Status
Available
Call number
Genres
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Publication
Corgi (1984), Edition: New Ed, Paperback, 328 pages
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. Legends tell of the evil God Torak coveting the power of the Orb of Aldur, until he was defeated in a final battle. Prophecy also speaks of a time when he will again awaken to seek dominance over all the world.
User reviews
LibraryThing member Ron18
Better than Pawn of Prophecy (The Belgariad, #1), because the characters are more established, I read Queen of Sorcery more quickly. Carry around a book called Queen of Sorcery, as an adult man, and you'll finish it quickly too, I bet. It frequently felt like an eastern story - like a Japanese
The names aren't friendly to my brain for some reason, neither characters or place names, I have a strange relationship with names in fiction and for whatever reason I find these very difficult to commit to memory. It isn't a big problem, but jotting them onto a bookmark would probably be handy (for me).
I like the algroths (scaley goat apes? yes please), poisonous leeches, dryad and snake people cultures. Mister Wolf and Aunt Pol have got to be one of the most fun and notable father/daughter relationships in all of fiction.
Looking forward to book 3. Looks like I'm binging this series. Can't bring myself to rating it 5 stars, yet - but I'm getting close
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Manga derivative - moving from small adventure to small adventure and building to a lot of great character evolution and a more significant set of threats than the first instillation. The names aren't friendly to my brain for some reason, neither characters or place names, I have a strange relationship with names in fiction and for whatever reason I find these very difficult to commit to memory. It isn't a big problem, but jotting them onto a bookmark would probably be handy (for me).
I like the algroths (scaley goat apes? yes please), poisonous leeches, dryad and snake people cultures. Mister Wolf and Aunt Pol have got to be one of the most fun and notable father/daughter relationships in all of fiction.
Looking forward to book 3. Looks like I'm binging this series. Can't bring myself to rating it 5 stars, yet - but I'm getting close
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LibraryThing member Darla
I had a rough time getting into this--didn't care overmuch about the characters, too many names introduced in too short a period to distinguish them, contradictions (though, to be fair, the contradiction that bothered me most--saying magic was too exhausting to use casually, and then proceeding to
The repeated ploy of the main character asking for clarification only to be told it was none of his business, or something he didn't need to know got very, very tedious. Which could also have been deliberate, to show how frustrated he was getting, but the only way you can do that without irritating the readers as well is to let the reader in on some of the secrets. Instead, it just looked like the author didn't know the answers either.
The last third of the book went a little faster, but I read this over 4 days. Unheard-of for me, particularly for a book that was only 300+ pages. It was just too easy to put down, and I was never really interested in picking it up again.
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do just that--appears to have been deliberate). The repeated ploy of the main character asking for clarification only to be told it was none of his business, or something he didn't need to know got very, very tedious. Which could also have been deliberate, to show how frustrated he was getting, but the only way you can do that without irritating the readers as well is to let the reader in on some of the secrets. Instead, it just looked like the author didn't know the answers either.
The last third of the book went a little faster, but I read this over 4 days. Unheard-of for me, particularly for a book that was only 300+ pages. It was just too easy to put down, and I was never really interested in picking it up again.
