The Younger Gods - David and Leigh Eddings Review

"The Gods Must Be Crazy".
It's an obvious notion Vadis, the Pilgrim From Everna got while exploring the nameless World of the Dreamers. And that notion escalated to a climax in this final episode of The Dreamers Saga.

In this last work, the late David Eddings tried so hard to bring out the "climax of all climaxes". While altogether sliced the story between lots of main characters' point-of-views and balancing between dialogue, narration (story) and action.

The result is, the Pilgrim is again impressed by the brilliant work of a true Fantasy Pro as follows:

- Brilliant strategies, giving a more "natural" touch in this "god-loaded" story.
From fort-building to outsmarting enemies and - a goddess in particular.

- Fantastic and godly magicks that seem to fit in place, representing the main elements of nature. Remember the episodes: 1-Volcano (Earth-Fire), 2-Flood (Water), 3-Tornado (Wind-Blue Fire) and 4-Blizzard (Ice).

-Individual brilliance of the commanders and especially the "Dream Team": Longbow, Keselo, Rabbit and Omago.
If you choose to ignore Omago from page one, get ready for a surprise. A bit predictable, yet still shocking.
All in all, the characters are likable with sufficient descriptions of their interesting personalities, traits and abilities.

In spite of that, the Pilgrim stumbled on several things. Observant readers, be warned.

- Too many reminders and discussions about the exploits in past episodes and chapters, in dialogues and narrations alike.

- Except for the blizzard and a few others, on many occasions the Pilgrim was left with "reports" about battles and such. Maybe it's to avoid prolonged narrations about such "minor events". Yet the Pilgrim wished he "join" the characters in action in the spur of the moment instead of "hearing" them TALK about it. The danger, the suspense...

- The involvement of so many mighty gods and dreamers, though with limitations still made things seem so easy.
Especially, for instance, "Father Time". He made the daring sneak into the nest of the Vlagh like a walk in the park.
Well, let's just assume that the gods helped make the impossible possible. Whenever the mortals meet a dead end, the gods would walk in and break the wall.

Apart from the setbacks, the Pilgrim saw (or read) some very interesting things:

- Aracia's madness maybe a subject of scrutiny here - the base problem, the elder gods' main weakness. Yet, the Pilgrim can't help feeling sorry for her. Well, even Greek, Norse and mythological gods have their flaws too.

- The fission between "Big Me" and "Little Me" is another fascinating thing. They shared one body at first, so the logical split should be one in body, one in spirit. Well, where logics can't explain, as long as it's in realms of fantasy we'll just assume it as the work of the almighty.

- As explained in the ending solution, the human counterparts, especially the "mercenaries" didn't retain the memory of their "tour of profit" in Dhrall. They only became more mature, wise and knowledgeable without knowing how.
That's good because, if their memory was intact, we can predict what happen next: The Trogs, Malavis and Maags would unite and invade Dhrall, bringing their gods with them. "You cheated! Give us our gold back!" They'd say.

- Among the notable new characters is Alcevan, the crafty little priestess. If only she wasn't at all "buggy", she would be a perfect mate for Rabbit.

All in all, this last work of David Eddings is worthy of appreciation and regarded as "The Treasured One", if not for entertainment. Just consider the condition Eddings was in when he wrote this novel and the magnitude and flair of his works in his prime.

Farewell, David and Leigh. We'll always remember you and learn from your legacy.

Review by: The Pilgrim of Everna
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