Polgara the Sorceress (Malloreon)

I have read this book, and though it presents an interesting side of the story, it did not fill in many gaps. Infact, it seemed like an edition of CNN's Crossfire. Polgara seems to spend more time complaining about her father than was needed.
The problem is that I have never liked the character of Polgara. She came across as cold, arrogant, and one dimensional. Instead of hearing Polgara's side, I think it would have been more interesting to hear Poledra's side. She did "die" and yet manage to supervise and advise Polgara. She was a strong pivotal force and was closer to the Necessity than any other character.
I think the Eddings tried to milk the "cash cow" once too many times, and they got a bucket of spoiled milk. "Belgarath" was a good comprehensive story. Poledra would have been a good explanation and given us an understanding as to how the authors creatd the characters. "Polgara" was a method of needlessly killing trees.
I would say but the book, but do not expect a lot.

I wasn't going to give a review on this out of respect for the authors. After reading some of the the other reviews though, I think I'll leave my two cents. I did not find this book on the same level as I did previous books. It felt disjointed and tedious. I had to make myself finish it.
There were so many inappropriate contractions used that really took a lot away from the story. There were also quite a few typos, but those don't bother me as much.
It had its moments of interest, but really a little disappointing.

I'm not a huge eddings fan. I read his books many years ago and recently picked up Polgara. Ug, what a slog. I have never wanted an arrow to pierce the heart of a protagonist until now. The main character, Polgara, is a self indulgent, controlling, snob. Somehow she has all the knowledge of modern day living, as well as the language, sans technology, but she lives in a feudal, medieval society. She is incredibly condescending and patronizing to everyone. Also, somehow everyone around her seems to be an idiot except herself. She has no qualms about condemning the immorality of her adversaries and then has no issue with using torture herself.

Unless you are a huge Eddings fan, this book will simply make you gag. She is basically a spoiled princess goddess among men and treats everyone with that attitude. If you have ever had to deal with this type of personality, you just want to slap them.

Very few writers have the capacity to make me constantly chuckle to myself while reading, and sometimes even to laugh out loud. Terry Pratchett is one of them, David Eddings (and his wife) is another.
With Polgara the Sorceress, Eddings keeps the subtle jokes and the witty dialouge as fresh ever, even moreso now that Polgara is speaking with her own voice:
"I am of an independet nature, and nobody is ever going to tell me what to do.
Have you noticed that, father? I thought I noticed you noticing." -PtS p.30
Passages like the one aboive just crack me up, and makes me laugh out loud, and then I walk around with a secret smile on my face for the rest of the day.
This is a personal opinion, of course. I know many people hate this particular aspect of Edding's writing style, but I just can't seem to get enough of it! If you don't like it, then why are you reading Eddings? Go brood over the latest Robert Jordan epic, or go sulk in a Tree like Polgora :)
Keep 'em coming, David and Leigh!

I have this very strong urge to read everything connected with the Bel/Mal series, but this last book spoiled the pleasure I experienced reading the Belgariad. I'm thoroughly bored by Polgara, who seems to know what's good for everyone. Knowing what she was like as a teenager was totally unbelievable to me. I've started rereading the Bel/Mal series and this last book has managed to spoil those for me. I've come to the conclusion that the best part of ALL these books is the first page of the first book: the smells in Faldor's kitchen. What's beginning to irritate more and more are the female characters, they are flat as (rice)paper. They seem to develop or change but three books later they still react in the same smug manner. So that's why I say: "no more". I want to keep some of the pleasure I felt reading it the first time. (Apoligies if my English isn't quite good, my milklanguage is Dutch)

In this book, Polgara goes back in time and speaks about her life before The Belgariad. It fills in many gaps left by Belgarath the Sorcerer. In Belgarath the Sorcerer I felt as though Belgarath was an onlooker, involved but not feeling. In Polgara the Sorceress, I got a better glimpse into who she really was. I read into her regrets, her triumphs, and who she was. During the Belgariad and the Mallorean, Polgara is this all-powerful, scolding figure whom Garion thinks cannot be broken down. Personally, I did not need to read the Belgariad or the Mallorean to understand it, but I do think that some of Polgara jokes, areas where she talks directly out to her readers, are better understandable when one has read the Belgariad and the Mallorean. What I found interesting was the two very different outlooks Belgarath and Polgara saw in a situation. Although Polgara is considered to be "the responsible one," in many ways she is more of the party person than Belgarath. I enjoyed this book immensely, and I would recommend it to most.

David and Leigh Eddings have done it again. This book was wonderful. It let you see the stuggle of the light and dark thru the daughter of Belgarath the Sorcerer. It takes you on a journey to place that Belgarath briefly touched on. I really enjoyed seeing the world and history thru her eyes. I also enjoyed the female perspective. It helps you understand even more the character Polgara in the series. After I read Polgara the Sorceress I reread the series to look for things I may have missed but now understand. I enjoyed seeing her raise Belgarion's family by hiding and protecting them. I enjoyed reading about her time with the Arendish people. You learn in this book where she learned her love of cooking, the beginning of her close relationship with her Uncle Beldin and why she detested her father so much at times. You also learn what drove her to become a physician. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves fantasy or who loves David Eddings books.

Finally, the saga is complete and this book doesn't disappoint at all. It is, off course, very similar to "Belgarath the Sorcerer". People who read the other books by David & Leigh Eddings will love it, for everyone else, let me warn you: The book takes its time to get into high gear and many things that Pol writes about are hard to understand for people who haven't read the other books. So, for those of you, you can subtract two stars from my rating. For Eddings-fans, this is a must-read: We finally learn how Polgara guarded the Rivan line and it is a fascinating concept that someone has to take care for a blood-line for 15(!) centuries, staying with that family for so long, always seeing people get born, grow up and die. Very sad, but a fascinating idea. For everyone who has read "Belgarath the Sorcerer" here's a valuable hint: Have the Belgarath-book close by when you read Polgara's story. It is absolutely fascinating to read the same events from two perspectives. A hint to the publisher: How about putting those two books together in one single (very thick) volume in a cross-cut style switching always from Belgarath to Polgara and back?

I'm a huge fan of the Belgarion/Malorion series. I liked the quick wit, the humorous exchanges between the characters,and the plot. I had really been waiting for this new Bel/Mal book to happen.
But "Polgara" left me disappointed, retelling that already twice told long story of what Pol and Belgareth did during 3000 years when noting much of a plot happend, before the actual series (Bel /Mal) started. Just adding the angle of Polgara's perception is definately not enough to salt this journal-of-a-time-of-waiting. It has little entertaining value, and a shrill lack of tension. If the Eddingses wanted to show that this is simply what longevity is like, well, than the succeeded. But I think it's a real pitty, because there is so much more that can be done with the good set of characters the they created in the Bel/Mal. I do hope they start a NEW plot/series with them.

This book was long winded. It takes thing that should have been simple and goes on and on about them. Being a big fan of David Eddings, I have read the belgarion/mallorean/elenium/tamuli countless times and have enjoyed them all. This whole book, however, was almost like filler. I think everything contained in this book could have been squeezed into "Belgarath the sourcerer" with most of the same effect. On the whole, Mr. Eddings might consider going back to the Elenium/Tamuli and telling us whether or not Ulath took king Sarak's bones back home, if Kalten cut up the nobleman who had assaulted his soon-to-be wife and if Stragen ever catches Elron (Along with krager's demise). THAT I would happily be the first in line to buy!

God, I've been waiting for this book.
I've enjoyed the Belgariad and Malloreon very much and read the books several times.
I liked the quick wit, the humorous exchanges between the characters, and the plot. But "Polgara" left me disappointed, rewriting that already twice told long story of what Pol and Belgareth did during 3000 years when noting much of a plot happend, before the actual series (Bel/Mal) started. Just adding the angle of Polgara's perception is definately not enough to salt this journal-of-a-time-of-waiting. It has little entertaining value, and a somewhat shrill lack of those peculiar grins that swept my face reading the Bel/Mal.

There is so much more that can be done with the good set of characters the Eddingses created in the Bel/Mal. I do hope they start a NEW plot/series with them.

