Status
Available
Genres
Collection
Publication
Del Rey (1986), Edition: Later Printing, 262 pages
Description
Garion the farm boy did not believe in magic dooms, but then he did not know that soon he would be on a quest of unparalleled magic and danger when the dread evil God Torak was reawakened.
User reviews
LibraryThing member LisaMaria_C
I can't quite make up my mind whether I like this one enough to try the next book in the series.
On the negative side, this one is a bit too reminiscent of Lord of the Rings and too many other fantasy tales without bringing anything all that original to the mix. It's no ripoff like Sword of
On the other hand, the style, while not lovely, was serviceable, and this really zipped past. It's as if I sat down, read the first sentence, and when I looked up again much of the day was past and the book over. I did like Polgara who for me was the standout character--all the more so for being a female character in the testosterone-laden high fantasy genre and not, unlike Garion, one of a type I feel I've read hundreds of times before. This is the first book in the series, and the author's first novel, so it might be it gets better as the series goes along. If I read another book in the series, it will be to read more of Polgara.
On the negative side, this one is a bit too reminiscent of Lord of the Rings and too many other fantasy tales without bringing anything all that original to the mix. It's no ripoff like Sword of
Show More
Shannara, but there is this ordinary farmboy, Garion, with a destiny (tm) who picked up companions on a quest involving a dark object coveted by a dark lord. Like Garion, I also find it a bit much to swallow that two characters are seven thousand years old--maybe because the author just doesn't make them wise or strange or alien enough in ways to set them apart--you don't feel the weight of those ages. I also got exactly who Garion is from about page one, and even though the book does give reasons why he'd be in the dark (his Aunt raised him on an isolated farm and he was never taught to read) I felt impatient for him to catch up with me, the reader. On the other hand, the style, while not lovely, was serviceable, and this really zipped past. It's as if I sat down, read the first sentence, and when I looked up again much of the day was past and the book over. I did like Polgara who for me was the standout character--all the more so for being a female character in the testosterone-laden high fantasy genre and not, unlike Garion, one of a type I feel I've read hundreds of times before. This is the first book in the series, and the author's first novel, so it might be it gets better as the series goes along. If I read another book in the series, it will be to read more of Polgara.
Show Less
LibraryThing member raegroup
This is certainly one of the "classic" fantasy series. I read them years ago (and could not put them down), but recently my kids unearthed my copy of the series from the back of the book shelf. All 3 of them read the stories from end to end, again with "cant put it down" intensity. Needless to say
I think what is so intense about this series is the combination of adventure, and humor, and some very believable and likable characters.
Show More
my copies are now falling apart.I think what is so intense about this series is the combination of adventure, and humor, and some very believable and likable characters.
Show Less
LibraryThing member puttocklibrary
The first book in what was my favorite fantasy series for a very long time. While the story premise is simple, and the ultimate conclusion quite obvious, watching the main character, Garion, gradually learn about his heritage and ultimate destiny is always entertaining.
LibraryThing member seldombites
David and Leigh Eddings are two of my favourite authors. After the Lord of the Rings this was the first fantasy series I ever read. Along with Ursula Le Guin's Earthsea Quartet and J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, the Eddings books are great for introducing tweens to the world of fantasy.
Pawn
Pawn
Show More
of Prophecy is the first book in The Belgariad series. Join Garion as he is dragged from his comfortable existence into a world of danger and magic, enemies and deceit and learns that neither he or his loved ones are who he always thought them to be... Show Less
LibraryThing member TadAD
Eddings added in his bio blurb that he wrote the Belgariad "to develop certain technical and philosophical ideas concerning [the] genre." I'm at a total loss as to what needed development—these books are completely formula epic adventure fantasy.
However, they are light and fast reads, and I
At least, I did right up until halfway through. That's when the bad guy, even though he has about eleventy-five different spells to stop the good guy, tries to do the one thing that all sorcerers...and, we're talking about one good enough to fight the best there is almost to a standstill...know for certain will never work and will automatically cause their own destruction. Yeah, that was in character!
