I discovered The Belgariad when I was twelve. I remember immersing myself in the first four books and waiting anxiously for the fifth to be released, and then following The Malloreon, the follow-up series, avidly forward.
While I can’t say that The Belgariad was the first fantasy I’d ever read, I can certainly say without hesitation that it was the most formative.
Many people think of quest fantasy is a genre cliche, but Eddings did it right. He created a lush and varied world. He created races that were distinct from each other and carried cultural identities without being one-dimensional. He created strong characters with realistic strengths, flaws and emotions. Opening those books has always felt comforting and welcoming. It’s like going home.
I still re-read the ten books of The Belgariad and The Malloreon about once a year; I have always faithfully carried the same old well-worn and spine-broken copies around with me, every time I’ve moved. I barely recognize the books in their new and shiny condition when I see them on a bookstore shelf.
Bruce Baugh at Tor.com sums up my feelings for these books very eloquently.
If you’ll excuse me, I have some re-reading to do.
