Eragon (Inheritance - Book 1)

published	2005 by Knopf Books for Young Readers
first published	2003
binding	Paperback
isbn	0375826696 (isbn13: 9780375826696)
pages	528
description	Here's a great big fantasy that you can pull over your head like a comfy old sweater and disappear into for a whole weekend. Christopher Paolini began...more [close] Here's a great big fantasy that you can pull over your head like a comfy old sweater and disappear into for a whole weekend. Christopher Paolini began Eragon when he was just 15, and the book shows the influence of Tolkien, of course, but also Terry Brooks, Anne McCaffrey, and perhaps even Wagner in its traditional quest structure and the generally agreed-upon nature of dwarves, elves, dragons, and heroic warfare with magic swords. Eragon, a young farm boy, finds a marvelous blue stone in a mystical mountain place. Before he can trade it for food to get his family through the hard winter, it hatches a beautiful sapphire-blue dragon, a race thought to be extinct. Eragon bonds with the dragon, and when his family is killed by the marauding Ra'zac, he discovers that he is the last of the Dragon Riders, fated to play a decisive part in the coming war between the human but hidden Varden, dwarves, elves, the diabolical Shades and their neanderthal Urgalls, all pitted against and allied with each other and the evil King Galbatorix. Eragon and his dragon Saphira set out to find their role, growing in magic power and understanding of the complex political situation as they endure perilous travels and sudden battles, dire wounds, capture and escape. In spite of the engrossing action, this is not a book for the casual fantasy reader. There are 65 names of people, horses, and dragons to be remembered and lots of pseudo-Celtic places, magic words, and phrases in the Ancient Language as well as the speech of the dwarfs and the Urgalls. But the maps and glossaries help, and by the end, readers will be utterly dedicated and eager for the next book, Eldest. (Ages 10 to 14) --Patty Campbell
date added	02-16-07 edit book

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Eragon: Overly dramatic?	2	04/10/2008 03:27PM
should young people write books?	11	03/15/2008 06:05AM
big rip off	21	03/10/2008 03:13PM

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Ann rated it:

04/14/08

bookshelves: actionadventure, animals, fantasy

Read in April, 2008

recommends it for: Fans of fantasy epics

I’m very happy I’ve finally read Eragon! It’s been a book that I’ve been curious to read for a long time. Because of it’s comparisons with Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings (which I very much love!) I’ve wondered if Eragon would be another great fantasy epic or a terrible rip-off. I’m not entirely sure that it is either. But I did enjoy the book, and would recommend it to others!

I’ve wavered between giving this three or four stars. I would like to give it three and half, but...more I’m very happy I’ve finally read Eragon! It’s been a book that I’ve been curious to read for a long time. Because of it’s comparisons with Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings (which I very much love!) I’ve wondered if Eragon would be another great fantasy epic or a terrible rip-off. I’m not entirely sure that it is either. But I did enjoy the book, and would recommend it to others!

I’ve wavered between giving this three or four stars. I would like to give it three and half, but as I can’t, I’ll go with three for now. I feel it’s a good, solid, well thought out story. I felt that I trusted Paolini to have thought through all of the choices a character had available, and that he’d made sure the characters were making the correct choices for them at that moment in time (and that if not, that were the point).
I thought there was good character arc and good build to the story. I liked the characters a lot, but I’m not sure I totally loved them or felt completely invested. It took me a while to understand Saphira’s personality, but once I did I liked her a lot, and the fact that she reminded me greatly of cats was a huge plus! It is a fantasy epic like LOTR, but it focuses of fewer characters, which I think hindered the story (for me) a little, because I didn’t feel a huge connection with the characters right from the beginning. But, as I said, I did like them all, and was curious for the outcomes and hopeful that the end would be happy.
All in all it was an enjoyable and interesting read, and Paolini raises some good, interesting moral questions. And while a few times I felt certain parts were a bit lengthy, and sometimes a bit confusing, overall the writing style fit the story very well, and was pretty clear.

