I absolutely LOVE the Belgariad series by David and Leigh Eddings (and its follow-up series, the Mallorean). I read them when I was in middle school (around 14, I think?) so I don't think it would be too old for him. They're relatively thin books, but still good for smart kids--about 200 pages each, I want to say? The protagonist is a young adolescent boy, too, which might help snag his attention. They're lighthearted and funny, but exciting. Clean, fun, enjoyable fantasy, and I still go back and read Eddings stuff pretty often because they're just FUN. (I prefer the Elenium/Tamuli series because they are slightly "older," if you will, but the Belgariad and Mallorean are still a blast and get reread often as well.)
The first book is "Pawn of Prophecy."
I've only read some of the more "grown up" Gaiman, so I unfortunately can't be of help there. Sorry!
no subject
I absolutely LOVE the Belgariad series by David and Leigh Eddings (and its follow-up series, the Mallorean). I read them when I was in middle school (around 14, I think?) so I don't think it would be too old for him. They're relatively thin books, but still good for smart kids--about 200 pages each, I want to say? The protagonist is a young adolescent boy, too, which might help snag his attention. They're lighthearted and funny, but exciting. Clean, fun, enjoyable fantasy, and I still go back and read Eddings stuff pretty often because they're just FUN. (I prefer the Elenium/Tamuli series because they are slightly "older," if you will, but the Belgariad and Mallorean are still a blast and get reread often as well.)
The first book is "Pawn of Prophecy."
I've only read some of the more "grown up" Gaiman, so I unfortunately can't be of help there. Sorry!