What David Eddings Means to Me

Eddings' novels - both David and now Leigh - have become a major part in my life. I know that that sounds really sucky - but it's true. I've actually been known to get withdrawl symptoms if I don't read the 18 books every six months or so. Of course I have my favourite characters - Belgarath, Polgara, Belgarion, Silk, Zakath, Zith, Urgit and Velvet from The Belgariad/Mallorean. Sparhawk, Platime, Stragen, Kalten, Ulath, Flute, Sephrenia, Sarabian, Elysoun, Alean, Melidere and Mirtai from The Elenium/Tamuli.

If I am honest - I would say that I like The Mallorean far more than the other series - although The Belgariad will always have a special place in my heart. My favourite book in The Mallorean is Demon Lord of Karanda. Zakath is by far one of my favourite characters. I decided to like him when he wanted to to crusify King Gethel of the Thulls in Enchanters' End Game. In Demon Lord You find out why he is called the "Empty One" - and watch as he opens up and he and Belgarion form a very odd friendship. I suppose I like David and Leigh's books because I am a busybody. I love knowing about other peoples lives.

Of course being a veteran Eddings reader - I, like many others I have spoken to - have noticed the similarities within the different series. For example: Sephrenia/Polgara, The Bhelliom/The Orb of Aldur. But I suppose you get that! It gives you a nice feeling of familiarity, and why change a storyline when it works so well??:)