Magician's Gambit - Queen of Sorcery

I bought this book after reading a lot of good reviews about it.
But I can't seem to get into it. I made it to the beginning of the second book and then I stopped.
It is just not interesting.
All the way through the first book, the only character that evolves is Garion. And he's thoughts are shared with us all the time. The only problem is that they are a child's thought and are not that interesting.
Everything from the dialogs, to the setting and the very few combat scenes is so plain that you get no sense of wonder, passion, drama or whatever.
There is very little action and most of the dialogs are Polgara reprehending Garion. Again and again. Ah, if I want to hear family arguments I can go to my parents...
The party is traveling from place to place disguised as merchants, you even get to join them as they sell their load of turnips. Wow. Turnips. Very exciting.
Don't buy this book if you're looking for interesting plot, dialogs or characters. It just doesn't have the spark needed to be a good book.

This book is good enough to keep reading and finish and good enough to move on to the next volume, but, really, it is a little empty and disappointing. Very slow moving with not much of a story, simple characters, and one of the dumbest heroes I've ever encountered. This boy, Garion, is completely blind to everything and everyone around him. The book is an easy read though and probably best for young adults.

I love this series, but I am not liking the size of this book. It is too big and akward to hold when reading. The only good thing about it really was the price so I will live with it. I really wanted to get these on my kindle but apparently that is never going to happen so I gave up and bought the paper back version (again). Would not reccommend this to my friends.

Although the story has its merits, once in a while you can't help yourself getting the feeling that you are reading a book somehow mimicking the Lord of the Rings trilogy by Tolkien. However, it does this occasionally so that it does not prevent the reader enjoying the series.

Yes I know it's an older series, and has been around for a very long time, but the best classics never die, and this series should and will live on forever, in my opinion.

David Eddings starts The Belgariad series with a title which works perfectly for a book 1... The Belgariad... Eddings spins a mastery of words, that gives enough detail to know exactly what is going on, and how things look without going over board and boring a reader to death with details.

If you continue to read the series you'll learn that Eddings didn't write this series by himself but with the help of his wife Leigh Eddings. The two of them together wrote a series that was funny, daring, and all out wonderful. One moment you could be laughing, and with Belgarath, you will be laughing, and the next on the edge of your seat with anticipation with what might happen next.

I give this book, and this series the highest rating one can give, and recommend this story to anyone who has ever enjoyed, J.R. Tolkien. Magic, treasures, life and death. If you love sitting on the edge of your seat at 2 a.m. cause you can't put the book down, then you'll love David Eddings' The Belgariad.

I really, really enjoyed the Belgariad series, one of the main reasons being that I think I have PTSD from slogging through Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series only to find that Eddings did something similar but much more masterfully. I have heard people think the Belgariad is formulaic fantasy. I suppose thats true. We have the unknowing boy who will be hero on a journey with a diverse set of companions as he grows and comes into his true power. There is sorcery, beasts, magic and violence. And I love it. In these first three books, the good guys always win. I am not spoiling anything by saying that - this is the one of the great charms about the book I think. The good guys defeat their foes again and again and its a fun thrilling ride. Its the how and when, not the if that makes it compelling. And formulaic fantasy done well is pretty awesome - its a good formula! I just really enjoyed this book - it was fun, exciting, not too high brow, and not too low. I love that its not unnecessarily complicated in some effort to write the next great LOTR fantasy. It jumps into the adventure and I was happily taken along for the ride.

I would start by saying I read these books for the first time when I was about 11or 12 years old. I have read, and own, everything that the Eddings have written, and I have always loved them. There is something to love about the stories and the characters. However, the characters don't really grow and change in any of these books. I won't describe any spoilers, but I will point out that the character development is somewhat shallow and simplistic, perfect for young readers. Expect some of the usual stereotypes, but some very strong and fiery female characters as well. After reading every book they have ever written, I can say with honesty that every series has the same characters. There are some minor differences, of course, but I could list every one of them easily. The only exception to this rule is the book Regina's Song, which isn't a fantasy at all. I do believe that these books are worth reading, especially for the young, and the messages contained therein are striking. The Eddings probably shaped much of my adult mind when I was growing up, for which I am grateful. Relax and just enjoy the read, but don't go into it expecting something it isn't.

I bought PAWN OF PROPHECY at someone else's recommendation and was thoroughly entranced. It was, and still is, my favorite series in Fantasy, and I soon had each book as it was published. I recommend this series highly and reread it about once a year or sometimes more. Others have description this series so much better than I can, suffice it to say, I have read these to the book's falling apart and bought replacement copies. I wish the series was available for Kindle.

In the Belgariad, David Eddings leverages archetypes to the hilt--the orphaned child of destiny, the old and wise advisor, the protective mother-of-all--and weaves them into a beautiful detailed world, populated by people in nations who seem determined to live up to every stereotype about their race. What might have otherwise come across as dull and repetitive characterization instead turns into an insider joke of which the reader is a part. When a character rolls their eyes and says, "Alorns!", the reader is laughing right along, nodding in fervent agreement.

The plot itself is familiar and has been used by others in one variation or another--the orphaned child rises to claim his destiny as savior of the world, and oh, by the way, find the precious blue gem before the enemy does. (Eddings has a fixation for precious and pretty blue gems--read the Elenium/Tamuli for more blue gem obsession). That said, the story-telling is crisp, the plot brisk, and his descriptions draw you into the story, painting a picture that allows the reader to see each scene as it unfolds.

I have spent many happy hours immersed in the world of the Belgariad. My hardcover novels are looking a little tattered from repeated use. Thank you, Eddings, for a truly outstanding high fantasy series.

This review is for The Belgariad (Part One) and The Belgariad (Part Two)

The Belgariad, Vol. 1 (Books 1-3): Pawn of Prophecy, Queen of Sorcery, Magician's Gambit
The Belgariad, Vol. 2 (Books 4 & 5): Castle of Wizardry, Enchanters' End Game

Having first read this series back in the mid/late 1980's as a high school student, I can say I enjoyed it just as much reading it 20 some odd years later. Not many can say that (Tolkien, Feist, Herbert and Eddings are some of the few).

The first thing I enjoyed was the development of the characters. Eddings does a good job making his characters real, down to earth people. It is almost as if you had been transported and were one of them. They have feelings and many of them aren't perfect (actually none of them are). Garion is quite believable and enjoyable, while his "grandfather" and "aunt" often steal the show.

This brings me to the dialogue. I love the way the characters interact with each other. They often remind me of my own family and friends and the way we interact. No Shakespearean english here. These characters are well written as is their dialogue. The humor goes a long way to making this series one of my favorites. Robert Jordan (whom another review has mentioned) really could learn something from David Eddings. Rather than the ridiculous repetitiveness which plagues Jordan's writings (the braid tugging which is a constant, the constant references to bosoms and so forth) is thankfully absent in this series.

Finally, I enjoyed the originality of the series. I really can't think of another fantasy series which is quite like this one. While Eddings is no Tolkien, the doesn't try to be, and that is a good thing. Unlike many of the series which were published in the 1970's and 80's which were unabashedly rip offs of the Lord of the Rings, this series is a breath of fresh air due to it's originality. Next to the Chronicles of Thomas Covenant and the Deryni Chronicles, this has to be one of the more unique series in the genre.

These books are great for the person who doesn't take himself too seriously or consider him or herself a genius above all others. Others will compare this book to Tolkien or other books. I can think of no good reason to compare it to others. Take it as it is and enjoy the rich characters and awesome settings. I started reading these books as a teenager while the third book Magicians Gambit was being written and had to wait for each book after to be written. I have read the series many times since and love them more each time I read them. If you read negative reviews about these books (and I have) you can easily see that they are written by people that look to tear down anything beautiful to match the ugly world they perceive. That is not meant to be an attack but an honest opinion.

...I'm not terribly impressed, to be honest. Oh, don't get me wrong, Eddings spins a good yarn, and I enjoyed the Belgariad, but I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. I kept thinking "surely it can't be this obvious. He's not actually going to play this as straight as it looks. Got to be a twist in here somewhere..."

Well, no, actually. The series proceeds pretty much exactly as you expect it will after reading the prologue and chapter one. Which means that anyone with half a brain will have figured out every revelation and plot point long before they occur, and the only real pleasure is in seeing them played out. It's like watching a movie as an adult that you already saw as a child: you know the main points of what's going to occur, and just stick around for whatever entertainment is found in the details.

In fairness, the details can be entertaining. Eddings has a charming, folksy style, and his characters (while a bit shallow) are generally at least amusing as they bounce off one another. I laughed out loud at some of the things Aunt Pol said, and the depiction of the genial kings, Silk the sly thief, and the Mandorallen the stereotype Arthurian knight are always fun. Even Belgarath, for all that he's channeling a heck of a lot of Gandalf, has an amusing personality all his own. While it's true that none of these characters, Garion included, feels as though they might truly surprise the reader, there's a certain enjoyment in just watching them. They're like reminiscences about a bunch of kindly characters met a long time ago: the company never fails to feel good-hearted and easy-going.

The flip side of the coin is that, once again, this isn't helping the suspense at all. There's no real instance of two characters being at odds (at least none that Aunt Pol can't fix with a motherly tongue-lashing). None of the characters are threatening or spine-tingling. None of them ever makes you wonder about their motives, and NO ONE ever moves too far from that sort of aw-shucks-we're-all-good-fellas-here attitude that seems to sustain them as a group.

I suppose the word for this series is charming. It really is. If we put aside the fact that Eddings as a writer is so damn likable and his characters are so cute, it becomes fairly clear that The Belgariad is just a lesser son of greater parents (i.e. Lord of the Rings, Lord of the Rings, and let's not forget...Lord of the Rings), much like the Shannara series. It's also, as I said above, almost unbelievably predictable.

Fortunately, Eddings IS a likable author, his character ARE cute, and so despite its flaws this story ends up being a fun, if not particularly riveting, diversion.

As a final note, this seems, after the manner of the Drizzt or Shannara books, like a good introduction to epic fantasy for younger kids, say the 10-14 range. If possible, get them into the Hobbit first, but the Belgariad would make a solid (and nonthreatening) stepping stone between "kid's fantasy" and "adult fantasy".

David Eddings' Belgariad series is a beautiful and well-constructed saga in the epic Tolkien tradition. It appropriates and borrows themes, but is also possessed of its own confidence and is written in a style of its own. Eddings is a fabulous writer; he develops complex characters and crafts gorgeous sentences. His fantasy is somewhat conservative and, you might say, Anglo Saxon, but I have no qualms with attempts to update and work within the rich inheritances left behind by Tolkien. It just has to be done well and it must be possessed of its own personality and unique flavor. Eddings takes a familiar tale and spins out poetry that is charming, elegant, and also at times riveting. The narrative pulls the reader in and the smooth prose lingers in the heart like a long lost friend.

