The Treasured One (Dreamers, Book 2)

From Publishers Weekly In the bestselling Eddings duo's disappointing second entry in their Dreamers series (after 2003's The Elder Gods), the four gods (one for each point of the compass) face a new menace in the Land of Dhrall. Neither omnipotent nor omniscient, head god Dahlaine, his brother Veltan and their two sisters aren't even particularly bright. The Vlagh, an evil insectoid creature that's trying to take over the world by producing an army of mutated snake people, goes south to carry the fight for domination to Veltan's realm. The dreamers (the younger gods) forecast the coming horde and provide enough information for Dahlaine and his siblings to prepare themselves. Indeed, the gods' preparations for one rather tedious, unexciting battle occupy the bulk of the book. This fantasy comes as a great letdown from the authors of the luminous Belgariad series (Pawn of Prophecy, etc.). No true hero shines forth, and the gods' powerlessness makes them worse than cardboard cutouts. Filled with second- or even third-hand action, the story lacks urgency. The next volume desperately needs to be better in order to save the series. Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Book Description DESCRIPTION: New York Times bestselling authors David and Leigh Eddings continue their nationally bestselling The Dreamers series with this brand new epic fantasy.

The Vlagh has turned its attention from the lands of the goddess Zelana (The Elder Gods) to her brother, Veltan, ruler of the peaceful farming land around the Falls of Vash. These gentle villagers are Vlaghís obstacles as it breeds a hideous army to annihilate the world. Determined to protect his people and his lands, Omago, Veltanís human friend, works with the heroes from Zelanaís domain to raise a defense. But the gods and the humans have overlooked one person: Jalkan, an outlander, who is unleashing soldiers to corral innocent villagers and convert them to his ìreligionî of the Amar--ìthe one true god.î He covets the gold that Zelena and Veltan promised their mercenaries. And what are a few innocent deaths if they result in more gold for Jalkan and the rest of his empire?