David Edding's Fans discussion
This topic is about
Pawn of Prophecy
The Belgariad - First Read
Hey All -Just wanted to update anyone reading this and let them know, I'll have the first couple of chapters of Pawn of Prophecy blogged about tonight.
Check it out 8pm PST.
www.ivorydooms.blogspot.com
looking forward to it..I always find your views insightful and they sometimes really make me look at events in books differently..esp rothfuss..lol ..thanks
No problem - I should be thanking you!I'm so pleased people have been coming by the blog and reading along. I've been getting more and more people everyday so far. So that encourages me a lot!
I plan on doing another reread of Rothfuss after ASOIAF and Mistborn when I finish the Belgariad. So stick around! (And Subscribe!)
I'll be posting on Chapters 3 through 5 tonight. Swing by the blog around 8PM PST.I hope we can get some conversations going about this book, I'm really starting to get into it!
Do you wish you had read the series years ago? It was probably the first fantasy series I read after LOTR and really gave me the fantasy bug. I agree with you that eddings doesn't really employ much trickery in his character progression but he does keep a few aces up his sleeve. I have always thought that this series would make a great tv series in the mold of game of thrones only for a younger age group, a great way to introduce kids to fantasy. Do you agree that the fantasy genre has changed since this series was written and that most books are less "fluffy" nowadays.
have you read any David Gemmell at all? He's another great author that I started reading round about the same time.
Honestly, I'm kinda glad I'm reading it now because I feel like I'm giving it a lot more attention than I would have when I was younger. My first introduction to Fantasy was Harry Potter and I actually was surprised to find a lot of parallels with his character to Garion's. I wouldnt be surprised if Rowling took some inspiration from Edding's.I could see what I've read so far being made into a tv show or something. I'd actually probably find it quite entertaining. Even a scyfy miniseries would be pretty cool.
I do think fantasy has progessed a bit since 1982 and that is has really grown into a much darker genre. I like that Edding's stays true to a lot of medieval culture, especially in the setting, but I appreciate the fact he didnt include so much description of war crimes and casualties or class descrimination. I understand why authors employ those techniques and they are realistic which I appreciate. But sometimes lighter novels like Pawn of Prophecy are just endearing for the simple fact you get straight to the characters and story your are most interested in without all the side drama. I like that he creates his setting more from small things than being over the top descriptive.
I actually haven't read any David Gemmell. Though I've been considering it ever since Patrick Rothfuss won the David Gemmell award and blogged on it. The trophy was an awesome battle ready axe. Sweet huh? What would you suggest is Gemmell's best work? I've got a huge line up to read but adding a few more couldn't hurt LOL.
You're making me want to read it again!I'm really liking being able to follow along as you read it for the first time, I don't usually read this sort of thing because it's often about a book I haven't read and I don't like spoilers, but this is fun.
Don't forget that many of the fantasy constants of today date from the early 80s. You might find something that is common in today's fantasy, but it started with or around the same time as Eddings.
Thanks Louise, I'm enjoying writing about it. I feel like I'm getting a lot more out of the story this way.and Neal, that's a good point, probably why I see the parallel to something like Harry Potter. Just another build on the same idea basically.
You need to read the two prequels too. They give the backstory leading up to Garion going to the farm.
Legend or Waylander are probably the best two gemmell books but they are all amazing reads. I agree with you..durnick is a very likeable character but I just love Silk..tho you haven't probably met him yet. Eddings interactions between his characters on the journey are so enjoyable too..they really help you immerse yourself in the journey IMO.
Hello All -Just wanted to let anyone interested know I published my next blog on Pawn of Prophecy. Only covers a couple chapters, but I'm going to be taking it slow on this series as I have some goals for the other series I'm covering.
Anyway, check it out! Comment! I appreciate it!
The origins Barak, Silk, and a few others that turn up is not really explained in the series, but they are definately explained in the two prequels.Basically, Belgarath has spent a large part of his time setting up various relationships.
OH really? Damn, I wish I'd known that, I'd have read the prequals first.Eh. oh well. Guess I'll find out eventually.
