Rating: 
Summary: Great Book
Review: The Belgariad is truly a wonderful book. I am not a very outspoken person, but I was very upset at how many bad reviews this book had gotten, so, naturally, I decided to write a review myself. Who could not be amazed at Edding's wonderful world of fantacy and his superb characters? I agree that this was certainly not the hardest book I've ever read, but I don't know about you, but I read for enjoyment, not to try to stumble through some book full of huge uncomprehendable words. However, if you really are that worried about how much you'll like the book, there are such things as libraries. My suggestion is, check out the book, read it, and if you like it you can buy it. The book does start off a bit slowly, so I suggest you read the whole 1st book before deciding whether it's good or not, but once you get throught the beginning you really get pulled into the story. The Belgariad really is a fabulous book.
Rating:
Summary: It gets better and better!!!!
Review: I read my first David Eddings book when I was in high school. It was this book, "Pawn of prophecy", which also happens to be book number 1 of The Belgariad. My parents gave it to me as a present for Christmas... Truth to be told, at first I didn't feel like reading it (the hardcover edition is overly awe- inspiring: you just think it's too big!!!). Anyway, as soon as I started it I was hooked... Not only did I read it all, but I bought the other 4 books of the series myself. The plot has adventures and magic, irony and laughter. As you read, you get to know the characters, and are immersed in a new universe...
Even though quite a lot of time has passed, I still love all of them. I think they are the kind of books you like to keep, because good books never lose their charm. And these are simply some of the best!!!
Rating: 
Summary: Surprising Book
Review: I have to say, I was certainly surprised by this book.
I bought it, thinking that when I just want some
cheap, easy reading book, I'd have something to read.
As I began it, I was very scepticle about the whole
thing. The writing, I must say, wasn't the best I'd
seen in my life, and the setting remained constantly
in the backround, never a key element of the book, and
not well described. So, in the beginning, I was
getting exactly what I expected. Then, about 50 pages
in, it suddenly became interesting. I got caught up in
the plot so fully that, when I didn't really feel like
reading, I found the book in my hands and I was
rushing through the pages.The plot comes close to making up for the quality of the
writing. The plot is the perfect example of why I
started reading fantasy books in the first place. It
starts out with focussing on a young boy called
Garion, who lives on a very successful farm owned by a
man called Farmer Faldor. Garion was orphaned as a child, so he remains in the care of his only known
relative Aunt Pol, the chief cook of the farm. One
day, an old, wandering storyteller shows up at
Faldor's Farm. It turns out that Aunt Pol and the old
man knew each other from long ago, and the old man
takes her and Garion along with him on some mysterious
quest which Garion is left in the dark about for most
of the book. They left, joining up with several
companions, then went off in search of an unknown
person who has stolen an unknown object of importance
which must be recovered at all costs.... Really, this wouldn't be held together by itself; the plot was helped out greatly by the characters. I think that the characters were simply amazing. They were all so realistic, though sometimes maybe a bit too perfect, and all of them developed naturally as the story progressed. The characters combined with the plot just about make up for the writing and setting. I would recommend this book to anybody who likes fantasy books. It's an easy book, so even younger people could read it and enjoy it. *please give me feedback: helpful, or not?*
Rating:
Summary: A good start to a great series
Review: Eddings' Belgariad is a wonderful fantasy series, filled with all the classic elements of high fantasy. While experienced fantasy readers may be disappointed by it's lightness and ease of reading, it's a wonderful introduction to the genre for new fantasy readers. It is true that some of the characters in this series are mere characitures, possessing only a single trait to indentify them to the reader. However, given the size of his cast, Eddings does his best to give each a subplot unique to that character that doesn't rely on the character's main attribute. Barak's unhappy marriage, for example, which has nothing to do with his main characteristic -- his size and strength. These subplots help to make the characters stand out a bit more and adds to the enjoyment of the story. This first book (Pawn of Prophecy) does begin a bit slow and some new readers may be a bit confused by some of the terms Eddings uses in the book. However, if you stick with it, it will all be made clear midway through the book. Since this book is not a stand-along book, but really just one fifth of the story, Eddings uses far more space for story setup than a standard author would. Overall, however, I enjoyed this series, and would heartily recommend it as a great first read in the genre or as a light excursion for experienced readers of fantasy.