The Belgariad is Eddings' first and best fantasy series. First published in the mid-1980s, the Belgariad differed from other fantasy fiction because: (1) it was not based on the elf-dwarf-human creature structure like Lord of the Rings and its various copycats (Terry Brooks, Weis/Hickman, Dennis McKeirnan, etc.); (2) it had mature and defined political systems (including a country that popularly elected its king), international relations and ethnic patterns, unlike even the more mature fantasy offerings of Donaldson (Thomas Covenant) and LeGuin (Earthsea); (3) it had a unique formulation of magic -- the will and the word; and (4) it inverted the purpose of the fantasy quest -- the EVIL ONE sleeps and the heroes seek to prevent his awakening BEFORE he begins his attempt to take over the world (again).
Eddings narrative is sly and occasionally slick -- the characters balance seriousness with humor and the dialogue is often very funny. His world is believable because the political and religious interactions make sense. The best feature of the Belgariad is its relative tonal change -- from reflecting the innocent wide-eyed view of young Garion (the hero, farmboy, of course) in Pawn of Prophecy, the next two books become darker and more serious as Garion begins to realize who he is and what is at stake, and he comes to grips with who his "Aunt Pol" and his "Grandfather" really are.
Eddings' books are also something of a quest story with a travelogue in the world he created -- in the Belgariad he leaves no country untouched in the western continent; in the Mallorean the characters go to every major district in "boundless Mallorea" and his other series (Tamuli, Elenium) are similar.
If they sound repetitive, that's because they are -- Eddings repeats the same formula with some variations in his other series and the various wisecracking and irreverent humor that is refreshing in the first Eddings series you read becomes tiresome and predictable thereafter.
That said, the Belgariad is the first, the most original and probably the best farmboy-saves-the-world quest of the genre.

I have recently re-read, again, the Belgariad and I am in the process of re-reading the Mallorean, for the...well...I'm not sure how many times(8+?). I started with the "Pawn of Prophecy" as a 21 year old around 1984, and had to anxiously await every book to come out. Since the initial readings, I pull the series out every few years and begin turning pages. The characters have become like close friends that I just feel the need to visit from time to time. It is the characters that have me hooked so bad. If you want edgy, gore or sex this is not the series for you. That doesn't make it boring however. There is plenty of intrigue and story to go around.

One aspect I especially like is the way magic is defined in the Eddings' world (I'll leave it at that). There is definitely a Tolkien influence in this story, and if you like Tolkien I highly suggest it. After several readings I still haven't found any holes in the story (such as contradictions, or things that don't fit quite right), which I have in some books. Another thing that may authors do is work from present day earth and cause a fantasy world to be created somehow (I hate dreams! sorry wizard of Oz!) (Or Lord Fouls Bane, couldn't finish the series) This starts on a different planet created by different gods and has no connection to earth. I could go on but don't want to give too much detail. I will say to read the prologue at least once (it is in each book), but after you have read it skip it in other books.

I have also read the book about Belgarath, which was very good, I still haven't read the one on Polgara yet. As for other Eddings series, I haven't found them as enjoyable.

I hope you will find it as enjoyable as I did(and still do!).

My mother was a Sci-Fi/Fantasy fan, and she had these two volumes on her shelf. I have now read and re-read these stories dozens of times, and while my perception and critique have changed dramatically, I still love them. Yes, they have flaws. Even Eddings himself calls them a study in genre, and that makes perfect sense. The stereotypes are the controls to play the characters against, and the story a background to develop their personal idiosynchrasies. There are some missteps, true, but this story is very much about FANTASY. This is a world where people are rewarded for good and punished for bad. This is a place where everything falls together because it's supposed to. Yes, that is formulaic at times, but for me, this was the first, and therefore the genesis of that formula. It's also one of the rare birds in this genre: a story with humor. Yes, the Elenium is funnier, but this is where Eddings cut his teeth on fantasy. They have been my companions for twenty years--I will probably read it for the next twenty years, whenever I need a break from seriousness and grinding commentary.

Plodding and predictable. Forgettable, too. In fact I read the Belgariad 20+ years ago and forgot almost everything about the series, including the fact that I had read it before, then started reading it again recently when my sister loaned me the books. Unfortunately I'm not finding it more gripping the second time around. Aside from the general dullness, the other thing that bothers me the most is that there is not a single strong, complex, and positive depiction of a female character. Polgara is supposedly one of the main protagonists, but is depicted as being a repressive nag and killjoy - basically the stereotype of the unfun domineering mom who won't let boys do what they want to do. Even worse, virtually every other female character in the series is vain, spoiled, shallow, and manipulative. Many of the attractive female characters (including Zubriette and the dryads) are all too eager to trade sexual favors (or the kid-lit equivalent, kisses) for sweets or whatever else they happen to want. And nobody seems to see anything wrong with this, other than good ol' killjoy Polgara. Altogether the series leaves me with literally no character I can identify with, and nobody to root for. That, along with the leaden pace and obvious plotline, makes for a very unsatisfying read. I think maybe you have to be a boy, age 8 to 12, to enjoy this series.

My dad read this series to me when I was younger and I loved it! I've read it ever other years through high school and still read it when I'm feeling down. The beginning can be a little slow as you are learning the world through the eyes of the main character who starts out pretty young. The characters are amazing and grow in realistic ways. The wit is my favorite! The dry, sarcastic comedy of this book is amazing and I wish everyone would give this book a chance!

I was glad they started publishing this series with more than one book per volume. It is much better to have a few books lying around than ten unnecessary ones. This of course in the first of the combined format and includes Pawn of Prophecy, Queen of Sorcery and Magician's Gambit.

This, to be honest, is one of my favorite series, especially when you consider the next five books, after these first five which are the Melloreon which include an additional five books. A reviewer has already pointed out that one of the strong points of these two series is that they have a beginning and an end are not like the Wheel of Time which goes on and on and on and on.

The plot here has been addressed quite well in other reviews so I will not linger all that long on it. The book, and indeed the series, is a quest story, beginning with a small lad living on a farm in a distant land. You have your good guys, bad guys, magic swords, magic stones and a plethora of characters that become quite endearing quite quickly. One of the strongest parts of Eddings' writing is his humor. The banter between characters in this work is amusing at the very least. Yes, the plot is pretty simplistic to the ultra-sophisticated reader, but hey, sometimes a person just needs a good story to take their minds off things, i.e. escape. These books fit that need perfectly.

As I have pointed out in other reviews of this series, if you go through all ten books, and read quite closely, you will find error after error and inconsistency after inconsistency. That is part of the charm of these books! It does not really matter and does not hurt the story one bit. Finding these little quirks has become a bit of a hobby for me, one I delight in.

For a good simple read, a read that is fast (yes, these are page turners) and one that is simply fun, you could do worse.

Don Blankenship
The Ozarks

Part of the joys of reading these books is that they deliver what they promise, and that is an entertaining reading experience. Never once does Eddings promise that these stories are meant to be anything more than that.
Eddings knows enough about the hisotry of the fantasy novel to know that there is no such thing anymore as an original plot or characters. And whereas Tolkein placed his emphasis on the (prudish) Vicotrian ideals, Eddings goes back to orgins of the fantasy novel (which is medieval romance). Importatntly Eddings also recognizes that writing genre fiction is about selling books (any author who tells you other is full of it).
Since Eddings knew that fantasy was based on archetypes, he didn't take the pretentious route of an author who claimed that what they were doing was say somehting like "creating a new mythology" (the pretentiousness of Tolkein really bugs me). He alos knew that at the time of the book's first publishing (1982) that the main consumer of fantasy novels was the teenage male, so he wrote his novels accordingly. This doesn't mean that he employed a juvenille writting style, even as I read these novels as an adult there is never a feeling of Eddings talking down to me. It's just that he used a more simple approach (simple doens't mean bad, there is genius in simplicity). The characters were based upon easily recognizable archetypes, but Eddings gave them individuality. For example, even though they are both based on the same archetype, Belgarath is different than Gandalf or Merlin. Since these characters would already be somewhat familiar to the reader, he/she could more easily identify with them. The same could be said for the different races that populate the world Eddings "created". They are all based on cultures that are pretty easily identifiable...the Vikings, Romans, Monguls, Huns, Visigoths, Egyptians, etc.
I believe two of the most important contributions that Eddings has made to the fantasy genre are (1) his (and his wife's) creation of strong, fully devloped characters, esp. female characters. They are complex, fully developed characters. Whereas too many fantasy novels I have read either relegate females to that damsel in distress role or if the females are put into a lead role their femininty and sexuality are usually greatly compromised. This never happens with the Eddings female characters (in any of his novels). (2) His emaphasis on diaglouge. This things his characters say to each other and the way they say them just adds an extra dimmension of realness to them.
While these novels aren't meant to be philosophical treatise on the nature of man, relgion, magic, etc.; there are some interesting points that are brought up that did cause me to do a little extra thinking. Those would be the the role of religion in society and how it can utterly control a society. The idea that your "god" could be a mistake. Free will vs predetermination. The nature of time and mans need to compartmentalize it. The fundamental differences between men and women. And the idea that there is a world out there beyond what can be seen with our eyes.

It simply doesn't get better than this. The book opens with a glimpse into the vastness of the universe Eddings has created here. Mythology sets the tone of this story and adds a vast perspective to the doings of these characters. The reader meets a young, unassuming boy named Garion, who has no idea of his destiny, although Eddings tastefully reveals glimpses of said destiny to the reader. We follow Garion and his Aunt Pol and other characters through the beginning of the exciting journey that lasts through all five of the books of The Belgariad.

Eddings creates fully fleshed out characters with deft charm. He finds perfect moments for humor, seeming to effortlessly weave the proper level of tension into the story and relationships.

Easily the best aspect of these books and all of Eddings's books is that Mr. Eddings has mastered the skill and art of crisp storytelling. He doesn't lack for details, but there is so much story told in such a no-nonsense manner that the pace naturally stays fast. Mr. Eddings creates setting wonderfully, packing precise description into two or three sentences and then letting the story and the characters show us any more needed details.

We don't have David Drake here folks. Drake tells a good story and hits on all the technical aspects, but he just gets bogged down with every little detail he wants to mention. Eddings tells a slick, highly entertaining, deeply involving story with characters you come to love.

The Belgariad omnibus edition consists of the first three novels in Eddings's first and maybe best Fantasy series, Pawn Of Prophecy, Queen Of Sorcery and Magician's Gambit. This series of books is great and is a good start to any Fantasy fans collection whether you're nine years old or a Fantasy veteran like myself. Eddings writing is of good quality although if you're expecting an Erikson or Martin you'll be disappointed, he writes his characters and and there environments with a vivid imagination that allows you a brief glimpse into this great world.

The story starts in a small farm with a young boy called Garion who unbeknown to him holds the fate of the world in his hands. Garion and his Aunt Poll with several friends must find a way to get the Orb of Aldur back from the thief and priest of the evil God Torak. Together they will face war, Assassination and dark magic, the whole world awaits the outcome of a fight between good and evil.

Sure, he's no Tolkein, but how many people are? It doesn't make Eddings any less great in my eyes. Of all the book in the fantasy genre that I have ever read, Eddings's Belgariad and Mallorean have the best characters. He creates a complex world simply and though the books are predictable, they are nonetheless great. As I read them, I felt myself as part of the characters' group, going on their journey with them. By the end, I felt like they were my friends and I was sad to see it end. He writes about a wide variety of characters who are each unique in their own way. The story itself moves along fast enough and though simplistic, I found myself liking the twists, turns and surprises, even if I did see them coming. The thing that totally makes this story are by far the characters that I totally fell in love with. Silk will go down in my book as one of my all time favorite book characters, up there with Atticus Finch. This is a must read for fantasy readers but not if you're expecting some sort of deep and meaningful story. It is fluff, but it's also the best fluff I have ever read with the greatest characters that have ever existed in fantasy stories.

