Magicians Gambit by David Eddings (The Belgariad: Book 3)

Magician's Gambit is the third book of the Belgariad. Two prophecies, made thousands of years ago are approaching and the moment is nigh when only one will hold true. Garion is only now beginning to understand the part that he will play in the future of the world.

Magician’s Gambit begins with us seeing life through the eyes of Princess C’Nedra, a slightly spoilt and temperamental girl who has joined Garion, Polgara, Belgarath and company on their quest to recover the Orb of Aldur. After a while we once again return to the story seen through Garion’s perspective and the journey continues through the haunted lands of Maragor and onto to the caves of the Ulgo's. During this time Garion begins to fully understand the extent of his powers and what part he will play as the prophecies unfold. The truth behind the dry voice that Garion hears is also explained in Magician’s Gambit.

C’Nedra and the Ulgo priest are good additions to the characters but it is Silk who once again steals the show and is by far the most interesting and well-formed character. There is once again an extremely clear line between good and evil but there is, unfortunately, a thin line between generalisation and racism evident within the context of this novel.

If you are contemplating reading Magician's Gambit then it is likely that you have already read Pawn of Prophecy and Queen of Sorcery, the first two books in the series. If you read and enjoyed these novels then you are going to like Magician's Gambit, it's that simple. The writing is once again competent without being outstanding, involving without being riveting but this an enjoyable and easily read piece of work with enough to make you warm to the characters and allow you to visualise the story in your imagination.

This is light-hearted but fun and well paced fare; if you have read David Eddings before and enjoyed his work then you will not be disappointed as this keeps up the same standard. The books name also keeps up the chess theme running throughout the series, Pawn of Prophecy, Queen of Sorcery and Magician’s Gambit.

8/10 Light hearted, fun-filled fantasy