Enchanters’ End Game: The Belgariad, Book 5

Since the day I first read the first book in the series this remains my favorite. I have since reread the series many times. I still love it.

I'm probably one of the very few people that actually admit reading David and Leigh Edding's novels now. Especially since Tolkien has come back into fashion in a big way. But I've always been a great admirer of Eddings novels - their plots are EXACTLY the same as Tolkien's literary classic, right down to the location names ("Cthol Mishrak", anyone?). Despite all that, there are two things that keep drawing me back to their novels.The first strength is how strongly their characters are written. It's so easy to believe that these characters COULD exist in real life, because they're so flawed...and yet so noble and heroic.A good example is "Belgarath the Sorcerer" - Belgarath is DEFINITELY not a Gandalf clone. He's a thief, a liar, a cheat, and loves keeping the company of woman of questionable reputation. Despite all that, he's still one of the most adept masters of "The Will and the Word", and can perform heroic deeds when called upon.The Edding's other strength is their narrative. The plotline IS a rip-off of Lord of the Rings, but it moves along at such a good pace, and is so well written, that you totally ignore that issue as soon as you read the first page. The only conclusion I can come to is that although the main plotlines are similar, their execution is totally different.Now...onto the book review. Of all five books in the Belgariad, this is my favourite. And a large portion of that is due to the battle at Thull Mardu. The plotline in this book revolves around this single event - we see the lead-up (gathering the troops), the battle itself (which is realistically written), and the aftermath. In the lead-up, we get a much better look at some of the protaganists - especially the Alorn Kings. We're also introduced to General Varana, a character who will return in the Mallorean. All of them are very well written, and each of them has a character quirk that endears them to us. We start to care about what happens to them.The battle itself is quite realistically written. The Edding's strength in this area isn't the body count - we don't seem to get a real idea of how many people die. It's their portrayal of individual events that make it so powerful. There's one quite affecting scene involving a young boy playing a flute on top of a hill that is very well written - and is also used to portray the stupidity and waste of war. It's also important to point out that the good guys are actually outnumbered in this battle, and very nearly don't win. My only complaint about this section of the book is that the Edding's don't provide a really good explanation of exactly how the good guys escape in the end. It just seems to reach a particular point, and then, seemingly satisfied that things will turn out alright, we immediately switch to the battle between Garion and Torak.As for the battle between Garion and Torak? It was every bit as interesting as I thought it would be. I would love to see this scene portrayed in a movie. The one aspect that really surprised me was HOW Garion defeated Torak - anybody who's read the book knows what I'm talking about. In the end, it wasn't through Garion's skill with a sword, instead it was through taking advantage of a certain aspect of godhood. In retrospect, this makes sense. After all, a god is totally infallible but does have one obvious weakness.In conclusion, I enjoyed the battle at Thull Mardu far more than the final battle between Garion and Torak. Both were equally powerful events, it's just that one had more time devoted to it than the other. I actually read the Mallorean novels before I read the Belgariad, so it was interesting seeing the events that lead up to the second set of books. I can certainly see why so many people like the Belgariad more than the Mallorean. As for me, I enjoy both saga's equally, although I have a soft spot for the Mallorean because I read it first.

I really enjoyed the last book. It was good to have more insight to all the other work, planing and challenges that was being done and faced with all the other kingdoms. Though I do wish the battle between Garion and Torak had been more involved.

I loved this series the first time when I was in high school. Now, reading it again almost a decade later, I still laughed and cried and sat riveted by my favorite series and characters. This book, and the rest of the Belgariad, sweeps you up and runs off with you like you’re right there with Garion every step of the way. And I will definitely be reading this series again!!

This is one of the best ways to end a magnificent series and it wasn't all weird and sad at the end and the last few sentences were really happy and a nice cool feeling that everybody likes.

Waiting for book 6.

