R.I.P. David Eddings

[Jon]

I received a twitter from Tor books that David Eddings passed away today.

Oh, what a sad day this has turned out to be.

http://tinyurl.com/oofjbf

[Jensownzoo]

Bummer. I spent a lot of junior high/high school reading and re-reading (and re-reading and re-reading...) his books. I think I must have single-handedly driven his stats to the top at my library, I checked them out so much! He will be missed.

[Jim]

I was very sorry to hear he died too. Although he's best known for his fantasy, he did a book called, "The Losers" that I also really enjoyed. Well, it was depressing, but very well done. Better writing than his fantasy, as I recall. It's been years since I last read it, though. Has anyone else read it?

[Kevin]

Yes I did. Not sci fi but it was very good. A unique look at the human condition.

Didn't he also write "the postman"

[Jeffrey]

No that was Brin. I always felt that Eddings wrote a really good character set of books with Belgarath and Polgara then sort of repeated it in the Mallorean, but I also read a series about a knight that he wrote and liked them as well.

Later on, Eddings reveal that he co-authored the books with his wife --

I think I read that she passed away last year or the year before. I am sorry myself Jon. David Carradine also passed away yesterday which is also sad.

[Mary JL]

Edding's The Belgariad was one of the very first fantasy series I read. Very sad to lose another good friend. (Not that I knew him personally, but an author I read and like who invites me into his "world" I consider a "friend".)

[Robin]

I was shock and saddened to hear abou this.

[Cathy]

I just saw this, how sad! I also just read that Leigh died in 2007, so at least they are together, if you believe in that. The Belgariad is still one of my favorite fantasy series. The characters and world are so vivid and memorable. I also really enjoyed The Redemption of Althalus. Thanks for the lead about "The Losers," Jim. I thought I'd seen all of his books, and read almost all of them. Thanks for the lead.

[Cathy]

I just saw this, how sad! I also just read that Leigh died in 2007, so at least they are together, if you believe in that. The Belgariad is still one of my favorite fantasy series. The characters and world are so vivid and memorable. I also really enjoyed The Redemption of Althalus. Thanks for the lead about "The Losers," Jim. I thought I'd seen all of his books, and read almost all of them. I just reserved, thanks again.

[Jim]

Glad to turn you on to it, Catherine. The Losers isn't his normal fantasy. It's fictional, but our world & depressing, so be warned. Kind of reminds me of A Separate Peace in some ways.

[Jensownzoo]

I've read The Losers and I seem to remember thinking it was fantastic. Been long enough that it's due for a reread since I can't remember anything about it except for the book cover!

[[deleted user]]

It is too bad that they died. But at least Eddings left behind a large, entertaining, and complete body of work. Hurrah for him.

[Jim]

Jensownzoo wrote: "I've read The Losers and I seem to remember thinking it was fantastic. Been long enough that it's due for a reread since I can't remember anything about it except for the book cover!"

I only read it once & found it kind of depressing. Reminds me of A Separate Peace in a lot of ways. Another unforgettable book that I never wanted to read more than once every couple of decades.

[Jim]

Thomas wrote: "It is too bad that they died. But at least Eddings left behind a large, entertaining, and complete body of work. Hurrah for him. "

He did do better than Jordan who left everyone hanging very badly. How dare authors die without finishing their works! There should be a law...

;-)

[Ryan]

David Eddings was at the top of my favorite Fantasy authors list. The Belgariad was the first epic series I ever read. Belgarath the Sorcerer was the book that introduced me to Fantasy.

He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.

RIP David Eddings

[Cathy]

Indeed, Jim! What are the Power That Be thinking? I felt that way about Douglas Adams. Such a talent (and ardent philanthropist), and to die at age 49. I was sad for his family and friends, but pissed for me! He had partial manuscripts going at the time, such a loss. And no one can jump in for him, his talent and humor are too original.

Also when Frank Herbert died leaving the original Dune saga unfinished, that was heartbreaking for many. Thank goodness his son and Kevin Anderson found a way to continue it, and add a lot to that series. Having that cliffhanger sitting on my shelves for 20 years was actually a bit painful. Getting a wrap up, even in that manner, at least gave it some closure.

Thank goodness Brandon Sanderson is finishing the Jordan series. I'm waiting for the reviews to get back into it, I've only read the first 2 books so far.

[Ryan]

Catherine wrote: "Thank goodness Brandon Sanderson is finishing the Jordan series. I'm waiting for the reviews to get back into it, I've only read the first 2 books so far."

Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn series gives me alot of hope for the final WoT trilogy. However, even if it doesn't add up to my expectations, its is still totally worth it IMO.

[Jim]

My wife is waiting for the finish of the Jordan series too. Personally, I couldn't get into it. Too wordy.

[Robin]

I "Started" WoT once - and couldn't get into it. I am interested in what Sanderson will do but not sure I can make it through all that came before. I'm going to give it another try at some point (it is such a staple of the genre) but I might be like Jim on this one.

-- Robin The Crown Conspiracy | Avempartha | Nyphron Rising (Oct 2009)

[Ryan]

Robin wrote: "I "Started" WoT once - and couldn't get into it. I am interested in what Sanderson will do but not sure I can make it through all that came before. I'm going to give it another try at some point (..."

The thing I enjoy best about it is the depth of description and the detail of character. I guess its just a personal preference. I do suggest giving it a second shot though. :)

[Jon]

Update on Mr. Eddings Estate:

http://scifiwatch.net/fantasy-writer-...