I remember reading this series, but I don't remember how good it was. So, I give it three stars. ( )

This is the beginning of a fun, 5 book series. There is another 5 book series, the Mallorean, that comes after plus several additional books, "Polgara", 'Belgarath' & the 'Mrin Codex'. If you stick with the first 5 & maybe the second 5, you'll be happy. Unless this world totally captivates you, reading the 3 additional books is kind of a waste. While there are some tidbits you can pick up, mostly they're a rehash from different POV's of the other 10 books.

That said, the world captivated me. My wife & I originally started reading this series just after the second book came out. We the proceeded to read one book a year - FOREVER! - well, it seemed like forever. Of course, we'd have to re-read or at least skim the earlier books again, so I don't know how many times we read them. Two of my kids have read them at least once each, as well.

It's a sword & sorcery world with a nifty take on it. The characters are engaging, larger than life & just a lot of fun. No sex or gore, it's appropriate for ten or so & up. ( )

Nicely written, introducing the characters by rumor and story before revealing them in our characters. Clearly Garion is blind to his position in his world, but he is believably obtuse about it.. Settling into an enjoyable series. ( )

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 ( )