The Belgariad series and the Malloreon series are far out the best books I've ever read. They are easy to comprehend, they keep you on edge and there is never a dull moment. It is useless to judge only one book, because the one is not complete without the others. I can only say that both series keep you fascinated from beginning to end. I believe its biggest asset is that you follow (Bel)Garion from when he is little, you can actually grow up with him, feel the life he's living. The built-up is amazing! You must absolutely read it for yourself, because no one can tell you of the grandeur of this story, you must find out on your own. Enjoy it because you'll never find another book as wonderful. I can only hope that some day I will be as captivated by a story again as I was while reading this one. Just one warning: don't start reading it whilst in the middle of something important because you will not be able to put it down.

And a gazillion authors and a decade later one can put more perspective in ones words. I 'll always be grateful to eddings for introducing my young mind to fantasy but good is where my standard on this series lies now... the best.. not so much.

It is strange because what is compelling about The Belgariad is also what weakens it. It can't help but remind the fantasy reader of Tolkien & Lord of the Rings. However in doing so one is reminded of the superior writing and storytelling of those novels. David Eddings has good ideas, and a solid central story here. The problem is in the inconsistent delivery. Some of the chapters flow wonderfully, and then yet others are so mindbogglingly juvenile.
That is a major problem with this novel. It can't decide whether it is for the adult reader or for a pre-teen reader. THere are parts of this novel that are near brilliant, and then others such as the entire The Rivan Queen segment that are near horrible. Sometimes he crafts things wonderfully, and still there are other times when he sums up plot points impatiently (even dialogue). In the Rivan Queen Segment he summed up a rather important piece of dialogue after two sentences. He simply closed the quotations and basically said And then she spoke some more and it was an awe inspiring speech. I can't believe that his editor let him get away with that. It was laughable. Now with that said there was enough good momentum to keep the reader interested all the way to the end. It's not as gripping as LOTR, or ASOIAF but it's definitely a pretty good fantasy read.

This was my first fantasy series and since then I've read a few more, both good and lousy, and I have to say I'm relieved that this was my first taste of the genre because it absolutely addicted me to fantasy!
Eddings displays a lot of skill in creating his characters, and this was what I enjoyed most about this series. All the characters can be related to, each have their own quirks and idiosycrasies and the dialogue betweeen them is witty and chummy, making us believe that this is the Good Side.
In subsequent series (the Mallorean, Belagarath the Sorcerer) Eddings has shown just how deeply he has developed the world of the Belgariad. His stories contain both concepts such as the conflicting Prophecies and the end of the world on a macro scale as well as the interactions between characters and races on a micro scale.
I would recommend this series to anyone who is hesitant to step into the whirlwind never-let-go world of fantasy. This series will reel you in and keep you in.

If your a fantasy reader and you've not read this book then you have to buy it today. Its one of those books that you cannot put down. Its like an addiction, so plan to stay up late.
A young boy learns who his family is for the first time. He has many questions, and they only tell him a little bit at a time. Confused, angry, and full of questions he continues to poke and prod his aunt and Mr. Wolf to try to figure out "who he really is"... and when he finds out, he wishes he could be that little boy in Aunt Pol's kitchen once again. We've all been kids at one point in time, and this will make you remember the frustrations of being a teenager, and the confusions of your emotions.
Garion begins to learn and to grow as the story goes on. Eddings creates a powerful world of colors and sounds, and mystical powers. Everyone in this story is important, everyone must be there, and events take place for a reason. It just happens to be a reason that Garion doesn't yet understand, and his family refuses to tell him "until he gets older."
A great story. Its like "the wizard of oz" of fantasy novels. Its a must read, and must read again and again.

I've loved this series before the Twilight, Harry Potter rage. Its wonderfully crafted characters are a treasure trove of humor and complexity. I love the various nations and political insight of the various groups. I miss having this series available in a small easy-to-carry KINDLE. SO PLEASE the store!!! Place David Eddings' WHOLE Belgariad & Mallarion series on Kindle. There's a large group of adults and children missing this masterpiece because it's not available to them!!!

The Belgariad, by David and Leigh Eddings, is a fantasy story recounting the adventures of Garion. The Belgariad is a five volume set, collected together.

Garion thinks he is a common kitchen boy, until an old story-teller, Wolf, comes and tells him he must flee for his life. With his friends Silk, Aunt Pol., Durnik the smith, and assorted others gathered on the way, Garion travels through the 7 kingdoms seeking the legendary Orb of Aldur, possessed by the evil god Torak.

This is one of my all-time favorite books. As David Eddings acknowledges, it follows a classic fantasy tale formula, yet the book is original and well-written. Eddings is a master at working within his fantasy formula, and creates a fascinating world for the reader. I think this is Eddings' best fantasy series, and I strongly recommend the reader read it, then the Mallorean, then the Polgara and Belgarath books.

There are three fantasy series' I've given five stars. This one isn't one of them. Barely.
That being said, it's a great read. It would be an easy mistake to chalk up the characters as being simplistic and trite, yet beneath many is something unique, something that makes him or her behave, in rare instances, in wholely unanticipated ways. Barak is an enormously powerful and savage warrior-berserker, yet has a secret that makes him lie awake nights, terrified and sweating. Silk is an irrepressably positive, humorous, and witty little rogue, yet on rare occasions we get a glimpse of him terrified out of his wits (something I never thought could happen), or sobbing like a lost child, not caring whether he lives or dies. My favorite character, Belgarath the Sorcerer, is often a match for Silk in roguishness and good humor, yet would stoically put entire kingdoms to the torch if it meant protecting the Prophecy he serves.
Plotwise, I'll be honest, this series is not groundbreaking, yet the standard fare it presents is done with noteable compassion and humor.
Where this series really shines, however, is in its pacing. Rarely if ever have I found its match in this area. The first book, Pawn of Prophecy, starts out a touch on the slow side, but it's short enough that all but the most impatient reader can get through the "boring" parts with ease. After the series kicks into gear, it's quite the page turner, without ever getting ahead of itself.
I've given three series' five stars (Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire", Moon's "The Deed of Paksenarrion", and Feist's "The Riftwar Saga"). I refrained from giving this one the same rating only because it never left me quivering in an uncontrollably emotional heap, unable to speak or move, like the others. Other than that, it's wonderfully entertaining and worth every second.

Approximately 15 years ago, I was given a copy of Pawn of Prophecy (Belgariad). I quickly read all the Belgariad, then the Mallorean and moved on to Belgarath the Sorcerer and Polgara the Sorceress. I have never read anything like these books. Over the last 15 years I have read all these books at least 20 times. Everytime I read the series something else comes out of the books that i either didn't notice last time or that became more important as I aged. David and his wife Leigh Eddings intersperse just enough philosphy and aged wisdom to enhance the reading experience. Dialog is often funny, while maintaining the seriousness of the story.

For a great read, and an engaging read, I recommend you read the best series of books I have ever read.

I highly recommend this series to any reader of fantasy fiction. The character development in this series is excellent, and the only reason that I gave this series a 4 out of five is because the following series by Eddings all derive from the very same formula of characters and writing. Which dilutes the charm and uniqueness of this series.
Eddings spends a lot of time developing the individual characters, and endearing each one to the reader. His following series also use this approach, but pretty much blatently steal/copy the character types, just using different names for each type. You have the novice, the mother, the trickster, the knight and the theif.
Enjoy this series, and then be prepared to read the same formula's in his following series.
Bottom line? The series is a classic and will always be close to my heart. I just wish that Eddings had another series with this quality, that didn't copy the formula so ridgidly/closely.

I absolutely loved this book. It's not perfect, I would actually prefer to rate it 4 1/2 stars, but since we can't do half stars I went with the 5-star ratting.

There are the common peculiarities of fanstasy here - the farm boy thrust onto a journey, the wizened old wizzard, the companions on a journey, etc. But they are done in a refreshing way, there are also many original elements thrown in, and the real stringth of Eddings is his wonderful dialogue.

I am entranced by these books. I've been reading fanstasy for 20+ years, and I've read so much that it's really surprising that until now I hadn't read Eddings' series. I'm enjoying them very much now though, and wishing I had tried them much earlier. Highly recomended.

My review is basically a review of the series, since this is 3 books in one and presumably you would buy it to read the entire series. I've read a decent amount of fantasy, and I thought this series was a very enjoyable read. The plot is classic fantasy, with a seemingly unimportant boy who ends up being the savior of the universe, etc... The plot moves forward fairly rapidly, with many interesting things going on quite often. The dialogue is written fairly well with at least a few instances where I laughed out loud.

My complaints with the series are these:
-The pace drags very slowly in the last book, with a lot of unnecessary side characters that didn't bring anything to the series. It's almost as if he ran out of story to tell but still had a book to fill.
-*minor spoiler* The way prophecy is used in the books makes it seem as though the main character isn't really doing anything or making any choices himself. That takes away much of the impact of the results of decisions where he doesn't really make a decision so much as do what some other-worldly power tells him to do.
-main character doesn't grow much beyond the 3rd book. Similar to Harry Potter, he kinda bumbles his way to success and relies on his companions to do the majority of the 'heroing.'

Still, the series was a page turner and up until the last book I flew through it.

Note: This review applies to the entire "Belgariad" and "Mallorean" series. I am lazy and am not going to review each book in particular.

There is nothing that stands out in particular when it comes to the Beldariad and it's sequel the Malloerean. They are solid, good, straightforward, clean fantasy fun. For anyone who likes to hearken back to the "good old days" of fantasy when everything was new and exciting and what has become cliche today was trendsetting yesteryear, would enjoy these books greatly. The characters are very dependable, though not two dimensional, the plot twists are predictable but no less enjoyable because of it. The hero is young and perhaps a bit irritating and self pitying at times, but maybe even this is part of the charm of the entire story.

There is quite a bit of story to get through, much of it might even be considered a bit dull, but for fans of the epic fantasy genre this should be of no surprise or consequence. I am not sure if I would recommend this book to someone interested in getting started with the fantasy genre, as it can be bland at times, but for what it's worth to me this book could be considered very architypical of the genre.

That being said I would like to say that for myself, this series was very enjoyable, and I hope to return to it one day (when I have the time to dedicate to it once again). Wait for a snowy day, curl up on the couch with a blanket, and enjoy!

Wow! What a story! I would highly recommend you pick this series up and dive right in.
This story is among my favorites to read over and over again. David Eddings definitely dotes on his characters. The heroes are loveable, witty, complex, amusing, disgusting, loathesome, and infuriating all at the same time. All, however, are very memorable.
Eddings does a wonderful job of making me feel the book. I've cried, laughed, and exhulated in the triumphs of these fantastic characters.
The setting of the story is quite large ranging from North to South, East to West, and back North again. That is, if you read the entire Belgariad series along with the Mallorean. Many landscapes and most, if not all, are easy to visualize and remember. The cultures and traditions of the many countries are extensively covered, which make them real to the reader.
Now don't get me wrong, this story does have a negative side. While the characters are quite loveable, the dialogue and their own personal mannerisms are constantly repeated. Yes, I know Silk's sly and sarcastic, I don't need to be reminded every 3-4 pages. The plot is quite predictable and common for fantasy. A young, seemingly ordinary farmboy rises in status and kills his arch-nemesis. Sorcerers, Gods, Wars, constant danger, no dying, nobility, commoners, and an impending evil that is eventually destroyed. That sort of thing. And the editing is atrocious. Letters are missing at the end of words, some names are spelled incorrectly from time to time, and I could swear some of the facts get mixed up and contradict themselves. It is not as horrible as I let on, but I really get annoyed by that sort of thing. If you happen to be too, consider yourself warned. But please don't let that discourage you, it is still an amazing story and well worth the time. Happy reading!

