Belgariad reading order (Pawn of Prophecy, 1982)

Two finished five-book runs, then two companion novels that spoil both endings. Chronology charts put Belgarath and Polgara first because they cover thousands of years before Pawn. That path is a reread map. Publication order is the first visit.

The Elenium / Tamuli is a different Eddings world. It is not Belgariad 13.

The Belgariad

Read them in this order. There is no contested start inside these five.

The Malloreon — after, same cast

The Malloreon opens after the Belgariad’s ending is settled history. Do not start on Guardians of the West for a first Garion visit.

Companion novels — after both quintets

Contested chrono, labeled: both companions cover the deep past. Both assume you already know how the ten novels resolve. Belgarath first, then Polgara, if you want them at all.

House rule: Belgariad → Malloreon → companions optional. Stop after Enchanters’ End Game if five books is enough.

Common mistakes

• Starting with Belgarath the Sorcerer because it is “earlier.”
• Starting with Guardians of the West because a shop lists Malloreon as a separate series.
• Mixing in The Diamond Throne (Elenium) as Belgariad 6.
• Treating the two companion novels as required prequels.

What to read next

1. The Elenium is a different Eddings shelf. Start The Diamond Throne only if you want Sparhawk, not Garion.
2. Shannara (Terry Brooks) — If you want another long Four Lands shelf where book one and the recommended door are not the same argument.
3. The Inheritance Cycle (Christopher Paolini) — If you want a shorter finished quest four with a clear book one.
4. The Wheel of Time (Robert Jordan) — If the prophecy-and-farmboy shape was the hook and you want a longer climb.
5. Stop after Enchanters’ End Game. The Belgariad five are a complete visit.

FAQ

Can I start with Belgarath?
Not for a first read. It spoils both quintets early.

Do I need the Malloreon?
No. The Belgariad closes. The Malloreon is more of the same cast.

Is the Elenium connected?
No. Different world. Either sequence first.

Publication or chronological?
Publication for a first visit. Chronology only after you already know the endings.

Sources

• Penguin Random House, The Belgariad — publisher series list for the first five. Opened 2026-09-22.
• Penguin Random House, The Malloreon — publisher series list for the sequel five. Opened 2026-09-22.