Goodbye David...

I just learned that David Eddings, creator of the best fantasy series of all time The Belgariad, passed away at the age of 77 in June. I am shocked and saddened by this news. I adored his works. He created Belgarath and Polgara, mighty immortal sorcerers who were flawed, funny, and fabulous.

And now he has gone. His wife and collaborator, Leigh Eddings, passed away early 2007. And even though he finished the Belgariad series with the publication of The Rivan Codex, in 1998, he went on to publish The Dreamers series. He published 27 novels ranging from adventure to fantasy.

I would urge anyone who hasn't read his works to rush out and pick up The Pawn of Prophecy right now. It will only take that first book... trust me. He was an inspiration to me and a writer whose career I admired and envied. And it is always his voice I hear when I read Belgarath telling one of his fabulous stories.

To David, I would say this..
The campfire has dimmed under the darkening sky,
the storyteller's place stands empty
We will keep a plate warm
and trade a meal for a rousing tale of glory...