Regarding the “rip-off-ness” of the book:
Having dabbled in writing and other creative works myself I find that I am very defensive for both Paolini and Tolkien. While I feel that plagiarism is a horrible injustice, I also feel that accusing someone of it where it has not occurred is similarly sad. Therefore, I wanted to be very fair in my analysis (which is, obviously, simply that – my analysis form reading the book without any other insights). So, here are my thoughts on the matter.
I don’t think it can be denied that Paolini’s races in Eragon are derived from Tolkien’s races. Paolini’s descriptions of elves and dwarves are incredibly similar to Tolkien’s – even the Urgals in Eragon are reminiscent of Urk-Hei (sp?). Whether these similarities are due to “thievery” or simply from “inspiration” and the understanding of elves and dwarves that Paolini grew up with, I, of course, cannot say. But I would like to think it the latter.
Also, while there are other LOTR similarities in regard to setting, style, and arc, I don’t think one can say that these were stolen, because such similarities will occur when dealing with good and evil, an ancient era, and fantasy elements.
Aside from these things, I cannot recall much else that was blatantly related to LOTR. The character of Eragon appears original, as does his journey, and the dragon as a character and plot point appears unique as well. Of course, there is the wise-old sage and teacher, but this occurs time and time again anyway.
(One of my favorite parts, actually, is the acknowledgements section of the newer edition of the book.)
So, I did enjoy the book very much, and am looking forward to reading the next. (I enjoyed the book much better than the movie, if that helps.) And yes, I would recommend Eragon to fans of the Epic Fantasy.

***
Sorry, Eragon. Just wanted to let it be known that the reason this book has been on the "reading" shelf for a while is that (well, A, it's very long) but because I started to read Inkheart because I thought the movie would be coming out soon. So, my reading time was put to Inkheart. However, now I've more time to read Inkheart, but since I already know the ending of Eragon, and I don't know the ending of Inkheart, my focus will probably still be on Inkheart for the timebeing as it will be easier to pick Eragon back up and know where things were left off.
Well, that's my hope anyway<g>

***

I started this a few days ago and am very curious to see what the book is like! I've heard so much about it. I wasn't totally impressed by the movie, but so far it seems that there was a lot of detail that was left out of the movie that is in the book. Anyway, I'm glad to finally be reading it!...less

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Brownbetty rated it:

(review of isbn 0375826688)

08/12/07

Read in January, 2004

recommends it for: no one I liked

Two or three years ago, everywhere I went there was some display attempting to sell me Eragon, by Christopher Paolini. It was obviously a bad book without opening the cover: the back cover carries a quote from the book, and an endorsement by Anne McCaffrey, and I'm pretty sure I could get that woman to supply a blurb for a double mint wrapper to the effect of "I couldn't put it down! An author ... to watch for!" The quote is "Wind howled through the night, carrying a scent ...more Two or three years ago, everywhere I went there was some display attempting to sell me Eragon, by Christopher Paolini. It was obviously a bad book without opening the cover: the back cover carries a quote from the book, and an endorsement by Anne McCaffrey, and I'm pretty sure I could get that woman to supply a blurb for a double mint wrapper to the effect of "I couldn't put it down! An author ... to watch for!" The quote is "Wind howled through the night, carrying a scent that would change the world." Please note, the author has just claimed that the world is going to be changed by a smell. Which would actually be an interesting book, sadly, not this one. I know this, because that quote is the first sentence of the book, and what the author means is "Wind howled through the night, carrying a scent giving warning of the coming of persons who would set in motion events that would change the world." I know, it lacks a certain something.

Better the eighty percent of the pit of voles, but still, undeserving of being published.

I do not blame Paolini for writing a bad book. People write, and sometimes, they write badly. But I do blame the editor, and his publishing house. This book is crap, and it should have been obvious to anyone who read it. The main character's most interesting bit of characterization and only vestige of personality is that he collects rocks, and this is only mentioned in one paragraph. He's a transparent sue. Everyone acts as if they have just acquired their motivations and history on a 3x5 card before walking on for their scene.

