B – Belgariad

The Belgariad, Vol. 1 (Books 1-3): Pawn of Prophecy, Queen of Sorcery, Magician's GambitLoved: I didn’t read this one until last year, and it was surprisingly refreshing! I felt like a kid again, because the story is told from such a youthful perspective. I loved Garion and all the colorful supporting characters, especially Aunt Pol and Silk.

Learned: Although it follows somewhat stereotypical plot lines and character types, it still manages to stand out through world-building details and simply because we’re seeing things happen through Garion’s eyes. I also think it’s a very interesting example of how the genre and market have morphed since the Belgariad was first published in the early 80s. I’m not sure it could stand on its own these days…not sure what that says about us now.

19 comments:

  1. This sounds like a book I would enjoy!

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  2. I'm enjoying your series on recommended books. And C is for...?

    J.C. Martin
    A to Z Blogger

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  3. I read his Elenium (well, I don't think I finished the last book) and didn't really like it so I'd written him off. But perhaps I'll pick this one up and give it a try.

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  4. I haven't read this series. I read The Elenium and The Tamuli. I thought it was a decent read but not great. I do think he does a nice job with world building.

    M.J. Fifield
    My Pet Blog

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    1. Sarah and M.J. - I've never read the Elenium or the Tamuli. I will say Eddings doesn't necessarily wow me with his writing, but the Belgariad was kind of a throw-back to some of the early fantasy I read in my childhood, so it was unexpectedly fun.

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  5. I haven't read this. I'll have to check it out. Thanks for sharing. :)

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  6. I haven't heard of this. lol. It sounds cool though! I'll google it! haha. Great idea!

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  7. I haven't tried Eddings, I'll have to give him a go.

    I'm a day late in the noting, but I enjoyed your Wrinkle in Time post. That book, more than any other, sealed the deal between sff and me.

    Thanks for the engaging posts.

    Best,
    Joe
    B/Barnstorming

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    1. Glad to hear you liked the Wrinkle in Time post, too. It's definitely a classic that's close to my heart.

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  8. I definitely have to give Eddings a try one day. Sigh. So many authors, so little time. :-)

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  9. I hadn't heard of this one before but it sounds interesting...I'm going to have to check it out!

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  10. Gosh, I haven't heard of this one before. Interesting.

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  11. I've never heard of it. What about it made you think it wouldn't fly today?

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    1. The pacing is a little old-school, not quite as fast as today's readers tend to expect. Plus, it does follow some pretty tried-and-true epic fantasy plotlines.

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  12. Thanks for visiting my blog, Nicole. I've never heard of this book, but it sounds like something I'd enjoy. Thanks for sharing!
    Nutschell
    www.thewritingnut.com

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  13. What an awesome theme for the A to Z Challenge! Great post!

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  14. I like your theme too. I am in the group that has not read this one. :)

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  15. Aw, Nicole... you realize what kind of trouble this theme is going to put my budget in? UGH! I blame you for my increase in books on the TBR pile. :)

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