This book was OK. Not awful, not great, just OK. It was too long, and too much of it was spent in whining and going on and on about trivial details. It didn't have anywhere near the excitement or interest of the Belgariad or Mallorean.
I'd love to see new books from Mr. Eddings that take place in the same world with the same characters, but it's time to stop re-hashing the same story over and over and over again for different perspectives.
And for all of you who worte "THIS IS THE BEST BOOK EVER! IT'S GRETA JUST BECAUSE IT'S EDDINGS!! I GIVE IT A TEN EVEN THOUGH I HAVEN'T READ IT"... get a life. No author is perfect every time, and only about twenty books in the world deserve a ten.

This was the first book I have read in the series, and I understood the plot easily. I have since then read Belgarath the Sorceror, and am now currently reading The Belgariad. Polgara is the kind of woman that we need more of in this world- the kind that can put men in thier place. The only thing I didn't like was how most of the women were kind of understated, (with the exception of Polgara.) but I guess that was to be expected of that time frame. I think that this was a very interesting book-- I hated to put it down! But then when I discovered there was more to the series I immediately went out and got them. Here's a hint for all you people who were dissapointed in the book-- go to the LIBRARY.

I enjoyed this book immenseley! Much of the story is supplemental to Belgarath The Sorcerer, told from Polgara's viewpoint, but it is much more than a rehash of the same tale. The section covering Polgara's elevation to Duchess of Erat is my favourite part, and the Wacite Arends (Irishmen to their charming core) are a likeable people. Polgara's life-long sorrow at their demise is understandable and very moving. Many readers might find Polgara maddeningly decorous and a little arrogant, but her human, loving side is well portrayed - I rather admired her! The book can seem a little pedestrian at times, but reading Polgara's story is well worth the effort. We do catch hints that the destiny of the world is now back on track, and that Polgara, Belgarath and all are now mortal - Geran will succeed Belgarion as Rivan king, for example. Nothing is said about the future of Polgara's children, although the reader feels the need to know what lies in store for them - are they too sorcerers? The impression given is that their birth is to fulfil Polgara's greatest wish - children of her own, after centuries of caring for the sons of the Rivan line. We will never know! An enjoyable, well written book, full of many fascinating characters. I would recommend it without reserve.

The first time I picked up anything of the Eddings' it was the first three books of The Belgariad. I picked up all three at once as I have a nasty tendancy to pick up the second or third book in a trilogy if I only get one. I read them all that first night. Imagine my frustration, surprise and (well hidden) delight when I got to the end of the first three and found that there were two more not yet out. Consequently I spent several years in breathless anticipation awaiting them. This was in high school. I now have a husband and two children, a business to manage etc. I have changed a good deal, we all have. 'Polgara' does not read like 'Pawn of Prophecy', it couldn't. The Eddings have changed, the world has changed and our viewpoints have changed. Of course, I don't think it was meant to be just the same. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion but if you don't like it, rewrite it for your own satisfaction. Then critsize. Personally, I'd like to see something more from these authors and in this universe. What about Errand's viewpoint? How about Torak's? How did Belsambar get his calling? What's Javlin's view of all this? etc. Not to mention a million littler lives that changed one way or another. It's not world saving but the world doesn't need saving every day; just alternate Thursdays. Thanks for a great many alteranate Thursdays, David and Leigh.

Believe it or not, this is the first Eddings novel I've read. A friend recommended it to me, so I gave it a shot, even though I was rather confused several times. But I think I'm glad I was busy trying to figure out who was who, so that Polgara's repetition didn't wear on me as much as it might have. I enjoyed the earliest parts of the book the most, the parts when I was most confused, actually! When I no longer had to struggle to figure out who was who, then the basic problem of the book came out--Polgara is just too powerful. There's never really any danger to her. Her heart is broken when loved ones die, but with her rudeness to her father and her frequent dismissal of her mother's advice, I'm not sure why anyone would want to be around her! She's condescending to the humans whose lives she controls. However, all that said, the character of the narrator is consistent and believable, even at her obnoxious moments! I haven't yet decided if I will go back to read the other books in the serious or not.

The writing quality and character development were, as usual, unique to the Eddings and quite satisfying. There were convincing new insights into Polgara's personality and the character of her mother.
The problem with retelling essentially the same story (Belgarath the Sorcerer) is that only the most dedicated fans (the real marketing target?) will fully appreciate the retell of the story - regardless of the fact that the point of view is fresh. If there had been more new ideas introduced or startling clarifications in this rewrite of the same history, then it would have been considerably more satisfying.
[Yes, my review appeared at another bookseller's website last year]

This was good. If felt like a a bit of a cheap way to wring more miles out of the Begariad / Mallorean sets, but first of all, the Mallorean was already kinda of a rehashing of all this, but I still enjoyed them, and really after slogging through the previous 11 volumes in this little universe, there was no way I wasnt going to get into this.
All things considered, I liked this. It was fun to get back into the world a bit, and with Eddings dead now, you gotta get what you can out of this world.

I guess I don't understand why so many people review books based on their political correctness. Some have called this book "sexist", because Polgara would rather con someone into doing what she wants, instead of turning them into a toad. Makes sense to me. Women have been "gently pointing men in the right direction" for all of recorded history. So what?
This is an excellant book that fills in many of the gaps that were glossed over in the original serie's. I found it very enjoyable and have added it to my collection of "Keepers". I don't think Eddings was attempting to make any political comments, they were just writing a good book to entertain their fans. I would and do reccommend this book to all who enjoy good sword and sorcery.

Yes, I liked the first 5 books. I felt the next 5 were milked for all they were worth (the story could have been told in 2 volumes without all the padding). Belgarath's story was pretty interesting. BUT this last one is disappointing. The only new thing to tell was Polgara's stay in Arendia, which reads a lot like a Harlequin romance. There are lots of inconsistencies among these books, especially in describing the magical powers. Sometimes magic can do certain things, and sometimes it can't. Another point that has always bugged me is: shouldn't it be Beldurnik now that Durnik is a disciple?

I read this book at same time with Belgarath the Sorcerer, chapter by chapter, event by event, and it was a great deal of fun but the differences were also easier to perceive. while Belgarath the Sorcerer is at times very humorous, the strength of this book is delving to the realm of less known events and a more mysterious character. Belgarath always felt like a good old friend but Polgara, while homely had retained her mysteries which are unveiled here.
For me the book is clearly separated in two parts. Most of it proves what we already know: Belgarath spent most of his time recovering from his life's great tragedy and was greatly involved in the grand story but had no strength nor desire to dedicate his time for problems smaller than the fate of the universe. Polgara is involved with the subplots and generally doing her best keeping the western world out of trouble until the final showdown.
The second part starts when Polgara accepts her new role and leading a more normal life, which is when the book gets boring, but the climax is worth is and if Belgarath's story got the most laughs, Polgara laughs last and hardest. ;)

As a lover of David Eddings' writing, I was disappointed by this book. I wasn't going to buy this book because Mr. Eddings is now writing with his wife. Much is often lost when an author takes on a co-author, as is the case here. There are definite glimpses of David Eddings' writing, though, not consistent. I had the biggest problem with the dialog. At times, it was so sophmoric that I had to bypass it. The constant use of "Pol", short for Polgara, was more than annoying. In addition, the authors were regularly redundant. It seemed as if the authors could not trust their readers to remember what happened in the previous chapter.
Initially, I gave this book two stars; however, I changed it to three stars. The story alone deserves three stars, maybe more. Once I got past my perceived annoyances, I was able to enjoy this book. I suppose I would recommend this book to David Eddings lovers with a slight warning.

