Vastly Disappointing
I loved their other things, but Althalus seems like it was written by a 14 year old boy. Every single thing out of the characters mouth is supposed to be witty, funny, clever, or outright hilarious... which equals a character that is as deep as the page it's written on. I honestly don't know how anyone takes this seriously! Its just not that funny, and tries way too hard. The only reason it was even published as a book suitable for grownups is because the Eddings' have a great track record, and their name sells, even if the plot is about as complicated as "Bad god wants to unmake the world and good god wants to stop him" can get. Every person they come across is either helpful and friendly and clever, or wicked and clever. And it's immediately obvious which is which. I mean, really people? Terry put it so eloquently... Wizards First Rule, you know.