The plot is a clumsy clunker that is foreshadowed on page 22. He has never known his father, and his mother refused to answer questions about him! Do you think this will turn up again later? His name is Eragon. Like dragon, but with an E. An old man pops in to tell what in a better novel would be suspiciously appropriate myths and folktales every time Eragon needs to know what is going on.

Descriptive sections are often incomprehensible, as for example, "His hand was numb, his fingers paralysed. Alarmed, he watched as the middle of his palm shimmered and formed a diffuse white oval." The only reason I know what the author is intending to say there is because I have read enough fantasy to recognize the Mystical Mark.

Our hero makes decisions that make no sense, simply because they are necessary to move the plot forward. Obstacles like hiding a dragon from those living in your house are hand waved away in two paragraphs. Things that oughtn't be obstacles, like buying groceries, are, just to build sympathy with the protagonist by inserting baseless discrimination.

Why publish this!? Were they incapable of finding something more deserving? Was this book even edited? Is he someone's nephew? Publishing this book is an insult to readers and a disservice to writers everywhere, including Mr. Paolini. It's like telling someone they look great when they have spinach in their teeth. Dammit!...less

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Maggie rated it:

08/30/07

Read in January, 2007

recommends it for: Readers interesed in exploring the fantasy genre

I am not going to go into how this book is or is not better or different than the movie. Frankly, I don't want to get into it.
Basically, I read this on a friend's suggestion. Usually I stray away from the 'young adult' section, if only the reputation (perhaps an innacurate one) of churning out chliche fantasy novels that seem to be more suited towards making a quick prophet than creating a work of artistry. In many ways, Eragon does not stray from the common concept of dragons, ...more I am not going to go into how this book is or is not better or different than the movie. Frankly, I don't want to get into it.
Basically, I read this on a friend's suggestion. Usually I stray away from the 'young adult' section, if only the reputation (perhaps an innacurate one) of churning out chliche fantasy novels that seem to be more suited towards making a quick prophet than creating a work of artistry. In many ways, Eragon does not stray from the common concept of dragons, elves, and magic, as do many fantasy novels. At the time I read it, I became engrossed with, although it is, quite plainly, nothing that new. Ofcourse many books, for better or worse, introduce no new creatures beyond the familiar territory of mythical beasts and beings, and Eragon is no exception.
The reason I give it an average rating is because the story is interesting enough to follow through. Whether it be witches, ghosts, or dragons, all pre-conceived notions, writers must still create their own laws and worlds in wich these beings must reside, and Paolini has done so with much care. Although it may still not be far off his predecessors' trails, he has created a believable world along with it's residents.
As this is only the first of three, I can't very well review this book's plot as a whole. On it's own, it lacks a deffinitive beggining, middle, and end. The climax did not reach as far as it could have and more development of characters and notions would be needed. However, if you look at it as only the beggining of a larger story, it seems to fit perfectly. After reading the second book, I must say that the word 'trilogy' fits these perfectly. Not a series of stories concerning the same character(s), nor seperate journeys joining to form a single quest. It is a single story that just happens to be of a length, more conveniently spread through-out three installments. As the third book is not yet available at the time I wright this, I cannot say if the plot ammounts to as much as it seems or if Paolini will pull off something extrordinarily different.
I can however say, after reading the second book, that the writer is improving, as he is still not fully developed, and, if properly nertuered, will become something much greater. As a first work, I'd say that he has potential, but it has not been fully realized. He is still young and can reach greater heights. This is proven by the pure progress he has made between the first and second books. In my opinion, the second book is better. Ofcourse, as being the middle of a story, ofcourse it will be, by default, more exciting as it reaches it's climax.
In closing, I wouldn't hesitate in reccomending this book to the reader hoping to be introduced into the world of fantasy books. However, for the hard core fantasy fan, I think this series is a bit too predictable. It is the norm among fantasy tales, although I cannot compare how it stands ount against them in other respects. This is not a book that will pull at you to continue reading it after you set it down, but is entertaining none the less, although I'm sure many would disagree to what extent. ...less