When I first started reading Pawn of Prophecy (Belgariad part 1) I was instantly drawn into this fantastic world that David Eddings created. The story is full of wonderful and intriguing characters, and that is what moves this story along. The plot has been done before, but it's slightly reinvented for this story. Garion is expertly written, and as I read his story I felt as if it were me who was taking this journey. Not many books have done this. Belgarath is reminiscent of Tolkien's Gandalf, only more down-to-earth. Polgara is an AMAZING woman, overflowing with personality and so much fun to read. The sorcerers' power, called The Will and the Word, is very cool and probably the best form of wizardry I've read. Its concept is fresh and interesting. No magic words or anything...just will something and command it to happen with a word. But using it could alert those evil sorcerers of your whereabouts from the "noise" that magic makes.
All in all, this series rocks! Also check out the prequels, Belgarath the Sorcerer and Polgara the Sorceress. These are amazing books. The only modern fantasy books that have come close to creating this same excitement for me has been the Harry Potter series.

There is really nothing I can say that hasn't already been said about this series. Engaging characters, fast-paced dialogue, vivid descriptions, and a story that moves right along are only a few of the wonderful things offered in these books. This has been, and always will be, my favorite series of any genre of books. The Belgariad and the Mallorean, along with the companion novels about Belgarath and Polgara, are books that I first read when I was in middle school, and are the books that I am currently reading as I approach my wedding. They never get old, and I look forward to re-reading them every year. There is no other series that even comes close to comparing for me - NONE. I cannot recommend this book and its companions enough.

I was first introduced to this genre by my husband who only reads fantasy and sci-fi. I never cared to read any of his books; I preferred the "Oprah" list or something literary like the Bronte sisters. However, I found my husband so keenly engrossed and absorbed in this series that I picked up the first book and after the first chapter alone, I was hooked. Eddings has a way of endearing the characters to the readers so that you truly feel as if you are on the journeys with each of them. Moreover, I was impressed with the fusion of humor and sensitivity that these characters imbue. There were times throughout the entire series of books that I actually laughed aloud at some of the antics and commentaries of the characters. Eddings made them so "real" and human that the reader forgets that it's fantasy. I loved this entire series and found the storylines easy to follow, comprehensible and plausible. Not a moment of tedium exists in any of these books; each is indeed a page turner. I fell in love with all the characters and even found one I could identify with. Enjoyable. Fun. Highly engrossing.

I was introduced to this series a couple of years ago and I've been in love with it ever since. I can't believe I never came across it sooner. Of course now that I've read it I come across it in book stores all the time now. This series is a beautiful series for all readers. I wouldn't limit it to fantasy lovers because it is simply a terrific series. It has everything you can ever want to read in a book - humour, fear, action and satisfaction that good does indeed have a say in what goes on in the world. The characters come alive in your head without even trying, the storyline is addictive so it's best to either buy all the books in the series from the start or make plans to get it as soon as you can.

It was great to get these books in 4 books instead of 10. I still re-read this series and I've recently bought them as christmas presents. It's an excellant buy for any avid reader or even for those you might want to encourage to read. For all those who do buy this series, check out Belgarath and Polgara - the companion editions.

I am 12 years old.I read and Read and When my English teacher gave us a 'Rags to Riches' assignment, she recomended that read the Belgariad series. A friend said they were the best books she had ever read ( she had read the 2nd & 3rd books ). I have read the first two books and they are the most amazing books that someone could write. They are so magically entriving and have such cliffhanging endings that it is a must to read the next one. They would make perfect christmas presnts because then i could read them over and over again. You can never possibly KNOW what lies ahead for the group as there are many posibilities. I cant wait to find out the conseqences of the ORB .

How do you describe the sheer delight of having lived with the
characters of the Belgariad inside one's head for the last 8 years? Just like the Friend in Garion's head, the
vividness of David Eddings characters speak and their voices can
be heard in my head.

With every line of the book, I heard in surround sound, each
character as they spoke and heard every nuance and tone. There
are very few writers in the world who can do that and admittedly,
David Eddings is one of them.

A real page-turner, the stuff of dramatic movies and tv series,
only all in the head with full stereophonic sound for an audience
of one.

Okay, so this isn't a deep and complicated fantasy story. So what? The Belgariad is such a pure joy to read and so much fun that I really didn't care. I originally gave this series 4 stars on Goodreads, but now that I've finished reading both volumes, I've changed my mind. Yes, it's completely predictable, yet I wasn't bored for one single moment. On the contrary, I got to know and love some great characters and was kept laughing all the way through it. I will always enjoy and treasure this book just the way it is.

I was amazed at how well this book portrayed a wonderfully accomodating plot with a magnificent main character.

I first thought that this book would be a dull complicated fantasy with complex places and mini plots on the side. Well there is, but it is not boring. The complex places are told in such amazing detail and with such rich culture adn unique backgrounds, that I could not wait till Garion went to a new place. The mini plots at first seem irrelevant, but if you stick with it, you see that they make up a huge part of the purpose of the book.

The characters were my favorite. Sometimes it seemed like there were way to many, but nonetheless, they were all amazing. There is Garion, the typical smart and powerful main character. Then there is Silk (my favorite character) the witty, devious tradesman. Barak, the huge warrior who lives to fight and drink(here here!)Polgara, a strong and beautiful soceress. Then there is Belegareth, the wise and humorus socerer. The other characters come latter, like the horse lord (i never remember his name) who is solemn and reticent. Ce'Nedra the spoiled princess. Lelbonia, the haughty simple minded bows men. Mandorallen the annoying proper knight (who isn't to smart). And i didn't even mention Reg, the UK worshiper, ulgonian guy who can walk through walls. Oh and how could i forgot Dunik, the sweet honest black smith. And the slave woman with purple eyes

Ok, that is everyone (except Polgara and Belegareth)who is part of the prophecy. Yeah it is alot, but like i said before, they are all essential and alot of them come in and out through the books. Some come latter on, but dont worry, i didn't give to much away, you will see, it is awesome!

It is seriously an amazaing story! If you wish to see the interworkings of fate and the dimmension of the impossible, Read it!

Years ago I was browsing a book store and saw 'Pawn of Prophecy' for the first time. I purchased it, walked home and read it that evening. The next day I returned and got the rest of the Belgariad and read then all in just 3 more days. Eddings does a great job of creating a world with its own rules and logic and then letting you discover it. The characters are engaging, the dialog is charming, and the great story is enhanced by smooth writing. When the new compendiums came out I bought them for my own kids as was very pleased to learn that, 20 years later! they are as good as ever. Heartily recommended for romantic teenagers rather than the vampire/werewolf stuff cramming shelves presently.

I NEVER REALLY ENJOYED READING UNTIL MY UNCLE TURNED ME ON TO THESE BOOKS. I'VE NOW READ BOTH SERIES 4 TIMES EACH, AND TRY TO READ THEM ONCE A YEAR. I NEVER CAN PUT THEM DOWN. BETWEEN SILK AND BARAK'S BANTERING AND (BEL)GARION'S CONSTANT "WHY ME'S" YOU JUST HAVE TO LAUGH. EDDINGS MAKE ME FEEL LIKE I'M RIGHT THERE IN THE ADVENTURE WITH THEM. HE DESCRIBES EVERYTHING AND EVERYBODY SO PERSICELY IN ALL HIS BOOKS YOU JUST CAN'T HELP BUT GET SUCKED IN. I JUST WISH THERE WAS MORE. MAYBE ANOTHER SEREIS, PASS THE TORCH TO GREAN AND UNRAK OR SOMTHING. JUST ONE MORE SERIES, BUT THEN IF THAT HAPPENS THEN, I'LL WANT A NEXT ONE TOO. JUST UNBELIEVABLE!!!

This is a GREAT book. Have to say that first. I am a huge fan of this series and this author. I first read this book when I was a teenager growing up in 6th grade. So this was my first book in the fantasy genre. I loved every second of reading this book and could not put this book down.

As a book on its own, I would say it has a LOT of positives. First, the wit and cleverness. The banter in this book (mostly by Silk) is one of the most captivating parts of the book. Its good-natured ribbing and cutting sarcasm definitely sets it apart from other books. It relieves some of the seriousness of the plot and I think the dialogue is some of the best in the fantasy genre. Humor is rarely found in this genre and its refreshing to live out a quest with humor thrown in.

The 2nd thing I really liked about this book was the description. I think a lot of fantasy books overlook this part. Adverbs and adjectives are rarely used or if used, very poor. I think Eddings does a great job of setting the scene so you feel like you are actually there. He talks about things like the time of day, the weather, the food, the attire that everyone is wearing, and the general mood. I think proper use of description is probably the number one most important requirement to good fantasy writing. More so than the plot or characters. We read fantasy novels to experience something other than reality. To go to a different world. To see wondrous things. To marvel at it. And Eddings provides a treat for the eyes, ears, and surprisingly - smell and taste. When was the last time a fantasy author went into detail about what he had for breakfast and how it tasted? It might seem mundane but being able to experience such things really makes you feel as part of that world. He talks about the "contralto" voice of Sadi. Their voices, the sound of the wind or water. How the cold felt in their bones. How warm sun feels on the skin. This setting of mood greatly helps too. Whether it be a grey, overcast day, a thunderous storm, or a calm breeze - each sets the mood.

Something that is neither an advantage or disadvantage is how this story is very predictable and linear. You know who is going to be the hero from almost the first book. You know he is going to save the world and defeat the evil. You can guess the identities of everyone by the end of the first book. There aren't any great plot twists. You know who he will fall in love. It might take a little bit of the suspense out of it but I think that is oddly enough the charm of this book as well. This book is set on rails and you know where you are going to end up - its the JOURNEY that makes this enjoyable. Its the how and the why that is more important than the who/what/when/where.

Also, one of the best aspects of this book again is the quest itself. I think fantasy authors have forgotten that some people read a book to experience things. Again, along the lines of description, I believe it should be important for there to be unique things to see, unique things to do, unique people to meet. Having a vast world to explore adds to the depth of the fantasy novel. From the cold north, to the desert, to the jungle, to the caves, etc. To cities by rivers, on mountains, under mountains, and maybe even in the air or under water. And I completely LOVE that we get to go exploring. That sense of exploration and adventure is not often used. What is over the next hill? Wanderlust is marvelously done in this book. The map is not a forgotten item in this book - you really have to keep a track of their route and the map is central to this book. I am not a cartographer but its nice to have the valleys and gullys and cliffs and rivers actually mean something in this book.

This book is very much an outdoors type adventure. There are some political intrigues within cities and castles, but the vast majority of this book is outside in the open world. Which I LOVE. It is very much unlike George R.R. Martin's first book - which seems to be all inside cities. In the Belgariad - you have to worry about a tree falling on you, an open ambush in a forest, or an animal eating you as much as a diabolical assasination plot in an empty corridor. Camping is very much involved and this book talks in detail about camping - which again I love. From the small details of going with a bucket to the nearest source of water to using flint to light tinder to cutting enough firewood for a fire to not being able to sleep because of that one damned rock under your blanket, this book NAILS camping. I think its the small details that makes a story believable and Eddings does an excellent job of mentioning all of these things.

