These books go from lighthearted to ultra-violent in a heartbeat, which can be jarring, and though it isn’t the best fantasy I have ever read, Sparhawk is such a cool protagonist he easily pulls the whole thing off. Not to mention his grumpy horse (which didn’t feature nearly enough in this instalment). I don’t know if it’s indicative of anything, but I’m still interested in reading the Belgariad after having finished this. Sparhawk has the Bhelliom. With it, he will restore his queen and thwart the best laid plans of the Primate Annias. But that's not all... This novel is perfectly FILLED to the brim with content. In it, you'll:

All in all some very odd ideas about women expressed in this book in general, and the creepiest, creepiest hero-gets-the-girl ever. Seriously. SAPPHIRE ROSE carries over all the best qualities of the first and second books of Eddings' Elenium, and of his Garion novels. His characters care for one another and effortlessly create an air of optimism that, as I wrote in my review of Elenium #2, exudes fun. Because adventures are fun.The Sapphire Rose is the third part in the Elenium and sees our heroes moving on from the events in The Ruby Knight as they endeavour to conquer and defeat the Elder God Azash, minions and various people it is ruling!:D The plot is not particularly strong, although I do still have a weakness for quest stories. That aspect of the plot was good. The story in itself is a little thin, but again, not to the point where I minded very much because everything else was worked out so well. The descriptions of people and places were sometimes a little too long and dry, causing me to skim over them rather than read them attentively, which disrupted the flow of the story a little.

I do like the way the Kurik’s sons talk about their “mothers” in the later books though. That said, remembering I read the Tamuli trilogy first, I was quite certain Aslade and Elys had been both married to Kurik, the way they are referred to there! Color is the most important factor when purchasing a colored gemstone. The color of the sapphire is what captivates us, and draws us in for a closer look. Just as I remembered from all those years ago when I read this series, it is an excellent read. The Sapphire Rose is a fine conclusion to the tale of Sparkhawk's epic quest to save his queen, and the world. While diamonds are the go-to stone for engagement rings and fine jewelry, the sapphire is growing in popularity. The color of a sapphire offers an interesting alternative to the classic, clear diamond. You can also save quite a significant amount by purchasing a sapphire rather than a diamond. And throughout it all, you'll be able to continue enjoying the banter among Sparhawk and his companions that Mr. Eddings is so renowned for in all his stories.I think I feel basically the same as you, Tehani. It really is a warm comfy blanket… with moth holes and a few scratchy bits… but a lot of love and memories holding it together. If you're looking for an affordable diamond alternative that also aligns with your values around ethics and sustainability, white sapphire is a great choice. Not only is it more budget-friendly than its diamond counterpart, it also has a comparable brilliance that will catch the eye just as well. Additionally, sapphire is a durable and scratch-resistant gemstone, making it a practical choice for daily wear. Green Sapphire Ring

Lab-created sapphires come from synthetic forms of corundum, used to make synthetic sapphires, and rubies (the other precious gem made from corundum). Since both natural and synthetic sapphires come from the same mineral, lab-created gems are essentially the same as their natural counterpart, with the same visual qualities and hardness. Lab-created sapphires are less expensive, however, due to the reduced rarity and faster creation process.After finding King Sarak's grave they learn that the crown had not been buried with him. They encounter a serf who tells them about the great battle which killed the King and how the Earl of Heid retrieved the fallen King's crown and cast it into the dark murky waters of Lake Randera. The problematic elements of this fantasy remain (Eurocentrism, namely), but they don't jump out at you immediately, such is the entertainment provided by this book (and series).