Pawn of Prophecy

Pawn of Prophecy is the first book of the "Belgariad." The first time I read this was about ten years ago at the recommendation of my brother. It was my kickoff into fantasy which I am so very grateful for.

Garion is a boy who lives on a Faldar's farm with his Aunt. It starts out a bit slow, farm life, finding girls attractive, nearly dying while rafting on a lake, normal adventure-y things that one would do when you're too young to be working in the field. They will occasionally have visitors: the storyteller, merchant that are suspicious, and that strange rider that always seems to be lurking though no one else can see him. Aunt Pol and the storyteller seem to have a background, though it's a friendly one. Garion overhears conversation of something vastly important being stolen, then he is suddenly ousted from the life he knew into one of utter confusion. Joining up with his Aunt, the storyteller, the blacksmith from the farm who has eyes for Aunt Pol, a rat faced man, and a man as big as a bear, they find themselves in search of something while at the same time running from those who pursue them. Garion is finding himself way over his head in things he doesn't understand.

This book is very near and dear to my heart. While it might not be the best piece of literature out there, I love the characters and the cultures it creates and develops. David Eddings takes a lot of time for the cultures and peoples he creates and it shows through his writing. It is a "hero's journey" where we watch the development of Garion and his companions while they are seeking something vitaly important--though the quest seems to be not quite on par with the characters. Having read the series before, it gets better as the series goes on (similar to Tamora Pierces' books or really any debut novel).

The part of the book that I enjoy the most is and will always be the characters. They might be considered cliche now, but that is only because David Edding's was one of the first to modernly do it.  Silk is the thief among thieves. The first of the greats in my opinion. While not technically a thief, more like a spy, he is amazingly sly. He is my favorite. But the rest of the characters are just as fantastic.

I will warn all that this was written in the early 80's, and so the style is different from what we are used to today. They travel a lot in this series. They can travel leagues (whatever that actually means) and weeks will pass with the words "weeks passed." Which saves us from boring "and they traveled and traveled and traveled" expositions. But it portrays a sense of idleness, like not much is going on. It also seems like there are parts that are easily skimmable. Not that you should, but it is possible.

All in all, everyone should read these. They are a classic like Tolkien. Read them!