As I scan the current reviews of Polgara the Sorceress, I notice the same complaints cropping up again and again. It's repititious...we've seen it before...it isn't original. Well, I would like to see how Eddings' could have written this work and NOT have used the old storyline. The premise of this book was to discuss the previous events from a differing viewpoint. I believe that fans of the series will only enjoy learning the inner workings of Polgara's mind during the trials and crisises that crop up during her 3000+ years before the start of the Belgariad. This book makes an excellent companion piece to Belgareth the Sorceror, and a wonderful close to an epic and immensely enjoyable series. It is not, however, a stand alone read...but let's all be rational; it was NEVER intended to be one. The magic of the Belgariad and the Mallorean was special, and finding that type of suspense and mystery this far along is nigh impossible. So, I cannot give this book a higher rating. But, unlike many of the reviews, I found the Arendia plot, the time in the Vale, the love of Ontrose...all of these were excellently done, and elevate the worth of this read. In closing, Eddings' fans should definately add this to their collection. And if you are like me, silently grieve a little knowing that the series is definately over. A good run, Mr. Eddings.

While neither Eddings best effort nor his worst, Polgara does offer a deeper persepctive, which Eddings' readers have glimpsed before, but not in the continuity offered by this work. Unlike the macrocosmic viewpoint of her father, displayed so ably in Belgarath, Polgara's perspective carries a microcosmic feel. She is intimately related to the people with which she comes in contact. Her task in the structure of the saga dictates her perspective. This viewpoint makes her vulnerable to storms of her life and humanizes her in the same way that Belgarath's vices do for him. Her seemingly perpetual grieving makes me like her more than the imperious bully that dictates policy to lesser mortals. When she is the vulnerable woman who cannot control all aspects of her life, the book possesses the vibrant narrative quality of Eddings' other works. On those occasions when she appears to rise above normal people, I found myself cheering for the villains at times. Poledra's presence in the story heightens those moments of vulnerability. Her character adds depth to her daughter by pointing out the flaws in Polgara's character. Once again, those flaws make her more endearing than the imperious queen of ice that she appears to be at times. Of all of their books, this one carries the most subtle edge. Being less concerned with the events than the human reaction to those events, Polgara presents a broader depth of meaning than Eddings' earlier works. That facet may put off some of their readers if they are looking for another adventure story. If nothing else, Polgara teaches us both the good and bad ways to deal with anger and grief. In fact, the book is helping me deal with my anger over the omission of the gender and names of Polgara's twins.

What a wonderful way to bring this monumental series to an end! Not only do we get to meet a lot of old friends again, but this book finishes the task of tying together the other books in the series which was begun in Belgarath the Sorcerer.

After reading Polgara the Sorceress, I just had to start over with Pawn of Prophecy and read my way through the entire series again. I just finished Polgara the Sorceress for the second time, and I think I liked it even more than I did the first time through.

I have not as yet read Edding's Sparhawk series but I have read all of the Mallorean and Belgariad. Belgarath was a fantastic sequel, and Polgara just made it better. I am sick of all these weirdos from New Zealand trashing on Polgara. I was simply enthralled with the story line and the characters. I will admit that the scenes in Arendia were a little drwan out and exhausting, but that is only a minor setback. THIS was a great book and I strongly recommend it to Edding's fans.

Although I greatly enjoyed "The Belgariad" ("B") and have even become fond of "The Mallorean" ("M"), I've found "Polgara the Sorceress" (and, to a lesser extent, "Belgarath the Sorcerer") to be profoundly disappointing. My complaints are many, but one of the most important is that it's wildly inconsistent with "B." Going into the details would be possible spoilerage, but if you read "Polgara" and then reread "Pawn of Prophecy," you'll understand almost immediately. Another disappointment is the fact that while the major events of Polgara's life which are alluded to in "B" and "M" are described in detail, there are almost no others. (There's one major exception involving a character of some importance to Polgara of whom we've never heard until now, but it's very silly, and I really don't think it ought to have been included, anyway. Again, details would be spoilerage.) Of less importance, but still somewhat irksome, is the style of the first-person narration. The Polgara of "B" had some mystery and grandeur, and all that seems to evaporate with the bantering and almost anachronistic diction. ("Glandular problems?" "Adolescent"?)
A "Life of Polgara" could have worked very well, but I get the sense that the book was rushed out with little thought or "fact"-checking on the part of the authors. That the characters have grown and changed somewhat in the Eddingses' minds since they were initially created is understandable, but to rewrite much of a major character's history without apparent reason or warning comes very close to betraying the fans of the first books and the characters as we've grown to love them. I had hoped, although the authors gave themselves an out, that we might see something more about Polgara's mother, a "Poledra" book, perhaps, but if "Polgara" is any example of what that book might be like, I'd rather not have it.

David Eddings and his wife must be running out of ideas which is unfortunate. I have been fascinated with the world of the Belgariad and Mallorean. When the Belgarath and Polgara books came out I pounced on them ready to be awed once more. Belgarath was good - filled in a few holes the other ten books left empty. Unfortunately Polgara basically retold the story of Belgarath with only a few small, but interesting, insights into how Polgara grew up and the forces that molded her. A good book but I wish it had gone in a different direction and explored new territory - too much retelling of the same story. I slight disappointment but still a good read.

A excellent read, this book gives you an indepth look at the unique relationship of Polgara and Belgarath, and gives detailed insight of her sacrafices for the Rivan King. It is worth a read just for that. The only true problem that I have with the Eddings' writing of this and the Belgariad/Mallorean is the "Necessity" controlled basically everything, Where is the drama in that? However, I still give this a high rating, but only if you've read the others.

This book is a witty and complete conclusion to the epic that I had hoped would never end. The Eddings couple's versatility and complete change of style made this book that much more compelling. True it was not the same old comic adventure story that they usually write, but this book delved much deeper into the human spirit. I could read the entire epic over again, including this book. In fact, I think I will. Now where did I put Pawn of Prophecy?

I have followed Eddings through both the Belgariad and the Malloreon. Aside from having rather two dimentional characters, I found his work to be rather enjoyable mind candy. While entertaining when stroking the threads of a detailed plot, he highlights his failings with this book. What should have been a strong character study of a key figure in his history, instead is a boring trek with a b**tchy guide.
Much like Jordan, Eddings has made his supposed 'strong' female into an insufferable ghost of a character. She is a smug, bossy, manipulative, and condescending character who regularly annoys by jumping out of narrative to address other players from earlier books as though everyone will be amused by her self serving 'jokes'. Never does Edding suggest that her character has a ounce of depth beyond the bluster and storm of her anger when her will is thwarted or the equally superficial sadness over the death of her sister, or the countless other figures that we lose along the way. Though she goes through many travels, Polgara never develops as a person. After 754 pages (and the supposed 3000+ years) she is the same unbearable shrew she was at the outset who for all her wandering has gained no insight to her own character. Though, Eddings has her regularly pontificate on her own intelligence, such lack of depth doth suggest that either she or Eddings is not the genius they are trying to appear. If Eddings was truely trying to portray Polgara this way, one has to wonder why he bothered.
I find myself baffled at glowing reviews. I have always felt that Eddings wrote decent mind candy, but this was a clear misstep. The only entertainment I gleaned from this book was hoping to see the main character become mortal and die in the end. Heaven help us if this is the example that young girls aspire to in the hopes of being strong women. Until Eddings, and for that matter other fantasy authors, develop more of sense of character rather then characterization, individual studies such as this one should be avoided.
"Polgara" did a disservice to Eddings earlier works. I feel it was so bad, I can't help but wonder if it was an intentional insult to his readers. I can certainly say I found it to be profoundly insulting to women, bordering on misogyny. For the moment I am willing to give the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps Eddings lacks any experience with real women (despite his apparent marriage). I suggest that Eddings and Jordan get themselves some practical experience before they again tackle complicated workings of women as individuals and women as groups. If their works reflect their thoughts, I can only say they just don't have a clue.

Having read both the Belgariad and Mallorean series, I thoroughly enjoyed this historical account of what took place prior to the 2 series. If you have not read the aforementioned series, I seriously reccomend that you read them before you read Polgara the Soceress as they are vital towards a greater comprehension of this novel. I am obviously a bit biased towards these books as I have read the entire series 15 or so times through, but that just shows how enjoyable they are. I profess that they may not be "classical"/good literature for reading, but all in all, it is for those times when you simply want a mindless read for an escape to another world.