I can't say that this is a recommended series, but I will see if I can find some other books by Eddings in the second-hand shops.
However, they are light and fast reads, and I
Show More
enjoyed them well enough. The characters were engaging and the plot clipped right along.At least, I did right up until halfway through. That's when the bad guy, even though he has about eleventy-five different spells to stop the good guy, tries to do the one thing that all sorcerers...and, we're talking about one good enough to fight the best there is almost to a standstill...know for certain will never work and will automatically cause their own destruction. Yeah, that was in character!
I can't say that this is a recommended series, but I will see if I can find some other books by Eddings in the second-hand shops.
Show Less
LibraryThing member humouress
{First of 5 in The Belgariad; fantasy, high fantasy, epic fantasy, quest, adventure} (1982)
The first thing the boy Garion remembered was the kitchen at Faldor’s farm. For all the rest of his life he had a special warm feeling for kitchens and those peculiar sounds and smells that seemed somehow
We meet Garion at a very young age as he is growing up under his Aunt Pol's care at Faldor's farm, deep in Sendaria, which is the most ordinary of all the countries and Sendars are known for the practicality and unimaginativeness. Soon, though, Garion is tagging along with Aunt Pol and the itinerant story teller he calls Mister Wolf on the adventure of a lifetime as they race through the kingdoms of Aloria on the trail of a mysterious object that has been stolen. Along the way they meet a multinational cast of characters. Garion, now fourteen years old, is too young to be entrusted with the details of their quest and often feels sidelined. But ... can Mister Wolf really be hundreds of years old and is there really such a thing as sorcery?
This book does not end on a cliff-hanger but the quest is not complete so you do have to read on.
I first read this series in the '80s when it had been recently published; the (UK Corgi) cover illustrations with their fanlights and art by Geoff Taylor drew me in and were some of the books that got me really started in fantasy in my teens. I was worried that this book wouldn't live up to my memories but it has and I've really enjoyed re-reading it.
I like the way Eddings took time to set the world up beginning with Garion's childhood and his everyday adventures growing up on a farm; I think it grounds the start of the story and invests us in the characters and their interactions as a close-knit group. I think Eddings got 'sulky teenager' right without making Garion bratty. I was around the same age when I first read this series and I could empathise with him; I could see why he didn't appreciate being ignored when there were important events happening around him and everyone else seemed to know what was going on. Now my kids are the same age I still find him relatable. And, though the teenage boy might not have seen it, I liked seeing how deeply Aunt Pol cared for him.
I also remember liking the way that the people of each nation have their own quirks and characteristics; it may not be considered altogether pc in this day and age but I think it works well (and gives Silk many opportunities to poke digs at his friends).
"Thank you for your permission, Captain," Silk said, inclining his head. "Do you know what the King of Sendaria said then, Garion?" he asked.
"No," Garion said. "What?"
"I pray you, your eminences,' the king said, 'have a care for your finery. I have just well manured the bed in which you are kneeling.'"
Barak, who was sitting nearby, roared with laughter, pounding his knee with one huge hand.
"I find this less than amusing, sir," Captain Brendig said coldly, rising to his feet. "I make no jokes about the King of Drasnia, do I?"
"You're a courteous man, Captain," Silk said mildly, "and a nobleman. I'm merely a poor man trying to make his way in the world.
Brendig looked at him helplessly and then turned and stamped from the room.
And I also liked the way that, as they went on, people from almost every nation (in the west) joined their quest; it gave the story a sense of inclusivity and unity.
It's not high literature but it is written well and lots of fun; it's a bit irreverent with a lot of banter between the characters. It has good pacing and enough description and little incidents (relevant or not) to paint in the landscape and the background and invest you in the characters. This is a world-sweeping fantasy with a well constructed world; it has history, geography and distinct cultures to different countries.
