The Redemption of Althalus

★ 6.96 / 58

Mythmakers and world builders of the first order, the Eddingses spin tales that make imaginations soar. Readers have thrilled to The Belgariad and The Malloreon, magic-filled masterworks chronicling the timeless conflict between good and evil. But with those sagas brought to their triumphant conclusions, fans were left hungry for more. Now at last the wait is over. With The Redemption of Althalus, the Eddingses have created their first-ever stand-alone epic fantasy...

It would be sheer folly to try to conceal the true nature of Althalus, for his flaws are the stuff of legend. He is, as all men know, a thief, a liar, an occasional murderer, an outrageous braggart, and a man devoid of even the slightest hint of honor.

Yet of all the men in the world, it is Althalus, unrepentant rogue and scoundrel, who will become the champion of humanity in its desperate struggle against the forces of an ancient god determined to return the universe to nothingness. On his way to steal The Book from the House at the End of the World, Althalus is confronted by a cat – a cat with eyes like emeralds, the voice of a woman, and the powers of a goddess.

She is Dweia, sister to The Gods and a greater thief even than Althalus. She must be: for in no time at all, she has stolen his heart. And more. She has stolen time itself. For when Althalus leaves the House at the End of the World, much wiser but not a day older than when he'd first entered it, thousands of years have gone by.

But Dweia is not the only one able to manipulate time. Her evil brother shares the power, and while Dweia has been teaching Althalus the secrets of The Book, the ancient God has been using the dark magic of his own Book to rewrite history. Yet all is not lost. But only if Althalus, still a thief at heart, can bring together a ragtag group of men, women, and children with no reason to trust him or each other.

Boldly written and brilliantly imagined, The Redemption of Althalus is an epic fantasy to be savored in the reading and returned to again and again for the wisdom, excitement, and humor that only the Eddingses can provide.

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Updated 04/07/2025

Category: Fantasy, High Fantasy

Release date: July 2000

David Eddings

David Eddings’ writing, much like the epic worlds he created, was built on layers of adventure, camaraderie, and an understanding of the human heart. Born in 1931 in Washington, D.C., Eddings came to be known as one of fantasy's most beloved authors, carving a space for himself with his sharp storytelling and vivid character development. His rise to prominence came with the Belgariad and Malloreon series, two beloved fantasy sagas that continue to captivate readers with their rich world-building and timeless themes of power, destiny, and friendship.

Eddings' talent lay in his ability to craft deeply personal journeys against a backdrop of high-stakes fantasy. His characters—whether they were a young farm boy turned reluctant hero, a witty thief, or a powerful sorcerer—always felt real, their struggles universal. In The Belgariad, a seemingly simple story about a prophecy unfolds into a complex narrative about love, loyalty, and the burden of fate. His approachable writing style, rich in humor and wit, allows readers to immerse themselves in worlds filled with magic, but also with very human experiences.

At the heart of Eddings' writing was a fascination with the intersection of power and morality. His novels often explored the responsibilities and burdens that come with wielding power, both magical and political. Whether it was the gods in The Belgariad or the various characters in the Elenium series, Eddings' books were always focused on personal growth, the nature of good and evil, and how even the smallest of decisions could have monumental consequences.

Throughout his career, Eddings also showed a masterful ability to balance intricate plots with moments of levity. His protagonists were often surrounded by a cast of colorful companions, whose banter and deep bonds provided a balance to the more intense, world-shattering events unfolding around them. Eddings understood that fantasy wasn’t just about battles and magic, but about the relationships that give those moments weight.

His work was not without its criticisms, but his appeal was undeniable. Fans flocked to his stories for their accessibility, humor, and sense of adventure, which never overshadowed the emotional depth of the characters. The Belgariad and Malloreon remain two of the cornerstones of epic fantasy literature, offering readers an immersive experience in a world where heroes, gods, and destiny intertwined.

David Eddings’ legacy endures through his books, and his influence can still be felt in the fantasy genre today. His unique blend of compelling world-building, relatable characters, and thought-provoking themes has earned him a special place in the hearts of readers, continuing to inspire those who seek adventure beyond the page.