Genres
Description
The Belgariad is an epic fantasy of immense scope, telling the tale of struggles between ancient Gods and mighty Kings, and of men in strange lands facing fated events, all bound by a prophecy that must be fulfilled. It all began with the theft of the Orb that protected the West from the evil God Torak. Before that, Garion had been a simple farm boy. Afterward, he discovered he's a sorcerer. Now, at last, the Orb has been regained & the quest nears its end.
Subjects
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1984-05
Physical description
443 p.; 18 cm
Publication
London : Corgi, 1984
Pages
443
ISBN
0552148105 / 9780552148108
Other editions
Rivas dronning [Castle of Wizardry] by David Eddings (Hardcover)
Similar in this library
Awards
Locus Award (Nominee — Fantasy Novel — 1985)
User reviews
LibraryThing member Narilka
The quest begun all those months ago at Faldor's Farm is coming to its end. The Orb of Aldur has been recovered. Now it is a matter of getting it to the island kingdom of Riva before Erastide. With Belgarath incapacitated by his fight with Ctuchik and Polgara concentrating entirely on shielding the
Castle of Wizardry is the fourth book of The Belgariad. The story picks up immediately after events in Castle of Wizardry. While a few events do happen to move the story along, this book focuses more on the characters than what we've seen previously. It is also the set up for the final book so reads more as the middle book in a series to me than the previous two. As we have less events happening, the book is a slightly slower read than those previous as well. This is also the point when Eddings has more characters than the story needs. A few get focused on while the rest fade into the background.
Two characters we were briefly introduced to in the last book become members of the party: Errand, an innocent child and unlikely thief, and Taiba, a slave woman the party rescues. While he plays a larger role in the second series, here Errand is primarily used as a plot device. He is the only true innocent on the planet and therefor able to touch the Orb. His name comes from "errand" being the only word he says as he tries to give the Orb to anyone he sees. His innocence is also used occasionally as a distraction to get others to do the right thing. Taiba seems primarily to be a foil to Relg. Being a slave her entire life, she has had a hard life and is unused to the outside world. She also represents the ultimate temptation for Relg: sin. It is through her that Relg starts to have a small character arc as he realizes that the world is not as black and white as he would like. Ironically, after the party gets to Riva, these characters pretty much fade into the background.
Garion continues to grow, transitioning from a typical teen to the beginnings of maturity. After his true heritage is announced to the world, Garion has no choice but to accept the role the Prophecy has laid out for him. It is with a mixture of relief and trepidation that he looks full on his destiny and choose the path that will save the most lives.
Ce'Nedra also begins her character arc. For the first time in her life she realizes that she is not the center of the universe and cares more for another than for herself. It is through this strength that she is able to complete the tasks set out for her by the Prophecy. It is good to see her as something more than a spoiled princess.
One of the downsides to The Belgariad is that Eddings sets up little side stories and then they don't go anywhere. It's a shame really as some of those stories could have been interesting. It is probably to keep things focused as many of those asides don't have much bearing on the overall story, but it still would've been neat as a way to revisit other areas of the world.
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child Errand, bearer of the Orb, leadership has been thrust upon Garion to get them to safety. As they journey across the lands, Murgo soldiers and Grolim sorcerers try to stop them. After that, however, Garion was sure that his part in these events would be over. But the evil god Torak begins to stir from his long sleep and the Prophecy has more in store for Garion than he imagines.Castle of Wizardry is the fourth book of The Belgariad. The story picks up immediately after events in Castle of Wizardry. While a few events do happen to move the story along, this book focuses more on the characters than what we've seen previously. It is also the set up for the final book so reads more as the middle book in a series to me than the previous two. As we have less events happening, the book is a slightly slower read than those previous as well. This is also the point when Eddings has more characters than the story needs. A few get focused on while the rest fade into the background.
Two characters we were briefly introduced to in the last book become members of the party: Errand, an innocent child and unlikely thief, and Taiba, a slave woman the party rescues. While he plays a larger role in the second series, here Errand is primarily used as a plot device. He is the only true innocent on the planet and therefor able to touch the Orb. His name comes from "errand" being the only word he says as he tries to give the Orb to anyone he sees. His innocence is also used occasionally as a distraction to get others to do the right thing. Taiba seems primarily to be a foil to Relg. Being a slave her entire life, she has had a hard life and is unused to the outside world. She also represents the ultimate temptation for Relg: sin. It is through her that Relg starts to have a small character arc as he realizes that the world is not as black and white as he would like. Ironically, after the party gets to Riva, these characters pretty much fade into the background.
