Enchanters' End Game - The Belgariad - Vol. 2 (Books 4 & 5)

David Eddings has definitely earned his name in writing. I have read many of his books and I don't plan on stopping until I have read them all. I strongly recommend reading his books if you are a fantasy lover.

Slow and boring with the dumbest hero in fantasy. Confusing and endless army preparation for a final battle between Garion and Torak that lasts less than one paragraph. Bitchy females seem to be in charge of airhead males. Light, young-adult, reading.

I love this series totally and want to read it again with my kindle, but volume one isn't available ??? why is this? The book itself is 5 stars but I'm not happy at all that the volume one is not available .. why get 2 when one can't be bought?

Ce'nedra finally gets to be the hero, too, and it's not what she expected. While Garian and Belgarath start a quest to kill Torak, Ce'nedra raises an army to distract the dark god. She does this by talking people into joining her, talking to large groups of serfs and soldiers all across the land. Oh, and she's terrified of public speaking; now she has to do it every day for several months. I can almost feel her terror and agony. I love it.

Garion's journey is less interesting if only because Belgarath does most of the work. It never really feels like Garion is the hero doing special things that no one else can. At least, not for more than a few pages. Then Pol or Belgarath step in to tell him what to do or save the day again. It gets a bit repetitive.

Still, very fun books. They're full of danger and intrigue and magic spells.

In the Belgariad, David Eddings leverages archetypes to the hilt--the orphaned child of destiny, the old and wise advisor, the protective mother-of-all--and weaves them into a beautiful detailed world, populated by people in nations who seem determined to live up to every stereotype about their race. What might have otherwise come across as dull and repetitive characterization instead turns into an insider joke of which the reader is a part. When a character rolls their eyes and says, "Alorns!", the reader is laughing right along, nodding in fervent agreement.

The plot itself is familiar and has been used by others in one variation or another--the orphaned child rises to claim his destiny as savior of the world, and oh, by the way, find the precious blue gem before the enemy does. (Eddings has a fixation for precious and pretty blue gems--read the Elenium/Tamuli for more blue gem obsession). That said, the story-telling is crisp, the plot brisk, and his descriptions draw you into the story, painting a picture that allows the reader to see each scene as it unfolds.

I have spent many happy hours immersed in the world of the Belgariad. My hardcover novels are looking a little tattered from repeated use. Thank you, Eddings, for a truly outstanding high fantasy series.

This review is for The Belgariad (Part One) and The Belgariad (Part Two)

The Belgariad, Vol. 1 (Books 1-3): Pawn of Prophecy, Queen of Sorcery, Magician's Gambit
The Belgariad, Vol. 2 (Books 4 & 5): Castle of Wizardry, Enchanters' End Game

This is the second installment of the Belgariad, finishing out the tale of Garion and his group of friends. Though the Belgariad Volume One is somewhat stronger and a better read, This second half of the tale finishes the story in a way that keeps the readers attention. He develops the characters even more, and they were my favorite part of the entire story.

At the end of Volume One, Garion and his friends have defeated Ctuchik and in the process caused Rak Thol to destroy itself. This book picks up right where that last one left off and continues with the groups travels to get to Riva on the Isle of the Winds. The beginning of the story is quite engaging, but it tends to get a bit tedious towards the middle. But the ending comes back around and grabs the reader refusing to let go until the last page is turned. We follow along as Garion decides to go off on his own with Silk and Belgarath for his meeting with the evil god Torak, and leaves Aunt Pol and Ce'Nedra behind to deal with the Kings of the lands of the West. They are forced to raise an army, mostly of Ce'Nedra's doing. This is where the story begins to slow. Once the army is formed and the marching finally comes to an end, a battle begins at Thull Mardu, and from then on the reading is fast and entertaining.

I thought this book was a great ending to this enjoyable series. I gave it three stars only because I enjoyed volume one slightly more. I plan on tackling the next series The Mallorean in the near future. Hopefully it will be just as entertaining as this story was!

This Belgariad Omnibus contains the last two novels in Eddins's master Fantasy series, here we see Castle of Wizardry and Enchanters' End Game. As with the first Omnibus this is a great written piece of fantasy fiction it has a lot more action and adventure than his previous works which to me makes this just that little bit better. The characters are well developed even more so than with the first Omnibus, the background is much more vivid and realised. All in all a great series, well worth reading.