This is basically the 3000 year old autobiography of Polgara's life. Whereas the series narrarated in a more third person perspective, this and Belgarath offer a more personal touch to the narrative. Although the male/female relationships are all seemingly the same(boy meets girl, boy fights girl, boy saves girl and boy wins girl), Polgara offers additional aspects of personality to the relationships. As with any autobiography, it takes a while to get started, especially with 3000 years to work with, but once the action starts, the book is quite difficult to put down. At times, it is rather repititive, especially when you have the same Rivan king names over and over and somewhat hard to discern if a new king has arrived, but for the most part goes by pretty fast.

David Eddings seems to like to reiterate a few emotions throughout the book and seems to want to pound it into your head. Perhaps the most prevalent one in this book is the idea of losing loved ones if one is immortal. The pain and loss that comes with each passing age is something that I could feel sympathetic, but when it is said over and over throughout, it gets a bit annoying.

I read this book frist at the age of 11, and, though that may seem a bit young, I loved it. Now that I am older, this book still remains a favourite. I think it's great to offer two opinions on the same thing (there's Belgarath the Sorcerer, too). But I found this book very engaging, funny, and interesting. Though, I recomend reading some of the Belgaraid first, before going on to this one. Save the best for last. This wonderful book is a tresasure.

After reading literally everything Eddings has written, I was every so slightly dissappointed in this one. It just kind of dragged on. Polgara is obviously her own greatest fan. I am almost tempted to say that Eddings should have ended this series with "BELGARATH THE SORCERER". Still, if you loved the "BELGARIAD" and the "MALLOREAN" as I did, I guess you owe it to yourself to read this one too.

$$$$ 52.04 !!!!!!!!!!! R u insane? I have read the book. GREAT STORY. No way will I pay $52.04; collector edition or not. If you perchance buy this for the obscene price asked, then I have a psychiatrist that I would recommend you to meet.... soon.

To start with I would like to say that the Eddings are one of the finest fantasy writers I have ever read. When I picked up this book I was just looking for a new writer to branch into. what I got instead was hooked, and I could not put this book down untill I had read it all it.Which was two days plus rest.Now if you are the type of reader who wants nothing but hack and slash, plus a few fire balls but with no findable or sane plot.(which I am not one of) Put this book down and get lost. But if you like a wonderfull tale that that takes your mind wondering where it may not come back from, then this book is what is definitly for you. I would say this had everything, but that would sound corny.(which it is not) But it is amazingly witty with out making it comic,as it is tragic in places.But as all good fantasy books should,it has that spark of underlying romance and adventure that gets the heart pounding,and the pulse racing.That drives you on and on,and makes you read it again and again. That only the great authors like the Eddings can give and make happen so beautifully.So read this book, and enjoy.

I cannot even begin to say how much I thought that Eddings topped off the Mallorean and Belgariad with this book. I can say, however, that this is one of the best books I've ever read. I didn't even like Eddings when I heard about his books, but they're those kind of series you have to read 3 times over to really appreciate. Polgara was also my favorite character and I was so happy to learn that Eddings wrote a book about her. As soon as a finished the Belgariad I went out and bought Polgara. I've read it 5 times now, but I recommend that you read the Mallorean before you read this fantasic novel. And if you haven't read either the Belgariad of Mallorean, I highly recommend them, whether you like fantasy or not. I think the information about Polgara's past really help me to understand how Eddings developed her character. Character development is one of Edding's strong points. If you thought you knew Polgara before, you'll find out all you did and didn't want to know in this book.

I greatly enjoyed the Belgariad with its variety of characters and intriguing plot line; and for the most part, I found the same to be true of the Mallorean. And even Belgarath the Sorcerer was good, though hardly up to par with the others. But Polgara the Sorceress was just plain awful. Her snide, childish attitude painted her in a completely different light compared to her portrayal in the other novels. She constantly complains about her father's meddling, but it seems from the storyline that Belgarath had been content to leave her to her own devices fince before she was born. And he intruded once every so many centuries only when she'd summon him for some emergency; and he'd arrive only to be repulsed by an arrogant, churlish bully.
Another problem that this latest installment in the Eddings' series failed to solve was this question: "Why is everyone afraid of Belgarath, and esp. Polgara?" Aside from a few parlor tricks and the occasional allusion! to some "nasty deed," Belgarath and Polgara never really seem to make use of their "talent." Yet, esp. in Polgara the Sorceress, Polgara enters royal courts and battlefields swinging her name around like a bludgeon -- and everyone acquiesces. And the role of Necessity -- and Polgara's tight association with it, as newly revealed by her autobiography -- ruined the enjoyment and suspense of the other novels: Belgarath and the others were seemingly responsible for following assorted prophecies, but anytime a clinch decision needed to be made, a God, or Poledra, or Necessity, or someone, stepped in and ensured that nobody blundered, making Belgarath and the others rather redundant.
But worst of all were the little asides and pokes made in Belgarath's direction. I very well might have burned the text had a comment along the lines of "Got you there, didn't I, Old Wolf," been inserted into the story one more time. The dry humor and sarcastic bante! r that played well in the other novels was overdone in this! monologue -- and I felt as though the Eddings were adding those tedious comments in the text to ensure that the reader knows that the sarcasm is intended to be funny -- a most undesirable literary device.
One high point of the book that added depth to Polgara's character was her realtionship to Ontrose; I wish that situation and other formative events would have received more focus. Instead, reams of paper were devoted to listing the succession of Arendish kings and the geneology of the Godslayer, most of whose trivial ancestors seemed to have been named Geran anyway. (By the way, whatever happened to the other descendants -- daughters, etc. Presumably, Polgara would have wanted to keep tabs on the other branches of the family tree in case Asharak the Murgo had indeed succeeded in killing the heir-apparent to Riva's throne, right?)
Perhaps the Belgariad/Mallorean series is out of steam, especially since, the Necessity of the Universe having been repaired, there isn't ! enough evil left in the world to occupy the main characters. But I sincerely hope that the Eddings write at least one more installment to redeem this weak link of the Belgariad/Mallorean chain.
And if anyone who's had the tenacty to read it thinks what I've written is utter bullocks, I'd be happy to hear from you.

After reading literally everything Eddings has written, I was every so slightly dissappointed in this one. It just kind of dragged on. Polgara is obviously her own greatest fan. I am almost tempted to say that Eddings should have ended this series with "BELGARATH THE SORCERER". Still, if you loved the "BELGARIAD" and the "MALLOREAN" as I did, I guess you owe it to yourself to read this one too.

$$$$ 52.04 !!!!!!!!!!! R u insane? I have read the book. GREAT STORY. No way will I pay $52.04; collector edition or not. If you perchance buy this for the obscene price asked, then I have a psychiatrist that I would recommend you to meet.... soon.

To start with I would like to say that the Eddings are one of the finest fantasy writers I have ever read. When I picked up this book I was just looking for a new writer to branch into. what I got instead was hooked, and I could not put this book down untill I had read it all it.Which was two days plus rest.Now if you are the type of reader who wants nothing but hack and slash, plus a few fire balls but with no findable or sane plot.(which I am not one of) Put this book down and get lost. But if you like a wonderfull tale that that takes your mind wondering where it may not come back from, then this book is what is definitly for you. I would say this had everything, but that would sound corny.(which it is not) But it is amazingly witty with out making it comic,as it is tragic in places.But as all good fantasy books should,it has that spark of underlying romance and adventure that gets the heart pounding,and the pulse racing.That drives you on and on,and makes you read it again and again. That only the great authors like the Eddings can give and make happen so beautifully.So read this book, and enjoy.

I cannot even begin to say how much I thought that Eddings topped off the Mallorean and Belgariad with this book. I can say, however, that this is one of the best books I've ever read. I didn't even like Eddings when I heard about his books, but they're those kind of series you have to read 3 times over to really appreciate. Polgara was also my favorite character and I was so happy to learn that Eddings wrote a book about her. As soon as a finished the Belgariad I went out and bought Polgara. I've read it 5 times now, but I recommend that you read the Mallorean before you read this fantasic novel. And if you haven't read either the Belgariad of Mallorean, I highly recommend them, whether you like fantasy or not. I think the information about Polgara's past really help me to understand how Eddings developed her character. Character development is one of Edding's strong points. If you thought you knew Polgara before, you'll find out all you did and didn't want to know in this book.

