Customer Reviews

The Redemption of Althalus

5 star:		(58)
4 star:		(42)
3 star:		(39)
2 star:		(71)
1 star:		(128)

 

 

I didn't like this book after reading the Belgaraid and the Mallorean. I couldn't believe Eddings would use such cookie cutter methods to writing his book. It was hardly suspenceful or surprising. There is no climax. The cultures and characters you meet in this are flat and not interesting. It was hardly worth reading.

The only redeeming feature were the dreams that rewrote history. But that couldn't save this book. I wonder if David Edding's wife Leigh is a bad influence. I say this because the Belgaraid and the Mallorean were written just by David Eddings. Then his wife comes along and writes this book with him and the Elder Gods, (total flop, do not read it btw) and they both suck.

I picked this book off the shelf knowing that this was a novel by David Eddings, writer of the Belgariad. I was expecting a consice victory of literature that I experienced in Eddings' other novels. I was wrong.

The first part of the book is interesting enough, but this quickly fades with the plot, and the overuse of cheap sarcasm.

The most aggravating part of this novel was the plotline (or lack thereof). According to any story format, the novel is supposed to build up to a climax. Not so in this novel. The reader is introduced toa very vague idea of an enemy, and until nearly the end of the novel, the characters spend their time laughing and telling cheap jokes. This book could have been written in four hundred pages less, leaving out all the fluff which does nothing for the story.

Overall a disapointment as a novel. No intruiging thoughts, no great character development, and a plotline that wilts to nothing by the end of the story. Not worth your money.

Other reviews have really said it all. Horrible writing. Stereotyped characters that have the most trite and repetitive of dialog. Boring. Offensively stupid. Glaring plot holes. Ridiculously overpowered, unchallenged heroes. The list goes on and on. I'm ashamed that I read the whole thing. The last line made me throw the book, first against the wall and then away.

Known among my friends as an aficionado of fantasy, when asked what authors I recommend, I never fail to mention Eddings. Even now, even after this book. Belgariad, Malloreon, Elenium, Tamuli are all on my bookshelf. They've been read and enjoyed by myself, and by many of my friends. Now and then, I reread them, because these books are great. Been through them 4-5 times by now, and will read them more, and recommend them to anyone interested.

Redemption of Althalus is someplace in my less enjoyed book closet. I barely stood going through it once - and will never open it again. To all who cares to listen, my advice is: don't spoil the wonderful Eddings experience with this book.

When I started reading it, my first thought was that maybe this was some early work, some crude first take? Unfortunately, not so. I find it highly unfortunate and sad to have to move Eddings from my 'still is' to 'has been' list.

Now, to the subject of my review's title: yes, I understand that someone hired to write a 5-star review in an attempt to prop up sales for a book that flopped does not question the task - but anyone with half a brain, upon seeing those 5-star cliche one-liners among so many eloquent 1-2 star articles, will get a picture. If nothing else, this damages book's reputation even further. Maybe, if backlash on Althalus has not been diluted by the fake praise, Eddings would pause more before putting out that new Elder Gods book - which, from the looks of it, is shaping up to be an even worse flop.

And I also have to wonder if some of the other reviewers are right, and Leigh is indeed the detrimental influence here. I found that I far more enjoyed those books that don't have Leigh's name on them. If her vanity indeed takes precedence over her husband's reputation as a storyteller, I am afraid that her vanity is no winner here, either.

I read Belagariad series a few months ago. I was not too bad. But this one is not worth your time. This book belongs sort of to teens. 14 years old at the most I would say. There is no real magic with the "magic". Through first half of the book you are expecting that something real should happen but it never happens and finally you realize it will never really happen. No unexpected moments. No unusual turns. The plot is very poor. Well it is not a surprise, when your lover is a goddess you can do just anything and bad guys will _always_ loose.
Conclusion: This book for me was like a parody on a serious fantasy, bad one though. The only reason I give the book 2 stars and not 1, is because I have met a few even worse books.

I love david and leigh eddings. However, this book was just annoying. The characters were all one dimensional and their main function was to deliver "funny" one liners. The book started off pretty good, but about 3/4 of the way through i stopped reading. It was just very boring and predictable. Don't waste your money.

This is a good book. By past Eddings books, this one is not as good. Maybe a 3 out of 5, but by normal standards, its a perfect 5. I has a good plot, good charactors, and a good pace. While similar to Eddings' other books, such as the Belgariad, it's different enough to keep you entertained. This was the first Eddings book I read and thought it was great, but after I read the Belgariad and Mallorean, I didn't think it was that great (hence the 3 by past standards). If this is your first Eddings fantasy, you will love it.

The other reviews say it all. Eddings has rehashed his story line, syntax and characters yet once again. Time for him to quit his day job.

I don't know where many of these people have been. I loved this book. Everyone has an opionion so what can you do. I would have to say that is book was quick and full of wit. One reviewer wrote that the duo are out of touch of how people talk. I think that 1) Usually the plot is in the past so that can account for the difference and a learning curve and 2) The banter and wit inside of the conversations are what good speakers with something to say speak with. I seem to have a sarcastic and witty streak in me, so maybe that is why this book's banter agreed with me. Those who have read Eddings know that the story is more than just the plot but the characters and the interplay between. The ending is symmetrical to follow the symmetry of the book. Weddings happen. Love is their theme if you will. For a stand alone fantasy novel, I would recommend this to about anyone. The concept of time travel was unique and exciting. The fact that Althalus was a witty storyteller theif sucked me in. Even when he was telling the story of the wolfskin to the bridge guard I found myself believing him. I am not a poor reader. Maybe not the best typer but not a poor reader. So, by that I mean that I can realize good writing and not just be took in by action and cussing. Attention spans have been shortening in our country and that is sad. The plot is different and fast paced. The ending is really one of my favorites of theirs.

I would have to say that this is one of the poorest attempts at writing I have had the misfortune of being punished with. Its hard to know where to begin. Shallow characters, rehash of old story lines and no imagination would sum up this non-epic. I wished I had read the reviews before buying this book. I could not read all of Althalus as the level of language is aimed at people under ten and I kept falling asleep.