Garion continues to grow, transitioning from a typical teen to the beginnings of maturity. After his true heritage is announced to the world, Garion has no choice but to accept the role the Prophecy has laid out for him. It is with a mixture of relief and trepidation that he looks full on his destiny and choose the path that will save the most lives.
Ce'Nedra also begins her character arc. For the first time in her life she realizes that she is not the center of the universe and cares more for another than for herself. It is through this strength that she is able to complete the tasks set out for her by the Prophecy. It is good to see her as something more than a spoiled princess.
One of the downsides to The Belgariad is that Eddings sets up little side stories and then they don't go anywhere. It's a shame really as some of those stories could have been interesting. It is probably to keep things focused as many of those asides don't have much bearing on the overall story, but it still would've been neat as a way to revisit other areas of the world.
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LibraryThing member seldombites
In this, the fourth book of The Belgariad, Garion grows into his power as the company recover the legendary Orb of Aldur. Definitely worth reading.
LibraryThing member Stir-Pink
Garion, once a simple farm lad, but now realizing his potential as a sorerer, has regained the stolen Orb of Aldur. Its song soars as Garian and his companions race to return it to its rightful home on the Island of Riva.
It's a perilous journey through a desert teeming with murgo soldiers, while
When Garion finally returns the Orb to the sword of the Rivian King and holds it aloft, a voice echoes in a dark tomb as his adversary - The evil God Torak - stirs after centuries of slumber...
It's a perilous journey through a desert teeming with murgo soldiers, while
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grolims strive to use their dark magic to destroy them. When Garion finally returns the Orb to the sword of the Rivian King and holds it aloft, a voice echoes in a dark tomb as his adversary - The evil God Torak - stirs after centuries of slumber...
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LibraryThing member Zommbie1
This book picks up the pace of the story at an almost alarming speed. It does slow down every so often but you soon figure out that actually the slowing down is simply there in order to lull you into a false sense of security because they are about to make a very sharp turn.
I love it.
The book
I really love how Eddings (or should I say the Eddingses as Davids wife Leigh was heavily involved in writing these books) manage to portray the teenagers who are their main characters. They really feel authentic.
I love it.
The book
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reveals much about Garions rather mysterious background. Garion again becomes the rather agreeable character he is in the first book rather than the sullen moody teenager he is in books two and three and I for one found it refreshing. However, Garion's transformation isn't as surprising as the transformation that Ce'Nedra goes through. We still see glimpses of the spoiled child we first met but now they are more of a character trait and not her whole character. I don't really want to write more in case it spoils anyone.I really love how Eddings (or should I say the Eddingses as Davids wife Leigh was heavily involved in writing these books) manage to portray the teenagers who are their main characters. They really feel authentic.
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LibraryThing member nieva21
This is my favorite book so far in the series. Terrific! I especially love Ce'Nedra's transformation from girl to woman and from princess to queen. Finally, I am less annoyed with her and all her selfishness she exhibited in other books. I love the part where Garion turns into a wolf and meets
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Poledra his grandmother. I found myself a little bit angry with Polegra and I have no idea why. Maybe because she isn't as helpful as her character role in prior books dictates. I understood Silk better and I had appreciation for Taiba, Porrend, and Adara (who I really like as a small character, I think she makes a good point without ever even saying anything). Show Less
LibraryThing member drbubbles
Stylistically this volume is no worse than any of the others in the Belgariad series, to which I've been giving 3 stars. But story-wise, this volume is merely a pawn, the equivalent of The Empire Strikes Back: the events of the story are not particularly important, nor interesting, in and of
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themselves; rather, it is a transition between the events of the previous one and those of the next one, in which the pieces are moved around the board so that they are in position for the next "EVENT." I suppose one really oughtn't skip this volume, but on its own it has very little merit. Show Less
LibraryThing member 5hrdrive
Being four-fifths of the way through The Belgariad now, I can state without reservation that this series has been far too linear for my taste, and this entry was quite honestly the most linear of all. There are hardly any surprises and the reader can easily see what's coming next. Not exactly my
One thing I have to give David Eddings credit for, this is easily the one fantasy series that gives the largest roles to female characters of any that I've read.
