The Belgariad, Part I
The god Aldur created the Orb, imbued it with great powers and used it to work wonders. Then, Aldur’s brother Torak stole the living jewel, provoking war among gods and men—a war that would split the earth apart. Yet the Orb was not his to keep. Brave men found a way to regain the jewel, placing it in the care of the only man among them who was pure in his soul—Riva Iron-grip. For so long as it remained with his line, the evil god would not prevail.
This is the saga of the last of Riva’s blood: Garion, a simple farm boy who knows nothing of his magical heritage…or of the destiny ordained by an age-old Prophecy. Born at a time when, once again, the Orb has been stolen and the world stands on the brink of destruction, he is led on an epic quest to recover the jewel by Belgarath the Sorcerer, centuries-old disciple of the god Aldur.
With him stand his faithful friends: Barak, ferocious warrior of the North, who transforms into a bear when battle fury is upon him; Silk, wily trader and master spy, a man of many names; Mandorallen, a brave knight whose courtly manner never interferes with his deadly skill; Relg, the zealot from Ulgo, who can find his way through the darkest caverns and move through solid rock; and Durnik, the loyal smith who remains calm and practical even in the most alarming situations.
Together, they will range far from home, hunted by Torak’s soldiers and priests, through strange lands and unspeakable danger. As the Prophecy unfolds, Garion must learn to use and control his magical powers, for the greatest peril is yet to come: a dread duel upon which rests the fate of the world. (759 pp.) 1982-1983.
Hardcover: 768 pages
Publisher: Del Rey Books ( December 31, 1985 )
Item #: 95-0090
ISBN: 9780739444146
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.25 x 1.25 inches
Product Weight: 27.0 ounces
My favorite fantasy story of all time
June 26, 2010
I became hooked on these books when an ex of mine started reading them. He, in fact, turned me on to the entire genre. It became a drug for me, waiting for the next one in the series to come out. When the fifth book came to a close, I wanted MORE, MORE, MORE! Then, the Mallorean came out. Again, I would finish the book within a couple of days and have to wait a year for the next one.
I have re-read the series, including the prequels, many times. I've re-read them to the point that I've replaced them twice. It was slow going for about the first 90 pages or so, but the pace quickened and it was a roller coaster ride the rest of the way. It has all the elements a good fantasy epic has; a quest, a knight errant, a boy hero, etc.
Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Eddings, for a profoundly wonderful epic that I doubt I will see the likes of again in my lifetime. As someone earlier stated, it would make a great series of movies.
Reviewer: Dayna
standard fantasy epic
June 20, 2010
This is a very classic fantasy story. It has the stereotypical party of adventurers with a rogue, knight, barbarian, wizard, etc. They travel through lands having adventures, the necessity for which is brought about by one God rebelling against the other Gods. Finally all the good countries must fight a war against the bad countries while the hero has to sneak into the lair of the evil God and destroy him. Plot ring a bell?
Although the story is basically a modern rehashing of Tolkein's work, it is infused with a pleasant sense of humor that makes it an enjoyable read. The characters are basically flat and one dimensional. But they play their classic roles well enough.
The book would seem to be appropriate for teenagers and up. There are some rather intensely violent scenes in different battles and some adult situations hinted at while various people are being seduced.
It would make a nice series of movies.
Reviewer: meyersjd
Love it!
October 30, 2009
I've reread this story many many times and love it. I read it to my son when he was 4 or 5 and he loves the story too. Even my husband enjoyed listening in (and he doesn't like fiction) as I read, and especially some of the more exiting events that occur. The characters have personality and depth that make you care about them. If you've never read this story you're in for a real treat.
Reviewer: Cindy
Better than most
October 23, 2009
Having been reading fantasy for almost 40 years, I feel that I have a good sense of the genre. This series is better than most, and in fact, I was pleasently surprised as I was not expecting much. The pluses are that the reader does identify and care about what happens to the characters. The major negative is that Eddings is right up there or should I say down there with Robert Jordan, in his inability to make any of the female characters more than an absolute cardboard cutout. Not that the male characters are portrayed much better.
All that said, I enjoyed these books and would recommed them for someone looking for an entertaining epic fantasy series.
Reviewer: Richard H
Life changing
September 12, 2009
I found Eddings years ago as a teenager and he changed my life. His Characters are realistic and engaging. At the worst point in my life I had a world to escape to. I learned a lot about myself and who I wanted to become. Now a writer myself and a avid reader, all things are compared to his books. I am a better person because of them. Thank you David, you will be truly missed....Please read these books if you haven't.
Reviewer: Leah
Copyright © 2010 Bookspan. Science Fiction Book Club® is a registered trademark used under license. Unauthorized use prohibited. All rights reserved.
51007201001ADFL