Search - The Diamond Throne (Elenium, Bk 1)

I read this series every couple of years. While not very taxing and much can be figured out before hand, I still find it very enjoyable and an easy read. The lead character, Sparhawk, reminds me of what a John Wayne would be as a Holy Knight. David Eddings is very good with conjuring up characters that most can relate to and recognize, so after a few pages the reader will think they already know them. He is very good with his wit, even if he over uses some phrases and characteristics. If you are looking for an easy read that you can immerse yourself into right away, I would highly recommend this one.

The start of the Elenium trilogy. Eddings is a master of fantasy. remarkable stories.

Good sci-fi

THE BURDEN OF DESTINY
Sparhawk, Pandion Knight and Queen's Champion, returned to Elenia after ten years of exile, only to find his young Queen Ehlana trapped in a block of ensourcelled crystal. Only the great sorcery of Sephrenia, ageless instructor of magic, kept her alive--but the spell would last only a year, and its cost was tragically high.
Now a Prince Regent ruled Elenia, the puppet of Annias, ambitious Primate of the Church who planned to seize power over all the land.
As Sparhawk and Sephrenia set out to find a cure for Ehlana, Sephrenia revealed that there was only one person in the west who could defeat the evil plots against Ehlana. That person was Sparhawk.

Eddings second world, grittier and less pristine than the Belgariad, but so-so. It's not a bad start for a reasonably decent series, but nothing to sell your kids for.

Enjoyable, but if you've read the Belgariad, there are a lot of similarities here.