside, worth reading for the return of the only horse character that isn't mechanical/presumably stupefied on plotoles, Bevier's crowning moment of psychotic Awesome (in hindsight, whilst it'd be a far more interesting story to give the poor boy a complete trial of faith by fire, no Albigensian similie intended, sending him off for coffee at all the moments where other gods turned up rather undeniably was a good idea for the lighthearted adventure story Eddings PBUH was trying to tell), redundant zombies and spectacular lack of planning, death by retirement and the most *adorable* True Form of an Elder God ever. The teeny little tentacles! [squee:]
Verily a worthwhile experiment. Like those pink wafer biscuits, a bit dry and less novel after the second one, but I wouldn't say no to another.
March 21, 2016
Things I loved about the Elenium trilogy were the characters and their relationships. As in every book of Eddings I have read so far, the characters each have their own, distinct personality that distinguishes them from the others, but they are almost all likable in a way. The characters in the Elenium are less stereotypical than the ones in the Belgariad, which is also a positive point in my opinion, even though I didn't mind it too much in the Belgariad. Some of the villains are still just evil because they are simply evil, but some of them had layers this time, too. Sparhawk himself, as well as Talen, Sephrenia, and Flute, were favourites of mine.
As for the character relationships - some were predictable, but not in a way that annoyed me, and others were quite surprising. I'll again mention Flute here for reasons that will be obvious once you have read this book. There were some romantic relationships, but I also really liked the portrayal of the friendships between the knights and the parent-childlike relationships between some of the other characters.
The plot is not particularly strong, although I do still have a weakness for quest stories. That aspect of the plot was good. The story in itself is a little thin, but again, not to the point where I minded very much because everything else was worked out so well. The descriptions of people and places were sometimes a little too long and dry, causing me to skim over them rather than read them attentively, which disrupted the flow of the story a little.
One thing I noticed about this series compared to the Belgariad and the Malloreon that I didn't like as much was the violence. Of course there will be violence in epic fantasy stories and I don't mind that at all. I was rooting for the good guys in their quest and their fights with the bad guys and the fights were sometimes interesting to read, too. However, what bothered me was the sometimes almost indifferent attitude of the main characters (who are generally good, noble, and likable characters) towards matters such as the murder of innocent men (as opposed to the 'real' bad guys) or the rape of women. In some cases, their distaste for such things was shown; but in others, they seemed to hardly care or at the very least dismiss it under the guise of things needing to happen for the greater good or things being normal in times of war. Those latter cases didn't sit well with me.
Overall, the Elenium is a very good series that held my interest and drew me into the painted world with its cities, landscapes, and characters, with all their problems and relationships. There were some things that bothered me or that I didn't like as much, but that generally didn't disrupt my enjoyment of the story. I do think I will be reading more from Eddings.
As for the character relationships - some were predictable, but not in a way that annoyed me, and others were quite surprising. I'll again mention Flute here for reasons that will be obvious once you have read this book. There were some romantic relationships, but I also really liked the portrayal of the friendships between the knights and the parent-childlike relationships between some of the other characters.
The plot is not particularly strong, although I do still have a weakness for quest stories. That aspect of the plot was good. The story in itself is a little thin, but again, not to the point where I minded very much because everything else was worked out so well. The descriptions of people and places were sometimes a little too long and dry, causing me to skim over them rather than read them attentively, which disrupted the flow of the story a little.
One thing I noticed about this series compared to the Belgariad and the Malloreon that I didn't like as much was the violence. Of course there will be violence in epic fantasy stories and I don't mind that at all. I was rooting for the good guys in their quest and their fights with the bad guys and the fights were sometimes interesting to read, too. However, what bothered me was the sometimes almost indifferent attitude of the main characters (who are generally good, noble, and likable characters) towards matters such as the murder of innocent men (as opposed to the 'real' bad guys) or the rape of women. In some cases, their distaste for such things was shown; but in others, they seemed to hardly care or at the very least dismiss it under the guise of things needing to happen for the greater good or things being normal in times of war. Those latter cases didn't sit well with me.
Overall, the Elenium is a very good series that held my interest and drew me into the painted world with its cities, landscapes, and characters, with all their problems and relationships. There were some things that bothered me or that I didn't like as much, but that generally didn't disrupt my enjoyment of the story. I do think I will be reading more from Eddings.
September 5, 2021
OK, I said, in my review for THE DIAMOND THRONE, that I'd talk about the relationship in my review for this book, and why it's so EEEK. In case you haven't guessed from my comment in the other reviews, the relationship is between Ehlana and Sparhawk. There are two main reasons why this is troubling - the first is the age difference, and the second the power dynamics.
We never get a firm mention of Sparhawk's age, but we do have clues. He was a trained warrior more than ten years before the start of THE DIAMOND THRONE, when he was given responsibility for educating Ehlana (more on THAT later.) He was admired and all that, so he couldn't have been newly knighted at the time because he wouldn't have had such a towering reputation. He also talks about stiffness and old injuries in a way that feels very middle aged at least. Of course, in his society, people probably live a bit shorter, and badly healed at the time wounds probably ache more than the things we're more used to now. However, he's still a significant age. Most estimates I've seen put him in his late 30s.
The books are very clear about Ehlana's age; she's 18 in THE DIAMOND THRONE. That is a sizeable age difference, with him twice her age AT BEST. That's really not a good thing for a relationship when one is only just not a minor. ("But she's very mature" is NOT an argument I give any credence too. HE still thinks of her using child-like language until they get married, which is very much not good.)
Then there's the matter of him having been her teacher when she was little (at least between the ages of 6 and 8, when he was banished.) The books pass this off as "look, you raised your own wife; it's your own fault you can't escape her determination to marry you. Haha." That's really not great, again.
It comes down to power, basically. He was a teacher, willing or otherwise, which is a position of authority and trust. There is a reason teachers who have relationships with students get fired, and often banned from teaching. It is an abuse of that position to go beyond the clear bounds of teacherly authority with someone who is young and vulnerable.
Yes, she's grown up now, and she's the one who decides they're going to married, using her power as queen to ensure it, etc, but that doesn't erase that she made that decision as a vulnerable child. He puts up a token resistance, but he has so much influence over her because of the way he brought her up. They should have been made closer in age, and without that teacher-student dynamic to start it all off, as it's just bad on so many levels.
(As an aside, she is a not bad representation of a strong woman who doesn't fight and uses sexist expectations as a tool to get her own way by pretending weakness etc, though she also falls into stereotypes at times.)
That said, this is my favourite book of the trilogy by far (and I love the first book.) It's also quite obvious in what I write the effect this book has had on me. It all comes down to the Chyrellos section, which takes up about half the book. This is where all the religious politics of the first two books comes together into the election sequences and siege.
It's so much fun, and so rewarding to see everything pay off. I love all the politicking around who will get the archprelate's throne, with the numbers of the votes and how it kept changing with every person added or removed from the game. It's political fantasy done so well, and the way it ends makes me grin every time.
We then, of course, have the final leg of the quest and the show down with the big bad - the more traditional part of the book. There's a big battle, actual cost to it all, and I loved the way there are long-reaching consequences afterward. So often, the world is saved and everything is happily ever after. This book often mentions the enormous cost of the previous big battle (well back in history), and fulfils the implicit promise there about the consequences after the next.
I'm sad to come to the end of this series, but I'm glad there's a sequel/companion series set in this world, following the same characters. I will start on with that soon!
We never get a firm mention of Sparhawk's age, but we do have clues. He was a trained warrior more than ten years before the start of THE DIAMOND THRONE, when he was given responsibility for educating Ehlana (more on THAT later.) He was admired and all that, so he couldn't have been newly knighted at the time because he wouldn't have had such a towering reputation. He also talks about stiffness and old injuries in a way that feels very middle aged at least. Of course, in his society, people probably live a bit shorter, and badly healed at the time wounds probably ache more than the things we're more used to now. However, he's still a significant age. Most estimates I've seen put him in his late 30s.
The books are very clear about Ehlana's age; she's 18 in THE DIAMOND THRONE. That is a sizeable age difference, with him twice her age AT BEST. That's really not a good thing for a relationship when one is only just not a minor. ("But she's very mature" is NOT an argument I give any credence too. HE still thinks of her using child-like language until they get married, which is very much not good.)
