And I think a lot of how good you believe something is is all about the frame of mind you have before starting it.

I cannot defend the age-old cliche story that this series is and thankfully doesn’t try to hide being.Īt the point in my life where I fell in love with it, I liked the age-old cliche, I revelled in its grandeur. It’s about a farm-boy who meets an old wizard and goes on an adventure to defeat the dark lord with the help of some quirky companions, a magic sword is involved, grand scale war between kingdoms, prophecies, chosen ones, a romance with a princess and evil gods against wizards of light. The plot is probably the thing which receives the most criticism. It’s a difficult thing to admit - being a massive fan of something that is objectively cliche, of-its-time and arguably tired. I am an ardent defender of the series whilst also acknowledging its flaws. Many things that were once charming about The Belgariad became annoying upon a reread. Secret Journey was the travel music when the company was trekking across the lands of Edding’s creation (try this, it still works!). I decided that Spirits In The Material World was the theme of Garion (the main character), Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic was the theme of Ce’Nedra (the main character’s love interest) and Invisible Sun was the theme of Asharak the Murgo and the sinister Grolim Priesthood (villains). I created a soundtrack out of the album for the characters in the book. I had a CD Walkman and the disc was replayed so often whilst reading this book that the machine became so hot on my skin. Soon enough I stumbled across Pawn of Prophecy on my Mum’s bookshelf. My Dad had bought The Police album Ghost in the Machine for my Mum, she admitted to not being the biggest fan… so I pilfered it and devoured it, listening to it on repeat… I have a distinct memory of reading The Belgariad. I think it’s true to say that the majority of people who enjoy(ed) The Belgariad series enjoy(ed) it as adolescents.

Pawn of Prophecy by David Eddings