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LibraryThing member EowynA
Book two of the geographic tour of the various kingdoms, adding two more kingdoms to the list. Garion is still oblivious to his probable place in the pantheon of heros, but the author lets us, the audience, in on the steps towards the fulfillment of a so-far-unstated prophecy. Nice how the
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honorific/house-name of adding "Bel" is introduced some time before it happens, which explains the name "Belgeriad." Stuff happens, but so far this is mostly a quest story, and this is simply one volume of a fuller story. Show Less
LibraryThing member Zommbie1
This is perhaps my least favourite book in the series (please don't stop reading it though). I just felt like it plodded a long to much. It was a bit to much of a set up for future books. Having read the whole series before I can see the necessity of it a bit more but I have to admit that some of
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it still bores me a bit. I also don't much like the portrayal of Garion in this book. I know teenage boys can be sullen and moody and I understand his frustration with the adults withholding information from him. But at the same time the way he treats people seemed off to me, even when I, myself, was in the throws of teenage angst. There seemed little need for it. Especially since he is also portrayed as a "sensible lad". All in all I understand the books importance for the overall story arc but as a stand alone novel I would probably have given up on it. Show Less
LibraryThing member nieva21
It took me a while to get into this second volume of the series. I am glad I read the reviews on this site, because they mostly said to stick with reading it (you definitelt should!). It does pick up in speed and in excitement, especially when Garion finds out about the voice in his mind and he
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decides to listen to that voice instead of Polgara-- I did really like that part. Also, I enjoyed when Salmissra gets transformed. That is much deserved and well written... Show Less
LibraryThing member JechtShot
The second book in The Belgariad finds young Garion and his band of friends continuing on their quest for the famed 'Orb of Aldur'. Along the way a few new members join the party: Mandorallen, the noble-to-a-fault knight and Princess Ce'Nedra, the part dryad and most likely eventual love interest
This novel was very good, but dragged in comparison to its predecessor. In short, Queen of Sorcery is akin to Tolkien's 'Two Towers' - translation, a whole lot of walking. This is not necessarily a negative, I am sure that essential back story is being driven through the excessive cardio workout. I look forward to book three as we learn more of Garion and his mysterious inner-voice.
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of Garion. The heroes of the novel are traveling throughout the kingdoms rallying support for the impending war against the God Turok. An inkling of manhood is starting to emerge from Garion as we learn of his real name, his talents and a mysterious inner voice that seems to be serving as his magical mentor.This novel was very good, but dragged in comparison to its predecessor. In short, Queen of Sorcery is akin to Tolkien's 'Two Towers' - translation, a whole lot of walking. This is not necessarily a negative, I am sure that essential back story is being driven through the excessive cardio workout. I look forward to book three as we learn more of Garion and his mysterious inner-voice.
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LibraryThing member exlibrisbitsy
Queen of Sorcery picks up where Pawn of Prophecy left off with the ever-growing group headed by Belgarath, along with his daughter Polgara and her charge Garion, chasing the stolen Orb of Aldur. The adventure continues, and small skirmishes and battles ensue as the group travels on theie quest.
The second book in the Belgariad promises to be very different from the one before because Garion is no longer just a young child as he was in the first book. Time has passed and little Garion is growing up. There are a lot more teen angst style growing pains in this book than the last as a result. Especially as he struggles with his Aunt’s true identity, and his own.
Several new cultures are introduced as well and all of them provide their own complex controversies. The Dryads who look like children but are extremely sexually active. The starving and suffering of the serfs in Mimbre is juxtaposed with the “honorable” knights that rule them. And finally Nyissa – a country that highly values snakes and the concept of immortality, when they aren’t taking drugs or poisoning one another – features another highly sexualized being in the form of their “queen” who has ruled Nyissa for generations, or has she?
In amongst all of this though there are some gems for feminists to appreciate, just a few though. The largest being Polgara herself. She sews for the enjoyment of it, loves to wear pretty dresses, and be told she is beautiful, but she is also a very powerful and very wise sorceress and when she says jump the kings of the world do so immediately. I like that this shows that you can embrace femininity and still be considered worthy of power and respect. Something not often shown in any fiction let alone an 80′s high fantasy novel.
While the beginning of this novel seems to show a repeat of some of the same events of the last one (a plot is uncovered, Garion is in the middle of things again, new characters join the quest) there are a lot of new twists and turns as well. This is an enjoyable read that builds on the world of Pawn of Prophecy and promises more to come in the next book as the quest continues to reclaim the Orb of Aldur.