Then there's the matter of him having been her teacher when she was little (at least between the ages of 6 and 8, when he was banished.) The books pass this off as "look, you raised your own wife; it's your own fault you can't escape her determination to marry you. Haha." That's really not great, again.
It comes down to power, basically. He was a teacher, willing or otherwise, which is a position of authority and trust. There is a reason teachers who have relationships with students get fired, and often banned from teaching. It is an abuse of that position to go beyond the clear bounds of teacherly authority with someone who is young and vulnerable.
Yes, she's grown up now, and she's the one who decides they're going to married, using her power as queen to ensure it, etc, but that doesn't erase that she made that decision as a vulnerable child. He puts up a token resistance, but he has so much influence over her because of the way he brought her up. They should have been made closer in age, and without that teacher-student dynamic to start it all off, as it's just bad on so many levels.
(As an aside, she is a not bad representation of a strong woman who doesn't fight and uses sexist expectations as a tool to get her own way by pretending weakness etc, though she also falls into stereotypes at times.)
That said, this is my favourite book of the trilogy by far (and I love the first book.) It's also quite obvious in what I write the effect this book has had on me. It all comes down to the Chyrellos section, which takes up about half the book. This is where all the religious politics of the first two books comes together into the election sequences and siege.
It's so much fun, and so rewarding to see everything pay off. I love all the politicking around who will get the archprelate's throne, with the numbers of the votes and how it kept changing with every person added or removed from the game. It's political fantasy done so well, and the way it ends makes me grin every time.
We then, of course, have the final leg of the quest and the show down with the big bad - the more traditional part of the book. There's a big battle, actual cost to it all, and I loved the way there are long-reaching consequences afterward. So often, the world is saved and everything is happily ever after. This book often mentions the enormous cost of the previous big battle (well back in history), and fulfils the implicit promise there about the consequences after the next.
I'm sad to come to the end of this series, but I'm glad there's a sequel/companion series set in this world, following the same characters. I will start on with that soon!
January 8, 2015
The Sapphire Rose is the third part in the Elenium and sees our heroes moving on from the events in The Ruby Knight as they endeavour to conquer and defeat the Elder God Azash, minions and various people it is ruling!:D
As you expect from the previous books the characters are all three-dimensional and fallible at the same time they are clearly, the ones on the good side at least, heroic with some of the rivals on the other side at least showing that they at some point have potential for good but at the same time this does not stop our characters from doing what needs to be done, even with body parts flying about, which does add a kind of literal visceral feel to the proceedings especially in the later part of the novel! :D
As the story progresses towards the final confrontation you can certainly feel the tension as it builds up as the enemy tries to work at Sparhawk's followers and the way that Flute comes to the rescue is extremely endearing and you will find yourself cheering her along with the other characters! :D The final confrontation with both Martel and Azash is also handled in a heroic fashion with Martel's end and Sephrenia being there gives the book a great tone that leads to a more lighter to feel to that part of the book they may otherwise be the case! :D
Throughout the book there is a lot of humour as has been seen the others! :D The election scenes where they are vote counting and passing backwards and forwards blank pieces of paper to upset the opposition as well as other nefarious tactics make you wish you can use the meetings as well! :D The scenes with Ehlana never fail to have you almost guessing as much the audience in the book about what she is going to do! :D She is most easily described as a force of nature as you certainly shows that in every scene that she is in! :D Whenever the character of Flute a.k.a. Aphrael in disguise appears she totally steals the scenes that she is in and when she becomes the daughter of Sparhawk and Ehlana this also adds a lot of humour to things especially when Ehlana suggests that Flute and Aphrael would make excellent playmates! :D
The Elenium as a whole is summed up in Sapphire Rose is a classic sword and magic and adventure that is exactly what it says on the tin, which is a fast-paced heroic quest against evil and its vanquishment and pulls no punches in its depiction of events! :D Characters throughout our highly motivated both on the good side and their opposition which leads to a serious case of frenetic activity almost every page that is broken up with great character moments, humour, daring do, weddings, blatant thievery, grim chins and about everything short the kitchen sink that can be stuffed in! :D In short brilliant fast-paced and highly recommended! :D
As you expect from the previous books the characters are all three-dimensional and fallible at the same time they are clearly, the ones on the good side at least, heroic with some of the rivals on the other side at least showing that they at some point have potential for good but at the same time this does not stop our characters from doing what needs to be done, even with body parts flying about, which does add a kind of literal visceral feel to the proceedings especially in the later part of the novel! :D
As the story progresses towards the final confrontation you can certainly feel the tension as it builds up as the enemy tries to work at Sparhawk's followers and the way that Flute comes to the rescue is extremely endearing and you will find yourself cheering her along with the other characters! :D The final confrontation with both Martel and Azash is also handled in a heroic fashion with Martel's end and Sephrenia being there gives the book a great tone that leads to a more lighter to feel to that part of the book they may otherwise be the case! :D
Throughout the book there is a lot of humour as has been seen the others! :D The election scenes where they are vote counting and passing backwards and forwards blank pieces of paper to upset the opposition as well as other nefarious tactics make you wish you can use the meetings as well! :D The scenes with Ehlana never fail to have you almost guessing as much the audience in the book about what she is going to do! :D She is most easily described as a force of nature as you certainly shows that in every scene that she is in! :D Whenever the character of Flute a.k.a. Aphrael in disguise appears she totally steals the scenes that she is in and when she becomes the daughter of Sparhawk and Ehlana this also adds a lot of humour to things especially when Ehlana suggests that Flute and Aphrael would make excellent playmates! :D
The Elenium as a whole is summed up in Sapphire Rose is a classic sword and magic and adventure that is exactly what it says on the tin, which is a fast-paced heroic quest against evil and its vanquishment and pulls no punches in its depiction of events! :D Characters throughout our highly motivated both on the good side and their opposition which leads to a serious case of frenetic activity almost every page that is broken up with great character moments, humour, daring do, weddings, blatant thievery, grim chins and about everything short the kitchen sink that can be stuffed in! :D In short brilliant fast-paced and highly recommended! :D
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2022
Svět Elénia prý údajně vznikal asi pět týdnů. A než ho začneme škatulkovat jako klišé, chyťme se trošku za nos. Eddings, i když to tak úplně nemusí vypadat, své doby taky trošku vystupoval. Odmítl tolik oblíbené trpaslíky a elfy a nahradil je rytířskou ctností a hierarchií. Ano, máme tu vzorce postav a pravděpodobně taky víme, jak to dopadne už od prvního dílu, ale ten prostředek, to než tam dojdeme … Ta hloubka Sparhawka, načrtnutá mezi řádky, trefnej humor, přátelský svazky. To pevně stojí už tři desetiletí.
A jestli tohle není láska, tak už nevím,
což,
sousede?
A jestli tohle není láska, tak už nevím,
což,
sousede?
June 11, 2012
It was excelent until the last few chapters. When Kurik died, it was a heart-wrenching moment for me. (I spent the next 20 minutes crying and saying "Why, why, why did Kurik half to die?" Kurik was my favorite.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2014
EDDINGS RE-READ: The Sapphire Rose, BOOK THREE OF THE ELENIUM
Because we just don’t have enough to do, Alex, Joanne and I have decided to re-read The Elenium and The Tamuli trilogies by David (and Leigh) Eddings, and – partly to justify that, partly because it’s fun to compare notes – we’re blogging a conversation about each book. We respond to each other in the post itself, but you can find Tehani’s post over here and Jo’s post here if you’d like to read the conversation going on in the comments. Also, there are spoilers!
ALEX:
Almost the very first page of this book has an Author’s Note, which says that the wife wants to write the dedication. And “since she’s responsible for much of the work,” he’s going to let her. Why don’t you just acknowledge the co-authorship, DUDE?
JO:
I don’t see the ‘David Eddings’ on the covers any more. In my mind, it’s ‘David and Leigh’ :)
TEHANI:
Of course, when I first read these I had no idea, but since finding out, it’s been an annoyance every time I picked up one of the books.
