Things finally start to get going in the Shining Ones, but it's still the weakest book of the Tamuli trilogy. Most of this is down to several things previously considered unalterable in the Sparhawk-verse suddenly changing. Bhelliom is sentient. Zalasta is evil. Aphrael appears as an adult. Sephrenia is a howling bigot. That last one is a huge plot point and it comes out of nowhere given the people she's prejudiced against aren't introduced until this far in the story. And then there's Xanetia, who extends so far into Mary Sue territory it's almost painful. She's beautiful, but no-one finds her attractive because she's the member of a despised race, she's incredibly powerful, even by the standards of her own people, but she considers her gifts a curse and while she could easily solve everyone's problems, nobody trusts her. And didst I perchance mention that she speakath constantly in an archaic dialect that is painfully annoying to behold? Or that we get to spend several chapters in her company while she excruciatingly details what all the bad guys have been up to for the past few decades? It's one of the worst examples of "show, don't tell" I've ever come across. Add this to the fact they shipped off two of the best characters, Emban and Tynian, to the other side of the world for the majority of the novel and you have a very dodgy middle of the book. Still, the plot rattles along at a good pace, the gang members left behind in the Elene Castle while Sparhawk goes after Bhellion are finally given some interesting stuff to do, and it all gets a lot more fun once the Troll Gods arrive. You just wish Eddings could have got to that part without having Xanetia trawl through everyone's memories in a haze of self-flagellation first.
The Shining Ones is book 2 of The Tamuli series. So far this is the best book of the series. There was a better balance of political plot and action that captivates an audience attention. Events happened right after another which kept the story going and not stay in one spot for too long. Sephrenia had more of a role in this book then the first one of which I liked and there was lots of character development. The book ends with a cliff hanger which makes you want to read the third book to find out what happens. Much more enjoyable to read. Sparhawk and his Knights retrieve the Bhelliom from deep within the ocean with the Child-Goddess Aphrael's help. On their journey they encounter the mythical Shining Ones whom are god-like glowing beings that were given a curse by their own God Edaemus. This curse allows them to melt the flesh from a person's bones with just a slight touch. The Shining Ones and Sparhawk's enemies are both interested in what Sparhawk can do for them with the magical powers of Bhelliom and both try to make deals with him in order to have possession of the blue stone.
What do You think about The Shining Ones (1994)?
As much as I love all of the books by the Eddings couple, I have to admit this one is a bit of a mess. The storyline is all over the place and the plotting is incredibly raise your eyebrow ok I kind of see what you're trying to get at but not really. That said, the characters in these novels are always the key. I think I could read entire novels of just little snippets of their lives (which in a way is what this series is). I'd actually forgotten about the conclusion to the novel! So I'm looking forward to re-reading the last novel again lol.
—Minh
I enjoyed this much more than the first book of the trilogy, as his banter between characters lessened and action increased. The one stick I still have with it, is that he lays out all of his plans for each confrontation beforehand, and then it goes off without a hitch. This is the case most of the time. I feel like there is rarely a question about who will win. This makes it pleasant to read but less exciting. Cyrgon is explained as always being outdated and stupid, which cheapens him as an enemy. I would expect more secrecy or more of a twist. Though I haven't read the third book yet, so we will see! I would suggest as a should read, if not a must read.
—Lonnie Smith
I was glad to get all of the books in this series as a Christmas present, because I at the moment I finished one book I had to start the next one. And I recommend to all of you who still haven´t read these: buy them all before starting to read, or you will regret it the moment you finish one book and realize you don´t have the next one yet.These books can make anyone fall in love with fantasy.
—Mirta Martin