Prequels were meant to be read after the two series. They probably wouldn't make as much sense without having read the original two stories as much of them is specifically devoted to fleshing stuff out. One of the most interesting things is how they explain just who the Duchess of Erat is.
Okay. I feel a little better then.When I read Drizzt Legacy I started with the prequals and I was really happy I did. So that's why I got a little bummed.
But I know what you mean. When I read Sword of Truth I read Debt of Bones last, which worked better, I don't think I would have enjoyed it as much if I'd read it first.
It would be really good as a tv show, a series, or even a movie (Or more :P) But unfortunately Eddings refused all the hollywood agents that asked him to make them.... :( I have read the first thre books about..... 6-7 times and all the rest about 5-6. XD I love them, I have all of them, and they are the best books in the world. XD I wish they could make it into a series, but they'd need someone who has read it lots, (Like me, or my brother or people like that) Because otherwise they, (LIke everyone) Will add stupid bits in, or take critical bit out!
So very true, there have been a lot of brilliant books murdered by a bad adaptation... and yet we still want to see them made.
Yes. If only they wouldn't keep making them better, cause when they try to make them better it only makes them worse. Well I have to admit some movies do make them more interesting but not necessarily better.
Oh man Louise you hit the nail on the head. Sometimes I feel like Hollywood tricks us into that though.Okay...maybe not. We just keep believe they will change when most likely...they wont.
But Yah, I'd enjoy seeing this in film or miniseries or tv adaptation. It's certainly a good read. Though I agree, I wish they'd consult a few actual fans of fantasy before making these movies or similar novels into movies as well.
I think it would be a good series, as you can actually see their life better as a series, as you're focusing on them. If you have a movie, it's not focusing on them, it's focusing on the story line more.
Maybe a tv series rather than a film could work for this, I'm told Game of Thrones has been done very well, (by a fan of it,) though I haven't seen it.
As a fan of ASOIAF I think its pretty well done as well.It's over sexualized, but what do you really expect for a late night HBO Tv Show? know what I mean.
There have been a few discrepencies that really bothered me in it, but I've found it overall enjoyable to watch and am stoked for the next season.
I think the first couple books could make a nice Syfy Miniseries.
I guess. I agree that it should be a series. :D. I would certainly love to act in it, or help in it, or something, I would hate if they did it and hadn't even read the book once all the way through. :C >:( that would suck. But oh how I would love to be an actor in it. XD<3
What part would you play?I don't have any aspirations as far as acting is concerned but I would love to cast it and then be a consultant to keep them on track.
I would love to play silk but think I look more like durnik or Barak
LOL. SIlk is my favorite actor. I would probably be Polgara (Even though I am young) or Adara, I kind of look like her, (Part from her pale complexion.) LOL. Actually it's funny, after reading the book so many times I created a character called Kvera, she was a drasnian/Algar and she slightly had the will and the word. XD Anywayz...
I love Durnik. I think he is my favorite character!But since I'm a chick, I'd probably try to play someone like Ce'nedra. She is bossy and a little snobby sometimes, but it doesn't get much better than Queen of The World.
haha. LOL. CeNedra is cool. XD I'd love for it to be made a movie....
Who do you think would be the best actors to portray your favorite character?I think Johnny Depp might do an awesome Silk...
ahhh... yes he would be at that. don't know if he's short enough though. (but I guess that the movie people can do something about that.) He's funny enough, that's for sure. who would you think could play Durnik?
That's really not easy, maybe Hugh Jackman or Richard Armitage for Durnik?I would think Garion and CeNedra would need to be relatively unknown.
Silk... David Tennant?
Barak - Brian Thompson
I have a long list of NOT's for Aunt Pol. My first thought was Rachel Blakely... she's older than the character is supposed to look, but then she looks a lot closer to it than Emma Thompson looks to 19 and it didn't stop her! ;o)
OMG! I love David Tennant! he's one of my favorite actorS!!!! Why did I not think of him? He is sooooo cooooolllllll and I absolutely love his accent. Yush... Polgara would be a hard person to get I guess.... Umm... Well. she's meant to be the most beautiful lady in the world and then she can be the most terrible/scary.... so yeah...