Also, I think this is the first of the books where we see a really intrusive breaking of the fourth wall by the author/s? For example:
The appearance of the detachment at the gate was, in Preceptor – ah, shall we say instead Patriarch – Darellon’s words, disgraceful. (p. 155 of my version).
ALEX:
The descriptions of Ehlana, who gets cured of the poison in this book, are beyond horrid. There’s “overpowering femininity,” and women being “notoriously adept” at recognising things like a ring being an engagement ring (did I miss that seminar? How DO you tell that a ring is an engagement ring? How do I know whether I’ve been stooged?). Ehlana is unbearable smug about “netting” Sparhawk. I will admit that the point about wavering between wanting to flaunt her “womanly attributes” and wanting to hide them is fair – and even perceptive – but it’s surrounded by so much URGH. And I’d like to say that I, for one, am glad that Sparhawk tried to get out of their marriage. I know that 17 years’ difference doesn’t HAVE to be a barrier, but there is SUCH a difference between the two of them.
TEHANI:
By the end of this book, I was starting to get an uncomfortable feeling about the number of very young girls who become obsessed with older men. And Aphrael’s manipulation with kisses is most disturbing!
JO:
Oh yes that’s definitely a thing in these books.
ALEX:
urgh.
JO:
And we meet Mirtai! Isn’t she an interesting character? Super-strong, super-warrior who is quite happy to be a slave. In fact, she insists on it.
TEHANI:
Mirtai is such a contradiction! Not always deliberately on the author’s part, I think… This bit really got up my nose on this reread though:
Mirtai’s skin had a peculiarly exotic bronze tinge to it, and her braided hair was glossy black. In a woman of normal size, her features would have been considered beautiful, and her dark eyes, slightly upturned at the corners, ravishing. Mirtai, however, was not of normal size. (p. 324 of my version)
SO. MUCH. WRONG. To begin, what the heck is “normal size”? And the “exotic” bronze tinge of skin and “slightly upturned eyes”? ARGH!
JO:
I should probably leave this discussion for Domes of Fire, because there’s not much Mirtai in The Sapphire Rose.
ALEX:
Jo – indeed – but yes, that exoticising is repellant. And the whole ‘normal size’ thing makes me cross-eyed.
In the last book there was the issue of being ‘misshapen’. I couldn’t help but notice that in this one, when the Pandions are being domineering of the Elenian council, there’s the pederast Baron and Lenda and “the fat man”. Does the fat man ever get named? Fat isn’t entirely an evil thing like deformity is, in these books – Platime is fat but approaches genius-ness on the council, Patriarch Emban is very clever, and both of them are good – but it’s still always mentioned. There’s barely a reference to Emban without mention of his belly. And he uses that sometimes – to defuse tension, for instance – but I’m still not entirely comfortable with it.
TEHANI:
That’s interesting though, because both Platime and Emban are important, good characters – not presented as useless or bad people, and so I guess I read that as subverting the trope? Although there is Otha…
JO:
Even though Platime and Emban are good and important characters, their ‘fatness’ is mentioned a lot. Like it’s a personality trait.
TEHANI:
Very true.
ALEX:
Speaking of the council, I would like to declare my sympathy for Lycheas. He’s a dimwit and a pawn, but surely he deserves sympathy.
TEHANI:
Oh, I disagree! He’s not very bright and he’s been led astray I accept, but I think he knew he was doing wrong, and there were times he could have chosen another path. He was as hungry for power as the rest of them!
ALEX:
Hmm. Perhaps. How much choice did he have with a mother like that probably poisoning him from the start? (If we accept the premise of the story.) … oh wait, does that shoot my theory down, at least somewhat, given that is probably exactly the reason why he’s hungry for power? Dang.
JO:
I think the Eddings set him up to be disliked, and he simply has no say in the matter. He’s always portrayed as snivelling and pathetic and stupid. He may or may not be hungry for power, it doesn’t matter. He’s there to be a lesser baddy that everyone can look down on and routinely threaten to kill.
ALEX:
You’re saying he’s just a narrative device? SAY IT AINT SO.
A rather chilling part of this novel is the utter lack of regard for the civilians in Chyrellos, during the siege. It was really quite unpleasant reading.
JO:
I find the siege so boring I have to say that never really bothered me. The scene that does stick in my mind is when Sparhawk and an unnamed soldier witness a woman dragged into an alley and quite obviously raped (though thankfully off camera). The soldier, crying because she ‘could have been his sister’ shoots the rapist. But then the woman staggers out of the alley, sees her not-quite-dead rapist, takes his dagger and violently finishes the job and steals his loot. The soldier ‘retches’ and Sparhawk says “Nobody’s very civilised in those circumstances”.
This scene was always a WTF moment for me. When you consider Sparhawk’s career, what about her actions make them ‘uncivilised’, exactly? He does much worse things to people and is rewarded for them! Is it because she’s a woman? Or because she’s not a Church Knight and it’s okay when they do it. Or because she took the loot? I mean, seriously…?
ALEX:
Yes!! This!! I was so ANGRY at that reaction from the men – who are safe on so many levels from this sort of thing – getting all uppity about her taking revenge. I don’t like her doing it either, but I don’t like the initial rape even more.
I cried at Kurik’s funeral. Not at his death – that all happened too fast, I think – but when I got to the funeral…well, I was glad to be by myself. However, I am still suspicious of the idea of Aslade being quite so accommodating of Elys.
JO:
Kurik *sniff* :(
TEHANI:
And you know, none of that business really makes sense. Kurik is portrayed as steadfast, loyal, moral and really quite upright (even uptight?), so the fact he cheated on Aslade (and their four sons, essentially) is, well, just a bit weird. It was a useful way to have Talen important to the group, I guess, but the character path is very odd.
ALEX:
YES. Also it makes adultery completely fine, which… I know there are other ways of doing relationships than ‘conventional’ monogamy, etc etc, but not within THIS world’s framework – everyone else who does that is regarded severely. Whereas Sparhawk etc are all, “dude, no worries! Everyone sleeps around sometime, the wimmens is so attractive we can’t help it!”
JO:
YES from me too. Never felt right to me for exactly those reasons.
TEHANI:
I do like the way the Kurik’s sons talk about their “mothers” in the later books though. That said, remembering I read the Tamuli trilogy first, I was quite certain Aslade and Elys had been both married to Kurik, the way they are referred to there!
JO:
Heh yes. I can imagine. Although I was always proud of Aslade and Elys for being able to put aside their potential conflict and just get on with life. So often the relationships between women are portrayed as bitchy, jealous, spiteful things. And usually its over the attention of a man. So I appreciate that they went down the opposite path.
Actually, in the Tamuli there are a lot more examples of strong female friendship too.
TEHANI:
Some more perpetuation of stereotypes here, too. In this case, the temper of the red-head:
In Delada’s case all the cliches about red-haired people seemed to apply. (p. 282 of my version).
JO:
Yeah I thought they got a little carried away with that!
TEHANI:
And what the heck is this bit of elitism? Stragen says, Whores and thieves aren’t really very stimulating companions… (p. 410 of my version). Um, well Talen and Platime AND HIMSELF are thieves and all presented as quite stimulating! The whores get a poorer presentation, but still!
ALEX:
That bit also made me very cranky. Again with the superior attitude.
TEHANI:
And this awful bit of Ehlana characterisation:
“Would you all mind too terribly much?” Ehlana asked them in a little-girl sort of voice.
YUCK! The woman is a queen, and fully in command of herself and the power she wields, yet she resorts to that (for no reason, anyway!)?! No! We talked a bit about this in one of the earlier reviews, how the women themselves are supposed to be powerful, and there are quite a lot of them, which is nice, but the actual presentation of them really undermines this at times.
JO:
Yes! This is what’s been irritating me the whole time, and it only gets worse as the series goes on. Doesn’t matter how strong a woman is, she still resorts to hissy fits and theatrics or childishness to either get what she wants, or basically keep control of the ‘relationship’. Even Sephrenia does it in the later books! It just feels to me like the books believe that deep down, women are irrational children. OR that they will resort to acting like them as a way of keeping their men in line.
JO:
Am I the only one who finds Ehlana’s speech to the council a little…difficult to believe. All these supposedly hardened politicians/Patriarchs completely suckered in by her ‘divinely inspired’ speech? Just because she’s pretty, or something? And because she ‘fainted’?
