As you read the reviews on Bookshop Talk, you'll notice that every review is positive. No, we're not a bunch of literary
pushovers who love everything we pick up; we just see no point in telling you about a book if we didn't like it.

June 3, 2011

THE REDEMPTION OF ALTHALUS by David and Leigh Eddings, 2000


The Redemption of AlthalusIt would be sheer folly to try to conceal the true nature of Althalus, for his flaws are the stuff of legend. He is, as all men know, a thief, a liar, an occasional murderer, an outrageous braggart, and a man devoid of even the slightest hint of honor. Yet of all the men in the world, it is Althalus, unrepentant rogue and scoundrel, who will become the champion of humanity in its desperate struggle against the forces of an ancient god determined to return the universe to nothingness. (Amazon)

Reviewed by Megan Hutchins

David & Leigh Eddings are old masters of epic fantasy. One of the biggest complaints about fantasy from this era is that it's long, taking book after book to finish a series. The Redemption of Althalus isn't that -- it's a fat stand alone with all the punch of a much longer series. This books only has the good stuff bursting from every page -- if it were a dessert, I'd die of chocolate poisoning afterwards.

While I love the clever plot twists I never saw coming, I reread this book for the dialogue. The Eddings has a knack for natural-sounding, deftly delivered witty lines. With a wide array of characters to choose from, it seems there's always the right person in the room to deliver a teasing nudge or a wry proclamation of doom. I laugh out loud.

The books starts with Althalus, a once-famous thief who's luck hasn't just turned sour, it's been yanked out from him by a goddess who needs his help to save life as we know it. Adventure, wars, and more than one romance follow. The Eddings paint heroes that are realistic and at the same time a joy to cheer for. For anyone who enjoys a good tromp through the battles of good and evil and wants to laugh along the way, this is a must-read.

Market: Adult Fiction
Language: Mild
Sensuality: Mild. A number of people get married, and there's some teasing and winking, but nothing on-screen.
Violence: Moderate.
Mature Themes: Death, war

Book formats:

To learn more about the authors, visit: David and Leigh Eddings

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

One of the Eddings' best books. I read it years ago; I'll have to re-read it now!