Magician's Gambit
Written by David Eddings
Narrated by Cameron Beierle
4/5
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About this audiobook
David Eddings
David Eddings was born in Washington State in 1931 and grew up near Seattle. He graduated from the University of Washington and went on to serve in the US Army. Subsequently he worked as a buyer for the Boeing company and taught college-level English. His first novel was a contemporary adventure, but he soon began a spectacular career as a fantasy writer with his bestselling series ‘The Belgariad’.
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Reviews for Magician's Gambit
1,738 ratings38 reviews
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5The third book in this series. The quest continues and our young man is getting older and learning more about his family and his purpose. I read a few other reviews and this brief review fits. And while it may seem like not much happening, it still was good.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5I'm really enjoying the series. There's a set of characters that you really grow to like, and a whole chapter can go by where you only get one comment or mention from one of them and you still feel like its a well-oiled machine. Not a lot happens to advance the plot in this installment, but we get great character backgrounds, evolutions, and a unique addition in the form of Relg. Relg is definitely the best thing to happen to Magician's Gambit - he strains archetypes, and has a critical contribution to make. That his motivation arises from being chewed out by his God, is seriously classic and fun to explore as well.As part of my daughter's bedtime ritual, she reads with my wife for a while - then I read whatever novel I'm into aloud in her room as she falls asleep. So, she gets only parts - maybe 50% - of the book, in 30 minute increments - - she was still able to follow this story, and get the gist of who everyone is, and what they're up to - even when missing chapters. I think that speaks well of the storytelling, and the classic "journey of a team of heroes" motif.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Listening to a classic fantasy story that I head read multiple times was certainly an interesting experience. It took me some time to get used to the pronunciations used but narrator soon captured me in this world again and I might even have enjoyed this more than all the times I have read this one.
5 Stars for a great listening experience. - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5In this, the third part of the Belgariad, the party are back on the trail of the Orb and Polgara's campaign to let Garion and Ce'Nedra get to know each other continues and we see more of Eddings' world and the rather stereotypical characters inhabiting it.
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5I read this when I was quite young, so I don't remember much about it. I do remember that David Eddings books seemed pretty similar to me in plot -- all of them. The same great quest, multiple times. All the same, I liked this trilogy very much at the time, and I think it was my first Eddings.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Her Imperial Highness, Princess Ce'Nedra, jewel of the house Borune and flower of the Tolnedran Empire, was confused. Everyone knew the tale of the Orb of Aldur, a magical artifact that protected the West from the evil god Torak, was just a legend. After all, no one really believes in sorcery do they? And yet Garion's aunt and grandfather appear to be the sorcerers Polgara and Belgarath. Not only that, even Garion is beginning to do things that can only be called sorcery. But Garion is nothing more than a farm boy. Why does he fascinate her so?Two prophecies, made thousands of years ago are approaching and the moment is nigh when only one will hold true. Garion is only now beginning to understand the part that he will play in the future of the world. Ctuchik, the Grolim High Priest, has taken the Orb from Zedar. Before the party can go after him, Belgarath is summed to the Vale of Aldur by his master to receive instructions for their quest. The journey takes them through the haunted land of Maragor, where ghosts of the slain roam, on to the Veil and through the mountains of Ulgo. It is here that Ce'Nedra must be left behind to protect her life while the others continue on to retrieve the Orb. Since she must stay behind Ce'Nedra can't be there to watch over Garion. He might be killed!Magician's Gambit is the third book of The Belgariad. The first portion of the story is told from Ce'Nedra's point of view. It was interesting to see Garion and the party from another view point. The best part of this comes from a conversation between Ce'Nedra and Mandorallen when they discuss the various social ranks of everyone in the party.We pick up one new party member, Relg, a religious fanatic. At first he adds a discordant note to the party, constantly pointing out the sins of others and berating himself for sins he has supposedly committed. As the story gets going, he proves how valuable his unique skills are and, if not actually becomes likable, he at least starts to fit in better.This is my favorite book in the series. Two of my favorite parts in the series both happen in this book: the birth of colt in the cave and the end battle. It is also the only book in the series that ends in a semi-cliff hanger. Even though I've read it so many times I always find this book hard to put down.