Garion has been crowned King of the Rivan and overlord of the west, now Garion must face the armies of the evil God-King Torak and also come face to face with his fate. As armies stand ready to march dark magic and beasts are unleashed to spread terror to all who oppose the God-King and his minions. It will take all of Garions power just to survive the coming war.

The Belgariad is Eddings' first and best fantasy series. First published in the mid-1980s, the Belgariad differed from other fantasy fiction because: (1) it was not based on the elf-dwarf-human creature structure like Lord of the Rings and its various copycats (Terry Brooks, Weis/Hickman, Dennis McKeirnan, etc.); (2) it had mature and defined political systems (including a country that popularly elected its king), international relations and ethnic patterns, unlike even the more mature fantasy offerings of Donaldson (Thomas Covenant) and LeGuin (Earthsea); (3) it had a unique formulation of magic -- the will and the word; and (4) it inverted the purpose of the fantasy quest -- the EVIL ONE sleeps and the heroes seek to prevent his awakening BEFORE he begins his attempt to take over the world (again).

Eddings narrative is sly and occasionally slick -- the characters balance seriousness with humor and the dialogue is often very funny. His world is believable because the political and religious interactions make sense. The best feature of the Belgariad is its relative tonal change -- from reflecting the innocent wide-eyed view of young Garion (the hero, farmboy, of course) in Pawn of Prophecy, the next two books become darker and more serious as Garion begins to realize who he is and what is at stake, and he comes to grips with who his "Aunt Pol" and his "Grandfather" really are.

By the time book four, Castle of Wizardry, starts the hero is acting and thinking proactively instead of merely reacting to events or bobbing along with the tide (like in Queen of Sorcery, volume 2). He's grown independent and a good deal wiser. By the end of Book 5, his emotional range includes earned sympathy for his enemy -- a rare trait in the standard fantasy fare.

This volume includes the weakest entry in the series, Castle of Wizardry, where the heroes regroup after a successful end to part one of the quest. But from the second half of Castle onward, the conclusion is full of action.

Eddings' books are something of a quest story with a travelogue in the world he created -- in the Belgariad he leaves no country untouched in the western continent; in the Mallorean the characters go to every major district in "boundless Mallorea" and his other series (Tamuli, Elenium) are similar. Unfortunately, each of the countries' citizens tend toward a stereotype that Eddings establishes for each nation.

If the various Eddings series sound repetitive, that's because they are -- Eddings repeats the same formula with some variations in his other series and the various wisecracking and irreverent humor that is refreshing in the first Eddings series you read becomes tiresome and predictable thereafter.

That said, the Belgariad is the first, the most original and probably the best farmboy-saves-the-world quest of the genre.

Approximately 15 years ago, I was given a copy of Pawn of Prophecy (Belgariad). I quickly read all the Belgariad, then the Mallorean and moved on to Belgarath the Sorcerer and Polgara the Sorceress. I have never read anything like these books. Over the last 15 years I have read all these books at least 20 times. Everytime I read the series something else comes out of the books that i either didn't notice last time or that became more important as I aged. David and his wife Leigh Eddings intersperse just enough philosphy and aged wisdom to enhance the reading experience. Dialog is often funny, while maintaining the seriousness of the story. The characters are some of the most engaging characters I have ever read, and they will grow with you.

For a great read, and an engaging read, I recommend you read the best series of books I have ever read.

I had a hard time with this one. I respect the author, well-structured writing, and I love fantasy, but this series is just not for me. Very slow, took forever to get to anything. I enjoy a journey and all, but I just didn't find this as exciting as friends said it would be.

As the series that has brought good Garion on his quest concludes, we watch him battle the bad guy. Although the conclusion of the story was, overall, good, there are a few troubles that should be mentioned.

First, the final two books seemed to lack a lot of the wittier moments that made the first three such a delight. (Such as Silk's sardonic comment upon coming to free Garion, who is buried up to his chin in the ground after attempting to lift a large rock "Perhaps he hasn't quite finished yet. Maybe we shouldn't disturb him.") Throughout the final two books, Silk's character dwindles into surliness and much of the charm seems to seep out of the novels.