Now the bad stuff. The good guys are very good and the bad guys are very bad. I have never seen stereotyping to this magnitude in a book. Even an ENTIRE continent full of people is described as evil. How not only the people - but the land they walk on is evil itself. It is a highly simplistic way of looking at things. There are no more than a handful of people in the "good land" that are evil and the same of the "good people" in the "evil land". Not only that, the characters have very limited personalities other than a handful of characters - the exceptions being Silk, Polgara, Belgarath, Garion, and Ce'Nedra. Other than that - they are one personality trait characters mostly. Eddings himself even stated how he planned on using archetypes for his characters.

In the end though, this book is enjoyable. Its not for the plot twists and turns you read this book - you know how it will all end up - but its the ride. And what a wonderful ride. Sit back and enjoy the treat on the senses as you travel through a strange, new world. Go camping. See the world with ALL your senses. Listen to the great dialogue and laugh at the humor. I would highly, highly recommend this book to anyone but especially even more so to young adults.

The Begeraid is the best book I have read in a long while. I am a complete fantasy reader and was expecting this to be good book to begin with, but what I found just blew me away. This book is for everyone because it has adventure, romance, and comedy all in the same interesting and wild story. David Eddings has a way of keeping your attention even during parts that are supposed to be boring. This is still my favorite book, and I still enjoy reading it now. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a spicy story and just wants to escape from the normal predictability of daily life. Enjoy!!

I'm not much for long reviews these days so here it is, short and sweet.

When I first began this series, I was somewhat put off by the lack of anything substantial ever happening. The entire first trilogy consists mostly of the band of heroes wandering about diverse lands. We do see some development of characters here but that's about it. It is well-written enough, and the characters are interesting enough, which makes up for the lack of action. This book is almost more like a slice-of-life novel than a fantasy adventure. Obviously, there is a place for such books, judging by the reviews, but if you are one who likes "hard core" fantasy, with lots of dreaded, foul characters and brilliant heroes, this series may seem a bit mundane. I found it pleasant enough, however, to keep reading.

Without doubt one of the finest adventure series of books ever written perhaps only surpassed by Tolkien.I have read all of Eddings books and each one amazes me with the detail of descriptions given I found myself constantly referring to the map pages to see where I was in this world. You will find that you will love all the main characters and always one will be your favourite mine was Silk These books are very difficult to put down I started to read them before all the books of the Mallorean were published and honestly the wait was agonising. I reccommend these books to people of all ages.

There is nothing too surprising in the world of The Belgariad. It has all the elements of a typical fantasy story - warring deities, mighty sorcerers, an unwitting country bumpkin-turned hero, his quest to save the world, and let's not forget, a prophecy that will determine the fate of the world... However, despite the coventional quality, the series springs to life under the magic pen of David Eddings.

This new edition of The Belgariad (which has a much better cover) contains the first three books of the series...

PAWN OF PROPHECY
The evil God Torak is deep in slumber, and as long as the Orb of Aldur remains in Riva, the world will be safe from his dominion. Garion, an ordinary farmboy, knows little of the life outside Faldor's Farm, but all this is about to change when the Orb is stolen from the Hall of the Rivan King. Together with a destined band of heroes, including the legendary sorcerer Belgarath and his daughter Polgara, Garion sets out on a quest to recover the stolen artifact.

QUEEN OF SORCERY
The quest continues, and Garion and his companions must journey through dangerous and exotic lands in pursuit of the thief, including the war-torn Arendia, the trade empire of Tolnedra, and the swamp-infested kingdom of Nyissa. Along the way, he meets new friends and confronts old foes. Things are not as simple as it seems, however, and Garion learns that he is not as ordinary as he desired...

MAGICIAN'S GAMBIT
The quest for the Orb is nearly over. However, it will not be easy, for the companions must travel to the kingdom of the evil Murgos and face the cunning disciple of the God Torak. The story, though, does not end here.

(All the titles of the books seem to be based on chess terminology. The pawn and queen are pieces in the game, and gambit is sacrificial move in chess.)

What makes the series so captivating is the author's skill in molding and developing his characters' personality and pyschology throughout the course of events. The complexity of the characters make up for the simplicity of the plot. Several characters undergo a significant change - for example, Garion must learn to accept who he is and break free of the rigid mindset installed by his upbringing. The story is told as much through dialogue as through direct narrative, and the frequent banters draw us closer to the characters.

The plot, though predictable, is interesting with many breath-taking moments. The writing style is superb - the story rolls on quickly and is action-packed, rarely losing momentum. Most fantasy series today start out strong, but get mucked down with unnecessary details and description. The Belgariad, I am glad to say, avoids this pitfall.

Geography and culture are a large component of the story-telling. There are no dwarves or elves, but different races of men, with their own definitive characteristics. Stereotyping, however, becomes one of the setbacks of the series as a result. The people in the story conform loyally to the common image assorted with their race. For example, the Tolnedrans are all detail-oriented and greedy, while the Angaraks are all stubborn and evil. There is barely any exception to this formula...

But overall, a very immersive read, difficult to put down. If you are looking for a good, solid fantasy series, The Belgariad definitely will not disappoint. Thumbs up.

If you have never read an Eddings fantasy series, this is the one to read. Then stop. This one is fun, interesting, enjoyable in every way. His (and his wife's) later series retell this story over and over with increasingly poor results. They literally retell this story at least twice by narrating it from different characters' points of view.

Having said that--this series is one that every reader of fantasy should pick up. Also, since I read mostly on Kindle, why is only Volume 2 available on Kindle and not Volume 1? Does this make ANY sense at all?

David Eddings wrote the five books that comprise The Belgariad while I was still in high school. I remember seeing them on the library shelves, and passing them by for other things. Frequently during those years, I would re-read novels that captivated me. So in 1983-1985, I entirely missed this series. I will blame the font because, in those days, I truly did judge a book by its cover (especially if that book was a fantasy novel, and the cover wasn't designed by Darrell K. Sweet). Now that I'm no longer fifteen years old, I've decided to read some of the titles I remember, but never actually settled on. I found The Belgariad in the "free" bin at my library and decided I needed something light. I hadn't been reading recently. I've been bogged down in a few heavy novels (literally. One book weighs several pounds). THis is an omnibus edition, comprised of the first three novels, Pawn of Prophecy, Queen of Sorcery, and Magician's Gambit. The books run smoothly from one to the next without much break in action.

Enough backstory. The Belgariad is quite good. It never won any awards, I believe, but has firmly established itself smack in the middle of 1980s fantasy literature. It's about an orphaned boy called Garion, who finds himself pulled into world-changing politics. Along with his companions, his Aunt Pol, an old storyteller called Mr. Wolf, a huge, bearded warrior (Barak) from the north, and a smooth talking thief who goes by the name of Silk, all the archetypes are there. Hovering over it all is the deformed god Kal Torak, whose evil priests and soldiers control the eastern half of the continent.

The story is good. The characters are solid and interesting. Eddings holds our interest in the plot through the interactions between his characters. Most of the three books' perspective is through Garion's eyes, and he's constantly struggling in that age where a boy isn't quite a man. His Aunt Pol hovers and nags. He is at times belligerent, as a fourteen year old boy would be.

Edding's Universe is complex and had me referring often to the maps, (there were three) and the book's prologue. His Realms are rigidly constructed, with peoples varied in personality, if not lifestyle. Sendari are pragmatic to the point of obnoxiousness; Chereks celebrate in warlike mead-hall fashion. The Nyissans are swamp-dwelling snake worshipers. Each land opens up a glimpse of Edding's Universe, and usually, had me scampering back a hundred pages to remember where I'd heard the name of that Realm before. This wasn't a bad thing, but the book probably would have benefitted from a brief gazeteer.

I read through the six-page prologue of each book. I wish I hadn't. It gave me knowledge of Eddings's cast of characters that, afterward, spoiled aspects of the plot. You knew who the cast was (or could easily guess), and you understood their purpose. Mostly, the story reminds me of a very well-written novelized depiction of a Dungeons and Dragons game, complete with the wizard, the healer, the warrior, the thief, the paladin: even the cave-dwelling gnomes eventually make their way into the story. It doesn't detract from the story; it does enrich the genre.

I liked the novels. The characters were engaging enough to hold my interest, despite being cut from a predictable mold. For those who enjoy an easy, somewhat predictable, read, I'd recommend the Belgariad series. In fact, I passed them on to my fifteen year-old son, who's already started reading Eddings's followup series. I'm not quite sure of their staying power in my memory. I have a feeling it will slip, like many stories, into my subconscious, and in a year I won't have anything but the vaguest recollection of the works. That said, they work. They're certainly not the best in Fantasy literature, but not the worst either.

This series was my first love. Before Harry Potter, before Twilight, there was the Belgariad. It's a wonderful series and after I left for college I had to steal away my parent's copies of the Belgariad and Mallorean. It just isn't home without them. They have great characters, a great story line and magic, as well as great story telling.

Eddings created a wonderfully detailed, colorful world, and then ruined it by populating it with some of the most annoying characters I've ever encountered. The basic plot line is the same old "young boy grows up in an obscure town and becomes the world's greatest wizard [or warrior]". Been there, done that. Some characters, like the knight Mandorallen, were enjoyable. But I quickly grew tired of Polgara, the know-it-all, busybody aunt of our hero Garion, and her penchant for treating everyone like they were 10 years old. Equally annoying was the juvenile verbal exchanges between the male and female characters. I managed to stagger my way to the end of this series simply because I hoped that Eddings would figure out what to do with the wonderful world he created, only to be bitterly disappointed with the letdown that substituted for a climax. I mean, when the climax of the plot involves nothing more than a character "choosing" between good and evil -- and it was presented that simply -- it is obvious that the author ran out of ideas.

Possibly my favorite series in my high school years, to me, this is the epitome of sword and sorcery.

I did always feel that the main downside of this is that there doesn't seem to be a single, truly likable female character in this series. Powerful or headstrong, yes, likable, no.

For all the lousy movies Hollywood comes out with, why haven't they made a movie of this yet??? You know Sean Connery is Belgarath, right? A new star could be born with Belgarion. Come on!

I will stand by this book until the grave, I mean how many readers have laughed out loud on the train reading a book, reading this series I have more often than I care to admit.
The characters are right on and have stayed consistant over the span of 10 novels, how many other series can boast that?
Just give anyone the first book in the series and have them read it I promise that they will be coming back for the rest of it.
I, in my heart hope that David Eddings lives forever so he can continue to crank out these stories

Although I gave the Book 3 stars, kids might rate this book as a 4 Star adventure, where adults may think it's a 2 Star chore.
This is a pretty good book for 12-14 year olds, but adults craving complex plotlines, action, or emotion may become bored.

Story:
An orphaned farm boy is destined to take down a Dark Lord. Garion, the orphaned farm boy, discovers that his Aunt Pol and Mr. Wolf are more than meets the eye. A party of adventurers is formed and they journey across a very detailed fantasy world to catch a thief that stole an extremely powerful relic. Because of the prophecy, most of the mystery is taken out of the story, so it's predictable. There aren't a lot of surprises here. The story is linear and only follows the party from one place to another. Don't expect three to five story arcs to be expertly interwoven to create a frantic page turning experience. However, the linear plot is easier for younger readers to follow.