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Intrigue is uncovered in far off cities. Whole new cultures are shown, very different from the ones we knew before. Plus new characters are introduced that promise to delight and vex us all.The second book in the Belgariad promises to be very different from the one before because Garion is no longer just a young child as he was in the first book. Time has passed and little Garion is growing up. There are a lot more teen angst style growing pains in this book than the last as a result. Especially as he struggles with his Aunt’s true identity, and his own.
Several new cultures are introduced as well and all of them provide their own complex controversies. The Dryads who look like children but are extremely sexually active. The starving and suffering of the serfs in Mimbre is juxtaposed with the “honorable” knights that rule them. And finally Nyissa – a country that highly values snakes and the concept of immortality, when they aren’t taking drugs or poisoning one another – features another highly sexualized being in the form of their “queen” who has ruled Nyissa for generations, or has she?
In amongst all of this though there are some gems for feminists to appreciate, just a few though. The largest being Polgara herself. She sews for the enjoyment of it, loves to wear pretty dresses, and be told she is beautiful, but she is also a very powerful and very wise sorceress and when she says jump the kings of the world do so immediately. I like that this shows that you can embrace femininity and still be considered worthy of power and respect. Something not often shown in any fiction let alone an 80′s high fantasy novel.
While the beginning of this novel seems to show a repeat of some of the same events of the last one (a plot is uncovered, Garion is in the middle of things again, new characters join the quest) there are a lot of new twists and turns as well. This is an enjoyable read that builds on the world of Pawn of Prophecy and promises more to come in the next book as the quest continues to reclaim the Orb of Aldur.
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LibraryThing member mpritchett
This book built on the foundations started by the first. In fact, I found it a better read than the long character introduction of the first novel in the series. Nothing really ground breaking happens, except the main character Garion learns more about himself and his abilities. Of course, not all
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is told, but enough hints litter the story telling to set up the next three novels in the series. Show Less
LibraryThing member TheLostEntwife
I'm always a little apprehensive when approaching the middle book of a trilogy. The questions in my mind are usually: How will people I've come to love in the first book be treated? Will the main character (especially since he's a child in this case) grow annoying and hard to relate to? Who else
David Eddings did a fantastic job with putting me at ease regarding each and every one of those questions. New villains were introduced, and they are colorful and amazing. Old enemies were put to rest, moving the story forward in a way that was unexpected and fantastic. And new friends were brought into the mix - in this case a young, 15 year old girl who had me roaring with laughter.
Although Garion whined and wallowed a bit, it was comforting to see David Eddings address that head on, and in the process provide his readers with hope that it will change. If anything - it reminded me that Garion is still just a boy (as evidenced by a rather hilarious scene regarding learning to shave).
Great story movement, fantastic characters, a huge amount of fantastic world building - this series is living up to every good thing I've been told about it.
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will be introduced? How will the story move toward a conclusion in the third book?David Eddings did a fantastic job with putting me at ease regarding each and every one of those questions. New villains were introduced, and they are colorful and amazing. Old enemies were put to rest, moving the story forward in a way that was unexpected and fantastic. And new friends were brought into the mix - in this case a young, 15 year old girl who had me roaring with laughter.
Although Garion whined and wallowed a bit, it was comforting to see David Eddings address that head on, and in the process provide his readers with hope that it will change. If anything - it reminded me that Garion is still just a boy (as evidenced by a rather hilarious scene regarding learning to shave).
Great story movement, fantastic characters, a huge amount of fantastic world building - this series is living up to every good thing I've been told about it.
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LibraryThing member renrav
The story picks up a lot. The copy I was reading contains the first three books in the series and began with a letter from the author detailing how he realizes how simplistic the series is. A mighty quest with varied characters culminating in an epic battle. I'll finish the series at some point. I
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do enjoy the series but I would not give it more than three stars. Show Less
LibraryThing member DinadansFriend
the second volume convinced me that this would be a better read than the "sword of Shannara" series by Terry Brooks. So I signed up to read the third one. The first sentence was faint praise though.
