Belgariad 1: Pawn of Prophecy (The Belgariad (RHCP), 1)

This is a magnificent adventure from start to finish. To give an idea how engrossed I was in this world, I finished the 5 books in this series and the follow up “The Mallorean” series of 5 books over two weeks. It’s been a while since I have been that engaged in a series.The series is a bit more old school Good vs Evil coming of age fantasy rather than the more modern and grim series we have these days, but it provides a refreshing and amazing change. This book and series really is simple and not as deep as some series, but that does not prevent it from being an amazing book.This initial book is somewhat slower in its pace as we are introduced to the primary character of this and the subsequent mallorean series in the form of Garion. In this book we see Garion grow up and evolve as one may expect, but unlike other series, he is still fairly young, even by the end of the series so we see some vulnerability and he is not a know it all king and relies on plenty of other people. He has plenty of boyish traits yet we do see him evolve in a realistic way rather than being someone who kicks a ball one day then turns in to the best king the land has ever see the next.The supporting characters likewise are very likable and play just a crucial role as Garion and involved just as much. Some of them evolve through the book and series and others are a constant which works very well.The world itself is detailed very well and easily imaginable, but unlike other books, does not go over the top with description to merely pad out the details. The various groups of people and their behaviours likewise are also fleshed out very well and seeing the friction between said groups adds more depth.The fights and battles, while not the best I have read are still enjoyable and simple to follow. The magic system is also fairly simple on the surface and while not absolutely original still adds a nice element.In all this is a bit more of an old school coming of age adventure. It’s not as nitty or gritty and as dark as more recent titles but that’s okay as it has its own charm. This book does start a bit slow, but really it needs to as it lays the foundation for the characters to build and evolve from. So while the rest of the books get 5 stars, this gets a solid 4.

Rd read this book for just be the seventh or eight time. The Belgariad never disappoints almost as good as the Sparhawk novels

Loved the story the banter in this beek between Pol and her father was amazing. The story so strong and enjoyable.

I'd read 'The Belgariad' and its follow on 'The Malloreon' series two or three times years ago in paperback, but then I needed more bookspace, so they were taken off to Oxfam. A long time passed. Then I saw Book One of 'The Belgariad' on a Kindle list I was surfing on....at £1.99.... So I bought it for old times sake.I had forgotten how much I really like the characters, particularly Garion, the...emm...hero. Not that he thinks of himself as a hero. And he certainly doesn't want to be one. He'd much rather be just an ordinary teenager, working on the farm where he's always lived, chasing the local flirt and going swimming with his friends. Even when he gets older and understands more about what people expect of him, he's still just....not that keen. He's even completely terrified some of the time. Absolutely no bumptious superman stuff about Garion. And he can....make things happen the way he wants. But it's all just a coincidence, right? Well..., no, it isn't.A whole mediaeval world has been carefully built for you to enter, with its own countries, Gods, customs and quirks, all watched over a malevalent force. Sound a wee bit familiar? Well, could be. But this time without annoying songs and creepy relationships. If you're a fan of 'questing' fantasy, give it a try? You might like it. And, after you've met Garion and his friends, you might come back and buy the other 4 books. Just like I did.

I was first introduced to The Belgariad when I was 16. Now I read the series every year.Pawn of Prophecy is book 1 and covers the start of the adventure which will conclude with Enchanters End Game. As light fantasy I find the characters as compelling as those of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings.In fact for the young adult reader, this is a perfect way to get into the genre.David Eddings being a professor of English increases the difficulty of language in the subsequent volumes. Even at the end it remains easy to follow and certainly less weighty than Middle Earth or Brook's Shanara epics.I won't spoil the story and wish you all a good read.ENJOY!

I love the whole Belgariad/Mallorean Series, they are addictive reads. Ideal for quest/ magic fantasy fans and for anyone who enjoys seeing characters develop at a believable pace. Pawn of Prophecy does start slowly and we are always one step ahead of Garion (the ultimate hero). The people he knows simply as Aunt Pol, a cook in Faldor's kitchen, and Old Wolf, the itinerant storyteller, are known by different names and under different guises to the World beyond the farmstead. As the forces of evil gather, Garion is swept along with Pol and Old Wolf as they gather together a group of people without whose skills or abilities all could be lost. But Garion's biggest challenge is dealing with the changes in himself and in dealing with the Imperial Princess C'nedra. This is a sweeping series of books that are a surprisingly easy read and that I have returned to again and again. The author takes time to build the story and to flesh out the characters. I like the fact that the characters all have their own little foibles and no one is goody-goody as I find 'perfect' characters tedious. These characters are living, breathing people and the sheer domesticity of some of the scenes mean that the magic has more power and resonance when it does appear. My favourite scene is in Book 3  Belgariad 3: Magician's Gambit (The Belgariad) where Garion puts himself into his shadow and ...... you'll have to read the book to find out!