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cup of tea, although I will be finishing the series just to see how it all comes out - but I think I can already tell. One thing I have to give David Eddings credit for, this is easily the one fantasy series that gives the largest roles to female characters of any that I've read.
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LibraryThing member JechtShot
The fourth book in the Belgariad kicks things back into gear and the action takes off once again. Belgarion assumes his role as the Rivan King and begins his quest to do battle with the God Torak. Ce'Nedra, whom I previously found to be an annoying itch on the surface of Arendia, has improved her
As stated in previous reviews, this story is far from unique, but Eddings' characters make the series quite enjoyable. Up next, Enchanter's End Game.
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disposition greatly. Her acceptance of being the Rivan Queen shotguns her into maturity as she leads the armies in support of Garion.As stated in previous reviews, this story is far from unique, but Eddings' characters make the series quite enjoyable. Up next, Enchanter's End Game.
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LibraryThing member mpritchett
The fourth novel in The Belgariad series. This book is the slow smolder that builds suspense for the final book of the series. As the characters have mostly already been introduced, we are dealing with the mini-climax from the third book which is the eventual escape of the party from peril.
Nothing
Nothing
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really unexpected occurs in here. The party makes it to safety and then breaks up. The two sub-parties go out to continue the quest to fulfill their destiny. Show Less
LibraryThing member TheLostEntwife
Just when I thought things were going to comet to some sort of conclusion.. David Eddings throws me for a spin with the ending of this book.
But I get ahead of myself -
In Castle of Wizardry Belgarion finally comes into his own - sort of. The prophecy peaks, things we, as readers, have known since
This book and The Magician's Gambit suffer a bit from "middle-child syndrome", all things said. It's obvious that the story is hurtling toward a grand finish, but first we have to get through all of the revelations and traveling - and there is a LOT of traveling. That said, I'm looking forward to seeing what the end brings and have thoroughly enjoyed a weekend completely absorbed in this world created by David Eddings.
But I get ahead of myself -
In Castle of Wizardry Belgarion finally comes into his own - sort of. The prophecy peaks, things we, as readers, have known since
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the first and second book are revealed (and the characters are surprised by them? Really?). I suppose it would have helped, also, to have the prophecy revealed at the start of each book so we could see the pieces coming together as well - but that isn't how it's to be, so we really don't know just how explicit it is.This book and The Magician's Gambit suffer a bit from "middle-child syndrome", all things said. It's obvious that the story is hurtling toward a grand finish, but first we have to get through all of the revelations and traveling - and there is a LOT of traveling. That said, I'm looking forward to seeing what the end brings and have thoroughly enjoyed a weekend completely absorbed in this world created by David Eddings.
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LibraryThing member exlibrisbitsy
In the fourth book of the Belgariad, The Castle of Wizardry, all the set up from the series so far finally come to fruition and the stage is set for the final book. Picking up where the story left off Garion finds himself leading the small group as Belgarath is out of it after the last show down
The middle of the book does drag a bit as it gets bogged down in some very necessary but at least mostly peaceful politics. Stick with it to the last third and you will be rewarded.
This book features a major plot twist to set up the fifth and final book, and I won’t spoil it for you except to say that Garion is not the only one that does some major growing up, Ce’Nedra does as well. And, finally, we see some sparks start to really fly between our two annoying love birds.
We also finally get to journey through Drasnia and of course see the prince, Silk, in his element. The ending will leave you begging for the final book in the series.
I listened to this entire series on audio book and I just have to say that the reader for this series, Cameron Beierle, is phenomenal. Not only does he have a different, unique, and distinct voice for each of the characters but each kingdom has its own unique accent. The moment you hear him start to speak a line of dialogue you can tell what kingdom they are from immediately. He is an excellent reader and I can’t recommend his audio books enough.
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and Polgara is maintaining a shield to protect Errand. What follows is Garion not just making the journey into adult hood but also stepping up into a position of responsibility and authority. Garion finally grows up and it is wonderful to see.The middle of the book does drag a bit as it gets bogged down in some very necessary but at least mostly peaceful politics. Stick with it to the last third and you will be rewarded.
This book features a major plot twist to set up the fifth and final book, and I won’t spoil it for you except to say that Garion is not the only one that does some major growing up, Ce’Nedra does as well. And, finally, we see some sparks start to really fly between our two annoying love birds.
