Customer Reviews

King of the Murgos (The Malloreon, Book 2)

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Book 2 of the Mallorean

King of the Murgos continues Belgarion's quest to find his kidnapped son. He is following someone named Zandramas but he is several months behind. The search begins with Belgarion and a group of people named by Prophecy. Belgarion's grandfather, the sorcerer Belgarath, mentions that while it may appear to be a roundabout way to go about the search, it is actually quicker to follow the instructions of prophecy. In this way, Belgarion gains ground on Zandramas.

In King of the Murgos, the party (Belgarion, Belgarath, Polgara, Silk, Durnik, Toth, and CeNedra) journey in the quest to find Belgarion and CeNedra's son. Oddly enough, they stop many times along the way and spend a good deal of time at each place. In the odd way that the world of David Eddings works, this actually helps them gain time on Zandramas. They learn some more of the reasons of why Zandramas kidnapped Geran and where she is going. As they journey we are introduced to more characters (some of whom join Belgarion's quest).

I have seen comments to the effect that the Mallorean is essentially a rip off of the first series, the Belgariad. In a sense, this is true. We have most of the same characters and the quest feels similar. Eddings actually addresses this in the book and it becomes inherent in the world of the Belgariad/Mallorean. It is part of how the prophecy works. On the other hand, the story is more mature than the first and some of the characters have matured (Belgarion, for one). We have to remember that this is not high fantasy on the level of Tolkien or George Martin. David Eddings writes a more light hearted and whimsical fantasy. He has an entirely different touch and Eddings is just a lot of fun to read. King of the Murgos is another entertaining entry in a very fun and familiar world.

Flawed though they may be, this continuation of the ten volume saga is a fun read for Eddings fans. This is the second to the last in "The Malloreon" and takes our friends through previously covered ground and into new. While the character developement is rather stinted, Eddings never-the-less packs a lot of action into each chapter the the story keep moving at a nice brisk pace. There are a couple of nice, predictable twists and some not so predictable. All in all, Eddings fans will enjoy the work. Those who are not fans probably won't. Either way, if you have read this far into the series, why stop now? All in all, recommend.

Belgariad was a good series... The characters were funny and likable. Its plot, believable. I had no trouble suspending my beliefs to go along with the storyline. In Malloreon series, the plot is too similar. The characters too static, as in they don't seem to grow except physically. Moreover, they are all becoming alike. Most male characters drink too much and most of the time are rather clueless. Female characters take too much delight in making male characters suffer... They are all too witty. It seems forced, almost. Some parts are still very funny but in my opinion, David Eddings took too much of his time trying to make his characters funny. But again, I loved Belgariad series, so I probably will give Malloreon one more try and buy the third book.

When Garion's sun is kidnapped by the child of dark, he must journey around the world searching for him. Garion and his companions travel to the palace of Rak Urga. Unknowingly they are in the midst of a sacrifice for Torak, the dark god. Errand realizes this begins to put an end to it all. If this seems interesting to you read the rest of "The Malloreon" series. I would highly recommend this book to teens that love sci-fi/ fantasy books.

The first reason I would recommend this book is because of its interesting names. For example, the king of Riva, the Windy Isle, is Garion, wielder of Aldur's Orb. Another example is that the Murgo's kingdom is called Rak Urga. One last example are the names of the children of light and dark, Errand is Light and Zandramas is Dark.

The second reason I would recommend this book is because of it's not only based on humans and gods. Such as, there are different races like the Murgos and Nyissans, or snake tribe. Another example is that one race can only live in the dark because the sun hurts their eyes. The last example is that each race has its advantages, like the Nyissans can smell thoughts and sense treachery even though they are blind.

The third reason I would recommend this novel is due to the fact that it has all the same characters from the other series by David Eddings. Like Belgarath from "The Belgariad" And Polgara is from "The Tamuli." Not all characters have been seen before, like Errand and Usa are new characters that are introduced.