TEHANI:
I have such a different view of the Patriarchs to you! I always read ANY of those political gatherings as being a bunch of little boys just grabbing for power, none of the “hardened” politicians at all! In fact, Eddings seems to have very little respect for political systems at all. They’re all corrupt or useless!
ALEX:
I don’t think they’re MEANT to look like that, but they sometimes do – and it’s another thing that annoys me about the Eddings portrayal of religion, because it’s JUST another instance of politics and again there’s so much uselessness and cunning and unpleasantness. Also, Ehlana manipulates them, and I think it manages to make her look silly – conniving and dangerous with the using feminine things in dangerous ways – AND it makes the Patriarchs look silly for falling for such obvious, feminine strategies. Way to go for insulting two groups there!
JO:
Last time I said that I found The Ruby Knight a lot faster-paced and more enjoyable than I remembered. I have to say the opposite for The Sapphire Rose. Oh god I was so sick of the siege by the time it ended, and it seemed to take forever to get to Zemoch. It felt like so much padding. Just destroy Azash already!
TEHANI:
Some excellent examples of Faran the human horse again:
Faran made a special point of grinding his steel-shod hooves into a number of very sensitive places on the officer’s body.
“Feel better now?” Sparhawk asked his horse.
Faran nickered wickedly. (p. 155 my version)
JO:
I could summarise the plot again but you probably don’t want me to do that this time!
They cure Ehlana. She’s all grown up now and in love with Sparhawk. They ‘accidently’ get engaged. Off to Chyrellos to stop Annias being elected Archprelate. There’s a siege which goes on forever. Then Wargun and Ehlana turn up and the siege is over. Ehlana and Sparhawk get married. They go to Zemoch with Bhelloim to kill Azash. It takes forever. They get to Zemoch. Kurik dies. Martel dies. Otha and Annias die. Azash dies. Lycheas dies. Arissa kills herself. They return to Cimmura. Everything’s peaceful, but kinda crappy, because the gods are shell-shocked by Azash’s death. Danae happens. Eventually, Aphrael and everyone go on holidays and spring returns.
ALEX:
Nice work there, Jo. I would add: Sparhawk and Ehlana get married in the same way that a person might buy a horse; Martel dies but everyone’s real sad, because actually he was decent and just led astray, y’know? And “Danae happens” means that a goddess is incarnate in a different racial family and that’s really kinda cool.
JO:
Heh, that’s awesome.
TEHANI:
Well, we’ve picked a lot of nits in the Elenium books, but final verdict on the first three? For me, I have to admit I still thoroughly enjoyed reading them, with grins and tears throughout, and the comfy blanket feeling of an old favourite that still (mostly) holds up. Although there were definitely a lot more grimaces at the rough patches than when I was younger!
ALEX:
I think I feel basically the same as you, Tehani. It really is a warm comfy blanket… with moth holes and a few scratchy bits… but a lot of love and memories holding it together.
JO:
Couldn’t agree more! I might snipe at them, but I still love these books and rereading them has been thoroughly comforting. It also reminds me what I love about reading and writing in the first place. It’s just so much fun!
Because we just don’t have enough to do, Alex, Joanne and I have decided to re-read The Elenium and The Tamuli trilogies by David (and Leigh) Eddings, and – partly to justify that, partly because it’s fun to compare notes – we’re blogging a conversation about each book. We respond to each other in the post itself, but you can find Tehani’s post over here and Jo’s post here if you’d like to read the conversation going on in the comments. Also, there are spoilers!
ALEX:
Almost the very first page of this book has an Author’s Note, which says that the wife wants to write the dedication. And “since she’s responsible for much of the work,” he’s going to let her. Why don’t you just acknowledge the co-authorship, DUDE?
JO:
I don’t see the ‘David Eddings’ on the covers any more. In my mind, it’s ‘David and Leigh’ :)
TEHANI:
Of course, when I first read these I had no idea, but since finding out, it’s been an annoyance every time I picked up one of the books.
Also, I think this is the first of the books where we see a really intrusive breaking of the fourth wall by the author/s? For example:
The appearance of the detachment at the gate was, in Preceptor – ah, shall we say instead Patriarch – Darellon’s words, disgraceful. (p. 155 of my version).
ALEX:
The descriptions of Ehlana, who gets cured of the poison in this book, are beyond horrid. There’s “overpowering femininity,” and women being “notoriously adept” at recognising things like a ring being an engagement ring (did I miss that seminar? How DO you tell that a ring is an engagement ring? How do I know whether I’ve been stooged?). Ehlana is unbearable smug about “netting” Sparhawk. I will admit that the point about wavering between wanting to flaunt her “womanly attributes” and wanting to hide them is fair – and even perceptive – but it’s surrounded by so much URGH. And I’d like to say that I, for one, am glad that Sparhawk tried to get out of their marriage. I know that 17 years’ difference doesn’t HAVE to be a barrier, but there is SUCH a difference between the two of them.
TEHANI:
By the end of this book, I was starting to get an uncomfortable feeling about the number of very young girls who become obsessed with older men. And Aphrael’s manipulation with kisses is most disturbing!
JO:
Oh yes that’s definitely a thing in these books.
ALEX:
urgh.
JO:
And we meet Mirtai! Isn’t she an interesting character? Super-strong, super-warrior who is quite happy to be a slave. In fact, she insists on it.
TEHANI:
Mirtai is such a contradiction! Not always deliberately on the author’s part, I think… This bit really got up my nose on this reread though:
Mirtai’s skin had a peculiarly exotic bronze tinge to it, and her braided hair was glossy black. In a woman of normal size, her features would have been considered beautiful, and her dark eyes, slightly upturned at the corners, ravishing. Mirtai, however, was not of normal size. (p. 324 of my version)
SO. MUCH. WRONG. To begin, what the heck is “normal size”? And the “exotic” bronze tinge of skin and “slightly upturned eyes”? ARGH!
JO:
I should probably leave this discussion for Domes of Fire, because there’s not much Mirtai in The Sapphire Rose.
ALEX:
Jo – indeed – but yes, that exoticising is repellant. And the whole ‘normal size’ thing makes me cross-eyed.
In the last book there was the issue of being ‘misshapen’. I couldn’t help but notice that in this one, when the Pandions are being domineering of the Elenian council, there’s the pederast Baron and Lenda and “the fat man”. Does the fat man ever get named? Fat isn’t entirely an evil thing like deformity is, in these books – Platime is fat but approaches genius-ness on the council, Patriarch Emban is very clever, and both of them are good – but it’s still always mentioned. There’s barely a reference to Emban without mention of his belly. And he uses that sometimes – to defuse tension, for instance – but I’m still not entirely comfortable with it.
TEHANI:
That’s interesting though, because both Platime and Emban are important, good characters – not presented as useless or bad people, and so I guess I read that as subverting the trope? Although there is Otha…
JO:
Even though Platime and Emban are good and important characters, their ‘fatness’ is mentioned a lot. Like it’s a personality trait.
TEHANI:
Very true.
ALEX:
Speaking of the council, I would like to declare my sympathy for Lycheas. He’s a dimwit and a pawn, but surely he deserves sympathy.
TEHANI:
Oh, I disagree! He’s not very bright and he’s been led astray I accept, but I think he knew he was doing wrong, and there were times he could have chosen another path. He was as hungry for power as the rest of them!
ALEX:
Hmm. Perhaps. How much choice did he have with a mother like that probably poisoning him from the start? (If we accept the premise of the story.) … oh wait, does that shoot my theory down, at least somewhat, given that is probably exactly the reason why he’s hungry for power? Dang.
JO:
I think the Eddings set him up to be disliked, and he simply has no say in the matter. He’s always portrayed as snivelling and pathetic and stupid. He may or may not be hungry for power, it doesn’t matter. He’s there to be a lesser baddy that everyone can look down on and routinely threaten to kill.
ALEX:
You’re saying he’s just a narrative device? SAY IT AINT SO.
A rather chilling part of this novel is the utter lack of regard for the civilians in Chyrellos, during the siege. It was really quite unpleasant reading.
