The Sapphire Rose by David Eddings, a Review
The Sapphire Rose is the third and last book in The Ellenium by David Eddings. This is the first time I’ve re-read the book in probably most of 10 years. It’s been a rather disappointing experience quite frankly. I had remembered this series as the most adult of Eddings work, but my memory was clearly faulty.
The flaws in this book are similar to those in the previous two, The Diamond Throne and The Ruby Knight. Having finished the whole story I’m left with the feeling that it was an interesting first draft that was never properly fleshed out. The characters are shallow at best, and often all sound the same.
Even worse perhaps is the failure to fully develop the story. The plot weakness is brushed over with vague references to how convenient certain things are. A new title is revealed for the Arch-Prelate and suddenly everyone calls him Sarathi. Yet this title was never once mentioned in the previous two books.
There are interesting things happening in this book. There’s plenty of action both political and more physical, but all the other problems with the writing really detract from that. Eddings also can’t seem to resist putting his own self-satisfied opinions in all his characters mouths which just becomes annoying after a while.
I’m now very curious to re-read the Belgariad which was Eddings first fantasy series and see how that holds up. While I feel The Elenium was better written then Eddings more recent work, its far from good and I wonder how the Belgariad, which was a favorite of mine as a child, will measure up.
Eoghann Irving is amongst other things the creator and Editor of Solar Flare. He has a life long interest in all forms of science fiction and fantasy and a pressing need to share this interest with anyone who will listen. Find out more at his personal website eoghann.com..
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