World
The World of Belgariad is very diverse, interesting, and complex. The party journeys from one end of the world to the other, meeting all sorts of diverse characters. All of the kingdoms have different forms of trade, governments, and cultures. Clearly, a lot of thought went in to the creation of this universe and the details are impressive. However, there is some racism in the book, but it's the kind of racism found in most fantasy. In other books, all elves are nimble, all dwarves are strong, etc... In this book, it seems odd because the races are human. So, when this book says, "All Murgos cannot be trusted" or "Tolnedrans pay attention to details," it seems a bit more on the racist side. It would have been better if the party didn't make racial judgments on every race, and the reader just observed these traits. Each civilization gives a diverse perspective on the world, which is good for kids!

Characters:
The characters are archetypal, but all have distinct personalities and a little more depth than most fantasy stories.
Garion is the farm boy who's never seen anything outside of his village.
Aunt Pol and Mr. Wolf are immortal wizards.
Silk is a spy / rogue.
Durnik is the blacksmith, turned adventurer.
Barak is the dual wielding warrior.
Hettar is the horse lord.
Lelldorin is the best archer in the world.
Mandorallen is the chivalrous knight.

Overall, the characters are friendly, entertaining, and have personality, which is sorely lacking from most fantasy novels. They're a bit on the simple side, which is good for kids!

Action:
The action is on par with afternoon cartoons. The bad guys appear, snarl, shake their swords, and charge, then get demolished in two paragraphs. It never really feels like the party is in any danger. The story feels more like a journey, than a perilous adventure. This keeps the book from becoming too intense but will alienate the action fans of Howard, Gemmell, Salvatore, Abercrombie... It never really gets too violent, which is good for kids!

I did have one problem with the action. When the swords start clashing, one of the grown ups always prevents Garion from engaging. It feels like your reading about a guy who is watching the action. You feel twice removed. This aggravated me, but it could add an element of safety for kids. Garion is on a journey, and he's protected by an almighty mother figure and father figure. Maybe the added degree of safety is good for kids.

Writing Style:
Eddings' writing style is a mixed bag. It's simple and covers a vast world, but it lacks the depth of a Tolkien or Jordan. Not so great for experienced readers, but great for kids!

Parts of the book are overly complex. There are many different races at war. The Algars, Chereks, Drasnians, Rivans, Grolims, Malloreans, Murgos, Nadraks, Thulls, Asturians, Mimbrates, Wacites, Marags, Nyssians, Tolnedrans, Sendars, Dals, Karands, Melcenes, Moridim, Ulgos, and Godless Ones are all human races that inhabit the world. Red vs. Blue would have been much easier for kids... and me. But if you like incredibly complex worlds, then it's good for you!

Many of the characters have multiple names as well. Wolf, Mr. Wolf, Belgarath, Father, and Grandpa are the same guy. Silk is called Silk, unless he is in disguise, or he's sometimes called by his royal name. etc... There are places in the book where 3 people could be talking and 8 different names are used. This is unnecessarily complex and really doesn't help out anybody.

Maturity: This would be rated PG for some swordplay, monsters, and magic.

Overall, I can see how kids would really get attached to these books, but if you're an adult, like bloody action, complex story arcs, and mature themes, these books probably won't hold your interest.

If you like your adventures Rated R or PG-13, then you can skip this series.

Anyone that doesn't like the Belgariad and Mallorean is absolutly insane. They're some of the best books I've ever read, right up there with Pern and Valdemar. Eddings was one of the first fantasy authors I really got into, and it's been hard for other authors I've read to compete with the quality of Edding's works. I've reread the books several times, and I've discovered that you can pick up any of the books, even from the middle of the series, and still get as much enjoyment out of it as you would if you started right from the beginning.

I've been a fan of David Eddings for years and have purchased many copies of his books due to moving, lending or loss. I'm at a point where I can no longer see the print in books, so rely on my Kindle to feed my reading habit. I'm so disappointed that I am no longer able to re-read this series. Please consider your long-time, older fans who would jump at the chance to purchase these for our Kindles.

I have read many many fantasy books, my guess is close to 200 or so, and this series ranks in my top 5. Just so folks know what those are and can see where I stand. 5. Kingdom of thorn and bone, 4.Belgariad 3. Sword of truth, 2. Both farseer Trilogy and tawny Man trilogy, 1. Song of Fire and Ice.

Ok, you know my rankings. These are my top five series that can be read over and over and over and never lose their punch. Now for the book review.

Belgariad firstly, should have been written as it is now, instead of as three separate books. The story flows, it has peaks and down times, there are hero with flaws and clever dangerous villains who are certainly a threat.

what makes this series my number 4 is that it clearly and beautifully develops the characters. In thorn and bone, the characters Just pop out of nowhere. A character has no ability, then has an ability (strange). What keeps this from being my number 3 or even 2, is the length. I have found that there needs to be more back story to the whole thing. Anyway, i hope he writes, or wrote a prelude.

Having read the reviews on the store I expected a great read that was going to keep me on the edge of my seat, devouring the pages as I raced to the conclusion of the series. Well, the first three books of The Belgariad are far from that. I expected a great book and got something that was ok.
Though the plot has striking simimilarities to those inherent in the fantasy genre, it does have interesting characters. There are some very witty lines, and the dialogue is probably the best aspect of the book. The problem is that a strong editing hand needed to be brought to the book, or some added creativity. The vast majority of the first three books is "the group travelled, ran into some Murgos and killed them, and continued travelling." This formula is repeated ad nauseum, really making the book duller than it should be. Occasionally Eddings tries to be a bit more inventive and will show the skeleton of an extinct monster that does nothing to forward the plot or even make it more interesting.
If Volume 1 could be condensed to 1/2-2/3 of its current length, then it would make for a much stronger and compelling read. As it is, read it only if you have the time to spare and have nothing better to do. It's not a bad read, but it's not one of the greats like most of the other reviewers have asserted.

While it's true the Eddings' characters and story lacks the depth and complexity of truly epic fantasy like Martin or early Jordan, his stories are truly fun to read. I'd espescially reccomend this series to slightly younger readers who are relatively new to the fantasy genre. If you are looking for a deep, complex, psychologically and mentally challenging series, look elsewhere (maybe try the Chronicals of Thomas Covenant), but if you just want to sit back, relax, and read a fun fantasy series, this is the one.

These books are the very best there is. There is war, murder, mystery, romance, magic, and humor. It is better than Harry Potter. There are spectacular characters in these books. Belgarath and Polgara are constantly bantering with each other, and it is so funny. There is a whole lot of action in these books that make it an on-the-edge-of-your-seat thriiler. There is some romance that just make your stomach do back-flips. Truly they are the best books I have ever read, and it makes it all the more exciting that there are three books in one! I advise you to read these books, however if I were you I would get the other books when you buy this one, because you are going to want to read them when you finish these. You will not be able to put these books down!

This book is COOL! When reading this book I could not put it down. It drew me in and in to the humor and colourful setting of the book. The wise cracks made in it were magnificent and right up to the end of the series you kept on wondering what Bellgarion had to do. It wasn't just fantasy but also mystery. It had a good plot and now I am waiting on Polgara the Sorceress.

I recomend everyone to read it.

Mark Rosenberg

David Eddings has more flare for fantasy than most writers I know . His rich blend of emotion and life gives his characters a depth that can only be called magical. No other author personalizes his characters as well. Eddings is a genius for adolescent romance and reaches far beyond expectations of the reader. A must for all readers with a soft spot for romance trust and honour , keep bringing them on David.....

(Daimeon Milton

My first experiance with Eddings came in the form of 'The Redemption of Althalus', a stand-alone novel by David and his wife. At the time I found it interesting, so I promptly moved on and - by sheer luck of the draw - hit on the very first book in the Belgariad series.

I am competely flabbergasted!

The characters leap from the pages and drive themselves straight into your blood so that you actually care what happens to them. David's talent for creating compelling, dynamic characters from almost anything - even steriotypes (Age-old wizard? Thief? Ranger? Yea...) - comes into full swing in this, his first five-book series. When it comes to the characters and their personalities, he did a commendable job.

Many people will inevitably compare this to Tolken: There are some reviewers in the world that, with any book whatsoever, seem to scream 'Tolken! Tolken!' like horribly scarred and broken records. Don't let them fool you - this book is a must-read for any fantasy fan that values the overt simplicity that a good story brings, yet craves the subtile plot-twists that make a series like this so compelling.

The Redemption of Althalus (Which, by the way, I will also reccommend if you're bored) got me interested in this writer, and I wanted something to pass the hours. Something that rings with that old-time high fantasy; it's rare to find somebody who is so darn good at portraying what he wishes that he can take almost any plot - and this is an intesting plot - and put a good spin on it. To put it frankly? I wanted good fantasy, David delivered.

If you've got a library card, check it out.

Now.

You'll thank me later.

I have to admit that when I started reading these stories, I felt the plot was somewhat slow. But keep going! the books are not all that long. You need to read through at least book 3, which is my favorite so far. Eddings writing gets better the further you read. While the storyline is not exactly original, the writing is good, and it's worth a read. If you like to read a book and enjoy it for the journey it takes you on, this is one of those books!

When is this going to come out on kindle ? I've been trying to wait for it as my closet is full of old paperbacks now. But I would really love to read it again, if I have to buy the paperbacks then so be it, but i'll give it a lil more time.

David Eddings is one of the best young adult fantasy authors around today, and it really shows in his epic, the Belgariad. There is a simplicity in his descriptions that allows for clever imagery, without betraying any long-winded detail (what Tolkein would refer to as "depth"). This makes it appealing to anyone with a few hours to kill, and as long as you're not reading too hard, this fantasy is accessible: "the people's epic".

The story is roughly sensible, the characters reasonably distinct and conflicted, and the subplots numerous and sometimes ethically interesting. The biggest problem, which is not necessarily a problem, is that, armed with the knowledge of the Prophecy, the reader is equipped with everything he or she needs to predict almost precisely what will happen at any time in the story. Eddings is either unwilling or unable to violate any element of story construction, making events startingly normal, even though enormous upheaval is occurring in the plot ("Oh, well, of course he's immortal. No duh.").

The first of my major complaints is that the message for our young readers is starkly unimaginative, without meaning to be: it's okay to judge people on their race or perceive huge cultural stereotypes, because each and every one of them are true. All Sendars are sensible, all Drasnians are sly, all Murgos are evil, and all Arends are stupid. No exceptions.

The second is that Belgarath and Polgara, while cool to the 14-year-old boy because they are infinitely powerful, become increasingly irritating to the older reader because they are walking deus ex machina elements who are constantly rewriting and reworking the environment to make things exactly as they like. Belgarath does so with an ale in one hand and a wry grin, which, for a while, is somewhat endearing, but grows tiresome. "A nymph will do almost anything for a candy"? Disgusting. You're seven thousand years old! Polgara is decidedly worse. Blithe, cheap, manipulating, smug, and malignantly irritating, she constantly reminds you of the Machiavellan mother you never had (and never wanted). The fact that she is all-powerful and consistently gets her way because she has a nasty demeanor nearly ruined the entire story for me. The idea of me ever reading a book entirely devoted to her (Polgara, the Sorceress) makes me want to vomit. Durnik, you can do so much better.

Overall, give this book to your pre-teen cousin who thinks anything without giant robots or Pokemon is boring, and maybe read it yourself after he's done. But don't expect a story you can't mindlessly see coming a mile away (sole exception: fate of Olban).

Whatever you do, do not expect anything different in the Mallorean. It is the same story with much less substance and the same tired lines from the same predictable characters. Skip it. Magic Kingdom For Sale is worth 250 pages, though. Pick that up, instead.