I like the way Eddings shows and doesn't tell; mainly we learn about events as Garion does. But it's also easy to put together information and understand a bit more than he has, so far, from the stories of this world.
Best of all, it lived up to my memories of it.
4.5-5*****
By Belar! Give it an additional half star for nostalgia, why not:
5-5.5*****
The first thing the boy Garion remembered was the kitchen at Faldor’s farm. For all the rest of his life he had a special warm feeling for kitchens and those peculiar sounds and smells that seemed somehow
Show More
to combine into a bustling seriousness that had to do with love and food and comfort and security and, above all, home.We meet Garion at a very young age as he is growing up under his Aunt Pol's care at Faldor's farm, deep in Sendaria, which is the most ordinary of all the countries and Sendars are known for the practicality and unimaginativeness. Soon, though, Garion is tagging along with Aunt Pol and the itinerant story teller he calls Mister Wolf on the adventure of a lifetime as they race through the kingdoms of Aloria on the trail of a mysterious object that has been stolen. Along the way they meet a multinational cast of characters. Garion, now fourteen years old, is too young to be entrusted with the details of their quest and often feels sidelined. But ... can Mister Wolf really be hundreds of years old and is there really such a thing as sorcery?
This book does not end on a cliff-hanger but the quest is not complete so you do have to read on.
I first read this series in the '80s when it had been recently published; the (UK Corgi) cover illustrations with their fanlights and art by Geoff Taylor drew me in and were some of the books that got me really started in fantasy in my teens. I was worried that this book wouldn't live up to my memories but it has and I've really enjoyed re-reading it.
I like the way Eddings took time to set the world up beginning with Garion's childhood and his everyday adventures growing up on a farm; I think it grounds the start of the story and invests us in the characters and their interactions as a close-knit group. I think Eddings got 'sulky teenager' right without making Garion bratty. I was around the same age when I first read this series and I could empathise with him; I could see why he didn't appreciate being ignored when there were important events happening around him and everyone else seemed to know what was going on. Now my kids are the same age I still find him relatable. And, though the teenage boy might not have seen it, I liked seeing how deeply Aunt Pol cared for him.
I also remember liking the way that the people of each nation have their own quirks and characteristics; it may not be considered altogether pc in this day and age but I think it works well (and gives Silk many opportunities to poke digs at his friends).
"Thank you for your permission, Captain," Silk said, inclining his head. "Do you know what the King of Sendaria said then, Garion?" he asked.
"No," Garion said. "What?"
"I pray you, your eminences,' the king said, 'have a care for your finery. I have just well manured the bed in which you are kneeling.'"
Barak, who was sitting nearby, roared with laughter, pounding his knee with one huge hand.
"I find this less than amusing, sir," Captain Brendig said coldly, rising to his feet. "I make no jokes about the King of Drasnia, do I?"
"You're a courteous man, Captain," Silk said mildly, "and a nobleman. I'm merely a poor man trying to make his way in the world.
Brendig looked at him helplessly and then turned and stamped from the room.
And I also liked the way that, as they went on, people from almost every nation (in the west) joined their quest; it gave the story a sense of inclusivity and unity.
It's not high literature but it is written well and lots of fun; it's a bit irreverent with a lot of banter between the characters. It has good pacing and enough description and little incidents (relevant or not) to paint in the landscape and the background and invest you in the characters. This is a world-sweeping fantasy with a well constructed world; it has history, geography and distinct cultures to different countries.
I like the way Eddings shows and doesn't tell; mainly we learn about events as Garion does. But it's also easy to put together information and understand a bit more than he has, so far, from the stories of this world.
Best of all, it lived up to my memories of it.