Rating:
Summary: Essentially, essential character and background development
Review: I happened to browse the fantasy section toward the end of summer and thought a David Eddings tale may be a good way to usher in the change of season and coming holidays. I was not mistaken. Well, considering it starts out in Aunt Pol's kitchen and the story progresses through the eyes of a young Garion, it's fitting. 'Pawn of Prophecy', on it's own, may not be much, but it is a nice set up. Even though I have not yet read further in The Belgariad, I can say it had to start right here. A coming of age tale of an unsuspecting farm boy who loves legends and stories, it's not an overly exciting book, but a quick, comfortable, and relaxing read. David Eddings has a real grasp on maintaining a very diverse set of background and personality in his characters. From the inexperience and youth of Garion, to the power and impatience of Aunt Pol, the power and nonchalance of Mr. Wolf, the strong simple Durnik, and of course, the constant comedic conniving of Silk, each character is consistent. Slow at times but this book is everything I expected and wanted it to be!
Rating: 
Summary: As exciting and complex as dry toast
Review: Everything that makes a book a good book in lacking in this series. Sure its got the magic and the classic questing heros but it utterly lacks in character development, twisting plots, vivid and awesome descriptions, heart-stirring romance, etc. For example, there is absolutely no difference in character between the woman who spent her whole life in torturous slavery and the girl who lived as an emperial princess. And if you're waiting for those unexpected twists or shocking realizations, don't bother; there aren't any. Simply conceive of the happiest ending and you have the story. Don't be blinded by Edding's use magic and his theories on how magic works; it is tedious, nearly irrelevant, and makes no sense when combined with the plot. Yes I did wade my way through the whole series, and the one after that even, but I tell you, it never got better. It carried the same bland taste from the first chapter to the very last. There are hundreds of better fantasy books out there, save your time and money for them.
Rating:
Summary: Disappointing
Review: I'd heard good things about Eddings, but now I can't imagine why. I was reading this with such a lack of interest that I admit I actually didn't guess at first that Mister Wolf was Belgarath, but that was the only part I couldn't have told you after dragging through the first ten pages. There is no character development, no real plot, and no good descriptions. Garion's problems with his Aunt Pol flare up and die down again within half a page, about every fifteen pages or so. The dialogue appears hideously contrived, and the whole book is limited by a seeming reluctance to introduce anything surprising or *gasp* thought-provoking. On the other hand, it took itself too seriously for these things to be overlooked. Perhaps it has something to do with 80's fantasy, as even Marion Zimmer Bradley's writing then was forgettable. I'm not sure what age group this book is meant for: adults and teens who enjoy fantasy should have read enough good fantasy (meaning stories with well-rounded characters and passable dialogue instead of paper-thin caricatures whose attempt at "history" is a child's mish-mash of quirks) before this to steer clear, and the children I know would be bored by the stilted dialogue and lack of sustained conflict.
Rating:
Summary: Worst Fantasy series
Review: I have read all three books in the Belgariad, and it came highly recommended. It is an easy read, and that has to be some of the appeal. However, that said, this is quite simply the worst series I have ever read. Polgara is like Merlin as played by Lwaxana Troi or Mrs. Olsen from Little House. She is shrewish, domineering, and overprotective. Little wonder with such a beast in his life, Garion goes and marries someone equally annoying and reprehensible. The interesting characters (Silk for one) are all cowed by the gargantuan personality that is Polgara, and none dare cross her. Garion is the little boy with a large destiny, who is never allowed to grow up. As a result, it is incredibly frustrating, and the books are simply a travelogue of Eddings' world as seen through the most whipped male ever created. The story of Garion's destiny is pretty standard fare, and it has been done much better by many authors. The travelling and meeting new cultures loses its novelty after the first book, and the entire series is by the end painful to read. You end up wanting half the characters to leave for another series, and wanting to slap the other half. However, I am in the vast minority here. My strongest recommendation is to check out the first book from your local library, or borrow it from a friend, before deciding whether or not to buy it.
Rating:
Summary: Is annoyance enterainment?
Review: If so, this book entertained me. But lets be fair. It is incredible how many five star reviews this book gets. There is really nothing in it that wants me to read the rest of the series. It is full of cliches and there is nothing that suprises the reader. The story holds nothing that we haven't already seen elsewhere. I always finish a book i started but i must say i was counting down the pages to go like a convicted criminal!
As we can not read anything that is published now (and in the past) maybe I should be glad that Eddings' first book teaches me to skip everything he wrote and concentrate upon other writers.
Rating:
Summary: A world to get lost in
Review: Pawn of Prophecy is the first book in the Belgariad series and as such sets the backdrop. With that said... This book is outstanding! The detail that David Eddings places into building all of his characters is just outstanding! I remember picking this book up alone and having to run back (the same day) to get the rest of the stories (5 more).. They are just that delightfull!
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