I have never read anything like it! It is original, humorous, exiting, etc, etc! I have read the entire series plus the Malloreon and both of them were totally amazing!!!!! the way that David Eddings describes everything is great! I especially like the way the characters act towards eachother. To David Eddings I say:Way to Go Skipper!!!

Thanks for listening, from Simon Molnar!

I just re-read this series after several years and remembered why I loved it. The characters are like old friends, written with warmth, humor, and honest to god human characteristics. Edding's plots are standard fare, but it is his incredible ability to build characters that a reader can connect with that raises this series (and its companion "The Mallorean") well above many others in the genre.

Budding writers would do well to read Edding's work and pay attention to his handling of point of view throughout the series, and the different voices that he gives each character to make them unique.

Once you've finished Edding's series, try some of George R.R. Martin's "Song of Fire and Ice." Much darker, however it's focus on character will appeal to any fan of the Belgariad.

When i get the book Pawn of prophety i sad to my sister that i don't thing the book was good. But now, one year later I have reade "The Belgariad" and "The Malloreon" four times on Swedish and one time on English. I'm just twelwe years old, so I don't understand the books on englesh wery well but I read anyway. I haven't read The Elenium But i'm think i like it.....

This series is amazing. My favorite fantasy series ever. Quick and easy to read, but very deep on a philosophical and creative level. If you liked Lord of the Rings this is definitely worth reading. I enjoyed this more than Lord of the Rings since it appeared to be more straight forward and down to earth than LotR. Highly recommended.

I wouldn't call this a terrible book, but I definitely wouldn't call it a great one, either. Obviously, the plot is a cliché, but there's a reason that plot is a standby. People enjoy reading it. I enjoy reading it. That's not really the problem I had. The problem here, I find, is that I seriously don't know if the author expected us to be as in the dark as Garion throughout this series. I'd like to think that isn't the case. I assumed we were meant to know who Aunt Pol was, but it was revealed with such fanfare that I worried that, perhaps, the author believed we wouldn't guess. It was extremely clear from the start who Garion was, but as it took four books for this 'shocking' reveal, I can't help wondering if Eddings thought it was going to be a large surprise for the readers.

Aside from that, Eddings has a severe problem with the 'show, don't tell' rule. I'm not sure if he ever learned it. Most of the characters' inner thoughts are narrated with, "This made Garion angry because it was unfair." "When Ce'Nedra flirted with Mandorallen, it made Garion feel jealous but he wasn't sure why."

The characters, though, are enjoyable, and if you're someone who doesn't mind a bit of standard fantasy fare, I wouldn't say there's no point in picking these books up. But if you're looking for something new and astounding, you may want to look elsewhere.

I remeber reading the Belgariad series first back in 1993, since then, i have read the series countless times, and i have owned several copies of the series, I read it over so often that the books fall apart and i have to buy them again ( I am on to my 7th set)
If you are a fantasy lover, or if its the first you are ever reading fantasy, then the Belgariad is the series for you!!! You get sucked into the lives of the characters, they just seem so real!
BUY IT BUY IT BUY IT BUY IT BUY IT!
I guarantee you'll enjoy it.
Put it this way, when i first read the belgariad i was in remidial english class,.....................after reading that series so many times i definitly know how to read!!!!

The Belgariad Fantasy Series, I must say, is right up their with the Lord of The Rings for best fantasy series ever. David Eddings is without a dought, right up on the same level with J.R.R. Tolkien. This is not your stupid little once-upon-a-time-there-was-a-dragon little fairy tales. It is a wonderful and highly intellegent series filled with complex people and places and races. And this is only the first volume. The next volume of which contains the equally genius next too books to conclude these winners!

For people who enjoy reading for the purpose of getting into the story. The books written by David Eddings' are for people who get attached to characters and love to immerse themselves in reading. To me his books are like coming home for a visit.

If you want to read simply to get to the finish line---Eddings is not for you.

I was lucky enough to read Eddings after only a few Dragonlance productions in the 80s. Reading Eddings is like watching The Godfather -- there are books that entertain, just like there are movies, but some are just at a different level. I enjoyed watching Armageddon (I admit it), but it will never be A Beautiful Mind. I was entertained with Brooks and other Forgotten Realms fare (not saying Brooks is at that level -- but I really did like Drizzt Do'Urden the black elf character by Salvatore), but there is something immediately different with Eddings. His story is fresh and moves nicely. The characters are imperfect and lovable. I recommend this series to fans of fantasy and who appreciate a higher level of writing than most fantasy offerings.

Eddings in the Belgariad is on top of his game. The story is a ton of fun and I honestly cant think of anything wrong...well, I could have handled a tad more magic, but that's all.

The Belgariad rates in my top 10 all time reads/series right under the likes of Martin and Erikson. Of course Eddings is much more fantasy "lite" than those guys, but he is an extremely fun author.

I was disappointed with this book. The plot is typical "orphan boy saves the world" fantasy, the description is weak, the dialogue is often silly (humor is a focus, and much is funny, but not realistic dialogue). The pace is rapid, however, and I flew through the book in one day.

I really think this would be just right for a teenager, and I know a lot of fantasy fans who loved it when they were young, but it's a bit lite for an adult who's looking for something deeper to savor.

Eddings has a remarkable ability to bring his characters to life through well written dialagues and narrations. Between his well written and highly entertaining scenes and intruiging dialogue, Eddings has managed to bring a distinctive and remarkable flavor to quest fantasy. There is never a dull moment in these novels, and the further you are into it, the harder it becomes to put it down. Even more interesting is Edding's ideas of sorcery and the development of his characters, especially Garion. All in all, Eddings has managed to create a masterpiece of fantasy, and in this volume lies three vastly interesting tales of epic fantasy.

I have to disagree with the previous review in one sense. Much like the _Shannara_ series, _The Belgariad_ is also a thinly veiled ripoff of the great _Lord of the Rings_. I find it difficult to think of a fantasy work that is not. Fantasy as a genre has yet to fully mature beyond Tolkien's template. While other typically disparaged genres (sci-fi and detective fiction in my mind more than others) have seen a steady introduction of original ideas and plot elements, fantasy rarely has.

That being said, Eddings's work is the very best of the Tolkien derivatives. The series is a lively romp through an imaginative world with likeable and fairly well written characters. While most of the forthcoming plot is obvious to the reader within the first twenty pages, it still is an absolute pleasure to arrive at the inevitable. Eddings writes with a verve that Tolkien's other imitators simply lack.

If you are a fantasy fan and have not experienced the Belgariad, you certainly owe it to yourself. If you don't enjoy fantasy, this is not the series that will convert you.

I've read the series and I have to say that these books rival with 'The Lord of The Rings' and "Harry Potter'. The people I know that read them say it's one of the best series they've read. But, added on to that, they are high-fantasy, so if you like that, I will tell you one thing. READ THEM!!!

I've read both series multiple times and have both print and audio versions. The stories and characters feel like real people. I've read the series with all three of my daughters and it's a family favorite. The story is PG so you don't have awkward moments when reading to an 8-9yr old. Do yourself a favor and give this series a try!

I am totally boggled by the number of comparisons people are making of this series to the Lord of the Rings. To me that's tantamount to comparing a child's Tinker Toy construction to the Brooklyn Bridge. This series is not bad per se, other than the cliches that are rampant. Eddings takes a word (for example, "blandly") or a conversation style ("I liked that" "I thought you might") and uses them repeatedly. The story itself has an interesting premise. The delivery is too fluffy and predictable. I wouldn't recommend this series to anyone over 12.

These books carry a special place in my heart. Every year I re-read both series because of how breathtaking the series truly is.

These books explore the depths of prophecy, gods, men and monsters. The dialog is spellbinding and keeps you in the world, no matter how often you read.

One of the best fantasy epics of our time. Gosh, I would love to see it as a movie.

I have read every book in the Belgariad, the Mallorean, and the prequels more times than I can count. I even named my first daughter Adara! I am heartbroken there will be no more from David and Leigh. These books are pure genius and are extremely entertaining. I would recommend them for everyone!

I have re-read this story time after time, and find the characters to be just as enjoyable and friendly each time. Eddings did a good job in telling a straightforward quest tale, and populated it with fun characters who are likeable through and through. The bad guys are bad, the good guys are good, there is humor and adventure and a consistent story line. When I just want to read for fun between more serious novels, this is what often ends up on my nightstand!

I've been reading Eddings now for nearly 10 years and his "Garion" books are by far the best. Truthfully, though, I wouldn't have been as big a fan if I had actually started with the first book. I read Belgarath the Sorcerer first and fell in love with it.

The Belgariad may start out a bit slow and you get tired of Garion's bellyaching, but trust me, the series as a whole is exceptional!

I have never read any series as in-depth as this, except possibly the Death Gate Cycle, but this is about the Belgariad. You have to read this. Once you do, you will have a much better understanding of this type of fantasy. Another series which is a sequel, is the Mallorean. Read it, too!!

David Eddings took all of my cares and worries away and
placed me in the most amazing fantasy world ever
written about. His characters are highly developed and are
easy to identify with.For a while I became Garion and shared his problems and thoughts

These books are the best out of all of David Eddings' books. Because it is the first of its kind by Eddings, it is the most original of all of them.

As Garion grew up at the farm, he never thought of what happened outside of Faldor's farm. But as he grew up, it is wierd how his life actually revolves around the world and not at his home. As the series go on, he meets many different kinds of people from many different countries, in which the religions clash forming the whole series of the Belgariad.

I would highly recommend this book to everyone because not only of David Edding's distinct writing style, but because he is an excellent story teller and can easily rap the story around his fingers...

It mystifies me that Eddings is a well thought of author.True ,he has an exellent plot,true ,he has good characters,but does it get anywhere?No!!!!!!!!!!I mean,if these books were called:A tour of the West Kingdom of the Angaraks volumes 1,2,and3,I'd understand.Because that'what it is .A tour .Eddings has some strange urge for you to visit every single little place that he's invented.It's annoying.
So here's what it's like to read one of his books :You really begin to get into it,it's getting really interesting,then what happens is something really pointless that happens to take up aproximately 200 pages is put in.I began to wonder if it would get somewhere .The first three books had virtually the same plot!Taking out various parts ,these first three books could have been one book about ...what 400 pages long!If you want fantasy that GETS SOMEWHERE,try Brooks,Jordan,Feist,Donaldson,Norton,anyone but this Eddings fool!

I first started this series when I was eleven. I admit that it was a slow begining but after I started reading I couldn't stop. I read all summer every day until I finished the last one. These first books are the most important in my view. You need to hook the reader on it, and that is exactly what Eddings did This is my most favored series, I am currently through the latest and probably the last book "Polgara the Sorceress". It is great so far.

If you view reading as a competitive intellectual sport and wouldn't be caught dead with any book less intellectually stimulating that "A Brief History of Time", this series isn't for you. However, if you love a well told story with memorable characters, excellent dialoge and exciting settings, you should buy this series. I have loved and read and re-read this series for nearly 20 years. After wearing out three sets of paperbacks, I finally bought a hardbound copy. The characters are as well defined as any in fantasy, the plot moves along quite nicely and the dialoge is crisp and clean. I highly recommend this series to anyone who wants to loose themselves in a delightful and exciting fantasy world.