Secondly, the female characters in the book are portrayed with such narrow-minded simplicity that it borders on offensive. Princess CeNedra is interesting to read about but impossible to relate to. The other females that arise in the final novels are all smitten with one of the male leads and seem to think about nothing except marriage.

The above objection keeps me from adding it to my list of recommended reading for pre-teen females. The novel's rather ridiculously portrays the women looking self-satisfied once they've duped their poor men into marriage, a portrayal that makes any sensible female want to find Eddings and shake him.

Cursing: None
Gore: Several battles occur and the wounds are described in detail in places.
Sex: None

The story (beginning in Vol 1) is your classic good vs. evil. For those who have read the Belgaraid Vol 1. this is a must have. For those that are reading the review, but have not read Vol 1. (or the three books that it comprises) then stop, find it, and buy them both!
Why? Learn how a young immature boy, and a young spoiled girl grow up "the hard way" with conflicts, battles, and hard lessons learned. They grow up fast, and become very memorable characters. Eddings does an amazing job fleshing out the characters in the Novel. Everyone has a personality, everyone has a reason to be there. Even the story itself seems to speak to you as if it is a stand-alone character.
If you like fantasy novels like The Lord of the Rings (JRR), Icewind Dale (Salvatore), The Magician (Feist), etc. then you'll love these books.

I've had these five books (and all the other eddings offerings) for a good number of years now. I reread them at least once a year. Eddings develop's characters better than anyone since Robert A. Heinlein (and we all know he is still the King). I have introduced at least five people, "who hate to read", to this series, and in all cases they devoured these books and all the others I have also. Of all the method's of magic that have been expounded in literature over the years, "The Will and The Word", make the most sense to me. I can easily compare these books to Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings", they are that entertaining. I would and do reccommend these books to anyone and everyone.

I was introduced to this series a couple of years ago and I've been in love with it ever since. I can't believe I never came across it sooner. Of course now that I've read it I come across it in book stores all the time now. This series is a beautiful series for all readers. I wouldn't limit it to fantasy lovers because it is simply a terrific series. It has everything you can ever want to read in a book - humour, fear, action and satisfaction that good does indeed have a say in what goes on in the world. The characters come alive in your head without even trying, the storyline is addictive so it's best to either buy all the books in the series from the start or make plans to get it as soon as you can.

It was great to get these books in 4 books instead of 10. I still re-read this series and I've recently bought them as christmas presents. It's an excellant buy for any avid reader or even for those you might want to encourage to read. For all those who do buy this series, check out Belgarath and Polgara - the companion editions.

in book five Ce'Nedra and Aunt Polgara have the army together and they are going to fight the people of Torak the evil god (the child of dark). While they are doing that Belgaraion (the child of light)and belgarath went to the iron tower so that Belgaraion and Torak can fight to the death. before the fight Durnik the blacksmith dies and Polgara go berserk on the will that Torak is useing to get her to be his bride. The gods come to weep for thier brother and they with Belgaraion revive Durnik when that happen the gods took Polgara was tooken from her enternal life so she and durnik and live together

What an incredible series this was. I still wouldn't call it perfect, but it is up there among the best 3 or 4 fantasy series of all time. Frankly, at least for now it would be 2 or 3 on my list. No, it's not perfect, but it was outstanding, and kept me going throughout. I finished the entire series in a week, and now can't wait to start the next set - though I may have to put it off for a brief bit while I attend to other things.

As always, the dialogue is masterful, the pacing was good. I definately recomend this to any and everyone.

My hands down favorite fantasy series. The Belgariad and the Malloreon. They are my comfort reads and make me happy. I bought this one and the first one in the set at a used book store. I loved these books so much when I read them that I named my cat Xe'Nedra. LOL

This item has two books in one,from the Belgariad Series by David Eddings. If you love fiction like i do, this book will give you many hours of enjoymentThe Belgariad, Vol. 1 (Books 1-3): Pawn of Prophecy, Queen of Sorcery, Magician's GambitThis link lets you know the other 3 books in the series, All these books will met and go beyond your expectations, also at a good price,i bought it in paperback. Enjoy

I own all of this series in print version. Please, please bring it to Kindle. I will gladly purchase again just to have it available when I travel. The Belgariad and Mallorean are still compelling after all these years.