4.5-5*****
By Belar! Give it an additional half star for nostalgia, why not:
5-5.5*****
Show Less
LibraryThing member Ailinel
The first book in Eddings' Belgariad is immediately identifiable as a coming of age tale. Garion, who lives on Faldor's farm with his Aunt Pol, the head cook, is dragged on a mysterious quest with his aunt and an old storyteller who are soon identified as the millennia old sorcerer Belgaroth and
The most difficult part of this series for me was Eddings' inability to write women. Polar, a 4,000 year old sorceress and one of the most powerful beings in existence, regularly spends her time chiding the men about drinking beer and ale. In the second book the next significant female character comes across as one of the most ridiculous, petty, and flat characters I've read about.
Eddings' strongest comeback lies with his side characters. Silk (aka Prince Kheldar of Drasnia, Ambar of Kotu, Radek of Boktor) is a singularly enjoyable character. He is consistently witty, sarcastic, and hilarious to follow. His skills as an assassin, spy, fighter, and merchant lead to his being central to some of the most memorable scenes. Hettar is similarly enjoyable, and the constant friendly banter, vices, and interests of these and future side characters are what convinced me to keep reading.
Show More
his daughter Polgara. Garion is clueless and innocent, but he slowly begins to develop a variety of skills as he works with members of their party. Unfortunately, he may be tied with Harry Potter as the most inept gatherer of information known to man. It becomes clear readers that he is the heir to the Rivan throne, and yet despite picking up every other scrap of available information he remains oblivious to this.The most difficult part of this series for me was Eddings' inability to write women. Polar, a 4,000 year old sorceress and one of the most powerful beings in existence, regularly spends her time chiding the men about drinking beer and ale. In the second book the next significant female character comes across as one of the most ridiculous, petty, and flat characters I've read about.
Eddings' strongest comeback lies with his side characters. Silk (aka Prince Kheldar of Drasnia, Ambar of Kotu, Radek of Boktor) is a singularly enjoyable character. He is consistently witty, sarcastic, and hilarious to follow. His skills as an assassin, spy, fighter, and merchant lead to his being central to some of the most memorable scenes. Hettar is similarly enjoyable, and the constant friendly banter, vices, and interests of these and future side characters are what convinced me to keep reading.
Show Less
LibraryThing member philantrop
Wikipedia defines GrimDark as something that is "particularly dystopian, amoral, or violent” and that’s pretty much the definition of what I do not like in my fantasy books.
When I read fantasy, I want the heroes to be good people at their core. I want a world that’s essentially worth saving
Fortunately, “Pawn of Prophecy”, the first volume of “The Belgariad” is quite the opposite of GrimDark and pretty much exactly what I outlined above:
Garion, a young farmhand, tutored by his “Aunt Pol” grows up on the farm of a modest, good-natured man who cares about his people. When strangers arrive at the farm, Pol and an elderly story-teller, “Mister Wolf”, come to the conclusion it’s time to make a move of their own and so they leave with Garion and the local blacksmith to go on a dangerous trip through the land, searching for a dangerous ancient artefact and its thief. They’re closely followed by their mysterious adversaries at each step...
A lot of this book reminded me of Tolkien and I suspect Eddings was inspired by Lord of the Rings to some extent. The story, albeit simple so far, is original enough, though, to have kept me entertained throughout the entire about 80.000 words and I was actually surprised when I hit the end of the ebook edition I was reading.
Of course, this being a somewhat simple story, there’s no philosophical depth to be expected or huge new insights into life, the universe and everything to be gleaned but even simple truths are helping me feel “at home” in a book and in this particular case, I was captured by the very first paragraph of the first chapter already:
“THE FIRST THING the boy Garion remembered was the kitchen at Faldor’s farm. For all the rest of his life he had a special warm feeling for kitchens and those peculiar sounds and smells that seemed somehow to combine into a bustling seriousness that had to do with love and food and comfort and security and, above all, home. No matter how high Garion rose in life, he never forgot that all his memories began in that kitchen.”
As everyone knows, the kitchen is the (secret) haven of any respectable home and the heart of every good party as well as the place where it starts and ends. As such, it is only fitting for any respectable book to start right there!
