by David Eddings
Fantasy, of the Eddings Kind
Reviewed by: Twelve
About Twelve
I've heard a whole variety of opinions about David Eddings. While you can't be a true fantasy fan and not respect the author, he is one of a style that you either love or hate. Even many of his most diehard fans will agree, however, that his best writing is certainly not taking place at this time. In fact, it was during the early eighties and mid-nineties when Eddings wrote the works that have established him as one of the best writers in the history of the fantasy genre.
It all began, perhaps, with the first book of THE BELGARIAD series named 'Pawn of Prophecy'. Upon reading this book last year, I thought that it sounded very familiar to other fantasy books that I've read. However, seeing that this book was first published in April or 1982, I realized that many author are copying HIM. Like Michael Moorcock, David Eddings carried along the torch started off by J.R. Tolkien and influenced a whole generation of writers.
A peculiar aspect of Eddings writing comes from the realistic nature of his characters. In many fantasies, there is often the tendency of an author to try and make his characters as fantastic and as weird as their surroundings. This might appeal to some. However, most people like to read about characters that seem similar to what they know of in reality.
The story centers around a boy named Garion, who doesn't seem particularly spectacular in any way. He has doubts, fears, and dreams just like any other boy his age. Eddings does a very good job slowly building a fantastic, imaginative world around him. Before you know it, you are brought into an understanding of this boy's peculiar destiny. He is surrounded by characters who seem just as normal and real, yet they too end up slowly being built into figures of a new mythology. I consider this to be masterful storytelling. Eddings makes it very hard to call his creativity 'corny'.
Another rather important aspect of the Eddings style is his sense of humor. Eddings doesn't fall for the trap of taking him or his characters too seriously. Eddings' dialogues are considered to be some of the best in all of fantasy. They can make you laugh, sound authentic, and play an important part in telling a tale. Nowadays, it might be said that Eddings has TOO much dialogue, if that's possible. However, in 'Pawn of Prophecy', it is mixed in quite well with the text. In this case, the often witty dialogue only compliments the tale.
Finally, an aspect that might be missed by some: Eddings' religious and political commentary. I have yet to read an Eddings book where it isn't clear that he's trying to make some point about contemporary ideas and attitude in modern day Christianity or politics. You might not agree with his sometimes over-obvious references, but they will make you think. As an author of fantasy book that also comments on religion, I admit to having more boldness to doing it myself after seeing how Eddings handles it in his books.
'Pawn of Prophecy' is only the first part of a series of books that is considered by many to be an epic in its final compilation. Within this series are characters and a tale that you will never forget. If you've always heard about David Eddings yet never knew where to start, here is where you begin. If you end up not being able to stop, don't worry. Millions have felt the same.
Click here to buy this book, or read more about it at Amazon.com: Pawn of Prophecy
Copyright © by Twelve, 2003
Reviewed by Twelve
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