The Redemption of Althalus is actually probably the first thing I'd recommend to anyone who hasn't read Eddings before, because it basically compresses the essence of all the Eddings epics into one novel.
It might come off a bit rushed as a result, but it's easier to pick up and read, rather than...well, a whole series. If you read Althalus and like it...well, the other Eddings books are basically more of the same, just in series form.
But I can loan folks my copy of Althalus. Tossing 'em an entire series of paperbacks gets tricky.
Though that said, you can get compilation volumes of the series and trilogy books...they're still a bit hefty, though.
The Dreamers books are...mmn, different. While there are common thematic threads in most of Eddings' fantasy work, those books depart a lot more. On one hand, that's good. More original and stuff. On the other hand...I didn't enjoy 'em as much myself.
As pointed out, what's really awesome about Eddings books is the dialogue and humour, not the story and high concepts. Soooooo...
-- Acyl
It might come off a bit rushed as a result, but it's easier to pick up and read, rather than...well, a whole series. If you read Althalus and like it...well, the other Eddings books are basically more of the same, just in series form.
But I can loan folks my copy of Althalus. Tossing 'em an entire series of paperbacks gets tricky.
Though that said, you can get compilation volumes of the series and trilogy books...they're still a bit hefty, though.
The Dreamers books are...mmn, different. While there are common thematic threads in most of Eddings' fantasy work, those books depart a lot more. On one hand, that's good. More original and stuff. On the other hand...I didn't enjoy 'em as much myself.
As pointed out, what's really awesome about Eddings books is the dialogue and humour, not the story and high concepts. Soooooo...
-- Acyl