I was sad when I finiashed reading this book. After loving the first volume with books 1,2, and 3, I loved even more, this volume, contain the final 2 books of the Belgariad series, and as great as the first 3 are, the final 2 are much better, no comparison. Obviously the book became much more exciting here. Garion learns who he is, the final battle and the final duel, and an interesting twist at the end. So I just finished reading one of if not the greatest fantasy series ever, so why was I sad...it was over.

The Belgariad, and specifically these last two instalments of the series are the end of a great beginning to the fantasy of David and Leigh Eddings. Garion's quest reaches it's climax and all the pieces of the prophecy come together like a well woven tapestry. The story may be conventional. It follows the quest archetype very well. However the characters are fantastically developed. The Eddings make them real, and that makes it easy to be more concerned about what happens to them. The writing is excellent in my opinion, and the plot is tightly woven. I will say however that Eddings seems to improve every time he goes back to a set of characters, and I highly recomend the Mallorean after you finish the Belgariad. In my oppinion Eddings just keeps getting better.

Why is 'volume 2' the only part of the series available on Kindle? What about part one and what about the sequel, 'the Mallorean'? We fans need to make sure they become available-on the regular the store website there is an icon on the product page of every book that is not available on kindle: 'would you like to read this on Kindle?' Please visit Eddings' books and click on this link to show them how eager we are to read these books on our kindles!

After reading the five books in the Belgariad series, I have to admit I enjoyed them. I had a hard time giving them four stars, but couldn't quite commit to 3 stars, either. Perhaps it would be best suited as 3-1/2 stars? The characters were wonderfully developed, as was the world in which they dwelt. However, I did find some of the storyline to be a bit conventional. These books are about a boy who is destined to be king and his meeting with that destiny. All in all, I'd reccommend the books.

Eddings shows his writing prowress once again, in the conclusion of his series The Belgariad. The character interactions are as amusing as ever, as are his scenes, and Eddings does a grand job of entertaining his readers. With a touch of humor, powerful prose, and intersting happenings, Eddings once again creates a masterpiece. Many unanswered questions are answered in these two last books and some new ones added, as Eddings keeps the plot moving and twisting and delighting readers. For those who are sad to see the end of Garion's adventures, we are thankfuly blessed with The Mallorean, which continues Garion's adventures. Volume two is the amazing conlusion to the breathtaking Belgariad and I highly recommend it.

Possibly my favorite series in my high school years, to me, this is the epitome of sword and sorcery.

I did always feel that the main downside of this is that there doesn't seem to be a single, truly likable female character in this series. Powerful or headstrong, yes, likable, no.

For people who enjoy reading for the purpose of getting into the story. The books written by David Eddings' are for people who get attached to characters and love to immerse themselves in reading. To me his books are like coming home for a visit.

If you want to read simply to get to the finish line---Eddings is not for you.

like lord of the rings and harry potter this should be one of the greats. it takes you to a world and makes you love them it gives you a rush to read it is an amazing book. i would recommend anyone anywhere to read this book.

While not my favorite fantasy series, this series was pretty good. I think some of the traveling that the characters had to go through was a bit monotonous but perhaps if I had read the books with some break between them instead of all 5 back to back, it may have broken the monotony some.

After reading the 1st three books in this series, I had to buy this book. I have read all the books as individuals, but there is something that is just satisfying about having all 5 books in 2 neat packages.

This is a great continuation of the series. The character development and mythology in this series is remarkable. Like I said in my review of volume 1, I much prefer this series to Lord of the Rings. This is a must read for any fan of the fantasy genre and should also be read by people looking for something imaginative to read. Don't take my word though, read it and judge for yourself.

Along with volume one, this series will provide over 1000 pages of engrosing reading. Eddings makes me care about the characters and the story (although somewhat predictable -- not surprising in the genre of fantasy).

This is the last two novels in the fantastic Belgariad series by David Eddings. Everything that was great in the first three novels, great descriptions, characters, story telling, and enthralling action comes back in addition to more suspense as the plot draws closer to the end. Thankfully, this is not the end of the adventures of Belgarion and I reccommend both this series and the sequel series, The Malorean to all readers. Don't miss this fantasy epic!

