This is not a first book of David Eddings which I have read. The first book was actually Domes of Fire (The Tamuli Book 1), part of Sparhawk Universe. Ironically, both books are sequels of the respective original series. The Domes was successful to persuade me to like Edding’s writing. So does Guardians of the West. In fact, I like this book/series more than the Sparhawk Universe, as far as things go.If someone says I should read The Belgarion series first, I would agree of it. Better to read Belgarion first, The Mallorean later. It’s important to do so in order to better understand all characters and story setting. Many characters in the prequel are also there in the sequel. Plus, both series background and setting are inter-related between each other. Unfortunately, there are two reasons why I need to read its sequel first. Firstly, I’m too eager to read it. Secondly, because I still don’t have Belgarion series, yet. However, of course, I’m looking forward and trying to collect and read the former series, and in the same time, doing the same thing on Mallorean. Well, I’ll probably re-read this novel when I get my hand on both series in the future, hopefully.I need to admit that my knowledge on writing concept of fantasy novel is very limited. The genre is not my most favourite. However, typically, it involves an adventure by main character/protagonist (or a group of them) in completing a task bestowed upon them. It’s like going from Point A to Point B. Usually, this is the main theme fantasy. In the Guardians, prior and during of Point A (in order to go to Point B), there are lots of events which may relevant or not with Point A, based on one’s perspective. So, several small stories or sub-plots emerged before we arrived at the main storyline or plot. Same thing also is encountered in The Domes. This feature is maybe applied to all series authored by Eddings. Looks gibberish and boring, but, it made reading more interesting, at least in my opinion. However, there is one main aspect which distinguishable between Guardians and Domes; description of battle. In Guardian, it’s more vivid than Domes. However, the description is still generic, albeit interesting to read.
This might have been another case where the sequels just don't hold a candle to the original. Guardians of the West certainly had its appeal, and there were a ton of upsides to having read it. But I should probably start with the downsides first.It was definitely more drawn out than it should have been. More often than not, I found that the characters practically twiddled their thumbs and went about with their lives. The bigger picture slowly dribbled through, but nothing was really done about it, not even the end of the book provided enough of a conclusion that could satisfy. Yes, I know the story for The Mallorean is meant to last another four books, but compared to The Belgariad, the anti-climax wasn't so well-done. Not to mention, whatever action took place was preceded by talks of strategy after strategy. It was enough to turn my head round and round in a confused daze.The upsides? Well, what with the drawn-out conversations and unnecessary side-quests/tasks, you definitely see more development (or lack thereof) from the main and secondary characters. This book definitely increased my partiality to Garion, who I always just saw as a little whiny kid on the side being shoved around with a set of obligations to fulfill. This time around, however, he's grown a number of years, and he's learned a thing or two. And I seriously can't just put the book down, not when the conversation is at least amusing enough to keep me interested the entire time.So yes, pros and cons aside, there is seriously still some potential greatness in the next books. Besides, I can't just leave Silk behind like that!
What do You think about Guardians Of The West (1988)?
Why can't I stop reading this dumb-ass seriesI was surprised to find Edding's prose takes a huge leap from the Belgariad to the Mallorean. Maybe it's because he's not hewing so strongly to the Heroes Journey formula of the original, perhaps it's because he doesn't have to start from a place of total reader incomprehension, maybe it's because he's already established all his characters, but Guardians of the West really just flows, and flows well. It leans less on the stereotype-heavy nations-against-nations stuff and more on internal politicking and affairs of state and is consequentially probably one of Eddings' stronger works.
—Patrick Lum
A sequel to THE BELGARIAD, Garion has slain the evil God Torak, and fulfilled the prophecy. But suddenly another prophecy is foretold. Again a great evil is brewing in the East. And again Garion finds himself caught between two ancient Prophecies, with the fate of the world resting on him....** From the Inside Flap A sequel to THE BELGARIAD, Garion has slain the evil God Torak, and fulfilled the prophecy. But suddenly another prophecy is foretold. Again a great evil is brewing in the East. And again Garion finds himself caught between two ancient Prophecies, with the fate of the world resting on him.... About the Author David Eddings (1931-2009) published his first novel, High Hunt, in 1973, before turning to the field of fantasy with the Belgariad, soon followed by the Malloreon. Born in Spokane, Washington, and raised in the Puget Sound area north of Seattle, he received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Reed College in Portland, Oregon, in 1954, and a master of arts degree from the University of Washington in 1961. He served in the US Army, worked as a buyer for the Boeing Company, and was both a grocery clerk and a college English teacher. He lived in Nevada until his death, at the age of 77.
—Michael Murdoch
My children were picking up books for school at the Library when I spotted Guardians of the West. I picked it, began reading and couldn't put it down. I also became aware from the early references, there were other books. I picked up the first five paperbacks and read them in less than three weeks then went back to Guardians. I love the whole series. Edding's characters are well rounded, flawed and very human, in spite of their god-like powers. If you're looking for an engaging series, grab the Pawn OF Prophecy and start reading.
—Richard Draude
