4.0 out of 5 based on 3 reviews. – Customer review on 10/03/2007

Fans of The Belgariad and Mallorean series will find this an interesting companion to the books. I was interested to see what details and information Eddings had compiled to support the structure and action in his books. It was an interesting look into the development and process involved in writing an epic fantasy series. This book would really only be of interest to those who have read and enjoyed the books it discusses.

4.0 out of 5 based on 3 reviews. – Customer review on 05/02/2007

I found this an entertaining read, as I am a huge fan of the Belgariad/Mallorean series'. It gives personal insight into David Eddings' writing style and personality which, as Eddings himself admits, is very, very like that of Belgarath the sorcerer! It isn't a challenging read, as both the style and content are in many ways 'more of the same'. For that reason I wouldn't read it straight on the back of having read the whole series, but rather leave it for a bit later.

3.0 out of 5 based on 3 reviews. – Customer review on 30/09/2006

This is an interesting book, which acts as a companion to the Belgariad/Malloreon saga, which includes the prequels ‘Belgarath the Sorcerer’ and 'Polgara the Sorceress’. It includes an autobiographical foreword by Eddings, who explains the processes he uses when writing his epics and tells of some of the tribulations he had with the editing and writing process, as well as an extensive collection of notes that fill in the background of the series; everything from the Holy Books of each of the main religions and nations of the world, to King Anheg’s journal and a collection of histories. It’s very interesting to anyone who’s a fan of this massive series, however if you aren’t familiar with every book in the saga, give this one a miss. There is also the issue that Eddings can come off as rather self-satisfied and over-confident of his skills, as some of the book is dedicated to giving instruction to anyone who wants to write a fantasy series, but that differs from person to person. Myself, I found it an interesting, if rather pretentious read.