Eddings, David

The Belgariad

A classic coming of age, fantasy yarn, following the exploits of an unwitting young farm boy, Garion, as he and his put upon guardian, Aunt Pol, are dragged along on an adventure by a crotchety old tramp, Belgarath. Of course, all is not as it seems and before long it becomes clear that there is more afoot than just a day trip with a travelling story teller. More and more characters join the quest as time goes by until there is a full retinue of fantasy tropes, a noble knight, a savage warrior, a sneaky thief, etc. there’s a prophecy, a dark power growing in the east, war is brewing, it’s all very standard.

Given my synopsis, it may not surprise you that there seems to be a fair amount of snobbery regarding Eddings’ Belgariad Series. Personally despite the fairly obvious parallels with a lot of other fantasy books from the same period, I can’t see what the issue is. This is a series aimed at younger readers and although some of the characters are fairly one dimensional, the overarching story is reasonably strong, if a little formulaic, and well told in a folksy sort of way. It may just be me reminiscing in glasses of a rose tinted nature but there’s something reassuring about, knowing how characters will behave, and good, honest, storytelling that resists last minute twists. This is perfectly suited to young readers of a more innocent nature, take it for what it is and you’ll soon find yourself swept along, enjoying the adventure.

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