I believe that all teenagers that enjoy reading this book for its on the edge storyline. King of the Murgos is a wonderful book that will keep you awake at 3:00 A.M. with its battles, chases, and more. If you liked this book then make sure to read more books by David Eddings.

N. Koester

I am surprised these other reviewers didn't like it. I, personally, loved the book! Eddings is an amazing foreshadower, giving you just enough info to know something's not quite right, but at the same time, he keeps things hidden, so that there are surprises! I can't wait to read the third one!

O.k., so like an unobservant fool I picked up this book without reading the fine print that said "Book Two..." but was pleasantly surprised that I had 6 previous books to read and 3 more to follow! From the first scene in the tunnels I was hooked. A reviewer of another of DE's books called his dialogue "annoyingly cute" or something to that effect; I personally found it to be just the right amount of "cute" (although "cute" would not be my personal choice in words). The discussion of the meaning of the word "lost" in the first chapter was wonderful. The sarcastic humor of Silk is what makes me re-read the books over and over. He is by far my favorite character in any fantasy book I've read! Just thinking about it makes me want to read all 10 again! (I havent gotten around to the final 3-ie Belgarath... Pol...and that last one- but I'll tell you, if any character deserves his own book(s) it's Silk!!!!!!!)

Having started out this series with several attempted (and successful) murders and a kidnapping it's no surprise that Eddings quickly starts Belgarion and his friends out on another extended quest - once again to confront the child of the dark and reunite the prophecies. This time is supposed to be the 'last' time though and whoever wins, it is forever. Eddings uses more of a puzzle format for the Mallorean, though. Belgarion, Belgarath and the rest of the group are seeking a place that 'is no more,' and their clues are buried in ancient books of prophecy and legends. That and a sparse handful of hints from Cyradis, Seeress of Kell.

It should be no surprise that an early stop is Nyissa where betrayal is standard operating procedure. Zandramas, the kidnapper of Belgarion and C'Nedra's son, was traveling in the company of Nyissan diplomats, and Polgara want to find out why. In clearing that up Sadi, once Salmonissra's chief eunich, joins the group and they are off the the next stop, the land of the Murgos, where they are due for a meeting with Urgit, the Murgo king.

What you expect is a repeat of the original confrontation with Urgit's father, the mad king Taur Urgas. What you get is Urgit, mild tempered, and sick to death of the pomp and ritual of kingship. Urgit isn't precisely a weak king, but he is caught between Grolim disciples and a Mallorean king determined to wipe his whole family out in revenge for past insults. Urgit wants to be king of a nice, quiet kingdom, and nobody will give hime the change.

Eddings, I've realized, is weak in character development (Belgarion is the only one who changes, and even he grinds to a halt. What the author does instead is introduce characters to the narrative who a complex enough to fill narrative space pleasantly. Thus Sadi and Urgit are both interesting characters in turn, but gradually, they each settle into a predictable pattern. At which point other characters move onto the stage. Between puzzles, new characters, and a certain amount of action, the plot moves forward enjoyably, even if it never plumbs great depths.

I have enjoyed most everything David and Leigh Eddings have ever written. They have a fine touch with wit and cleverness, even when their characters are in deepest peril.

The average reader can easily identify with (Bel)Garion, who has been thrust into the role of sorceror/king and is still getting used to his new responsibilities. Luckily he has his grandfather Belgarath, his aunt Polgara and plenty of other monarchs to help him out.

He also has his natural intelligence to help him cope when his son Geran is abducted. He is often able to keep a cool head when others around him cannot. Most anyone who enjoys fantasy novels would enjoy Eddings's work.

To Sarahjames: You would do well not to try to elevate Eddings's work at the expense of others, notably Tolkien. Many, many people would disagree with your assessment. They are far different stylistically, and ultimately to each his own.

Many people think David Eddings is overly formulaic which he is a bit but since I enjoy the tale he tells I do not mind reading it over again. His characters always have great humor at their core and you can't beat a good epic tale for entertainment value. This particular book is one of my favorites by him.

Book was recieved in a timely manner, and was everything that it was supposed to be: a first edition hardback in great shape. Thank you.