I greatly enjoyed the Belgariad with its variety of characters and intriguing plot line; and for the most part, I found the same to be true of the Mallorean. And even Belgarath the Sorcerer was good, though hardly up to par with the others. But Polgara the Sorceress was just plain awful. Her snide, childish attitude painted her in a completely different light compared to her portrayal in the other novels. She constantly complains about her father's meddling, but it seems from the storyline that Belgarath had been content to leave her to her own devices fince before she was born. And he intruded once every so many centuries only when she'd summon him for some emergency; and he'd arrive only to be repulsed by an arrogant, churlish bully.
Another problem that this latest installment in the Eddings' series failed to solve was this question: "Why is everyone afraid of Belgarath, and esp. Polgara?" Aside from a few parlor tricks and the occasional allusion! to some "nasty deed," Belgarath and Polgara never really seem to make use of their "talent." Yet, esp. in Polgara the Sorceress, Polgara enters royal courts and battlefields swinging her name around like a bludgeon -- and everyone acquiesces. And the role of Necessity -- and Polgara's tight association with it, as newly revealed by her autobiography -- ruined the enjoyment and suspense of the other novels: Belgarath and the others were seemingly responsible for following assorted prophecies, but anytime a clinch decision needed to be made, a God, or Poledra, or Necessity, or someone, stepped in and ensured that nobody blundered, making Belgarath and the others rather redundant.
But worst of all were the little asides and pokes made in Belgarath's direction. I very well might have burned the text had a comment along the lines of "Got you there, didn't I, Old Wolf," been inserted into the story one more time. The dry humor and sarcastic bante! r that played well in the other novels was overdone in this! monologue -- and I felt as though the Eddings were adding those tedious comments in the text to ensure that the reader knows that the sarcasm is intended to be funny -- a most undesirable literary device.
One high point of the book that added depth to Polgara's character was her realtionship to Ontrose; I wish that situation and other formative events would have received more focus. Instead, reams of paper were devoted to listing the succession of Arendish kings and the geneology of the Godslayer, most of whose trivial ancestors seemed to have been named Geran anyway. (By the way, whatever happened to the other descendants -- daughters, etc. Presumably, Polgara would have wanted to keep tabs on the other branches of the family tree in case Asharak the Murgo had indeed succeeded in killing the heir-apparent to Riva's throne, right?)
Perhaps the Belgariad/Mallorean series is out of steam, especially since, the Necessity of the Universe having been repaired, there isn't ! enough evil left in the world to occupy the main characters. But I sincerely hope that the Eddings write at least one more installment to redeem this weak link of the Belgariad/Mallorean chain.
And if anyone who's had the tenacty to read it thinks what I've written is utter bullocks, I'd be happy to hear from you.

okay first of all well done David and Liegh for writing good books.
I have to say I don't understand why people put this book down saying its not good. Cause it is- people complain that it changes her,but I don't think it does ,you obv didn't understand her character.
If you didn't like it thats your choice I admit but you try writing 3000 years of someones life where every page has some dramatic event. No-bodys life is like that is it?!
I agree that there wasn't enough on when she was 'owned' but hey it ain't gonna change so why complain. I wished it was longer, and I wished it didn't conclude the series as they are my fave books but I realise why there ain't gonna be anymore, I'll just be upset that you don't have 'Polgaras kids' and what happened when Beldin and Vella became birds or just about anything that had the same characters. But there you go!
I loved the overall story and the way it gives you a better insight to the most important woman in the world. I think that if you took Polgara out of the Belgariad an Mallorean they would all fall apart! READ THIS BOOK
In the words of Prince Geran these books are 'bully'
If you don't know whether to buy it don't listen to bad reviews just go out and buy the book and make up your own mind!!
BUY IT! READ IT! ENJOY IT! you will not regret it

Yes, Polgara was written from a woman's perspective, yes there was less action. But there was a lot of humor, and, better than in all the other books, we find out what happens during those times Polgara pulled a "disappearing" act and "took care of something." The books were never really descriptive of what it was, precisely, she did. Now we find out that she was as much a sorceress as Belgarath and Beldin were sorcerers, though she may have done things in her own unique style, she still affected the world as much as the other two. I found her dealings with other woman characters especially interesting. I love the action in the other books, but sometimes, I enjoy reading something that can stand on it's own without relying on great battles or action-packed page. And yes, MORE MORE MORE. Poledra HAS GOT to be an interesting story, if only on the account that she's basically, a wolf. I wonder though, how long can this series go on?

Having not read the Belgariad or Mallorean, I approached the series through the prequel, "Belgarath the Sorcerer", and it's immediate sequel. Of the two books, I consider Polgara's account the better as she tends to get right into the story, instead of ranting about spending centuries in constant studies and building jerry-rigged towers! "Polgara" has paved the way for me to continue with the series and see what all the hype is about.

I waited until this came out in paperback to buy it, after all, after Belgarath's story this would be so dull. How dissapointed I was when I actually found it to be down right interesting! Polgara has very strong opinions, she'll march into rooms and gibve orders in ways that the Old Wolf never would. I liked this. It is simply entertaining. The years spent in Arendia, the creation of Erat moving into Sendaria, I think it's great. There's nothing new, but simply a few revealing facts, and a nice easy read.

I think that this book is one of the best that I've ever read. I like it because it closes up the story of Belgarion and the Orb very nicely. I would like to hear more from Poledra or Beldin, though. I really enjoyed the one liners that pop up every now and then because they let you get on the same level as the character. I've read it about 10 times and I'll probably read it 10 more.

This book is very poorly written. To give the author the benefit of the doubt, however, Eddings seems to do an adequate job with series like the Belgariad and the Mallorean that depend more on plot and action than in this book which is supposed to be an exploration of one character's life. Polgara WAS a very interesting character when I first encountered her in Pawn of Prophecy, but this book diminshes her appeal rather than adds to the series. Also, it seems that the Eddings' don't have much faith in the intellect of their readers. For example, rather than presenting dialogue and scenes which allow us to reason out some of the family dynamics, Polgara hits us over the head several times, explaining that her hostility against her father stemmed from her jealousy over her sister. Readers who have followed the series will probably not be too disappointed because the book offers a chance to revisit some old friends from the earlier books, but this is most definitely not Eddings' best work.

For a long time, I have been a big DE's fan. But now, I'm disappointed. We don't learn any new things, there are contradictions with some of the others books: a useless book. It seems to me that DE can't write anything new. In the Tamuli, there is no great change. In fact I think that DE just wants to make money, using his old success. So, don't read that book, and don't buy it.

First of all, dont let the people diss this book. This is a masterpice that David and Leagh made, and I would have gave it 6 stars if they let me.
Polgara is know for her beauty, but she did not start out that way. She was ugly, never baithed or did her hair as she does now.
Polgara also broke hearts when she was 16, and a girl called her 'Polly'.
Did you know that Pol and Mandorlin (spl?) are related?!?!?
Find out how they educated her before she came out of Poledras tummy
What about Beldran? How did she die?
Did Polgara ever get proposed to?
What is up with her and birds?
What was the first thing she did with her 'talent'
How did she find out to cook so well?
This story is romantic (not in that way..) sad (she protected the Rivan line for thousands of years, so the kings died, with out siting on the throne..)
This is better then Belegrath, but they come real close.
For all those questions and many many more, READ IT!!

i loved this whole series, and i thought that polgara's view gave a lot of closure to the whole series. there was always the wonder of her story, and how she got to be who she was, and whatnot. this really capped that up well i thought. one of the other reviewers mentioned that the book and indeed the entire series tends to be gregariously sexist. though i agree, i don't dislike it personally. the sexism there tends to be humerous, and what i feel is pretty honest about everyday life. though i don't feel most women would agree with me, i have enought female friends to know how manipulative women are and can be. not saying all are, and i don't want like a swamping of hate mail here or anything, but i have to honestly say that the majority of the women i know not only are, but try to be, and i would go so far as to say that they try to hone thier manipulative skills down to what men could only see as an art. the mystery of the female mind, is that they're sitting on an empty box marked fragile.

