Belgariad (6) / Malloreon (1) - Guardians of the West by David Eddings
To the first part of the second pentalogy of the astonishing series about Garion and Polgara: Guardians of the West by David Eddings (in French: Guardiens du Ponant, in German Herren des Westens). I read it in German where it contained 438 pages. Originally published in 1987. Same addressee as Pawn of Prophecy.
While Polgara and her new family live in peace and quiet, Garion tries to be a good king. But still, there are more problems than he could possibly manage: Like the Bear-cult, who try to kill his wife and the various kings and politicians who want an heir to the Rivan throne. And what is the "Sardion", the name that crops up again and again? When the Orb sends him and Errand a mysterious warning, Garion has to start a new journey, with new prophecies.
I liked it very much. Ce'Nedra gets more and more agreeable. She just overdoes certain things (cough, cough Geran!). My my, that poor boy! All her love must be suffocating. It's actually a good thing for his upbringing he had Zandramas influence. I mean, that's in almost every facet a shit situation. But everyone should be familiar with the feeling of NOT being accepted. So you don't get too arrogant. But I'm very, very sorry for Ce'Nedra and Garion. Loosing your son this way... I wouldn't wish that anyone.
However. Pol is, of course a wonderful mother. And I'm a little jealous of Errand's surroundings: Such a huge garden with trees and a tiny stream and everything. As little kid you're in heaven!
Errand himself is an interesting person. Always was, but now you really see it. How he said hello to Aldur, he and Cyradis and he and Horse... Especially Horse, Horse is sooo cool!
It's nice how Pol's and Durnik's relationship is described. How well they get along and how they do mostly everything without magic to really enjoy it. That's really cute. But it's also good that they fight sometimes. Otherwise it would have been too good to be true.
What's nicely done as well are the other queens and kings and their different roles in this. Especially how the queens react so coolly around Islena. Who, by the way, really developed.
Whom I like as well is Silk's nephew and Queen Porenn – who doesn't like this woman, by the way? But them and the spies. Such a great relationship, so funny described!
Eddings' humour stayed gorgeous in this series, the ideas were well done.
So... I give it stars for ideas, characters, content and style. And the Seal of Gorgeous Humour.