We also finally get to journey through Drasnia and of course see the prince, Silk, in his element. The ending will leave you begging for the final book in the series.
I listened to this entire series on audio book and I just have to say that the reader for this series, Cameron Beierle, is phenomenal. Not only does he have a different, unique, and distinct voice for each of the characters but each kingdom has its own unique accent. The moment you hear him start to speak a line of dialogue you can tell what kingdom they are from immediately. He is an excellent reader and I can’t recommend his audio books enough.
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LibraryThing member wethewatched
Great character development but not a lot of action. A prophesy is at long last fulfilled, but after that the book drags slightly as it builds toward the next and final book in the series. Still a fun and light read in an engaging epic.
LibraryThing member DinadansFriend
the second-last part of the Belgariad. Don't read these books out of order as they have very little stand-alone quality. The Belgariad is superior to the Sword of Shannaras.
LibraryThing member David.Alfred.Sarkies
This is the penultimate book in the Belgariad and pretty much from what I can remember Garion ascends the throne and the scene is being set for the massive battle between the good and the evil nations. When I read this as a teenager, as I have previously mentioned, the books seemed to be a
My suspicions were confirmed in this book when Garion takes his position as the High King after recovering the orb, and then going for a little adventure to the north of the island where the High King ruled. Personally I cannot remember the reason behind this little quest or the purpose behind it, but rather that it happened and it was something that I expected to happen.
Once again Eddings tries to add some humour into the book, my memory being when C'nedra fashions a suit of armour making her breasts look a lot bigger than they really are. This, to me, is vanity and woman worrying about the size of her breasts is pretty much as shallow as a guy worrying about the size of his member and whether it will please a woman. As I said it is all vanity and in the end only adds to the shallowness of the character. It is not necessarily Edding's poor writing skills in this aspect because there are a lot of people in the real world that have vain and shallow characters. In reality if a relationship is only based upon beauty and good sex then the relationship is doomed from the start.
Fortunately Eddings is not too detailed in any of the character's sexual exploits and in the end what happens in the bedroom stays in the bedroom. We do not need to see or read about what is in effect a private matter between the two characters. While they are imaginary characters that exist inside the head of David Eddings, and while exploring a character's sexual escapades (as Piers Anthony does) is not necessarily an invasion of privacy, I feel in a way that it is not necessary. Books like American Psycho have a reason for explicitly describing a sexual encounter, but this is a fantasy novel, not some erotic romance.
I am not sure why I went down this road because, as I said, Eddings firmly closes the door once the characters enter the bedroom and we do not see what goes on behind it. We do not need to see it, and as we are generally adult enough to know what is happening why does the writer need to go into details. In all honesty he does not, and it is very clear that Eddings understands that as well.
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travelogue exploring Edding's world, and it wasn't exactly a world that I really considered to be very realistic.My suspicions were confirmed in this book when Garion takes his position as the High King after recovering the orb, and then going for a little adventure to the north of the island where the High King ruled. Personally I cannot remember the reason behind this little quest or the purpose behind it, but rather that it happened and it was something that I expected to happen.
Once again Eddings tries to add some humour into the book, my memory being when C'nedra fashions a suit of armour making her breasts look a lot bigger than they really are. This, to me, is vanity and woman worrying about the size of her breasts is pretty much as shallow as a guy worrying about the size of his member and whether it will please a woman. As I said it is all vanity and in the end only adds to the shallowness of the character. It is not necessarily Edding's poor writing skills in this aspect because there are a lot of people in the real world that have vain and shallow characters. In reality if a relationship is only based upon beauty and good sex then the relationship is doomed from the start.
Fortunately Eddings is not too detailed in any of the character's sexual exploits and in the end what happens in the bedroom stays in the bedroom. We do not need to see or read about what is in effect a private matter between the two characters. While they are imaginary characters that exist inside the head of David Eddings, and while exploring a character's sexual escapades (as Piers Anthony does) is not necessarily an invasion of privacy, I feel in a way that it is not necessary. Books like American Psycho have a reason for explicitly describing a sexual encounter, but this is a fantasy novel, not some erotic romance.
I am not sure why I went down this road because, as I said, Eddings firmly closes the door once the characters enter the bedroom and we do not see what goes on behind it. We do not need to see it, and as we are generally adult enough to know what is happening why does the writer need to go into details. In all honesty he does not, and it is very clear that Eddings understands that as well.