That and quite a bit of humour...
“My Master wanted me to move a rock,” Wolf said. “He seemed to think that it was in his way. I tried to move it, but it was too heavy. After a while I got angry, and I told it to move. It did. I was a little surprised, but my Master didn’t seem to think it so unusual.”
… are good enough for me to be happy.
Anyway, depth and insights are not required for my personal taste in fantasy anyway, though, and so I enjoyed this book for what it was – an excellent start into a work of epic fantasy that’s new to me.
That said: Please excuse me while I start devouring the next book in the series...
When I read fantasy, I want the heroes to be good people at their core. I want a world that’s essentially worth saving
Show More
and not a dystopia that basically deserves going down the drain anyway and while violence is nothing I abhor, it’s something that should be used sparingly and only if necessary for the story. Fortunately, “Pawn of Prophecy”, the first volume of “The Belgariad” is quite the opposite of GrimDark and pretty much exactly what I outlined above:
Garion, a young farmhand, tutored by his “Aunt Pol” grows up on the farm of a modest, good-natured man who cares about his people. When strangers arrive at the farm, Pol and an elderly story-teller, “Mister Wolf”, come to the conclusion it’s time to make a move of their own and so they leave with Garion and the local blacksmith to go on a dangerous trip through the land, searching for a dangerous ancient artefact and its thief. They’re closely followed by their mysterious adversaries at each step...
A lot of this book reminded me of Tolkien and I suspect Eddings was inspired by Lord of the Rings to some extent. The story, albeit simple so far, is original enough, though, to have kept me entertained throughout the entire about 80.000 words and I was actually surprised when I hit the end of the ebook edition I was reading.
Of course, this being a somewhat simple story, there’s no philosophical depth to be expected or huge new insights into life, the universe and everything to be gleaned but even simple truths are helping me feel “at home” in a book and in this particular case, I was captured by the very first paragraph of the first chapter already:
“THE FIRST THING the boy Garion remembered was the kitchen at Faldor’s farm. For all the rest of his life he had a special warm feeling for kitchens and those peculiar sounds and smells that seemed somehow to combine into a bustling seriousness that had to do with love and food and comfort and security and, above all, home. No matter how high Garion rose in life, he never forgot that all his memories began in that kitchen.”
As everyone knows, the kitchen is the (secret) haven of any respectable home and the heart of every good party as well as the place where it starts and ends. As such, it is only fitting for any respectable book to start right there!
That and quite a bit of humour...
“My Master wanted me to move a rock,” Wolf said. “He seemed to think that it was in his way. I tried to move it, but it was too heavy. After a while I got angry, and I told it to move. It did. I was a little surprised, but my Master didn’t seem to think it so unusual.”
… are good enough for me to be happy.
Anyway, depth and insights are not required for my personal taste in fantasy anyway, though, and so I enjoyed this book for what it was – an excellent start into a work of epic fantasy that’s new to me.
That said: Please excuse me while I start devouring the next book in the series...
Show Less
LibraryThing member JechtShot
Pawn of Prophecy, what an aptly named book for the first tale of the Belgariad. Garian (The Pawn) a young orphaned farmboy with a past cloaked in secret, lives with his Aunt Pol on a prosperous farm. A storyteller known as "Old Wolf" comes by and shares stories of the Gods. It comes to light that
Pawn of Prophecy provides very few unique elements to the fantasy genre, but the writing is solid and each of the characters are well thought out and intriguing. If you enjoy stories of prophecy, kings and sorcerers battling against evil forces and ancient Gods, look no further.