LibraryThing member 5hrdrive
Queen of Sorcery 237pg- **1/2 There's a place in The Lord of the Rings where Tolkien skips an entire two weeks of the journey - because nothing of interest happens. Eddings could have learned a lot from Tolkien - here nothing of interest happens for almost the entire book!
LibraryThing member 4hounds
Rereading again (this time, as an ebook) and enjoying!
LibraryThing member Ailinel
Stylistically similar to Pawn of Prophecy, this sequel maintains the same strengths and weaknesses. The principle cast includes a somewhat dimwitted protagonist, women who are more like caricatures of females than actual characters, and strong supporting characters who keep the tale interesting and
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entertaining. Show Less
LibraryThing member Lukerik
Well, the comfortable slippers of my teenage years this may be, but good God it's slow - the first part especially, though it does pick up towards the end. The whole Arendian section is there to make a political point, introduce Mandorallen and give you a tour through the world Eddings has created,
I also found the tone at times irritating and the way events happen to be just a little too convenient.
On the plus side it is very readable and the cast of flawed characters is fun.
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but really it could be done in just a few pages.I also found the tone at times irritating and the way events happen to be just a little too convenient.
On the plus side it is very readable and the cast of flawed characters is fun.
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LibraryThing member jerenda
I have to say, I like Ce'Nedra. She's a pain, but she's funny. Silk is still, by far my favorite character, but I do like the Imperial Princess. I'm starting to get a bit confused, with the names and the people, but they do mostly make sense. Pity that Lelldorin character didn't get to stay, but I
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think Mandorallen is a good man. He reminds me of Sturm Brightblade, from the Dragonlance Chronicles, and I always liked Sturm. And this book just made me even more curious-- who is the voice in Garion's head? I'm guessing it's Belgariad, mostly because it's a sorcerer's name and he hasn't shown up yet, but then again, Belgariad could be a thing, or dead. Yet... dead people, in books like these, often turn out to be not dead at all, but merely thought dead by the vast majority. Including me. ^_^ Show Less
LibraryThing member DVerdecia
One boy's journey to meet his destiny in a fist fight with a god! The evil god Torak wanted the powerful Orb of Aldur.
I loved this entire series. This book tells of how Garion comes into his teen years and the power that he finds himself wielding. Can he control it?
This book was awesome! Highly
I loved this entire series. This book tells of how Garion comes into his teen years and the power that he finds himself wielding. Can he control it?
This book was awesome! Highly
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recommend the entire series. Show Less
LibraryThing member jguidry
Another classic from my youth. I loved the story spun by David Eddings as the gang continued on their journey after the orb. I love the characters and trying to link them to their origins (vikings, huns, etc).
LibraryThing member JohnFair
This book continues the quest of Garion and his companions as they search for the stolen Orb. In this part of the quest, the party travels through the various lands making up Eddings' world and collecting more companions.
Again, fairly standard fare and if the characters are a bit one-dimensional,
Again, fairly standard fare and if the characters are a bit one-dimensional,
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that's a criticism that can be levelled at a lot of novels in the genre Show Less
LibraryThing member wyvernfriend
When I was younger I really enjoyed these but this was mostly because I didn't see some of the issues, I mean I did, but I was able to gloss over them much more easily. There is a certain racist element to some of the descriptions of peoples (all x do y or have this and that trait, nope, fail) this
Several pivotal things happen, Salmissra's punishment is interesting and apt, but the keeping ignorant of Garion has always grated heavily.
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is a getting to know characters and the situation they're in and for Garion to whine a lot and to learn more about his life and meet Ce'Needra. This story doesn't do much other than introduce the characters and expand their backgrounds and show the world they're in, it's not much going on really, but a lot underneath the story.Several pivotal things happen, Salmissra's punishment is interesting and apt, but the keeping ignorant of Garion has always grated heavily.