JO:
I find the siege so boring I have to say that never really bothered me. The scene that does stick in my mind is when Sparhawk and an unnamed soldier witness a woman dragged into an alley and quite obviously raped (though thankfully off camera). The soldier, crying because she ‘could have been his sister’ shoots the rapist. But then the woman staggers out of the alley, sees her not-quite-dead rapist, takes his dagger and violently finishes the job and steals his loot. The soldier ‘retches’ and Sparhawk says “Nobody’s very civilised in those circumstances”.
This scene was always a WTF moment for me. When you consider Sparhawk’s career, what about her actions make them ‘uncivilised’, exactly? He does much worse things to people and is rewarded for them! Is it because she’s a woman? Or because she’s not a Church Knight and it’s okay when they do it. Or because she took the loot? I mean, seriously…?
ALEX:
Yes!! This!! I was so ANGRY at that reaction from the men – who are safe on so many levels from this sort of thing – getting all uppity about her taking revenge. I don’t like her doing it either, but I don’t like the initial rape even more.
I cried at Kurik’s funeral. Not at his death – that all happened too fast, I think – but when I got to the funeral…well, I was glad to be by myself. However, I am still suspicious of the idea of Aslade being quite so accommodating of Elys.
JO:
Kurik *sniff* :(
TEHANI:
And you know, none of that business really makes sense. Kurik is portrayed as steadfast, loyal, moral and really quite upright (even uptight?), so the fact he cheated on Aslade (and their four sons, essentially) is, well, just a bit weird. It was a useful way to have Talen important to the group, I guess, but the character path is very odd.
ALEX:
YES. Also it makes adultery completely fine, which… I know there are other ways of doing relationships than ‘conventional’ monogamy, etc etc, but not within THIS world’s framework – everyone else who does that is regarded severely. Whereas Sparhawk etc are all, “dude, no worries! Everyone sleeps around sometime, the wimmens is so attractive we can’t help it!”
JO:
YES from me too. Never felt right to me for exactly those reasons.
TEHANI:
I do like the way the Kurik’s sons talk about their “mothers” in the later books though. That said, remembering I read the Tamuli trilogy first, I was quite certain Aslade and Elys had been both married to Kurik, the way they are referred to there!
JO:
Heh yes. I can imagine. Although I was always proud of Aslade and Elys for being able to put aside their potential conflict and just get on with life. So often the relationships between women are portrayed as bitchy, jealous, spiteful things. And usually its over the attention of a man. So I appreciate that they went down the opposite path.
Actually, in the Tamuli there are a lot more examples of strong female friendship too.
TEHANI:
Some more perpetuation of stereotypes here, too. In this case, the temper of the red-head:
In Delada’s case all the cliches about red-haired people seemed to apply. (p. 282 of my version).
JO:
Yeah I thought they got a little carried away with that!
TEHANI:
And what the heck is this bit of elitism? Stragen says, Whores and thieves aren’t really very stimulating companions… (p. 410 of my version). Um, well Talen and Platime AND HIMSELF are thieves and all presented as quite stimulating! The whores get a poorer presentation, but still!
ALEX:
That bit also made me very cranky. Again with the superior attitude.
TEHANI:
And this awful bit of Ehlana characterisation:
“Would you all mind too terribly much?” Ehlana asked them in a little-girl sort of voice.
YUCK! The woman is a queen, and fully in command of herself and the power she wields, yet she resorts to that (for no reason, anyway!)?! No! We talked a bit about this in one of the earlier reviews, how the women themselves are supposed to be powerful, and there are quite a lot of them, which is nice, but the actual presentation of them really undermines this at times.
JO:
Yes! This is what’s been irritating me the whole time, and it only gets worse as the series goes on. Doesn’t matter how strong a woman is, she still resorts to hissy fits and theatrics or childishness to either get what she wants, or basically keep control of the ‘relationship’. Even Sephrenia does it in the later books! It just feels to me like the books believe that deep down, women are irrational children. OR that they will resort to acting like them as a way of keeping their men in line.
JO:
Am I the only one who finds Ehlana’s speech to the council a little…difficult to believe. All these supposedly hardened politicians/Patriarchs completely suckered in by her ‘divinely inspired’ speech? Just because she’s pretty, or something? And because she ‘fainted’?
TEHANI:
I have such a different view of the Patriarchs to you! I always read ANY of those political gatherings as being a bunch of little boys just grabbing for power, none of the “hardened” politicians at all! In fact, Eddings seems to have very little respect for political systems at all. They’re all corrupt or useless!
ALEX:
I don’t think they’re MEANT to look like that, but they sometimes do – and it’s another thing that annoys me about the Eddings portrayal of religion, because it’s JUST another instance of politics and again there’s so much uselessness and cunning and unpleasantness. Also, Ehlana manipulates them, and I think it manages to make her look silly – conniving and dangerous with the using feminine things in dangerous ways – AND it makes the Patriarchs look silly for falling for such obvious, feminine strategies. Way to go for insulting two groups there!
JO:
Last time I said that I found The Ruby Knight a lot faster-paced and more enjoyable than I remembered. I have to say the opposite for The Sapphire Rose. Oh god I was so sick of the siege by the time it ended, and it seemed to take forever to get to Zemoch. It felt like so much padding. Just destroy Azash already!
TEHANI:
Some excellent examples of Faran the human horse again:
Faran made a special point of grinding his steel-shod hooves into a number of very sensitive places on the officer’s body.
“Feel better now?” Sparhawk asked his horse.
Faran nickered wickedly. (p. 155 my version)
JO:
I could summarise the plot again but you probably don’t want me to do that this time!
They cure Ehlana. She’s all grown up now and in love with Sparhawk. They ‘accidently’ get engaged. Off to Chyrellos to stop Annias being elected Archprelate. There’s a siege which goes on forever. Then Wargun and Ehlana turn up and the siege is over. Ehlana and Sparhawk get married. They go to Zemoch with Bhelloim to kill Azash. It takes forever. They get to Zemoch. Kurik dies. Martel dies. Otha and Annias die. Azash dies. Lycheas dies. Arissa kills herself. They return to Cimmura. Everything’s peaceful, but kinda crappy, because the gods are shell-shocked by Azash’s death. Danae happens. Eventually, Aphrael and everyone go on holidays and spring returns.
ALEX:
Nice work there, Jo. I would add: Sparhawk and Ehlana get married in the same way that a person might buy a horse; Martel dies but everyone’s real sad, because actually he was decent and just led astray, y’know? And “Danae happens” means that a goddess is incarnate in a different racial family and that’s really kinda cool.
JO:
Heh, that’s awesome.
TEHANI:
Well, we’ve picked a lot of nits in the Elenium books, but final verdict on the first three? For me, I have to admit I still thoroughly enjoyed reading them, with grins and tears throughout, and the comfy blanket feeling of an old favourite that still (mostly) holds up. Although there were definitely a lot more grimaces at the rough patches than when I was younger!
ALEX:
I think I feel basically the same as you, Tehani. It really is a warm comfy blanket… with moth holes and a few scratchy bits… but a lot of love and memories holding it together.
JO:
Couldn’t agree more! I might snipe at them, but I still love these books and rereading them has been thoroughly comforting. It also reminds me what I love about reading and writing in the first place. It’s just so much fun!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2022
A broadly satisfying conclusion to the first trilogy, including some (fairly simple) church politicking, a pragmatic siege and a daring incursion to the temple of an evil god. There were some scenes that seemed a bit hammed-up (like the arch-villain singing the hero's praises in some inauthentic dialogue), but they were often balanced out by the main characters acting with a certain ruthlessness in others. The (comparatively) honorable villain died a (comparatively) honorable death, while the cowardly usurpers suffered terribly. In the end, the world still suffers, because it is not happily-ever-after, but the final note is nonetheless one of uplift and hope.