I think that this book was a great finish to the Belgariad\Mallorean series. It covered just about everything that I'd wondered about. However, as in all of Mr. Edding's books, all of the characters begin to lose their individuality. Here is a line: "Nobody's perfect!" This line is a good turnaround comeback, and is funny the first time a character says it. However, pretty soon, two or three characters are saying it every time they are accused of being 'Dishonest' or 'a scoundral'. Edding's work is great for younger readers, but I would truly recommend some Robert Jordan, or Stephen R. Donaldson for people that like a bit more than a predictable story with predictable characters.

Read this after you read "Belgarath the Sorcerer," since this book picks up where BtS left off.
Queen Ce'Nedra of Riva, having finished reading Belgarath's autobiography, decides to visit her distant in-laws in the Vale of Aldur. Once there, Ce'Nedra's true mission comes forth: she wants Polgara, the immortal sorceress, to "fill in the gaps" of Belgarath's autobiography and write her own story. Of course Polgara dismisses this idea as childish, until Polgara's mother, the divinely wise Poledra (undoubtedly THE most powerful and respected person ever) simply orders her to do it. Reluctantly but obediently Polgara pens her tale...
Born and raised in the Vale of Aldur, Polgara and her twin sister Beldaran were raised by the other sorcerers, since the twins' parents were not there. Polgara was the dark one, quiet and brooding. Beldaran was the light one, sunny in appearance and disposition. Polgara went through a misfit teen stage and lived in a tree for years while bright and happy Beldaran lived in a quartz castle surrounded by love and affection. Soon though, Beldaran, who is mortal, was betrothed to a prince destined to become a powerful king. Polgara, accepting responsibility, cleans up her act and begins the long trip to immortal supremacy. Along the way she learns to harness her godlike magical powers, falls in love with an Arend and gains the title of "Duchess of Erat," is briefly "owned" by a wealthy Nadrak merchant, loses loved ones in wars, pines for her sister, oversees a long line of nephews, and of course, gets exasperated with her father, Belgarath.
Polgara, who came across as cold, scheming, strict, and "waspish" in the Belgariad/Mallorean, here is quite different. She seems warmer, more compassionate, more approachable, more tolerant of people, a bit silly, and still quite serious about what she obviously considers to be the most important virtue, Sobriety. Not quite the same Polgara from the First Ten books. This one is more "girlish" in a giggly sort of way. Polgara the Woman of PtS seemed more realistic than the icily calculating Polgara the All-Powerful Sorceress of Belgariad/Mallorean. Two similar but different Polgaras, and I'm not sure which one I liked better.
Belgarath is even more of a bumbling dunderhead here in PtS than he was even in "Belgarath the Sorcerer," yet Polgara's exasperation and unwavering love for him is still evident. Poledra, who was born a wolf, lacked any real warmth yet remained acceptable in her "wolfishness."
A very poignant part of Polgara's story is her deep and genuine love for the charming Ontrose, a Wacite Arend nobleman. This was very moving, and a bittersweet memory that Polgara had cherished for countless centuries. A disappointing aspect of PtS was the briefness of Polgara's tale of her stay with a Nadrak. This was mentioned briefly in Belgariad/Mallorean, "the time when Polgara was owned by a Nadrak." Now, talk about intriguing! Polgara being led around on a leash and SOLD (although for a goodly amount of gold) to Belgarath? I wanted more; the Nadraks are one of the more interesting tribes of Eddings' world, and while being "owned" is nothing like slavery, it was an interesting position for Polgara to be in. I was looking forward to it and was quite disappointed that the entire ordeal was covered in only a few pages.
The Eddingses should be commended for making the voice of Polgara different from the voice of Belgarath. I'm not saying that Polgara's book was "feminine" or that Belgarath's story was "masculine," just that the two books had two different (although sometimes similar) souls. While not as joyous in temperament as "Belgarath the Sorcerer," PtS was still an enjoyable read. Now if only the Eddingses would grace us with the tale of Beldin!
Recommended for Eddings fans, and for fans of general Fantasy.

This, and I say this as a fan of David Edding's work, is one of the worst books i've ever read.
Why?
I think it was the tone that annoyed me that most. As a narrator Polgara comes across as very patronising and just a bit smug and she seems to spend most of the book putting the world to rights because, you know, she's just so much cleverer than everyone else.
Sorting out warring nations by treating their leaders like naughty children and telling them to behave (and i'm not taking the mick here, that is pretty much what she does) does not make for a riveting read.
Another problem is that because this story is trying to encompass however many thousands of years it was between Polgara and Garion's births everything is very rushed and in places it reads more like synopsis of a story that a story itsef. Supporting characters come and go I couldn't of cared less about any of them as they get no characterization at all.
Not recommended

When I read this book, I couldn't put it down. In my opinion, I think this is a great followup to the Belgariad/Malloreon and Belgarath. It covers the past that wasn't covered in either the Belgariad or the Malloreon. I liked the parts where she's in Arendia. It is also funny the way she interacts with her father, the great Belgarath.

Written in the classic Eddings style, this book was a real page-turner. I've read the entire series plus the sequel series "The Mallorean," and throughout Polgara has been one of my favorite people. This book made it easy for me to get to know the characters. It would be a good choice even if you are not a fan of the series.

Here is the crown of the works of David Eddings - and words can't describe it. I laughed, I cried and I was having the time of my life while I read this. Eddings way to make the characters come alive is fantastic, and you can't help love the characters once you get to know them. For everyone who don't know David Eddings: Start NOW on The Belgariad - I promise: you won't be disappointed!

What a complete waste of time, money and effort. How could all the other books be so good, and then they spin out this pile of crap. Don't waste your time...read "Belgarath The Sorcerer" again and use your imagination on what Polgara was up to. I think (and hope) this is the last in this tired old series

Excellent twist on a familiar story. To get the "truth" about how things really happened and learning some interesting history along the way. We already knew Polgara was all woman but it was eye opening to read about the other men in her life before Durnik. Not to mention some insight on Poledra and Beldaran. Polgara worked extremely hard to get where she got and all I can say is "You go girl!"

I really liked this book too! I do believe that The authors were very generous with thier graphic descriptions of internal organs, esp. In Belgarath the Sorcerer. Still, it was a very exciting book. I wonder if we'll ever hear POLEDRA'S view??? that might be interesting. READ IT!! Sphynxie

Polgara is the first Belgariad/Mallorean book which Eddings fans have mixed feelings for. According to reviews, the majority of the other books got straight 10s or 9s but Polgara has scored a few marks less than 5. Polgara is written with a complete different style from all of Eddings books, and I think that is because is was written more by David's wife, and not David. The book has a a very womenly feel and has less action and humour than all the other books. Though I thought it was a wonderful book, it is not his best, but I thought it wraped up the Belgariad and Mallorean world quite well, with only a few thousand questions still left. (Like what sex are the twins!!!)

It's been a while since I read the Eddings books, so I wasn't in any huge rush to read this one. But as soon as I picked it up and started reading, I was just engrossed in it. It's like coming home; these characters are so real, they feel like old friends... like family. And even though I knew the basic story, it was fun to meet new characters and learn more about Pol's history. It made me laugh; it made me cry. What a wonderful book!

While the Belgariad and Mallorean series' were and are great reads and I have read them many times, "Polgara" and "Belgarath" before it answered a lot of questions in a more stately pace. I am sorry to see the series end but all of the books are easily re-read.

Backstory the younger.

Set before the time of the Belgariad, the conceit here is that the princess asks said titular character to write her autobiography.

In so doing, we get to investigate her birth, twin, gaining of powers, her father, and how she comes to learn of the not very nice prophecy concerning who she is to marry, etc.

Actually better than some of the Belgariad books.

