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Discussions of various fantasy-fiction authors:

#4- David Eddings

For the longest time, the only fantasy/sci-fi stuff I read involved authors like J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Lloyd Alexander, and Timothy Zahn's Star Wars novels. Then my friend Henry introduced me to David Eddings. I was deeply encouraged by the quality of his novels to read other fantasy authors, which began a snowball effect that has now seen me read over 200 fantasy and Star Wars novels. And counting! ;-)

As I read a new novel, I try to compare it in general with other stuff I have read. Since Eddings was among the first, I am kind of surprised that I still think he's one of the best. I cannot really put my finger on exactly what I enjoy about David Eddings's work. The wry humor makes for easy reading, the unique realness of the characters is a treat, and even when the plotline is slowed down a bit for dialogue and character development, the situation is far from boring.

I think "casual" is the best way to sum up David Eddings's novels in one word. Don't get me wrong- there's plenty of serious action to be had. However Eddings craftily manages to make all of his hard work drafting and refining his stories look easy by having his characters almost whimsically carry on with life over time. For all we readers know, Army A could just as easily have chosen the left road over the right, however the actual decisions end up to be very important, later on, adding a dangerously carefree taste to the overall plot.

It's tough to describe exactly how Eddings manages to make such a great story flow so well, but if you'd care to help me out, you've got *plenty* of examples to choose from! One series is two sets of five novels each; The Belgariad and The Mallorean. There are also two stand-alone novels called Belgarath the Sorcerer and Polgara the Sorceress that I would suggest reading after you have cruised through the other ten. When I say "cruise through" ten novels, I mean it- they are quick reading once you begin, and none of them are 900-page Robert Jordan "tomes". Another publication is actually an aspiring fantasy author's guide to writing their own masterpieces called The Rivan Codex.

The other series written by David Eddings is a set of two trilogies called The Elenium and The Tamuli. If ten books scare you, then maybe trying out The Elenium's three novels is right up your alley. Then, when you're hooked and you read The Tamuli, you'll realize that ten novels can't be much worse than six... :-)

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The Belgariad Quintet

1. Pawn of Prophecy

2. Queen of Sorcery

3. Magician's Gambit

4. Castle of Wizardry

5. Enchanter's End Game

The Mallorean Quintet

6. Guardians of the West

7. King of the Murgos

8. Demon Lord of Karanda

9. Sorceress of Darshiva