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5This is the first book of Edding's Belgariad series that has earned less than a 5 star rating from me. Don't get me wrong - I'm still enjoying the world, the setting, the progression .. but the addition of some characters (Relg is just weird, folks)and the darkness of the world as the progression is happening really made it easier for me to put the book down and do other things less important, like play Bejeweled.That said, let me talk about what I did like in the book - I enjoyed finally seeing Garion start to come into his own. I enjoyed the humor - laughed out loud in several places, and I enjoyed seeing the budding relationship happening between Garion and Ce'Nedra (who is one of my favorites).But now let me talk about some other favorites of mine:1. Durnik. I love the common, peasant, strong but tenderhearted character. You know - the ones that don't need special powers or abilities to show they are special? That's what Durnik is. Add in the conflict with his emotions for a certain beautiful lady and you have a well-rounded, incredibly likeable man.2. Mandorallen. I have a feeling this is not a popular character to like - but honestly, his coping method with fear won me over. I adore this character for all his high-brow speech and noble theatrics. As much as I love Durnik for his simplicity, Mandorallen provides me with the perfect compliment in character. Some of my favorite scenes involve this knight, and I cannot wait to see how he will change in the upcoming books.I read the first three books of the Belgariad in a single volume and it took me less than 24 hours to do so. That's how engrossing this story is. If you are a fantasy lover and, like me, have not read these books in the past I urge you to give them a shot. There is something in there for everyone.
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5The series is gaining momentum with the third book. The second draws you in but this one delivers a nice climax as the questing group adds and loses characters in its efforts. And as it reaches its climax here it also leaves you on a cliff waiting for the next book in the series to continue the story and get everyone out of the mess.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Garion, or should I say Belgarion, and company are now on the scent of the famed 'Orb of Aldur' and continue on their journey through Eddings' Belgariad universe. The new player of note to enter the band of prophecy is an Ulgo zealot known as Ralg. Ralg has the unique ability of being able to pass through solid stone, which proves incredibly useful in gaining entry into the dark city of Cthol Murgos. The book concludes with an epic magical battle between Belgarath and Ctuchik (discilpe of Torak) that will not disappoint.The third book in the Belgariad focuses on Garion's growth as a sorcerer. He is reluctant to accept his new found abilities and tries to supress them, hide them, go back to being a regular boy. This is not possible. The world has greater things in store for our young hero and in this book he begins to understand that not only does he need to accept his fate, but embrace and grow in his power. On to book four, Castle of Wizardry.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5I truely loved this book the best out of all of the series so far and would have rated it five stars, if the ending had been a bit more clearer with the demise of the evil magician and the recovery of the orb. I felt like I wanted more information to be exchanged about the child before going on to book four. However, the defilement that brings to Chtuchik's death in his secret chamber, when he tries to unmake it, is truley powerful of how good triumphs over evil and all the ways of how the prophecy is ultimately protected by Belgarath at all costs are cleverly revealed to the reader.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5I like the introduction of the second main narrative character. Although I can more readily identify with Garion than with Ce'Nedra I find it refreshing to hear another thought pattern. Although I am older now than when I first read these books I can remember how important Ce'Nedra's views on what she saw was. She was very different from me but at the same time many of the feelings she exhibited were feelings I had (and still have).The book continues to mix humour with the serious. The characters are further developed (although some characters remain very one dimensional) and the plot thickens.I enjoy this book (and the series as a whole) for the pure escapeism they offer. None of the books are difficult to read. The plot is intricate but not difficult to follow. The lands depicted throughout the story bear striking resemblances to countries in our world(and the stereotypes connected with them). Me and my friends would spend time trying to deduce which countries or cultures from our lives were portrayed in the books.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5More interesting characters and challenges as they wander the world trying to stop the evil prophecy. Definitely worth reading.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5very good enjoyed it, did not have many confusing names
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5wow you going to make me review this book. uncool.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5One of my favorite series on scribd given so much life due to the narrator and the voices he gives to each character.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Magicians Gambit continues to follow Garion and his companions while they look for the Orb. Garion learns more about himself and realizes he is important to the future of them all.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Another good book in this series, introduces a few new characters and moves the story.on nicely.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5One of the best series I have ever read..and re-read many, many times.