Show More
something of great value has been taken and that Old Wolf, Aunt Pol and Garion must set out at once. In typical fantasy style the group expands to include: A village blacksmith, Silk (the thief) and Barak the warrior. Also in typical fantasy style, the party of unlikely heroes are not quite who they all seem to be. The party travels to meet with the Kings of the land and it is here that "The Prophecy" begins to unfold.Pawn of Prophecy provides very few unique elements to the fantasy genre, but the writing is solid and each of the characters are well thought out and intriguing. If you enjoy stories of prophecy, kings and sorcerers battling against evil forces and ancient Gods, look no further.
Show Less
LibraryThing member hskey
It's been nearly two years since I've gotten into a big Fantasy series, and I couldn't be happier to get back to my all time favorite genre. I have to cut this book a little slack, since it was written in 1982 and a lot of the fantasy tropes present in the book weren't as present 37 years ago. That
Show More
said, I enjoyed Pawn of Prophecy; it's clearly well written, and even though many of the themes feel familiar, the story feels fresh due to the crisp prose, snappy dialogue and interesting characters. Will certainly read the other four! Show Less
LibraryThing member cmbohn
Themes: gods, magic, saving the world, the boy who lived (sort of)
Garion lives with his aunt, having a rather innocent simple childhood. But he and his aunt have to go on the run when Bad Guys come after them. They take a very long journey, meet up with mysterious but entertaining companions, and
It sounds like I'm giving it a bad review, but I did like it enough to want to read the next one in the series. I guess it got me curious. And Garion may develop into a more interesting character. We'll see. The library has the next one for me on hold, so I guess I'll decide if I like it or not.
Garion lives with his aunt, having a rather innocent simple childhood. But he and his aunt have to go on the run when Bad Guys come after them. They take a very long journey, meet up with mysterious but entertaining companions, and
Show More
have adventures. Everyone Garion meets is hiding a secret. A couple of problems - a VERY BORING, VERY LOOOOOOOOOONG introduction, with fake medieval language and wizard-y names; plus Garion and his aunt, Pol, kind of bug me. Garion is so naive, so trusting, and so SLOW to figure out what's going on. And Pol is mysterious just cause it's fun to bug the reader.It sounds like I'm giving it a bad review, but I did like it enough to want to read the next one in the series. I guess it got me curious. And Garion may develop into a more interesting character. We'll see. The library has the next one for me on hold, so I guess I'll decide if I like it or not.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Narilka
March 2020 Reread: These books are the ultimate comfort read for me. I've read these books so many times that the characters are like old friends I haven't seen in a while. It is exactly what I needed to read during these troubled times. Adding a star for how much joy reuniting with Garion and
-------------------
Garion is a farm boy living in a quiet part of Sendaria with his Aunt Pol. One day a vagabond storyteller, whom Garion names Mister Wolf, visits the farmstead telling old tales of a dark god and magic. But that is just a story... or is it? When the storyteller returns a few years later with news of the theft of a mysterious object by a thief whom no-one will name, Mister Wolf and Aunt Pol must leave the farm to chase him down. Garion finds himself on an adventure that he doesn't quite understand.
This book is great for young readers. It has magic, adventure, mystery, humor and is fairly simple. It is one I reread from childhood every few years as a pick me up when things are rough or when I'm in the mood for a more relaxing read. I also recommend it for anyone interested in trope fantasy as Eddings hits most of them. The writing is not spectacular and the story not all that original, but I love it anyway.
Show More
friends brought me. Review from 2012 below.-------------------
Garion is a farm boy living in a quiet part of Sendaria with his Aunt Pol. One day a vagabond storyteller, whom Garion names Mister Wolf, visits the farmstead telling old tales of a dark god and magic. But that is just a story... or is it? When the storyteller returns a few years later with news of the theft of a mysterious object by a thief whom no-one will name, Mister Wolf and Aunt Pol must leave the farm to chase him down. Garion finds himself on an adventure that he doesn't quite understand.
This book is great for young readers. It has magic, adventure, mystery, humor and is fairly simple. It is one I reread from childhood every few years as a pick me up when things are rough or when I'm in the mood for a more relaxing read. I also recommend it for anyone interested in trope fantasy as Eddings hits most of them. The writing is not spectacular and the story not all that original, but I love it anyway.