September 22, 2013
I'm going to go out on a limb here and describe my favourite book in the Elenium trilogy as if it were a prog rock musical of epic proportions because that's a lot what it feels like to read it. We'll start with a joyous sort of female chorus with lots of flutes(sic) because hurrah! Bhellion has woken and cured Ehlana. Both she, and her warrior giantess companion Mirtai, add a touch of much needed female impetus to this traditional Eddings' sausage-fest. Next up there's some ecclesiastical droning and some sort of medieval hymn medley because it's Let's-All-Choose-A-New-Archprelate-Time! Halfway through we get rudely interrupted by some industrial metal because Martel and his army of nutters have arrived. Naturally there is a bit of a battle. Then someone decides to relegate main soloist Ortzel to the chorus because he thinks magic, here represented by the synthesizer, should be banned and Dolmant gets promoted to head chorister instead. Which is fine. Dolmant is like the Brian Eno of the Eleniumverse. We follow this up with swathes of funeral doom as everyone gets very depressed about having to go and save the world, or possibly destroy it in the process. This is mostly the Troll Gods fault, so we can have some Korpiklaani or something playing in the background. Then there's that weird bit where they visit Aphrael and her white animal island, which I imagine would be sort of gentle and new-agey. Aphrael is represented by Miriam Stockley. Finally we reach the Temple of Azash, and frankly we're overdue for a half-hour long neo-progressive guitar based piece, all the while multi-limbed gods are ripping people's heads off, soldiers getting crushed to death in a labyrinth, fan favourites are getting laid off left, right and centre and Kalten steals two small cakes. Sparhawk touches the Bhelliom to Azash's non-penis (no, really) and there is a small tooting sound during which everything explodes. Sadly, we're back to funeral doom after this because this has all made everyone very sad. Again. Especially when Aphrael resurrects Kurik for an obscure trip to the seaside. Some sad sea shanties here I imagine. Luckily the young goddess and her magic hotel are on hand to cheer every one up. The End.
July 6, 2019
5 Stars
The Sapphire Rose is the third book in the Elenium series by David Eddings. Even though this is a three book series, it really reads like one book, so I will be reviewing the series as such.
As I have mentioned before, David Eddings has always been a favourite author of mine, having provided many hours of epic adventures for me to lose myself in- so his books are amongst my most memorable reads, if only for happy and sentimental reasons. One of my reading buddies, my brother from another mother, and I have been on a trip down memory lane reading books that captivated us through the years. We both refer to David Eddings as one of our favourite authors- so as part of our reading challenge for 2019 we added his collection of books to our challenge.
I have really enjoyed revisiting these books, as I have done several times throughout the years. In fact, I still remember the first time I lost myself in these stories, and I guess I will never tire of revisiting his adventures.
There is a lot more to this story than first meets the eye. With wonderful world building- it’s fast-paced and full of adventure, magic, spells, action, knights, and more- it is a light, easy, and very entertaining read.
The plot is similar to his other works, but different enough to keep things interesting. There’s never a dull moment as the characters are thrown from one difficult situation right into another.
The Elenium Series books are:
-The Diamond Throne (Book #1)
-The Ruby Knight (Book #2)
-The Sapphire Rose (Book #3)
Happy Reading!
The Sapphire Rose is the third book in the Elenium series by David Eddings. Even though this is a three book series, it really reads like one book, so I will be reviewing the series as such.
As I have mentioned before, David Eddings has always been a favourite author of mine, having provided many hours of epic adventures for me to lose myself in- so his books are amongst my most memorable reads, if only for happy and sentimental reasons. One of my reading buddies, my brother from another mother, and I have been on a trip down memory lane reading books that captivated us through the years. We both refer to David Eddings as one of our favourite authors- so as part of our reading challenge for 2019 we added his collection of books to our challenge.
I have really enjoyed revisiting these books, as I have done several times throughout the years. In fact, I still remember the first time I lost myself in these stories, and I guess I will never tire of revisiting his adventures.
There is a lot more to this story than first meets the eye. With wonderful world building- it’s fast-paced and full of adventure, magic, spells, action, knights, and more- it is a light, easy, and very entertaining read.
The plot is similar to his other works, but different enough to keep things interesting. There’s never a dull moment as the characters are thrown from one difficult situation right into another.
The Elenium Series books are:
-The Diamond Throne (Book #1)
-The Ruby Knight (Book #2)
-The Sapphire Rose (Book #3)
Happy Reading!
June 9, 2020
Another good story, and a satisfying end to the trilogy.
The narration of the audio book on the other hand, was once again terrible. At least he tried to keep it interesting by coming up with new and different ways to mess up the narration with each book. The odd pauses and inflections in inappropriate places made his sound like a discount William Shatner, and his continuous mispronunciation of even common every day words was grating to say the least. His insistence on pronouncing worship as warship had me picturing churches full of frigates and destroyers every time the story mentioned religious practices. which was on average once every page or two...
New for this particular volume was using the wrong voice for characters (men became women from time to time, and small children started speaking like gruff old knights).
I'm glad I got to finish the story, but seriously, do yourselves a favour and read this one in print. Seriously.
The narration of the audio book on the other hand, was once again terrible. At least he tried to keep it interesting by coming up with new and different ways to mess up the narration with each book. The odd pauses and inflections in inappropriate places made his sound like a discount William Shatner, and his continuous mispronunciation of even common every day words was grating to say the least. His insistence on pronouncing worship as warship had me picturing churches full of frigates and destroyers every time the story mentioned religious practices. which was on average once every page or two...
New for this particular volume was using the wrong voice for characters (men became women from time to time, and small children started speaking like gruff old knights).
I'm glad I got to finish the story, but seriously, do yourselves a favour and read this one in print. Seriously.
January 17, 2013
An okay read, but the 'romance' seemed a bit forced and undeveloped. While we do have gods jumping in to save things a few times there is a satisfying amount of human battles and efforts. As always, I really enjoy Eddings' humor the most and he keeps me chuckling rather regularly here. I think I'll take a break from him before the Tamuli though, else I might get utterly sick of his style.
July 14, 2012
I'm really disappointed with this last book. I still don't care for the characters that much. Especially not when you compare them to those in the Belgariad. There was entirely too much fighting. Frankly, this book could have been edited down to half it's size and been fine.
April 21, 2017
Cliched, but it's precisely what made it so accessible to someone like me, who's just dipping her toes in the fantasy genre; as an introductory series, I enjoyed it all in all.
January 15, 2019
Fantasy-lite.
Pretty uncomfortable with the whole ‘raise your own wife’ dynamic. And Ehlana’s manipulative behaviour regardless of Sparhawk’s wants/needs.
Pretty uncomfortable with the whole ‘raise your own wife’ dynamic. And Ehlana’s manipulative behaviour regardless of Sparhawk’s wants/needs.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2017
In THE SAPPHIRE ROSE, David Eddings tackles a subject that an alarmingly high number of fantasy authors steer clear of. He tackles the subject of loss.
SAPPHIRE ROSE carries over all the best qualities of the first and second books of Eddings' Elenium, and of his Garion novels. His characters care for one another and effortlessly create an air of optimism that, as I wrote in my review of Elenium #2, exudes fun. Because adventures are fun.
Adventures that see a group of heroes sally forth to challenge a god to determine the fate of the world also tend to be tragic. When the heroes of SAPPHIRE ROSE suffer a loss, Eddings does not shy away from it. The heroes wear it around their necks like a weight for the remainder of the story. Its presence does not make the adventure any less enjoyable. You will still have fun reading this novel. If anything, the loss strengthened my bond with Sir Sparhawk and his companions.
I hate death in popular media. Too often, death is a temporary setback. Characters die in a powerful way only to come back to life later—because publishers wanted to stir up drama to sell a few extra comics or hardcovers, or, in the case of characters returning, because the publisher twisted the author's arm to revive one or more characters to galvanize fans to buy the next issue or book to see how so-and-so rises from the dead.
I won't go so far as to say I shun such stories immediately. In many cases the return of a character led to a renaissance for that character, his or her or its companions, and the author or series in question. Still, the casualness with which popular culture kill and resurrects characters has always bothered to me. As a reader, I feel death less keenly if I've grown accustomed to the idea of it being just another bump in the road.
In SAPPHIRE ROSE, Sparhawk and his friends suffer a great loss. Unlike in Eddings' Belgariad, a dead hero does not come back to life. That worked for that story. Characters don't have to die to reinforce our bond with them. In this case, in this book, death is permanent, and I'm glad. Death should have consequences. If it doesn't, why think of characters as real people? Why bother caring at all?
