The Belgariad - 10/10
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I read this book because it was recommended in the back of Eldest by Christopher Paolini which I won at secondary when I was 12, I only finished reading Eldest a few months ago and I've already finished all Belgariad/Malloreon books by David Eddings, they are real page turners once you get into them and this 1st book really gets you in the mood! Paolini's book got 9 out of 10 from me but this is absolutely amazing this deffinately gets a Ten. This book is about a young farm lad who is taken on a journey by the local story teller and the farm's cook. It is only when they are jioned by Two other people does Garion find out that he is going to fulfil a prophecy with Two people who are gifted with The Will and the Word (Sorcery)!
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Don't let this first book fool you!
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Ok let's be realistic I am not going to say it is the best ever book and all that, though I will say this. Read this first book, get to know the characters and give the author the chance of development. Sometimes first books that are criticised end up a doorway to a series of incredible books. I have much to be grateful for, the fact it gave inspiration to many of those I know that hate reading is an added huge bonus for Eddings. He has inspired them into the literate world, especially those who find reading a tiresome task.
At first the book may seem a little clumsy or slow for a better word but after that it escalates to a wonderful world of adventure and surprisingly it's not all about Garion as we sometimes assumed. There is the humour,do gooders,gamblers, the bluntness, the gentle, gobby and more, all likeable characteristics in their own way that create tension.
The Mallorean series is by far the best of all: packed with twists and humour. Some people have read this first and wished they had read the first series first because they loved it. Many readers have had sleepless nights getting trough the series and I confess am one of them though I doubt I am the last.
I love the bantering to name a few, between Polgara and drunken Belgariad or Silk and Velvet - the bantering is suitably for the young and older generation. Furthermore, the bantering is realistic and that is perhaps why many can relate to this and those who hated reading were inspired. Each character represents people we all know at some stage in our life. Some readers have found their idols or found a special place in their heart for a character- including the lovable snake Zith surprisingly enough! Many readers have also created roleplay games of these characters.
Fate and the uncanny works in many mysterious ways and Eddings demonstrated this in the fantasy world to it's extreme. His style is a contrast to Tolkien. There is much mysteriousness and pivotal and magical touching moments to treasure.
If you love Terry Brooks then you'll like this.
However, those that do not highly commend this book should perhaps try the Sparhawk series, which is altogether different. Although there is the humour, it is altogether more of a serious style, therefore more appealing to the LOTR (Lord of the Rings)readers.
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Likable fantasy fayre.
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This is old school fantasy by one of the genres elder statesman. It readss like a grandfather telling a story to little children on his knee, and it is no bad thing. It gives the books a very distinct feel, added warmth so to speak. As for the plot it isn't overly complicated and you will be able to predict many of the events coming a mile off, I don't mean to sound critical because I greatly enjoyed the series. In some ways the predictability and familiar feel make the series a good comfort read.
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Eat your heart out Tolkein
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This book forms part of a terrific series beginning with `Belgareth the Sorcerer'. I don't read much of this genre (fantasy) but like The Hobbit/ Lord of the Rings this will appeal to a large audience.
Following Belgareth the Sorcerer there are two series of 5 books, `The Belgariad' and `The Mallorean' and it is advisable to read them in order, and if you can read `Belgareth' first (although you could save it and read it afterwards like a prequel).
I raced through the series. The Eddings' (the books were written by a couple) create a Tolkein-esque world with our hero Belgareth learning powers known as `the will and the word' through centuries of study under a benevolent God (the gods that created this world still live on it in physical form). This study elevates him to the status of a sorcerer and elongates his life span - he becomes a legend and a force for good in the world. However, another disciple of his benevolent master rebels and steals the holy `Orb' stone, following a more sinister God. In the later series the Gods have left the planet in fear that their battle will destroy the world but their peoples continue to war - following the Prophecies left to them by the Gods. The two series follow the course of events as Belgareth leads the hunt for the traitor and the stone. It's very cleverly written and characters and events reappear as we become familiar with the history of this fictional world through the course of the books.
Really good fun and a definite recommendation if you want a light hearted escape that will keep you reading late into the night.
This is the order of the books:
The Belgariad
1. Pawn of Prophecy
2. Queen of Sorcery
3. Magician's Gambit
4. Castle of Wizardry
5. Enchanters' End Game
The Malloreon
1. Guardians of the West
2. King of the Murgos
3. Demon Lord of Karanda
4. Sorceress of Darshiva
5. The Seeress of Kell
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Childish and flat
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I bought all five books of the Belgariad based on the many '5 star' reviews on Amazon and a recommendation from a friend, who is also a fantasy buff. Unfortunately I could not get past chapter one. The writing style would be suitable for kids of ages ten to fifteen, not any older. The characters are not interesting and the plot is sooooo predictable I feel I have not missed out on reading the rest of the book. If you want a good fantasy yarn, try Robin Hobbs' Farseer trilogy instead.
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