Oh Hugh Jackman might make a nice Durnik. I agree with that.I could see Jennifer Lawrence playing a good Ce'Nedra or even Dakota Fanning.
I think the latter might do it better.
As for Aunt Pol...that is a tough one. Along with Barak. I couldn't think of anyone to play him.
Maybe Angelina Jolie for Aunt Pol or uh...Charlize Theron. She'd probably do a decent job.
Judi dench for aunt pol??? anyone??...love the Johnny depp idea..what about belgarath ..maybe Ian mckellan could swap being Gandalf...or Sean Connery?
I could definitely see Ian McKellan or Sean Connery as Belgarath but Judi Dench? Aunt Pol is supposed to look 25ish and beautiful!
Ian Mckellan could pull it off perfectly, but the association with Gandalf would be awful!!I could see Sean Connery giving it a try.
Isn't Judi Dench a little old? LOL.
Maybe its a sorta random choice by I think Richard Gere would make a decent Belgarath...
EDIT: I also think Eddie Murphy might do a good Silk as well.
Susan Sarandon for aunt pol even..Barak is a tough one...ray winstone?
lol I forgot she was old but looked young...so someone with the attitude of Judi dench but looks 25...hmmm
Susan Sarandon is still a little old but she has the acting ability to pull it off certainly.Eddie Murphy would definitely be an interesting take on Silk, I think I could grow to like his interpretation, though he's not quite how I picture him.
hmm... not sure... I'm not too good with the actors thing. XD I kind of see them all in my head and then kind of put them to people I know. :) so yeah, I'm not sure about them. Polgara is meant to be really old, but young at the same time. And she has got to have a massive temper and loud voice.....
what about tom hardy or Christian bale as Barak...maybe Rachael Weiss as aunt pol...and Robert Downey Jr as silk
Yah, that is what I thought of Eddie Murphy as Silk. He could work with the Hollywood spin they'd want to throw on the character I think.Though it might be difficult to take him seriously.
Another younger person I think could pull of Aunt Pol would be Anne Hathaway. She's good enough looking and sometimes can pull that sorta attitude off.
The best Barak would have been Andre the Giant...too bad he isn't around anymore. :(
Colin, we keep posting at the same time LOL!!I like Robert Downey Jr. He could do a nice Silk as well!!
I just want someone huge to be Barak....I cant think of any ridiculously large actors though.
Maybe Liev Shrieber...the guy who played Sabretooth on Xmen...
EDIT: What about Hetar or Mandalorren? Or Bril?
or the guy who played drogo in game of thrones...hettar...viggio mortenson...mandalloren...Sean bean...I dunno..lol I'm just trying to get to sleep and can't stop comparing actors to the characters in my head now...oh the joys of goodreads lol
hmm.... Robert Downy Junior is good,,, what about Lelldorin? and Adara? Layla? there's too many people! Grr.. I just wish their could be a movie or something...
nope now going for Karl Urban as mandalorren and how's this for a wild card....Morgan Freeman as belgarath...tho now can't decide between Kate beckensdale and Scarlett Johansson for aunt pol
lelldorrin...Orlando bloom is already trained with a bow...lol
Good point. What about ones for Garion. Cause they need ones for when he's a kid and when he's bigger.
I havent been active on this group, since I've never read David Edding's before, but I wanted to invite you to join me in changing that...
I've recently (as in yesterday) started a blog where I discuss Fantasy Literature from all kinds of different angles. I'll be doing rereads and first reads, book reviews, movie and tv reviews, as well as a smattering of other things and personal interjection, all to do with Fantasy Literature.
Anyway, I'll be conducting a First Read of David Edding's The Belgariad Series starting on a Pawn of Prophecy. The announcement should show up on there tonight around 6pm PST. But I'm also doing a reread of A Song of Ice and Fire, if anyone is interested and that blog is already posted with more to come shortly.
I'll probably be putting up a few posts a week. If you check back again on Sunday I'll have my review of the new movie, The Hobbit as well.
Check it out - Comment, Subscribe, and Share. I'd really appreciate it and I think it would be awesome if I could get some Edding's fans to go through the read with me, even if it isnt their first read.
Thanks so much for reading all this -
www.ivorydooms.blogspot.com