Tomes of Spellcasting--Magician's Gambit

Tomes of Spellcasting

Welcome to the land of mystery, where the impossible is possible, and the improbable the reality. Join me as I investigate worlds filled with magic and meet the souls that wield this wondrous powers.

W A R N I N G !

This review does not represent the opinions of the general public. It reflects my personal thoughts and opinions on the book.

That said, on to the review!

Title: Magician's Gambit
Author: David Eddings
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Format: Paperback
Copyright Date: 1983

With sorcery flowing in his veins and the potential for disaster looming over him, Garion has no choice but to learn to use his talent. But time is running out for the world, and Garion must master his newfound abilities quickly and on the road, a strange, convoluted path that takes him and his companions through the ghost-haunted land of Maragor--where the Marags, chosen people of the god, Mara, were slaughtered by Tolnedran soldiers--to the underground kingdom of the Ulgos beneath the holy city of Prolgu, into the lion's den itself: Cthol Murgos, one of the kingdoms of the Angarak races. It is there, in this twisted, corrupted sibling to Prolgu that he and his companions must confront the evil that has begun its rising in the land. It is there that they hope to win back the Orb of Aldur from the Grolim master, Ctuchik. But is even the mighty Belgarath a match for this twisted old magician?

Magician's Gambit is the third book in the Belgariad. It brings the quest for the Orb of Aldur to its explosive climax, but rest assured: Garion's story is far from over. The book is itself perhaps one of my favorites in the series because of the deeds performed by Garion and his companions, but also because Garion has finally accepted who he is and has begun taking steps to direct what rests within him.

Now this is an interesting book. In Queen of Sorcery we encountered one god, Issa, in Queen Salmissra's throne room. This time we get to meet not one, not two, but three gods: the grieving Mara, the kindly Aldur, and the reluctant UL. The contrast the author presents between the three gods is amazing. Naturally Mara isn't the most receptive of gods--he's still mourning his slain race--but his is a marked contrast to the welcome that Aldur extends to the companions. And in Prolgu, UL doesn't make himself known until absolutely necessary, demonstrating that he is still a reluctant god. You have to wonder how things would be if the companions met with the other gods, Chaldan, Nedra, and Belar. I'm not even going to mention Torak since I'm sure by now you've figured out that there's a major confrontation headed our way, right?

Magician's Gambit maintains the high pace of an outstanding series. From the many miracles worked by the companions to all the conflicts that take place, every scene is an impressive example of masterful writing and plot control and development. You can't possibly go wrong by reading this book, so go and read it! Well, what are you waiting for?

Rating: Thumbs up! Want to go spelunking? Then this is the book for you!

Buy this book in paperback or visit the Cosmic Tomes Bazaar for other titles.

Looking for something that's no longer here? Check in the Archive to search for it.

Comments? Suggestions? Just click here to send me e-mail. Also, if this review prompted you to read the book, then let me know. I appreciate knowing I made a difference in somebody's life.

You are the

th visitor to this page since March 1, 2000.

Back Home Back to Starfire Reviews

This page hosted by Get your own Free Home Page