- Rating: 1 out of 5 stars1/5Loads of random silences. Narrator is awful. You’d be better off reading the book as it’s much more enjoyable that way .
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5This book needs to be redone somehow there are 30 minute 30 second segments and segments up to about 4 to 8 minutes where there’s no speaking and you’re just missing out on the words not to mention when Paul Guerra at the very end of the book says that they need to go back and pick up that woman you don’t get to hear rogue tell them no it just ends please fix this I would like to hear the entire book!!
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Brilliant brilliant brilliant can't wait for the rest of the series
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The writing and character development get better and better. A lovely classic I have reread my entire life.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The story is nothing new: boy on quest to find himself while fighting big evil. However, the authentic feel of the characters and humor they bring to the table bring this 'high fantasy' trope down to earth. Very enjoyable read.
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Eindelijk begint Garion over zijn krachten en lotsbestemming te leren (dat had al in boek 1 moeten gebeuren, niet halverwege de serie).
Een domme einde. De slechte tovenaar die zich door een beginners-foutje vernietigd.
3 Sterren omdat dit verhaal me weer een paar uur bezig heeft gehouden, maar had minder moeten zijn. Wie weet is boe 4 beter dan deze. - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5This is a tough one to review; I'm still really enjoying it, as the quality of writing is strong and the descriptions easily put me into the world. The problem is that the plot doesn't really move all that much in this one. I think Relg is a fantastic, unique character and I loved him joining the group but aside from that, there wasn't much to it except the last few chapters (which were pretty cool from a Fantasy standpoint). It's all a bit anti-climactic, though, and since this is a 5 book series, the "end" of the 3rd book hardly feels like the end of a book and more the end of a chapter. Weird. That being said, all the characters in the core group are a blast and it makes me want to be a part of their not-so-merry band. The World-Building isn't exactly what I'd call polished, but it gets the job done. This one is either a high 3.5 or a low 4, I'll err on the side of 4.
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- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5And the quest continues and more characters join the merry band and still a smide of mild racism and sexism rears it's head, still it's the one where "does bouncing count?" appears, which earns it some extra kudos. I'm still smiling about it later.It's seminal, many authors owe much to this series, even if it is flawed, and somewhat dated, it's still fun, it ranks like a popcorn read, not a deep read.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5{Third of 5 in the Belgariad; fantasy, quest, adventure, epic fantasy, high fantasy}(1984)I'm really enjoying this re-read. This was one of the first fantasy series I read and I'm having a lot of fun revisiting it. Fair warning, this is the third book of an ongoing quest and there may be spoilers for the first two books ahead (although I'll try and avoid them).Garion, an ordinary farm boy from Sendaria, is travelling on a quest with his aunt Pol, Mister Wolf - an old disreputable-looking peddler (also known as the sorcerer Belgarath), and their friends Durnik - a smith from the same farm, Silk - a Drasnian merchant, and Barak - a huge Cherek warrior. They are tracking an object that has been stolen by a disciple of Torak, the maimed god of the Murgos; an object which has until now assured the safety of the countries of the west and discouraged invasion by Torak's hordes. And, as they travel, they pick up more companions from different countries so that Belgarath can feel that he's covered the eventualities mentioned in an obscure version of the Prophecy which they happen to be fulfilling. However, their foes are following an opposing Prophecy, which they are equally determined to fulfil. Belgarath's group continue to cross the continent in their race to prevent the object reaching the east and being used to wake the slumbering Torak in this third book of the quest. Their journey takes some unexpected twists as they travel into more regions and countries of the west and they gain (and lose) more companions on the way, all necessary to the prophecy they are following.This one feels like things are getting a bit more serious as Garion comes into his