One of the reasons Eddings' books are so beloved is because his characters become the readers' friends. That they genuinely like each other is obvious, and so it's easy for us to like them right back. That makes the loss of any of them all the more painful. They hurt, and because we love them, we hurt, too. We share the hurt. That's what friends do. They help you carry your burden, and you theirs.
SAPPHIRE ROSE carries over all the best qualities of the first and second books of Eddings' Elenium, and of his Garion novels. His characters care for one another and effortlessly create an air of optimism that, as I wrote in my review of Elenium #2, exudes fun. Because adventures are fun.
Adventures that see a group of heroes sally forth to challenge a god to determine the fate of the world also tend to be tragic. When the heroes of SAPPHIRE ROSE suffer a loss, Eddings does not shy away from it. The heroes wear it around their necks like a weight for the remainder of the story. Its presence does not make the adventure any less enjoyable. You will still have fun reading this novel. If anything, the loss strengthened my bond with Sir Sparhawk and his companions.
I hate death in popular media. Too often, death is a temporary setback. Characters die in a powerful way only to come back to life later—because publishers wanted to stir up drama to sell a few extra comics or hardcovers, or, in the case of characters returning, because the publisher twisted the author's arm to revive one or more characters to galvanize fans to buy the next issue or book to see how so-and-so rises from the dead.
I won't go so far as to say I shun such stories immediately. In many cases the return of a character led to a renaissance for that character, his or her or its companions, and the author or series in question. Still, the casualness with which popular culture kill and resurrects characters has always bothered to me. As a reader, I feel death less keenly if I've grown accustomed to the idea of it being just another bump in the road.
In SAPPHIRE ROSE, Sparhawk and his friends suffer a great loss. Unlike in Eddings' Belgariad, a dead hero does not come back to life. That worked for that story. Characters don't have to die to reinforce our bond with them. In this case, in this book, death is permanent, and I'm glad. Death should have consequences. If it doesn't, why think of characters as real people? Why bother caring at all?
One of the reasons Eddings' books are so beloved is because his characters become the readers' friends. That they genuinely like each other is obvious, and so it's easy for us to like them right back. That makes the loss of any of them all the more painful. They hurt, and because we love them, we hurt, too. We share the hurt. That's what friends do. They help you carry your burden, and you theirs.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 29, 2016
I'm very, very sorry this series had to end.
Just as I remembered from all those years ago when I read this series, it is an excellent read. The Sapphire Rose is a fine conclusion to the tale of Sparkhawk's epic quest to save his queen, and the world.
The problematic elements of this fantasy remain (Eurocentrism, namely), but they don't jump out at you immediately, such is the entertainment provided by this book (and series).
I remember a particular character's death hitting me very hard when I first read this book. I was in my pre-teens. I shut the book the moment I read it, went out to the living room where my mother was, and collapsed into her arms sobbing hysterically. I am very proud to report that I did not cry at the death this time around. Nor did I cry during the funeral scene. In public. While waiting for the bus.
One of those two statements is a lie.
All the humour and smartassness (new word. If Shakespeare could do it, so can I, damn it!) present in the previous books were also used to full effect here, providing so much snarky entertainment that even the weaker plot points didn't irritate me.
And this series is full of weak plot points, if I'm brutally honest. But it's just so damned entertaining that they don't really matter. Of the three, I feel that this one is the best. The politicking that was so prevalent in The Diamond Throne returns and is actually very fascinating, and the action is fantastic, well paced and the danger very much heightened.
Also, unlike the other books, the plans don't go as insanely well for Sparhawk and friends. They run into difficulties. They have problems functioning together. Someone dies.
*stifles a sob*
I cannot recommend this book and series enough. If you're tired of the usual depressing fantasy that has become so much in vogue of late (looking at you, George R.R. Martin) and you want an exciting read that will make you chuckle frequently, this is definitely the series for you.
What are you waiting for? Get reading!
Just as I remembered from all those years ago when I read this series, it is an excellent read. The Sapphire Rose is a fine conclusion to the tale of Sparkhawk's epic quest to save his queen, and the world.
The problematic elements of this fantasy remain (Eurocentrism, namely), but they don't jump out at you immediately, such is the entertainment provided by this book (and series).
I remember a particular character's death hitting me very hard when I first read this book. I was in my pre-teens. I shut the book the moment I read it, went out to the living room where my mother was, and collapsed into her arms sobbing hysterically. I am very proud to report that I did not cry at the death this time around. Nor did I cry during the funeral scene. In public. While waiting for the bus.
One of those two statements is a lie.
All the humour and smartassness (new word. If Shakespeare could do it, so can I, damn it!) present in the previous books were also used to full effect here, providing so much snarky entertainment that even the weaker plot points didn't irritate me.
And this series is full of weak plot points, if I'm brutally honest. But it's just so damned entertaining that they don't really matter. Of the three, I feel that this one is the best. The politicking that was so prevalent in The Diamond Throne returns and is actually very fascinating, and the action is fantastic, well paced and the danger very much heightened.
Also, unlike the other books, the plans don't go as insanely well for Sparhawk and friends. They run into difficulties. They have problems functioning together. Someone dies.
*stifles a sob*
I cannot recommend this book and series enough. If you're tired of the usual depressing fantasy that has become so much in vogue of late (looking at you, George R.R. Martin) and you want an exciting read that will make you chuckle frequently, this is definitely the series for you.
What are you waiting for? Get reading!
December 26, 2010
Final book in the trilogy. Have to say I am not a fan of the story. The characters were all so very glib; I couldn't relate to them and certainly wasn't fond of them. The whole relationship between the protagonist, Sparhawk, and Ehlena, his ward and later his queen, and even later his wife, was downright icky. I mean, he watched her grow up, tutored her and was her knight and champion, a role he inherited from his father. Then he is banished to another country for 10 years when she is 8. Then he returns and she is 18 and all but tricks him into a proposal and marriage. He brings up the age difference but she's oh-so-wordly at 18 and pooh poohs the notion. Ugh.
But the relationship is merely a footnote in the story. Nobody is going to read this story for the relationship. I normally love stories where there is a quest and characters on the road together dealing with adversity and adversaries along the way. But the characters (the good guys) are so very smart and they are such excellent warriors that you never feel that they are in imminent danger.
There is a longstanding enemity between Sparhawk and a banished brother knight called Martel, that ended in a pretty good fight. The result was good, almost like the tip of the iceberg if the entire story could have been about that. But it wasn't. I don't want to spoil anything for anyone who hasn't read the books, but I'd guess that this series would be best enjoyed by boys in their early teens.
There is another series of books dealing with the further adventures of, but I'll pass.
But the relationship is merely a footnote in the story. Nobody is going to read this story for the relationship. I normally love stories where there is a quest and characters on the road together dealing with adversity and adversaries along the way. But the characters (the good guys) are so very smart and they are such excellent warriors that you never feel that they are in imminent danger.
There is a longstanding enemity between Sparhawk and a banished brother knight called Martel, that ended in a pretty good fight. The result was good, almost like the tip of the iceberg if the entire story could have been about that. But it wasn't. I don't want to spoil anything for anyone who hasn't read the books, but I'd guess that this series would be best enjoyed by boys in their early teens.
There is another series of books dealing with the further adventures of, but I'll pass.
March 3, 2013
The book definitely brings the series to a satisfying conclusion, but the denouement runs a little long (though, to be fair, getting the denouement the right length is something that lots of writers have problems with). Probably the bigger problem with the book's end is that, approaching the conclusion, it screams, "The writer got the publisher to agree to another trilogy, so he's going to lay some plot hooks for the next one!"
This is aggravated by the fact that I'm reading the book's first printing, and right after th end of the story we get this little bombshell.
Far be it from me to deny an author the right to make all the sequels he wants to his book series, but once it's done, presently surprise me with the next series with these characters, instead of dropping a "Tune In Next Time" on me. It actually ends up lessening the tone of the conclusion, changing things from a satisfying, hard earned conclusion, to a short breather before the next storm comes in. It's clear from the writing that Eddings is aiming for the former, but because of that little pre-advertising blurb at the back, it becomes the latter.
This is aggravated by the fact that I'm reading the book's first printing, and right after th end of the story we get this little bombshell.