The Belgariad is a must read for any true Sci/fi Fantasy reader. The story is well written and the characters are engaging. Some of the characters are a bit cliche (some horribly so) and there are a few parts that are a bit thin, but overall it is a very entertaining story. I read this series many years ago and re-ordered the digital copy to read the story again.Once you have read this series you want to try the Mallorean series by the same author. The Mallorean's first book is OK as you get reacquainted with your favorite characters. But, after book one of the series it is a complete repeat of the Belgariad. I would give that series a 2-3 stars as it became painful to read the same ideas over and over. Even the character mention repeatedly how they have done this all before. The Polgara character becomes annoying in the fact she knows everything or is the only person with any sense. It is clear David's wife had far too much influence over this series as the story becomes very childish.The next series the Ellorian gets even worse. There are most of the same characters, but now they have new names. (But, you aren't supposed to notice that.) The new Polgara character is almost exact the same person. The series is horribly written and the story is terrible. I could not go on reading anything else published by this author(s).The Belgariad is worth the read. The other series drop drastically in quality and intelligence as they progress.

I have read this book at least 10 times since it was published in the 1980s. This book as well as the rest of the series all get 5 stars. I look forward to reading the concluding series the Mallorean, which also gets 5 stars. Do not pass up an opportunity to read these two fantastic series.

In the final book of his Belgariad series of fantasy novels, David Eddings’s homage to Tolkein is at its most evident with a distinctly ‘Return of the King’ flavour to the narrative as the Rivan Queens leads the armies of the West against the massed forces of evil in an attempt to divert attention from her beloved Garion’s clandestine journey into the heart of darkness. Although much of the book is focussed on events rather than the characters (such as the battle scenes) the ever-present underlying theme of pre-destination is effectively explored with two competing prophecies with mutually exclusive ends – a reminder to the reader that we must be ever vigilant, there are times that confrontation is inevitable and despite self-doubt evil must be challenged. I found the ending of the book a satisfying conclusion to the series, and despite many reviewers pigeonholing the writing as being aimed at ‘young adults’ (probably due to the deceptively accessible style of writing) I really enjoyed the reading the series, can thoroughly recommend committing time to reading the five books. I am now off to read the next series – The Malloreon.

One review for all of the 5 Books in this series - I LOVE THEM. I bless the day I walked into Waterstones in Manchester and Ariel introduced me to these books. I have worn out one set of paperback books in this series. The second set have seen plenty of reading. About to go away for a few days rather than pack a few of the books I downloaded the set. I tend to return to the books at least every 18 months. Aunt Pol, Garion, Old Wolf are old friends/extended family. No matter how often I return to them they never cease fo grip my interest from the start of Book 1 to the last page of Book 5. Having finished off The Belgariad I then had the second seriesto re-read the "Mallorean", again on my second set of paperbacks for that series too.I would recommend these Books to anyone. If you are coming to Fantasy fiction for the first time or you like to care for the people your reading about this is perfect. Eddings cares for these people and so will you. One thing I would add from my own experience, "Belgareth the Sorcerer" can be read at any time before, after or during the Series. "Polgara the Sorceress" I would recommend not to be read until you have read both the "Belgariad" & the "Mallorean"

This book finished on a real high, I loved the journey as I did all the ones that came before. Character's of old who'd been in and out of the books from the very start all got their moment to shine in their own way and plotlines were all wrapped up. The climax was exciting, but also surprisingly heart wrenching in places.Overall the ending was very satisfying, and if I didn't know there was a follow on series I would be perfectly content with how this has ended. I am glad there are more books though for the simple reason that it means I can spend more hours with these great characters in this imaginative and complex world

A book from the best fantasy series EVER. I first bought the Belgariad at the age of 15. I'm nearing a half century now and have re read both this set and the Mallorean more times than I can recall and I always find something new. The characters are like old friends - and 'no' I'm not a sad, lonely weirdo! David Eddings crafted a truly wonderful world and it's still a pleasure to return to visit every now and again.

This must be the 4th or 5th time I've read this series, I love it every time.Eddings has a beautiful eloquent style, vibrant characters and a non waffly descriptive talent that really takes you into the story. It's easy to follow and thoroughly satisfying read.Would heartily recommend this series to anyone who loves a ruddy good fantasy.