Rating: 
Summary: Clicheed but very cute
Review: This is going to deal with the whole series, not just this one book, since no one book makes sense on its own.
First of all, to reply to all the critics who hated this clicheed story, I would have to reply that they are all 100% correct. Yes, it was clicheed, yes Eddings did need a thesaurus, except for that one line, "Silk's predations were broadly ecumenical" or something like that, where he overused it.
I was first given this book a few years ago, when I was concentrating on serious fantasy--Terry Goodkind, George RR Martin, and of course, Tolkien. Confession: I did not like Tolkien.
I started it, and got insanely bored by the prologue, which I recomment either skipping or skimming. It is useful later on, but very boring and a bit preachy.
I tried again a few months later, and this time really got into the book. I am still not sure why. I'll admit that the characters are two-dimensional, though I really liked Pol(gara) and Silk was always amusing. I'll also admit that (Bel)garion is a whining little child who is so utterly clueless, it is hard to believe he is awake at all throughout the first few books. The plot is clicheed and a bit trite.
Later on, in "The Rivan Codex" this is all explained--this is precisely what the author wanted to do.
All this, however, is only marginally relevant. My number one criteria is whether I enjoyed the book(s). I did. They are light, airy, and just cute. Even if any reader with half a brain figures it all out by page 40 or so, the stories are fun. The best aspect, for me, was the comedic twist. Silk is hilarious, Beldin is also rather funny, and Belgarath pulls off a few amusing lines. I read these with a corny smile on my face.
While I'll repeat that this is not serious fantasy, it is fun, and that is all that counts.
The unfortunate thing is that the plot is recycled for Mallorean, and the characters are recycled for the Elenium and Tamuli. Durnik= Kurik Sephrenia=Polgara Torak=Azash Orb=Bhellium Flute=Ce'Nedra, etc.
So, if anyone wants unexpected twists and turns, sorry. For anyone who wants to enjoy a few hours, go ahead, pick up something by Eddings
Rating:
Summary: Epic
Review: This is the first installment of the five book series. An epic tale, written by one of the foremost in fantasy, Eddings does not only tell a story, but creates an entire world and culture. Characters are cunning, ruthless, and contain all the emotions that a real person could offer. My first fantasy novel to ever read, Pawn of Prophecy is a great story! This is the most addictive series I have ever read books from, and a great introduction to fantasy. This book follows the young life of Garion, the hero of both the Belgaraid and the Mallorean, sets that span 10 books. Garion thinks he is just a farm boy, but he has the gift of sorcery inside him. Across this book he meets a party of adventurers and discovers his quest to destroy the sleeping god: Torak. The other installments are: Queen of Sorcery Magician's Gambit Castle of Wizardry Enchanter's End Game The Mallorean Guardians of the West King of the Murgos Demon Lord of Karanda Sorceress of Darshiva The Seeress of Kell
Rating: 
Summary: Great children's literature.
Review: This would be an awesome book for a seventh or eighth grader to read or maybe a bright sixth grader to read with a parent. Classic storyline, simple and quick-moving adventure, colorful characters. It just isn't really complex, gritty, or novel enough for an adult audience. 5 stars for kids, 2 stars for adults, average=3 stars (rounded down because this is passed off as adult literature by your local book store).
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