I realize that the story is part of a multibook series but it's important to say that if you're not planning to read more in the series then you'll probably be disappointed in this story as a standalone. It is just an introduction and buildup to future novels in the series where (I'm assuming) something happens. This story itself doesn't really have anything happening other than introducing characters and the setting.

The centerpiece character is supposed to be a 14 year old boy but the writer has him behaving (and being treated) like a 9 year old... It's clear that the novel (and maybe the series?) is aimed at teenagers rather than adults.

If you aren't looking for a complex story, and you accept that this novel is only meant to be an intro to the series, and you are planning to read more in the series then it's probably worth 4 stars, otherwise it's barely a 3 star story. ( )

Garion is no one special- just a poor orphaned farm boy being raised by his aunt. He has heard tales of magic, but he doesn't believe in it. He knows the legend of the Orb, a magical artifact said to protect the world from evil as long as it is in at a place called Riva, but he never really thought it was true. Which is why, when he learns that the Orb has been stolen, he doesn't give much thought to it. Until a mysterious traveler who seems to know his Aunt Pol tells him that not only is the legend of the Orb true, but that the prophecies state that he must go on a quest to retrieve the Orb and return it to its rightful place. He is intrigued, if slightly less than thrilled, and agrees to go.

by Emma, Resident David Eddings Scholar ( )

This is a solid series, I was reading two books a day.It is a light read, it is an enjoyable read, and it is a book I returned to after many years.I highly suggest reading Belgarath and Polgara prior to the Belgariad though. ( )

What a slow mover this is!! It had come highly recommended to me and although I like the general plot it's not as fast paced as I'd like and Eddings does very little to develop characters or their place in the narrative.

The preface introduces the reader to the Gods, who are central in the historical make-up of the text - the landscape and the characters - but it completely bored me and I do need to keep being reminded of whose who and who did what to who. ( )

Hmmm. I'm still not quite sure what I think of this. It's very obviously The First Book In The Series, and things happen, but nothing's resolved. I really have to reserve judgment until after I read the next one. ( )