Castle of Wizardry

excelent

read these books as a teenager and listening to them 20 or so years later there still awesome

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One step closer...

As I said before I think Cameron Beirle consolidates his footing better and better with each novel. This is no exception. I noticed fewer and fewer inconsistencies with his narration, particularly in this installment.
Having regained the Orb of Aldur from Ctuchik, the now-vanquished disciple of Torak, Belgarion and his companions must escape from the crumbling city of Rak Cthol, pursued by the soldiers of the maniacal king of Cthol Murgos as well as by the sinister arts of the now-leaderless Grolim priests. Only then can they return the Orb to the Hall of the Rivan King, which Polgara reveals must be accomplished by Erastide. From there Belgarion must set out to meet a destiny beyond
his imagining.

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good writing, terrible story

don't read this series. the characters and writing are serviceable but the story is absolutely a travesty. there is no tension or sense of danger at all. everything always worka out and there are no broad themes other than "do what your told and everything will be fine " I regret wasting time on this series

Another great book!!

Very enthralling and continued a great story . Will be listening to the entire series for sure. Highly recommended.

I love these books and all the related ones

I've been a fan of David Eddings for years. listening to these books again is like reconnecting with a long lost friend

I love David Eddings

I love David Eddings Belgariad and Mellorean series. I was having difficulty with the reading style of the narrator. His range of voices is fantastic, but I cannot help but feel that he was trying too hard to establish accents for all the characters. This is a fantasy world and I felt funny listening to, for instance, an Austrian accent, on a character described to look more like a Viking, or the mixed Transylvanian/British accent of another character. I would have preferred less embellishment with the accents and more focus on just reading. The narrator himself could not seem to pick an accent even in the straight narration. This frustrated me and pulled me out of the story telling often.

Good story.

Have read the books and found the narrated version lacking. Neither engaging or convincing. Sad

Great performance and great story

In book4 of the Belgariad, David Eddings continues Garion's saga. Eddings tells us more secrets about the origins of Belgarath and Polgara as the plot develops; and we get to hear more of all the characters we have come to know and love in the first three books. Once again, Cameron Beierle bring the character to life with his wide range of distinctive voices. This read will not disapoint if you liked the first three.

The Belgariad Continues Strong with Volume 4

Would you consider the audio edition of Castle of Wizardry to be better than the print version?

It definitely is its equal, but they are two different experiences. But both are delightful.

What other book might you compare Castle of Wizardry to and why?

I think Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn: Final Empire is a good mix of coming of age story, a mix of light-hearted banter with serious stakes, and a smilar dynamic of a group working together for a single goal.

Which scene was your favorite?

Garion projecting his shadow is an amazing scene.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Ce'Nedra realizing how far she'll go to support Garion as she bribes serfs into her army with the promise of food.

Any additional comments?

In the ruins of Rak Cthol, Garion and his companions have accomplished their goal. They have recovered the Orb of Aldur. But Belgararth the Sorcerer lies in a stupor, exhausted by his magical duel with Ctuthik and the mountains keep shakes from the earthquakes. They are deep in enemy territory and will have to use their wits to escape.

It's up to Garion to step forward and leave his company to safety. But can the young man handle the weight of leadership thrust upon him? Will his fledling sorecery powers be enough to see them safe through the lands of the Murgos? And what will happen when they make it back to the safety. What does it mean for their quest now that they have reclaimed the Orb of Aldur?

Garion's true destiny still awaits him.

Castle of Wizardy brings a major narrative shift to the series. The goal, finding the Orb of Aldur, is accomplished at the end of book 3. Now this book deals with Garion maturing into adulthood and leaving behind childhood. From his first foray into command at the start of the book to the revelation of his true role (which any reader paying attention to will have figured it out long ago). Where as he had no choice at the start of the quest, like any child, now he has to make his decision.

How will he deal with the responsibility thrust upon him? What choice will he make with the burden placed upon him? Garion's journey is nearly over, and this book is the most crucial one. The decisions he makes shape the man he is becoming.

Castle of Wizardry starts of tense. The chase by the Murgos is some of the tensest sections of the book. With Belgarath out of commission and Polgara forced to defend the Orb bearer, their company has never been at their weakest. Eddings transitions this into the lightness of the rest of the book to the surprising fun that is Ce'Nedra's section at the end of the book as she, too, discovers the responsibilities of adulthood and makes her choice on how she'll help Garion with his destiny.

This series continues to be one of my favorite fantasy series and it's been a delight to dive back into it.

Just not very interesting

this series was incredibly disappointing. I expected the characters to grow; they didn't. I expected some plot twists; there were none. I mean, the main character didn't mature in any meaningful way. He was as clueless at the end, as he was at the beginning; mostly just a shell for the phrophecy in his head. Repetitive use of annoying and infrequently used language ("vagrant winds", "sardonic"). The conflict was contrived, and there was never any fear of failure. I tried really hard to finish it. Made it to the very end and it was so simplistic and predictable, I rage quit.