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LibraryThing member Karlstar
This book continues the Belgariad series. What seems to be the end, isn't, and there's more to do to prevent the evil prophecy. This was a very entralling series to read for younger readers.
LibraryThing member DVerdecia
As stated in the previous books reviewed, I love this entire series. In this 4th installment of the life of Belgarion, we get closer to his inevitable meeting with the god Torak. He finds that he is marrying his friend C'Nedra, who begins here as a spoiled brat. And he finally fulfills one of his
I may go back and read these again...they were fun.
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destinies which to take the throne and title of Overlord of the West.I may go back and read these again...they were fun.
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LibraryThing member bemidt
Okay. I keep thinking that this story is going to bore me to death than things start happening. I jumped for joy. Yes there are a couple annoying characters are not going to go away, but they have somewhat redeemed themselves this time around. Excellent ending too.
LibraryThing member bemidt
Okay. I keep thinking that this story is going to bore me to death than things start happening. I jumped for joy. Yes there are a couple annoying characters are not going to go away, but they have somewhat redeemed themselves this time around. Excellent ending too.
LibraryThing member jguidry
Another re-read from my youth. This is the book in the series where the real action begins. The series comes to a climax and the characters really begin to show their growth. As usual, Eddings does an excellent job with the humor portrayed by his characters. I couldn't help giggling as the
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characters interacted. Show Less
LibraryThing member JohnFair
Starting directly from where the last book in the series ended, this book takes us to the penultimate climax of the series. With the Orb back in the hands of the Good Guys, Garion feels that the quest, and his part in it, is all-but-over and he is wondering what his fate will be. What is revealed
After the super-sized novels that are so common these days, the brevity of these books is something of a relief.
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shocks him, but Ce'Nedra is even more shocked....After the super-sized novels that are so common these days, the brevity of these books is something of a relief.
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LibraryThing member wyvernfriend
Yeah, there are issues, racial and sexist and stuff and the stereotypes abound but it's also covered in rose-coloured gloss of teenage reading. Silk is still fun and reminds me why I played Rogues in many early role-playing sessions (these days Clerics are my favoured class). Garion et al head for
Epic quests and lots of characters and lots of footprints in later fantasy.
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Riva, escaping the collapsing citadel where they found the orb and Errand. Then Garion realises what his future is, then copes with the implications, including the quest to defeat Torak. Epic quests and lots of characters and lots of footprints in later fantasy.
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LibraryThing member ConalO
Listening to a classic fantasy story that I head read multiple times was certainly an interesting experience. It took me some time to get used to the pronunciations used but narrator soon captured me in this world again and I might even have enjoyed this more than all the times I have read this
5 Stars for a great listening experience.
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one.5 Stars for a great listening experience.
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LibraryThing member ConalO
Almost done with my re-read of this fantasy series classic. This is definitely a comfort read in between other novels I am digesting.
LibraryThing member hskey
I still think the quality of writing is high, and I thought Garion's ascent to greater heights was handled really well. Polgara (Aunt Pol) remains my favorite character, and I did enjoy Ce'Nedra's arc as well. Quite Lord of the Rings-y, but I think that's the point. Snappy dialogue and kept my
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interest, though slightly less than the first three. Show Less
LibraryThing member Kristelh
This series, The Belgariad, is on NPR top 100 SF and Fantasy novels. Edding's five-volume epic fantasy follows young farmboy Garion as he is drawn into a quest for a stolen mystical orb, and the rich world of prophecy and power that surrounds it.
In volume 4, Garion realizes he is going to be
Garion leaves to fight Torak in order to spare the lives of others. In the mean time, Ce'Nedra gathers an army to go to the aid of her future husband.
The title of each book combines a chess term with a fantasy term; whereas the concept of a 'Game of Destiny' is a significant motif in the story.
In volume 4, Garion realizes he is going to be
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crowned king, then he realizes he will fight Torak. He also discovers too both of their dismay that he is to marry the spoiled Ce'Nedra. Garion leaves to fight Torak in order to spare the lives of others. In the mean time, Ce'Nedra gathers an army to go to the aid of her future husband.
The title of each book combines a chess term with a fantasy term; whereas the concept of a 'Game of Destiny' is a significant motif in the story.
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