Tomes of Spellcasting--Pawn of Prophecy

Tomes of Spellcasting

Welcome to the land of mystery, where the impossible is possible, and the improbable the reality. Join me as I investigate worlds filled with magic and meet the souls that wield this wondrous powers.

W A R N I N G !

This review does not represent the opinions of the general public. It reflects my personal thoughts and opinions on the book.

That said, on to the review!

Title: Pawn of Prophecy
Author: David Eddings
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Format: Paperback
Copyright Date: 1982

Garion grew up on Faldor's farm in Sendaria, with the kitchen where his Aunt Pol worked as the center of his little world and the gates to the farm its boundary. But there was a world beyond it that he had little glimpses of now and again, brought to him time after time by the mysterious vagabond whom his aunt called "Old Wolf." But something is happening in that greater world which must change the little world of the farm, something that is bringing about changes in the world and that will greatly disrupt the peace he's known. For the old vagabond is back, and it's imperative that Garion and Aunt Pol leave with him. But in the world beyond Faldor's farm Garion's traveling companions are not what they seem. Who is this old storyteller who commands such respect from kings and nobles? And who is his Aunt Pol really, who carries herself with the regal air of a noblewoman and herself commands the respect and devotion of the people? Garion feels the foundations of his identity shifting in strange and unnatural ways that threaten to engulf him in confusion and despair. He longs for the world he's left behind, but with destiny driving his life in another direction that only causes him more grief, will he ever recover who he was or discover who he really is?

Pawn of Prophecy is the beginning of the Belgariad, David Eddings' masterful quintet about another world where men war and gods grieve. It does a terrific job of providing this world's background through historical/religious texts in the beginning of the book. And yet, the story itself starts innocently enough, describing the growth and upbringing of a young boy who seems to have no ties whatsoever to the events of the distant past. As a result, the reader has a chance to watch the story grow as the boy grows, to take an anticipatory interest in the development of the story as one eagerly awaits the day a flower blooms.

I'm many years from my first reading of this series, so I can't offer much without divluging too much, but I'll say this: the author does an excellent job of establishing Garion's character. The reader can see the innocent gestures and behavior of a toddler gradually developing into the curiousity and mischief of a young boy and the onset of adolescence. The reader understands when and why Garion is upset, why he is scared, why he reacts the way he does. Everything we see through Garion's eyes is easily comprehensible and understandable. So we can readily sympathize with him when everything he knows about himself and the world is shaken by the revelations that the people he loves most aren't who he thought they were.

Pawn of Prophecy is a terrific introduction to a series whose parts equal a tremendous whole. From the moment you read about this world's history to the final chapter where Garion and his companions are beginning their quest it is a compelling tale that refuses to be ignored even for a moment. Just pick it up and you'll see what I mean...or maybe you won't since you won't be able to put the book down. Oh, well. Enjoy!

Rating: Thumbs up! If you've ever had the basis of your identity badly shaken, then this is a book for you!

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