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LibraryThing member Grimshado
This is always a fun read. It is not the greatest Fantasy Story ever written, but Eddings' characters interact with one another in the way that Whedon's characters do, which makes up for any pitfalls in the nature of the story itself.
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 hskey
Book 2 in the Belgariad finished! The story definitely picks up a bit here, and is a lot more fun. Some of the big scenes are really well done; I think what shines through more than anything is yes, much of the story is familiar, but the style of writing is quite strong and a few characters are so
I really enjoyed how Garion's relationship with Aunt Pol and The Wolf progressed here. It's one of the more realistic depictions of a coming of age tale in a completely unrealistic world. Garion is bratty, but not overly so. Barak, Silk and Mandorallen dominate every page they're on and I can't wait to start book 3.
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thoroughly fun to read that it doesn't matter to me at all. It's also important to remember that in the early 80s, many of these tropes weren't overdone, so I'm not docking any points for that. I really enjoyed how Garion's relationship with Aunt Pol and The Wolf progressed here. It's one of the more realistic depictions of a coming of age tale in a completely unrealistic world. Garion is bratty, but not overly so. Barak, Silk and Mandorallen dominate every page they're on and I can't wait to start book 3.
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LibraryThing member Kristelh
second book in series. Enjoyed this, getting to know the characters more as they continue on the quest of the orb.
LibraryThing member Narilka
April 2020 Reread: Continuing on my Belgariad reread is such a treat. No matter what else is going on in the world, this series can absolutely take me away from it all. It's a relaxing and pleasant read even as I cringe at how much of a brat Garion is in this one! Review from 2012
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Zedar the Apostate has stolen the Orb of Aldur in hopes of awakening the evil god Torak. Belgarath and Polgara are determined to take back the Orb before this god can be awakened and hope to avert a war. Along the way the party is joined by Hettar of Algaria, a man who can speak with horses, Sir Mandorallen, a Mibrate knight, Ce'Nedra, Imperial Princess of Tolnedra, and for a short while Lelldorin, an Asturian archer.
Queen of Sorcery is the second book of The Belgariad and picks up a couple of weeks after the end of Pawn of Prophecy. The cast of characters begins to grow and each is given a bit of background and small characterization. Ce'Nedra is easily the most fleshed out of the new additions and adds quite a bit of drama to the group, as a teenage girl might. We also get to see three new areas of the world and are given a broader idea of its people.
The pacing on this book is better than the first and the story becomes more cohesive for me. It is also the first time we see a character start to arc: Garion must face the truth of his heritage and accept the powers that control the party's fate.
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below.---------
Zedar the Apostate has stolen the Orb of Aldur in hopes of awakening the evil god Torak. Belgarath and Polgara are determined to take back the Orb before this god can be awakened and hope to avert a war. Along the way the party is joined by Hettar of Algaria, a man who can speak with horses, Sir Mandorallen, a Mibrate knight, Ce'Nedra, Imperial Princess of Tolnedra, and for a short while Lelldorin, an Asturian archer.
Queen of Sorcery is the second book of The Belgariad and picks up a couple of weeks after the end of Pawn of Prophecy. The cast of characters begins to grow and each is given a bit of background and small characterization. Ce'Nedra is easily the most fleshed out of the new additions and adds quite a bit of drama to the group, as a teenage girl might. We also get to see three new areas of the world and are given a broader idea of its people.
The pacing on this book is better than the first and the story becomes more cohesive for me. It is also the first time we see a character start to arc: Garion must face the truth of his heritage and accept the powers that control the party's fate.
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Awards
Mythopoeic Awards (Finalist — 1983)
Prix Julia Verlanger (1991)
Original publication date
1982-11
Physical description
448 p.; 6.93 inches
ISBN
055212348X / 9780552123488
Local notes
Duplicate.
Other editions
The Belgariad, Book 2: Queen of Sorcery by David Eddings (Paperback)