Show Less
LibraryThing member theboylatham
Six out of ten.
Garion is a 9-year-old boy living on Faldor's farm in Sendaria with his Aunt Pol. He likes spending time in the smithy watching Durnik work, and in the tavern listening to Old Wolf the storyteller's tales of ancient Gods and battles. Times goes by and the storyteller comes back five
Garion is a 9-year-old boy living on Faldor's farm in Sendaria with his Aunt Pol. He likes spending time in the smithy watching Durnik work, and in the tavern listening to Old Wolf the storyteller's tales of ancient Gods and battles. Times goes by and the storyteller comes back five
Show More
years later with such news that'll force Aunt Pol and Garion to flee Faldor's farm with him, taking reliable Durnik along. This is the beginning of a great adventure for Garion. Show Less
LibraryThing member amillion
A different kind of book for me (fantasy)... but I loved it; needed a good fun book to read that would pull me in and the let world settle around me. This was the perfect book, and now I look forward to more lazy weekends to follow the series!
LibraryThing member Anagarika-Sean
I remember reading this series, but I don't remember how good it was. So, I give it three stars.
LibraryThing member KAzevedo
This review is for the entire five book series, "The Belgariad". While light weight and without any real tension or doubt as to the outcome, the series is very enjoyable, with likable characters, humor, and a satisfying, happy ending. The writing is fast paced, clear and easy to read, and I thought
Show More
the dialogue was pretty well done. Some characterizations are good enough to provoke sympathy for some of the baddies. There is nothing particularly thought provoking, but I had fun reading all five. Show Less
LibraryThing member Anagarika
I remember reading this series, but I don't remember how good it was. So, I give it three stars.
LibraryThing member tundranocaps
This is a solid series, I was reading two books a day.It is a light read, it is an enjoyable read, and it is a book I returned to after many years.I highly suggest reading Belgarath and Polgara prior to the Belgariad though.
LibraryThing member nieva21
I flew through reading this first book in the series. I got acquainted with Garion, oddly knowing and seeing his transformation into adulthood. I love how this first yarn of the story is essential to understanding Garion's being is conceived, as well as all of the oddities of names and essential
Show More
lands that are visited-- Garion grows to be more insightful as the book nears toward the end and I honestly couldn't put this book down. I finished it in one sitting! I immediately picked up the next book in the series to find out what happened to him, Polgara, and Belgariad on their quest. Show Less
LibraryThing member Zommbie1
I've loved this book since my mother first read it to me when I was about 10 or 11. Back then I think I loved the adventure. Now I can appreciate the insight we get into the confused mind of a teenage boy along with the mystery that the quest presents. It is an easy read that is definitely
Show More
accessible for most readers but at the same time there are many layers to the book that makes re-reading a pleasure. As it is the first book in a series I will write a longer review once I've read the whole series. Show Less
LibraryThing member jimmaclachlan
This is the beginning of a fun, 5 book series. There is another 5 book series, the Mallorean, that comes after plus several additional books, "Polgara", 'Belgarath' & the 'Mrin Codex'. If you stick with the first 5 & maybe the second 5, you'll be happy. Unless this world totally captivates you,
That said, the world captivated me. My wife & I originally started reading this series just after the second book came out. We the proceeded to read one book a year - FOREVER! - well, it seemed like forever. Of course, we'd have to re-read or at least skim the earlier books again, so I don't know how many times we read them. Two of my kids have read them at least once each, as well.
It's a sword & sorcery world with a nifty take on it. The characters are engaging, larger than life & just a lot of fun. No sex or gore, it's appropriate for ten or so & up.
