If you have any interest in fantasy, you’ve probably heard of, or at least seen the covers of the Belgariad at some point in your reading career.  The five novel fantasy series, composed of the creatively named Pawn of Prophesy, Queen of Sorcery, Magician’s Gambit, Castle of Wizardry, and Magician’s End Game (and no, chess is not involved in the plot), is ubiquitous, well known, and likely available at your local library. Where’s the downside?

Unfortunately, the flaws in David Eddings’s Belgariad are easy to find.  Within the first couple of pages, a discerning reader can learn the ending (thus removing any possibly uncomfortable suspense) as well as determine that the plot goes the way of the most painfully typical of fantasy novels.  The hero, Gareth, is a sandy haired orphan, raised by his "aunt" on a farm. Of course, he’s really the descendant of kings who is destined to complete any number of tasks with a number of helpers in order to defeat an Evil God, take back his ancestral kingdom, and marry the beautiful princess.   Could Eddings be any more cliché if he tried?

Reading this, some readers must think, "Well, my friend said that the Belgariad was good, but what do they know anyway?"  Well…if you have a friend who said this, they’re right…sort of.  Despite the complete lack of curiosity in the ending, cliche plot, stereotypical characters, etc. the Belgariad has earned its place as one of the most beloved fantasy series on this side of Tolkien.  Why is this?  Simply put, the Belgariad’s virtues make up for its flaws, something found in few novels.  Despite that the required tasks needed to complete the plot ought to be monotonous and that the stereotypical fantasy heroes and helpers ought to be grating, they’re not.  Somehow Eddings manages to take the worst parts of the fantasy genre and make them interesting.  His supporting characters take life and his sense of humor and non-pretentious writing style makes reading a pleasure.   With so many fantasy novels turning into tracts for alternate religions, Eddings shows what fantasy ought to be; an escape from the painful drudgery of the real world.

Does this mean that you should go and buy all of Eddings’s books, from the Belgariad to the Elenium?  It depends.  Eddings is fun, light, and good easy reading.  Despite that the reader knows the ending, enough suspense is maintained to draw the reader along, despite the inevitability of what’s to come.  On the other hand, reading more than one of his series in a row is a chore, primarily as eventually most minds do go "wait, I’ve read this before…many, many, many times".  If you’re the sort of person who reads fantasy for the pleasure of escaping imaginary worlds, Eddings is probably the ideal writer for you.  On the other hand, if you’re looking for some sort of deep, religious, or intellectual experience, beware of Eddings, for he is sure to disappoint.