powers and the stakes climb, though the banter still continues. The teenagers of the group start to grow up and act a bit more responsibly (well, a bit):Over the months since she had joined them, he had seen her attitude toward him change until they had shared a rather specialised kind of friendship. He liked her: she liked him. Everything had been fine up to that point. Why couldn't she just leave it alone? Garion surmised that it probably had something to do with the inner workings of the female mind. As soon as a friendship passed a certain point - some obscure and secret boundary - a woman quite automatically became overwhelmed by a raging compulsion to complicate things.although Garion still struggles with what he can do with his unexpected (and unwanted) sorcery.Despite the summery image on the original (Corgi UK) cover, it is winter and the group spends a lot of time being cold. The wind tore at them as they rode, and the driving sleet half-blinded them. Garion moved confidently, however. For some reason every rock about them seemed absolutely familiar, though he could not have said why. He rode just fast enough to stay in front of the others. He knew they would ask questions, and he didn’t have any answers. They rounded a shoulder of the peak and rode out onto a broad rock ledge. The ledge curved along the mountainside, disappearing in the swirling sleet ahead.‘Where art thou taking us, lad?’ Mandorallen shouted to him.‘It’s not much farther,’ Garion yelled back over his shoulder.The ledge narrowed as it curved around the looming granite face of the mountain. Where it bent around a jutting cornice, it was hardly more than a footpath. Garion dismounted and led his horse around the cornice. The wind blasted directly into his face as he stepped around the granite outcrop, and he had to put his hand in front of his face to keep the sleet from blinding him. Walking that way, he did not see the door until it was almost within reach of his hands.The door in the face of the rock was made of iron, black and pitted with rust and age. It was broader than the gate at Faldor’s farm, and the upper edge of it was lost in the swirling sleet. The characterisation is very clear; each person has their own quirks and you never confuse any of the ensemble cast. The addition of new members and the introduction in person of some of the gods of this universe show us that, though Belgarath and co. are intent on fulfilling their prophecy to make it come out in favour of Good, there are other important events happening in this world.The chess and magic theme of the book titles carries on. ‘I thought Ctuchik was a sorcerer,' Garion said, puzzled. ‘Why do you keep calling him a magician?'‘It‘s a term of contempt,' Belgarath replied. ‘It‘s considered a deadly insult in our particular society.'(Ctuchik being the magician in question attempting the gambit.) This book does end on a bit of a cliff-hanger (almost literally); the group have a major breakthrough but we leave them in the midst of danger.I'm enjoying re-reading this series, which was one of the first books to introduce me to a life-long love of fantasy. I initially borrowed them from the library to re-read in the hopes that I would still be able to find and buy books with the original Corgi UK covers by Geoff Taylor, which I love, but they've been reissued with new covers.(March 2022)4.5 stars
- Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5This was the weakest of the Belgariad books so far. Most of the book seemed like a rambling Dungeons and Dragons game filled with random encounters and new, made-up monsters described on the spot and forgotten about just as quickly. There was a smattering of character development, the introduction of a few new party members, and a short but satisfying showdown.
I'm not really sure why the book was titled Magician's Gambit. There wasn't much of a gambit at all. Perhaps David Eddings should have named this book, "A Chorus Line of Gods and Random Monsters." At least then I'd know what I was going to run into.
The series still has life in it, though, and I'll press on. Here's to hoping book 4 is better than book 3. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5I'm enjoying re-reading this series. This is the most action-packed book in the series so far. This book is also where the bulk of the story gets told in the series. It's the midpoint and this is where most of the plot gets revealed to the naive hero, Garion. He learns more about himself and the quest he's on.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5This is the part of the series where young Garion learns the rules of Magic. His great Grandfather many times removed teaches him all about how to use Magic.
Awesome book.