2.5 out of 5

Yes, I've rated this novel with a 10 just because it's worth it. Though different from all the other books related to the Belgariad, it is very good. The only difference is that unlike in the other 11 books the story's focus is strictly on Polgara's own point of view - how she lived through all these years. Of course some readers will be very disappointed, but that's life. I always wanted to know how the sorceress made her way and this curiosity was well satisfied. In some points (esp. seen from the action angle) the book did not reach the others but on the other hand I didn't expect it to. It is really great.

I loved the series and if there ever was a better way to put it to rest this is it. I also loved the contrast between the two autobiographies (Polgara the Sorceress and Belgarath the Sorcerer). It is almost like hearing two sides of te same series.

I'm only 12 and have read the belgariad/mallorean and LOVED them. Belgarath the Sorcerer was O.K. but, POLGARA WAS GREAT!!!! The story of her love for Ontrose her greif when Beldaran died, and the proud Dutchess of Erat. A WONDERFUL piece of lit.

This is book is aboiut the life story of Polgara the Sorceress. This is the climactic account of her 3000 year lifespan, and the many amazing and harrowing takles of pain, loss, joy, and duty. I believe that David Eddings has effectively compiled the information and personality of the Polgara we all know and love from The Belgaraiad and The Mallorean, using all of her characteristics and little idiosyncrasies to create a perfect and believavble history of her past. This one of my all time favorite books, and quite possibly surpasses some books of The Belgaraiad and The Mallorean. Read it!!

I bought this book on a Friday and finished the fourth reading the following Friday. I went off sick from work for 2 days so I could read this book. Now, if I am not mistaken it is time to hear from Poledra. She must have a very intresting story to tell.Where was she, what did she do there etc? Also what is going to hapen to Eriond, et al in the south. Polgara's twins are what - boys girls or one of each? Just how many daughters are Garion and Ce'Nedra going to have? There is so much that can still be told. I A M W A I T I N G !!!!!!

What a great book! It was so amazing, all her thoughts, feelings, on paper! The characters were really amazing, you really fell in love with them. My favorite, of course, was Polgara, because she was just so wonderful, and her thoughts were so deep, and she was just a really amzing person. I loved the Belgariad, Mallorean, and Belgarath the Sorcerer. My favorite character after Polgara was Ce'Nedra, just becuase she was who she was. I could read that book a million times and it would never bore me! In fact, I think I will!

I have been a fan of David Eddings for years now and have always enjoyed with great anticipation a new installment of this story. However, with this book I was completely cheated. The only review that is adequate is "I spent time and money on this?!"

I found this book to be a real treat. I particularly liked the description of how Polgara grew into the acerbic wit we all know and love. Imagine tying yourself to the continuation of one family throughout the ages and waiting for the culmination of dreams to be realized. To challenge a god and be triumphant makes for spectacular reading. Human kinds petty foibles and idiosyncracies tend to fall by the wayside as you contemplate a lifespan of 3,000 plus years. Would also like to see Mr. Eddings write about the companions and their lives.

This book pretty much wraps up the world of The Belgariad. I'm sorry to see it end, but I can't see anyplace left to go, except maybe some short stories (I'm eager to see how the main characters cope with the outbreak of world peace). Since I already had the other books, I'm glad to have bought this one, but I really don't think I'd have liked it if I'd started with it. I hope to see Eddings write some new stuff (Hopefully getting away from "Hero takes powerful intelligent magic rock and defeats gods," which has been fun, but overdone?).

I haven't enjoyed a book so much in a long time. This book is fabulous! The characters are real and vivid. The plot is good. Written with a distinct feminist slant, the book is characterised with sly humour that make such a long book much easier to read. The relationships in this book are truly heart-warming. Fascinating. For anyone who loves a good fantasy story, this is a must.

I thought that this book was very well written in considering that they acknowled that there might be children reading this book. Another thing was that it kept you suspended constantly. Some people might complain that it would too long but, believe me it is worth every single page. I reccomend that you read this book over and over again. That is considering that i have read 3 times alone. You might even want to let your friends borrow this and read it themselves. I hope you enjoy this book as much as i have. I also hope you enjoy all the other books you read. Enjoy!

I am shocked by how many readers actually hated Polgara... and I can't blame them. I read the Belgariad and the Malloreon and I enjoyed it very much. I like Belgarath, but Polgara? Hmmm... I reckon she should have stayed ugly, it would have been a much more interesting story.

Obviously a case of Leigh doing most (if not all of the writing) and riding on the coatails of her husbands name recognition. I am sure this would not have been published without Davids name. It is not very sophisticated writing and Polgara is awful immature for someone hundreds of years old. She acts like a spoiled 16 year old.

I'm going to use up my post for this, even though it's not on the topic of the book, which I enjoyed.

Those of you who post, *please* make use of paragraphs when you write something.

I've read some really excellent reviews here that I had to work to read because it never broke up the writing style with paragraphs.

Most of you that post have something worthwhile to say, just please make it easier for me, and those like me, to read it.

I will not waste a lot more time on this book. It was extremely disappointing. This book contradicts many "facts" from other books in the series. The book is also laced with poorly thought out comments by the author (Polgera, herself). If you felt that the series was sexist and in desperate need of having the male characters made fools of, then this book is for you. If you enjoyed the other ten (eleven or twelve now) then leave this one alone.

This book is the perfect conclusion to a perfect series. It shows things that happened in the past from Polgara's view. It is absolutely wonderful! I suggest you read this after you read Belgarath the sorcerer.

I've read all 10 of the Belgariad type novels. All of them deserve 5 stars, but Polgara should get 6! Simply the best book ever, especially for those who love being among well loved characters. A must read!

Oh my freaking goodness, I wanted to punch that jerk of a sorceress in the face. She is soooooo stinking mean to Belgarath that it makes me want to hurt her. Now I do own this book and it isn't all that bad it still only gets one star cause she is such a jerk

Polgara the Sorceress was a great book which helped me fill in a lot of spaces which Belegarth the Sorcerer left out. I have to say that David and Leigh Eddings know how to keep their history straight.

Pawn of prophecy was one of the first books that I have ever read and it caught me hook line and sinker onto the remarkable storytelling of the Edding's. Garion and his friends are people I have known all my life and this book just increases the fondness I feel for these characters.A huge,brilliantly written, dose of Eddings nostalgia which adds to the best written series ever produced and increases the opinion I have that David Eddings is the greatest author ever!

I didn t actually read The Rivan Codex or Belgarath the Sorcerer yet, but I found out that Polgara is no match for The Belgariad or The Malloreon series. Especially I hated those exclamations bettween the storrytelling. But as usual I couldn t put the book down untill the end.

This book shows how feminism can be taken to its ugly extreme. Polgara keeps reminding the reader that we should all be thankful women exist, otherwise this world would be a total disaster! Eddings at his worst!

It took me about four days to read this latest offering from David & Leigh Eddings. I thought it was well worth the wait; it put a different perspective on many of the happenings in the other books, and in more detail. This story is obviously told from a woman's point of view, and Polgara comes over as far more human than I would have believed from reading the other books. I read it straight through once, then went straight back to the beginning again

I loved this book. It rocks. I went and read some of the other reviews and noticed they said you had to read the whole series or it doesn't make sence. I highly disagree. I didn't pay attention when I read this book and Only a few days ago I found out there was a whole line of these books. I thought this was one of the best fantasy books I've read. I love it. Anywayz I have to go get all the other books so I'll be writing reveiws on them soon enough.

This book was a true eye-opener to me. All the open issues, the little questions that keep nagging you after reading the 10 books + Belgarath are answered. Although this book can be read seperate from the other books, I would really advise to read it last. After reading this one you will want to read all the others too, and it would give away too much. If you like dry humour, you will have a great time :-)

I am only 11 and already I've read it and I think it is one of the best books I've ever read. I love it because it not only tells about the good parts, but the bad parts of her life too. It makes you be there, it makes you live her life because it was so well written. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a month read.

It's incredibly dull and I didn't like the writing. For example, I don't like reading that somebody "actually blushed" and "actually laughed" and so on. Why not just say that they "blushed" or "laughed," why throw in the word "actually" over 200 times in a 754 page book? And that's just one example, and I'm serious about the 200 times.