Here ends The Sapphire Rose, thus concluding the tale of The Elenium -- but not the adventures of Sparhawk and his companions. Watch for further danger and magic in The Tamuli, a new series from David Eddings, forthcoming from Del Rey Books.
Far be it from me to deny an author the right to make all the sequels he wants to his book series, but once it's done, presently surprise me with the next series with these characters, instead of dropping a "Tune In Next Time" on me. It actually ends up lessening the tone of the conclusion, changing things from a satisfying, hard earned conclusion, to a short breather before the next storm comes in. It's clear from the writing that Eddings is aiming for the former, but because of that little pre-advertising blurb at the back, it becomes the latter.
May 12, 2013
The third book in the trilogy begins where the second one ends - in the cave of the Troll-Dwarf, the Bhelliom in Sparhawk's hands. He and his companions hurry home, where they cure the Princess Ehlana then turn their attention to Annais, who has hurried to the city of Chyrellos to get himself head of the church. With lots of political manoeuvring, they attempt to scupper his plans, but it is they who are surprised when Martel, at the head of a large army, lays siege to the town. And once that is all sorted out, Sparhawk has to face the God Azash and use the Belliom to destroy him, hoping that the gem doesn't destroy the world at the same time.
After feeling that the second book was just a series of unconnected adventures set to pad it the middle of the story, I was so glad that this book quickly got on with the action and stayed true to finishing up all the loose ends. I actually enjoyed all the political stuff in the middle and the finale at the end was suitably gory enough. I didn't like Ehlana in the slightest, and felt the 'marriage proposal' wasn't written all that well, trying to make it funny stretched the characters to the limit. But, the rest of the characters were as well written as ever and I even shed a tear when one of them died :(
Overall, I have enjoyed this trilogy - I preferred the Mallorean and Belgariad though. Still I'm glad of the time I have kept in Sparhawk's company.
After feeling that the second book was just a series of unconnected adventures set to pad it the middle of the story, I was so glad that this book quickly got on with the action and stayed true to finishing up all the loose ends. I actually enjoyed all the political stuff in the middle and the finale at the end was suitably gory enough. I didn't like Ehlana in the slightest, and felt the 'marriage proposal' wasn't written all that well, trying to make it funny stretched the characters to the limit. But, the rest of the characters were as well written as ever and I even shed a tear when one of them died :(
Overall, I have enjoyed this trilogy - I preferred the Mallorean and Belgariad though. Still I'm glad of the time I have kept in Sparhawk's company.
April 24, 2014
Two stars is generous here. Even as popcorn fantasy there are just so many problems with this book.
First off, you could have skipped book 2 entirely and not missed anything. Even so, this book is far, far too long. It passes several good stopping points and just keep plowing on. The quest is just dragged on for entirely too much time, to where it becomes obvious that it's just there for the point of extending the story. The plot is full of holes that aren't just stereotypical fantasy tropes, but actually don't make much sense to begin with. The confrontation with the villains keeps getting put off in incredibly forced ways, when obviously it could have been resolved ages earlier. And the most glaring problem is that the main character has a literal super weapon, with which he could defeat all of the bad guys easily, yet does not use it for reasons that don't hold up under logical scrutiny. It's the classic problem with having a character that's too powerful. You have to give him a reason not to use it, and hear the reasons fall far short. And the morality of the characters is completely inconsistent also. One minute they are brutally exacting justice, and the next they will not dispense justice when they could easily do so to save lives. Makes this book very frustrating, and not an enjoyable experience.
First off, you could have skipped book 2 entirely and not missed anything. Even so, this book is far, far too long. It passes several good stopping points and just keep plowing on. The quest is just dragged on for entirely too much time, to where it becomes obvious that it's just there for the point of extending the story. The plot is full of holes that aren't just stereotypical fantasy tropes, but actually don't make much sense to begin with. The confrontation with the villains keeps getting put off in incredibly forced ways, when obviously it could have been resolved ages earlier. And the most glaring problem is that the main character has a literal super weapon, with which he could defeat all of the bad guys easily, yet does not use it for reasons that don't hold up under logical scrutiny. It's the classic problem with having a character that's too powerful. You have to give him a reason not to use it, and hear the reasons fall far short. And the morality of the characters is completely inconsistent also. One minute they are brutally exacting justice, and the next they will not dispense justice when they could easily do so to save lives. Makes this book very frustrating, and not an enjoyable experience.
July 6, 2017
I've finished my re-read of The Sapphire Rose and The Elenium and must say that it's every bit as good as I remembered it to be - maybe even more so now that I'm much older and can appreciate the arts more fully.
Sparhawk has the Bhelliom. With it, he will restore his queen and thwart the best laid plans of the Primate Annias. But that's not all... This novel is perfectly FILLED to the brim with content. In it, you'll:
- learn of Queen Ehlana's grand plans for her champion, Sir Sparhawk;
- watch as the church knights defend the holy city of Chyrellos from an invasion by Martel and his armies;
- witness Queen Ehlana's role in the election of a new Arch-prelate;
- suffer through the death of one of Sparhawk's closest companions;
- discover Sparhawk's destiny with Bhelliom... or lack-thereof;
- be entirely satisfied with the endings of all Sparhawk's 'known' enemies, both human and divine;
- learn of the goddess Aphrael's special place in the lives of both Sparhawk and Ehlana.
And throughout it all, you'll be able to continue enjoying the banter among Sparhawk and his companions that Mr. Eddings is so renowned for in all his stories.
Indeed, I feel that The Sapphire Rose is the best novel in the trilogy, and for that, I give it 4.25 out of 5 stars. Thanks for the novel, David!
Sparhawk has the Bhelliom. With it, he will restore his queen and thwart the best laid plans of the Primate Annias. But that's not all... This novel is perfectly FILLED to the brim with content. In it, you'll:
- learn of Queen Ehlana's grand plans for her champion, Sir Sparhawk;
- watch as the church knights defend the holy city of Chyrellos from an invasion by Martel and his armies;
- witness Queen Ehlana's role in the election of a new Arch-prelate;
- suffer through the death of one of Sparhawk's closest companions;
- discover Sparhawk's destiny with Bhelliom... or lack-thereof;
- be entirely satisfied with the endings of all Sparhawk's 'known' enemies, both human and divine;
- learn of the goddess Aphrael's special place in the lives of both Sparhawk and Ehlana.
And throughout it all, you'll be able to continue enjoying the banter among Sparhawk and his companions that Mr. Eddings is so renowned for in all his stories.
Indeed, I feel that The Sapphire Rose is the best novel in the trilogy, and for that, I give it 4.25 out of 5 stars. Thanks for the novel, David!
July 21, 2017
This was a great ending to this series, not because it was amazing from a literary sense, or the most intriguing finish ever, but because it was consistent. It carried on the best things about this series in a satisfying ending that both answered the key outstanding questions, and at the same time it set the table for another series.
What were the best things? Here are couple points I really liked:
--Sparkhawk, as a character, is a solid base to build around. While it would be a fair criticism to say that he didn't experience as much growth as a main character should, his stability was almost a basis for the plot, much as the setting is. And where his character lacks growth, he provides entertainment, with a mix of action, comic relief, and straight talk with other characters.
--Deity. The religious features of this series is really what brought me back to reread it after so many years. Yes, it addresses and speaks about the daily religious observances that may grow tedious for some, but in a setting where those being worshiped are also characters. And then by tying that relationship into the magic system we get a perfect recipe for a fantasy series.
I wouldn't call this a must-read, but if you have a free weekend, and want an enjoyable, if not predictable, classic fantasy, this series is the one.
What were the best things? Here are couple points I really liked:
--Sparkhawk, as a character, is a solid base to build around. While it would be a fair criticism to say that he didn't experience as much growth as a main character should, his stability was almost a basis for the plot, much as the setting is. And where his character lacks growth, he provides entertainment, with a mix of action, comic relief, and straight talk with other characters.
--Deity. The religious features of this series is really what brought me back to reread it after so many years. Yes, it addresses and speaks about the daily religious observances that may grow tedious for some, but in a setting where those being worshiped are also characters. And then by tying that relationship into the magic system we get a perfect recipe for a fantasy series.
I wouldn't call this a must-read, but if you have a free weekend, and want an enjoyable, if not predictable, classic fantasy, this series is the one.
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