I read this book at same time with Belgarath the Sorcerer, chapter by chapter, event by event, and it was a great deal of fun but the differences were also easier to perceive. while Belgarath the Sorcerer is at times very humorous, the strength of this book is delving to the realm of less known events and a more mysterious character. Belgarath always felt like a good old friend but Polgara, while homely had retained her mysteries which are unveiled here.
For me the book is clearly separated in two parts. Most of it proves what we already know: Belgarath spent most of his time recovering from his life's great tragedy and was greatly involved in the grand story but had no strength nor desire to dedicate his time for problems smaller than the fate of the universe. Polgara is involved with the subplots and generally doing her best keeping the western world out of trouble until the final showdown.
The second part starts when Polgara accepts her new role and leading a more normal life, which is when the book gets boring, but the climax is worth is and if Belgarath's story got the most laughs, Polgara laughs last and hardest. ;)