I can't wait for his next one to come out. The Eddings' books are the best fantasy epic novels I have read in a long time. Their attention to detail and characterization is monumental. I suggest his books to everyone I know and they all like him as much as I do. A great read.

I was expecting a book with the same quality of storytelling found in the Belgariad and in Belgarath the Sorcerer. Unfortunately I was disappointed. The book started off great, but slowly went downhill. Certain parts seemed inconsistent and silly. The book just didn't portray Polgara as the regal and mature figure that was developed through the Belgariad.

While I'm sure this book wasn't meant to be a comedy, in many places, I couldn't stop laughing. The very thought of someone that practically defines the words regal and beauty doing some of the things she did was just wonderfully entertaining. David and Leigh Eddings did a superb job of character development and created a wonderful masterpiece.

I don't know what's up with this book getting so many 8+ scores. This book was a complete rehash of "Belgarath" with very little new enlightenment about the world they live in. While entertaining and an easy read, I would recommend waiting for the paperback if you're an Eddings fan. Otherwise skip it.

This book was a true eye-opener to me. All the open issues, the little questions that keep nagging you after reading the 10 books + Belgarath are answered. Although this book can be read seperate from the other books, I would really advise to read it last. After reading this one you will want to read all the others too, and it would give away too much. If you like dry humour, you will have a great time :-)

I am only 11 and already I've read it and I think it is one of the best books I've ever read. I love it because it not only tells about the good parts, but the bad parts of her life too. It makes you be there, it makes you live her life because it was so well written. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a month read.

It's incredibly dull and I didn't like the writing. For example, I don't like reading that somebody "actually blushed" and "actually laughed" and so on. Why not just say that they "blushed" or "laughed," why throw in the word "actually" over 200 times in a 754 page book? And that's just one example, and I'm serious about the 200 times.

I can't wait for his next one to come out. The Eddings' books are the best fantasy epic novels I have read in a long time. Their attention to detail and characterization is monumental. I suggest his books to everyone I know and they all like him as much as I do. A great read.

I was expecting a book with the same quality of storytelling found in the Belgariad and in Belgarath the Sorcerer. Unfortunately I was disappointed. The book started off great, but slowly went downhill. Certain parts seemed inconsistent and silly. The book just didn't portray Polgara as the regal and mature figure that was developed through the Belgariad.

I think this book was a very good book considering that I have already read this book 3 times. The reasons that I thought it was good was because it was appropiate for small children yet exiting enough for adults I thought that tis book was excellent and I plan on reading th other books by David & Liegh Eddings I hope everyone enjoys thes book as much as I did. Ecspecially since there were no cuss words or profanity! Enjoy the books you read!

Well, Eddings does it again. Stupidest fantasy book on market. Who can read the same jokes all over again from previous books? Please try writing something new if you're going to write any books in the future. Different character names isn't enough, and the plot could be less clichee, perhaps. This book and previous books from Eddings doesn't give anything to "veteran" fantasy reader. Complete waste of time and money.

While I'm sure this book wasn't meant to be a comedy, in many places, I couldn't stop laughing. The very thought of someone that practically defines the words regal and beauty doing some of the things she did was just wonderfully entertaining. David and Leigh Eddings did a superb job of character development and created a wonderful masterpiece.

I don't know what's up with this book getting so many 8+ scores. This book was a complete rehash of "Belgarath" with very little new enlightenment about the world they live in. While entertaining and an easy read, I would recommend waiting for the paperback if you're an Eddings fan. Otherwise skip it.

David Eddings is a masterful author. His wife on the other hand,is a good writer but is not as a powerful writer as David, is more of a neutral/feminmen writer.But in this case as in the book "Polgara the Sorceress" their combined forces makes the book a neutrally written book. Because of this I throughly enjoyed the book.

If you are familiar with Eddings work already, then this is a great book. It provides a different slant on the Belgariad's history, with a decidedly feminine slant, as opposed to the Crochety Old Man voice of Belgarath. It's also suprising to learn the extent of Polgara's effect on history.

i have read the Belgariad, the Malloreon, and Belgarath and thought all of them were great. When reading this book i found out something. Eddings is a great writer but Polgara has lead a very boaring life. There where some realy good parts but the rest we all ready know about.

Polgara is an awesome, vivid character, very powerful, but human enough that we can empathize with her. A stunningly well written book, something I would recommend for everyone. David and Leigh Eddings did a phenomenal job! If movies can be a "must-see" this book is a "must-read". two thumbs up and a smile.

David & Leigh Edding's congrats on the best fantasy series ever written.It warms the heart and challenges the mind. I believe that the author's must have a unique and rich life that put's a premium on being in touch with what is really important--the way we treat each other.

David & Liegh Eddings have a superb understanding of how to get the reader involved in the novel. I could not put this one down. After reading the Belgariad and Mallorean series I was wondering what they would come up with. This novel fills in some of the gaps in the entire saga.

A good story if you have read the previous Belgariad and Mallorean books. Now we know why Polgara acts like she does. I have had enough of the history lesson now and would like to get on with the story. What happens to Garion's kids? What happens to Polgara's twins?

I first read this book in 5th grade and I loved it from the start. I have read the entire set of books and I can't get enough of them. Polgara is the most wonderful person and she gives the story an extra kick. David and his wife have really outdone themselves with this one!

This book is really good except for the fact that Polgara, literally every other page, throws up her head and says either 'Alorns' or 'men' in an exasperated tone of voice. I mean, COME ON. You can only say men so many times in the book. I am surprised that as a quote on the back of the book it doesn't say."Good but full of 'MEN' and 'Alorns'".

I will admit, that I did enjoy another Eddings novel.. But come on! How many times can we milk the same story. Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy the sarcasm and banter Mr. Eddings seems to have mastered, but the book seemed to be more of a male bashing adventure than the classic tales. Too much influence from "other" sources, (and you fans know what I mean). Plus, I had a hard time trying to finish it, pretty much being able to predict most of the book as it went along, anyway. Judge for yourself.

What A Brilliant book. Totally differemt from Belgarath the Socerer. Anyone who says it is the same may be refering the conversations which are the same, but is this suprising? No. This book goes into much more detail than the other books related to this series. READ IT!!!

Bonjour, je suis sur que vous n'arrivez pas à me lire, ce n'est pas grave, je vais traduire pour nous deux. Hi, David Edding his a great author. I love what he made... I hope yoy will like to what i will publish soon ...

Well, Eddings does it again. Stupidest fantasy book on market. Who can read the same jokes all over again from previous books? Please try writing something new if you're going to write any books in the future. Different character names isn't enough, and the plot could be less clichee, perhaps. This book and previous books from Eddings doesn't give anything to "veteran" fantasy reader. Complete waste of time and money.

This was a very good book. I have read almost all of the books done by David and Leigh Eddings, and I think that this counts as one of the better ones. It gives a good insight to Polgara herself, instead of her just being another one of the characters. A most read for Eddings book lovers.

I think this book was a very good book considering that I have already read this book 3 times. The reasons that I thought it was good was because it was appropiate for small children yet exiting enough for adults I thought that tis book was excellent and I plan on reading th other books by David & Liegh Eddings I hope everyone enjoys thes book as much as I did. Ecspecially since there were no cuss words or profanity! Enjoy the books you read!

I had not read any of eddings' books when I bought this one, but it didn't matter. I started there and didn't stop until I'd read them all. This is one of my all time favorites, that I go back to re-read time and again.

Dina Pearlman's narrative dramatization lacks characterization. She reads well, however, her voice doesn't represent the characters well; particularly the male characters. The narration dramatizations of both Polgara the Sorceress and Belgarath the Sorcerer should have been better done by Robin Williams who does excellent male and female voices, by the woman who played Dharma on Dharma and Greg, or by a group of two or more actors and a few sound effects.

All time favorite book! Read my original copy so many times it's falling apart so had to get another. If you are looking for a book with a lady lead that is atypical, but fun, this is the one for you.