First off you can get the whole story of the 5 books from the prophecy on the first page. I didnt want to believe it would be so predictable while reading it but lo and behold no suprises here.

The driving force from this book is the characters i must admit they were great and there interactions brilliant, warm and very funny. My two stars go to them i wish i could read about them in a story that doesnt involve the systematic travel to every part of the world following a mandatory killing of a big evil baddie after which all women and men marry each other and live happily ever after.

read if your focus is on loveable characters rather then fresh, unpredictable plots

This is the last two novels in the fantastic Belgariad series by David Eddings. Everything that was great in the first three novels, great descriptions, characters, story telling, and enthralling action comes back in addition to more suspense as the plot draws closer to the end. Thankfully, this is not the end of the adventures of Belgarion and I reccommend both this series and the sequel series, The Malorean to all readers. Don't miss this fantasy epic!

First off you can get the whole story of the 5 books from the prophecy on the first page. I didnt want to believe it would be so predictable while reading it but lo and behold no suprises here.

The driving force from this book is the characters i must admit they were great and there interactions brilliant, warm and very funny. My two stars go to them i wish i could read about them in a story that doesnt involve the systematic travel to every part of the world following a mandatory killing of a big evil baddie after which all women and men marry each other and live happily ever after.

read if your focus is on loveable characters rather then fresh, unpredictable plots

The romance we see in the other books look like puppy love to these. The fighting we see in the others look like little skrimishes. These are the best book in the series. And in my opinion the best books in the world. It is brimming with amazing drama. There aren't words to describe it is so good. READ THESE BOOKS!!!!

This series started it all for me. It was the first fantasy series I ever read, and I have to say, it's as good a read now, some 15 years later, as it was the first time I picked it up. Hard to believe it's been 20 years in print!!
I can't recommend this series (as well as the Malloreon, to follow) enough. Truly, IMHO it ranks second ONLY to the original Dragonlance Chronicles.

I saved a lot of money by purchasing used books instead of new ones. I find them to be in great shape and many times look almost brand new. Before this purchase I was skeptical about buying used for fear of getting an inferior product that was not worth the money. I find that on the store the used books are in excellent condition. I no longer worry about the quality of used books on the store.

The Belgariad is what started me reading when I was in my late 20's. I became addicted to Eddings in the first few pages. I started my daughter off on this series. She is now a book addict. I have recently re-bought the whole Eddings series as they have worn out over the years.

I first bought the complete series at least ten years ago and I re-read the whole set at least once a year! I feel like I know the characters like family! The books are well written, exciting and do not date. Highly recommended.

I love this series. I think its great. I have reread it now 4 times. This book though was the first time that I didn't have to go searching my bookcase for the next one. I really enjoy how it is only two books instead of 5. It makes reading it a lot easier.

I am Belgarion, and I will be the king. I will defeat all the minions of Cthol Mishrak. I have a racecar. VROOM! My friends and I have braved the Cherek Bore and are moving westward. I am destined to find my home in Riva as the wielder of the Orb. I will marry and there will only be one other who will wield the Orb, but he will be in my power. I am destined to find my home in Riva as the wielder of the orb. No one will defeat me!

If you take my advice, you will flip the pages and just start reading whenever you see "Polgara," "CeNedra," "Garion," or "Bel-anything." That way, you can finish the book in about a half hour or so, and you will save yourself some of the most tedious war descriptions ever put on paper. After all, the whole war thing is just a diversionary tactic so that Garion can fight the "dreadful" god Torak (so dreadful that he quakes in his sandals when Pol turns him down for a date. Sheesh.)

If there is no real point to the war scenes, then all that is left of the plotline is the final showdown, which has such a predictable outcome that there isn't any point to that, either. About the only thing you can say for the Eddings team is that at least they got the thing finished. It probably should have stayed in that bottom desk drawer.

The Belgariad and Mallorean series are everything epic fantasy should be. It is an out and out crime that they are not available on Kindle. David Eddings is an icon in this genre. His books should be available for Kindle. Read your own forums and fix this the store!