Show More
reading the 3 additional books is kind of a waste. While there are some tidbits you can pick up, mostly they're a rehash from different POV's of the other 10 books.That said, the world captivated me. My wife & I originally started reading this series just after the second book came out. We the proceeded to read one book a year - FOREVER! - well, it seemed like forever. Of course, we'd have to re-read or at least skim the earlier books again, so I don't know how many times we read them. Two of my kids have read them at least once each, as well.
It's a sword & sorcery world with a nifty take on it. The characters are engaging, larger than life & just a lot of fun. No sex or gore, it's appropriate for ten or so & up.
Show Less
LibraryThing member crazybatcow
I realize that the story is part of a multibook series but it's important to say that if you're not planning to read more in the series then you'll probably be disappointed in this story as a standalone. It is just an introduction and buildup to future novels in the series where (I'm assuming)
The centerpiece character is supposed to be a 14 year old boy but the writer has him behaving (and being treated) like a 9 year old... It's clear that the novel (and maybe the series?) is aimed at teenagers rather than adults.
If you aren't looking for a complex story, and you accept that this novel is only meant to be an intro to the series, and you are planning to read more in the series then it's probably worth 4 stars, otherwise it's barely a 3 star story.
Show More
something happens. This story itself doesn't really have anything happening other than introducing characters and the setting.The centerpiece character is supposed to be a 14 year old boy but the writer has him behaving (and being treated) like a 9 year old... It's clear that the novel (and maybe the series?) is aimed at teenagers rather than adults.
If you aren't looking for a complex story, and you accept that this novel is only meant to be an intro to the series, and you are planning to read more in the series then it's probably worth 4 stars, otherwise it's barely a 3 star story.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Stir-Pink
Garion is no one special- just a poor orphaned farm boy being raised by his aunt. He has heard tales of magic, but he doesn't believe in it. He knows the legend of the Orb, a magical artifact said to protect the world from evil as long as it is in at a place called Riva, but he never really thought
by Emma, Resident David Eddings Schola
Show More
it was true. Which is why, when he learns that the Orb has been stolen, he doesn't give much thought to it. Until a mysterious traveler who seems to know his Aunt Pol tells him that not only is the legend of the Orb true, but that the prophecies state that he must go on a quest to retrieve the Orb and return it to its rightful place. He is intrigued, if slightly less than thrilled, and agrees to go.by Emma, Resident David Eddings Schola
Show Less
LibraryThing member ConalO
I first read this novel in 1982 shortly after it was released. I had read The Lord of the Rings several years prior to the release and used to haunt the local bookstores looking for new fantasy novels that stimulated the imagination. This novel certainly "fit the bill" in what I was looking for.
The
This series of books (the Belgaried and the Mallorean) have certain writing conventions that were used by the Eddings that some readers have taken offense at (each group of people have similar personality or intellectual traits). This did not occur to me when reading and I still don't think this ever occurred to the authors.
It is a grand sweeping fantasy adventure that I can recommend to anyone who enjoys the fantasy genre.
The
Show More
book fits many of what have become known as fantasy tropes in the years since it was written but it was fresh and new (at least in my mind) when I first read it and it became a fast favorite that I have read many times in the years since. It is "escapist fantasy" at it best IMHO.This series of books (the Belgaried and the Mallorean) have certain writing conventions that were used by the Eddings that some readers have taken offense at (each group of people have similar personality or intellectual traits). This did not occur to me when reading and I still don't think this ever occurred to the authors.
It is a grand sweeping fantasy adventure that I can recommend to anyone who enjoys the fantasy genre.
Show Less
LibraryThing member mpritchett
So the start of the series where the whole book is about introducing the characters. And that is what you get. A long book the slowly over time introduces us to the main characters. If you have read the series out of order, then this introduction becomes drawn out. It was easy enough to read, but I
Show More
am no longer the target audience for the books. Show Less
Subjects
Awards
Locus Award (Nominee — Fantasy Novel — 1983)
Prix Julia Verlanger (1991)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1982
Physical description
6.87 inches
ISBN
0345335511 / 9780345335517