This book is GREAT if u buy this book u will want to buy all the others. The charictors come to life with Eddings great charictors, you just want to be there with them. You get to love them and hate it when it has to end (the charictors that is). The plot is great and the battle scenes are very realistic. I have grown up with these and have found myself re-reading them over and over (as a matter of fact im reading one from the malloreon right now). The book starts out with a yong boy named Garion who is living on a farm also known as Faldor's Farm. The plot thickens and he finds himself with a sorceress, a old storyteller, a theif, a blacksmith, and a giant well sort of giant. I agree with a lot of the reviewers this book is so great and you get so hooked that u find days have gone by without sleep or food......well hours at any rate...Well this concludes my review read the others to get a better feel for this book! BUY!

I've been fortunate enough to read all of the Belgariad & the Mallorean series & to those interested, do yourself a favor & read them all. The characters of these series each have a distinct & interesting personality which will entertain the reader for hours. When I first started reading the Belgariad, there were only three or so books out, so I had to wait for the next one to be published. I was sad when they finally were finished, but all good things must end sometime. I must say that if I could I would thank David Eddings for many lost hours of sleep & a truckload of enjoyable memories.

I have read Tolkin, Lewis, Brooks and King. None compare to Eddings. These books take you away from today into a world of likeable, even loveable characters. These are action fantasy books with intrigue, suspense, romance, and so much more. The way Eddings writes lets you get to know and love the characters and I find myself re-reading them, to visit old friends.

I'll tell you why David Eddings' Belgariad and Malloreon series are among the best in fantasy. THEY END. Both series are confined to five books: they have distinct beginnings, expansive middles, and satisfying conclusions. This may sound like an odd thing to praise, but anybody who has waded into (and become hopelessly mired in) Robert Jordan's "Wheel of Time" or Terry Goodkind's "Wizards First Rule" series will know exactly what I'm talking about. Tolkien didn't make us slog through - and this is quite literal, in Jordan's case - tens of thousands of pages of pointless verbosity before bringing his opus to a rousing crescendo, and Eddings...though certainly no master like Tolkien...gives us the same courtesy.
Aside from this most appreciated of gifts, Eddings is also an imaginative and engaging author. Terry Brooks' "Shannara" series, for example, was a barely, thinly, poorly veiled ripoff of Tolkien. Jordan's glacial repetitiveness has caused his once-promising series to run completely out of steam. Goodkind has the same problem. But Eddings keeps things fresh. He also writes some of the most engaging and multi-dimensional characters in fantasy. He writes real growth and dotes loving care on his characters: the changes they undergo through the course of the ten novels of the Belgariad and the Malloreon are believable, understandable, acceptable, rather than visceral and awkward (Terry Goodkind, take note).
All too often, fantasy is given short shrift in serious literary circles. It would do well to remember how much utter trash there is across ALL genres of fiction, not just fantasy, and to accept Eddings' for what he is: a talented and engaging writer. Give these a try.

I Read the entire Belgariad in under two days......in one word...Addictive, stunning, superb. One of the best Epic Fantasy Writers. His concept of the "power" or "gift" is truly stunning and revolutionary and correct.

I love this series. It is the best fantasy series ever written, in my opinion. It is clean (a rare thing in modern literature), the characters are very real and lovable, the storyline is logical and makes sense, and Eddings writing is witty and clever.

Possibly the most intriguing aspect of this series is the mechanism and function of magic. It is really logical and consistent (unlike Harry Potter, for example, where magic is invented or neglected at the author's convenience without any sense or pattern.)

The author makes complex and multi-dimensional characters come to life in a complex and moving world. His sensible and clever dialogues really drew me in. Great series.

Every couple of summers I enjoy the chance to make the Belgariad my reading material for a week or two. The characters are still just as endearing, the dialog is still written just as wittily, and the pace moves just as fast - every time! Eddings did a great job at not trying to be too serious, at understanding the need to stick to a main plot line, and to really love his characters as he wrote them. Don't pass up a chance to come to know this series!

I loved the Belgariad and the Mallorean sagas, the characters were great the story was great and the writting was great, not once did I become bored throughout the story and by the time I had finished I wanted to begin again. Not since the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings have I enjoyed a fantasy book this much. However unlike the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings The Belgariad had characters I could really enjoy and connect with especialy Garion who has replaced Aragorn as my favorite fantasy heroe. I recomend this book to anyone who loves action, adventure, romance, and of cource magic.

The Belgariad series by David Eddings is one of the most addictive series I have ever read. The characters and his world are fully developed, and there is a good spicing of humor mixed in with the suspense and horror. The characters are wonderful. Aunt Pol is a particular favorite. The massive series, which includes the Mallorean, reads quickly and is always a joy-much like comfort food, this is comfort reading.
By Verna McKinnon, author of "Gate of Souls, A familiar's Tale Book One."

David Eddings's earliest work includes some of my favorite in all of fantasy. The Belgariad and the Mallorean Books are well written and enjoyable. The books start off a little slow, but the momentum builds nicely after that, making the books very interesting to the point you don't want to put them down. What I like best about Eddings early work is its simple brilliance--how he tells a simple story of a boy and how this story grows into a feast for the imagination without all the unnecessary clutter and complexity of many books. It's not that I don't like complex plotlines, some of my favorites are multiple plotline epics, rather it is that there is brilliance in Eddings's simplicity.

I couldn't put it down I read it in about three days and went on to the next books in the series. I couldn't put any of those down either! I suggest that any one who loves fantasy should definately read this series!

This series is highly worth reading. The storytelling is great and the variety of characters have personalities that make for wonderful reading. It's a great story for anyone to read, but if you have a teenage boy who could use a little motivation to read more, if you can get him to begin reading this book, he may very well get drawn into this series. The Mallorean series is also very good.

I just finished this tale of Garion (all ten books of the belgariad and malloreon) and I cant find a better set of books I know I will read them over and over. If you want to talk about the books e-mail me!

The idea was good , it was just where he went with it that was the problem.When the adventure was just abou t getting somewhere , Eddings just had to make the questers go somwhere else ,somewhere that was pointless to go to .Eddings goal is not to make a story ,it's to give the reader a tour of his world.

David Eddings works his magic in this compendium of his first works in science fiction.
His ability to create characters that have substance draws you into the story. The best parts in this book are when the characters interact. The dialogue breathes life into the characters using emotions and feelings that real people can understand. His dialogues impart this feeling of actually understanding how these characters would see life. David Eddings knows how to create a story that you will want to read and re-read over and over. You have got to read this book

I first read the Belgariad series when I was 13 and read it on a yearly basis for several years. I was in love with Garion, envied Ce'nedra and loathed the Torak and his people, but lately I've realised that the plot is oh-so-slightly repetitive, the bad guys inhumanly so and the good characters just that little bit too good. This hasn't stopped me from enjoying reading it as a bit of fun but it is incomparable to the likes of 'The Lord of The Rings' and 'Thomas Covenant' which are much more 'adult' books that give more satisfaction from reading.

I have read this series as well as the Mallorean and Polgara the Sorceress and Belgarath the Sorcerer many times since I was much. I love the depth of the characters and the descriptive writing. Eddings really makes you feel like you are in the story.

So much good has been said about this series and this author that I made it a point to include it in the long list of books I want to read. Settling down and working my way through it I found myself becoming increasingly vexed - when will the story get going? Chapter after chapter of meandering through the landscape, thousands of words spent descibing the foibles of every race that inhabits this grand world. All right, Eddings get's points for detail, but these characters are cardboard cut outs! Garion - belittled by his ' aunt ' ( who progressively becomes less and less likeable as the story plods along )and kept ignorant of who he is and why he is ( as is the reader )is consumed by an angst that can only rivaled by the reader enduring the conversations he has with the traveling troupe. Honestly - I found myself gritting my teeth with consternation as I tenaciously forced my way to the last page.
Alas, I am tenacious - and if the first book in this series is just aiming to weed out the weak as it winds it way toward an incredible story, rest assured earned praise will be given. Until then - a wary eye greets volume II......

While the plot line is of a simplish epic quest, good vs evil, type, that doesnt detract from the enjoyment of reading these books at all. Not only is the entire series fast paced and full of action, but the interactions between the characters, whom I love dearly, are also very entertaining and hilarious.

Both this series, and its sequel series, are well worth the read, so buy them, and don't cheat yourself out of a great read by only buying the first few.

I have a real hard time sitting down to read books as a whole. I usually get part way through them and then give up because I don't have the patience or the plot isn't cruising along like I want it to. This book and volume 2 both held my attention and did it with class. I couldn't put either book down and was very pleased with it overall. It was actually recommended to me on a message board and after having read it and vol2. I am happy it was recommended to me.

I promise, these books were the reason why I love to read! As a kid, I really hated to read, but after stumbling on the "Pawn of Prophecy" I was thrown into this world with wonderful characters and great settings. I've enjoyed reading a good majority of his books, and although some may think his caliber of writing has decreased, he is still awesome! I even got my sister into reading because of his books! I really love these books.

This is a great series for those who are tired of the seriousness and overdone drama of so many other series, as if the characters never screwed up, much less smiled. That being said, I must warn any unsuspecting soul who decides to read other books by David and Leigh Eddings. The characters names may have changed, but they are the same characters that you met in this series, just in a different time and place. They do the same things, they talk the same, you get the picture. Read this series, read the Mallereon, maybe even read Belgareth the Sorceror and Polagra the Sorceress, but don't make the mistake of reading the others. If you go ahead and do so, on your head so be it.

I've read the "Belgariad" and the "Malloreon" three times each. I've just started reading the "Belgariad" again and still lovin' it. You just can't get a better series. After this series I'm going to read "Polgara the sorceress" as I have already read "Belgarath the sorcerer" and I hope
Kal David Eddings is putting out a "Poledra the sorceress" that tells us about what she has been doing since the twins where born

I was introduced to the world of Garion and his friends when I was 13 years old. Now, 16 years later, I am still enthralled with all the books of this incredible series. I can almost guarantee that once you start these books you will quickly find yourself totally immersed in this world and characters. I find myself going back to them again and again when I am looking for a magical reading experience.

This is my absolute favorite series of Fantasy novels ever written. I can say I have owned hard cover editions, sold them, bought the soft cover editions to read again, donated them and now these volumes and I will not sell again. I am re-reading the books again and I still love the characters and plot. These books are so much less violent then Game of Thrones and would be a much better series to watch but until someone makes that I will continue to read these again and again.

This book is absolutely great. Alot like Lord of the Rings, which I find enjoyable. There are some small dull moments, but nothing to fret over. All in all this book is a fun read and should be bought.

David Eddings is a masterful fantasy writer. He brings together great story telling, wonderful characters, and gripping action. Although this is an archetypical fantasy it is nevertheless a fresh and amazing read. I would reccomend this to readers of all ages as a wonderful fantasy epic that is sure to delight.

I am the orb. My aunt's Polgara. I have a racecar and I will race you. I would rather read this book than go to school. I read this at lunch. I need something to do, because the other kids steal my lunch money. But I say to them, "A pox on you." My uncle turns into a wolf, and I will slay the king of Murgos anyday.

This is one of the greatest series of all times.The plot is great.The only bad part is that it goes way to fast. It goes from a innocent little boy to a full fleged over lord of the west in just 5 short books.But other than that it is just fine.

Eddings blends just the right amount of magic with the real world. I recomend any eddings book, as they are all great.He is a great fantsy writer and I look forward to reading his works many times over.