Many thanks to
noonle for recommending The Belgariad by David Eddings. I'm about 12 chapters into the Diamond Throne and it's awesome! My only complaint is that I can't stand the way that Aunt Pol treats Garion like he's 5 or something and how no one will tell him (us) what the heck is going on! I suppose Garion will prove himself soon enough, though, and then we'll learn all about what's happening.
Thanks you!