The Dreamers, Book1

by

David and Leigh Eddings

5 out of 10

Reading Eddings is like listening to an old Gershwin tune or slipping on some old shoes. It is comfortable reading for a low stress weekend.

Some of us need more Belgarath and Polgara than Eddings has been prepared to provide. Detailed character developments with good one liners and witty conversations make it a pleasant read.

However this is not great literature. It meanders between characters and while the story eventually gets told the method of presentation leaves some confusion and for 'skip readers' an irresistible temptation to move rapidly to see how the plot develops. The build ups are slow and ponderous and the final conflicts are somewhat of a let down.

It is hard to be sure where they will take the series as there certainly are a wealth of characters in development - enough for a dozen followups.

The universe is confusing, the central plot is far from complex - evil insect group mind ,the Vlagh, plans to take over world with mutant creatures but comes up against a dozen or so Gods !

There may be an intention to develop a feast of sequels but they should be cautious as the plots need a lot more strength to last and attract continuing readers.

There are many mysteries still unresolved. The role of the Gods and the 'over' Gods, the children and some of the central characters. Where are Narasan, Rabbit and Longbow going to end up? Does the Eddings' team have a long term plan? I hope so as their earlier work is some of the best in the genre. To date The Dreamers has been a disappointment, read some of the earlier work if you like this - you will be blown away by the difference.

© David K. Evans (2004)