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Chelle rated it:

05/07/07

bookshelves: worst-books

recommends it for: 8 year olds

I hate Paolini's work. To my very core. I don't really think it's so much the "he stole from Tolkien/Lucas/Ghandi/God/my dog.." Even though he blatantly took ideas from masterminds, that isn't what bothers me. It's his writing style... When I was fourteen, I admired him out of mere jealously. I was absolutely green with envy that he could publish a book at age fifteen, and recieve any kind of high acclaim. But on retrospect (and nearly vomiting as I attempted to get through a chapter o...more I hate Paolini's work. To my very core. I don't really think it's so much the "he stole from Tolkien/Lucas/Ghandi/God/my dog.." Even though he blatantly took ideas from masterminds, that isn't what bothers me. It's his writing style... When I was fourteen, I admired him out of mere jealously. I was absolutely green with envy that he could publish a book at age fifteen, and recieve any kind of high acclaim. But on retrospect (and nearly vomiting as I attempted to get through a chapter of Eldest, which I failed at miserably), I was done.

On a sort of similar topic: have any of you realized that he is obsessed with stating distances? Something like, "Two feet away stood three troops of fifty, in rows of five, making ten people per row" is a possible sentence that wouldn't surprise me had I seen it in one of his books. He has zero character development (Who IS Eragon? I seemed to have forgotten what he even looks like, or any part of his personality). I DO remember Murtagh... a little. Probably because I pictured him as being hot (and he's played by Garret Hedlund in the movie, which I'll admit I did see because of the amazing CG dragons). Seriously though... the plot is a cliche hero's journey, with no flavor or haecceity thrown into the mix. The characters also are horrible. None of them are memorable and the main character is my least favorite character of them all.

What left is there to hold in high regard? His world building skills? Nay, my friends. I don't know why he decided that his world of Alagaesia had to have EVERY single climate condition imagineable. It made his world seem fake, trite, and boring in my honest opinion. And the language he "created," I'd rather not get started.

Anyway, not that I am one to talk, but Paolini really needs work in his writing skills. His book is receiving such high acclaim, and I am still trying to figure out why. Sure, it's great that he published a book at such a young age, but are we as a society lowering the bar that much as to celebrate mediocrity? Well, I think my job is done here. If you would like to see more of what I have said, there is an entire website focused on the Inheritance Trilogy (with many criticisms). http://www.anti-shurtugal.com/ Fun times at Anti-shurtugal....less

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Briana rated it:

02/03/08

bookshelves: fantasy

Ah...what to say about this book? I can't feel that great about it. In essence, as I have not been a big fantasy reader until recent years, the narrative was done well enough. Paolini has a decent writing style, and I did not find reading this book painful.

However, I do have to say that I agree with many of the statements that he lacks a lot of the originality. I mean, it's pretty obvious that Eragon is hardly more than a Luke Skywalker and that Darth Sauron - I mean Galbatorix is a ri...more Ah...what to say about this book? I can't feel that great about it. In essence, as I have not been a big fantasy reader until recent years, the narrative was done well enough. Paolini has a decent writing style, and I did not find reading this book painful.

However, I do have to say that I agree with many of the statements that he lacks a lot of the originality. I mean, it's pretty obvious that Eragon is hardly more than a Luke Skywalker and that Darth Sauron - I mean Galbatorix is a rip of other things...

I don't know. I think it's commendable that a fifteen year old wrote this piece, buuut his immaturity really does show. When you hear people talking about this book, you don't hear how bright, fresh and amazing it is. You hear "oh he was fifteen!" Well that's great and groovy, but I think it's a pity that his claim to fame is his age and not the content of his story.

I feel this story should have been shelfed and allowed to be editted and rewritten. Paolini seems to have skipped a lot of the stages that other authors experience. With one foot in the printing business through his parents, he didn't have to go through the grueling process of scrutiny, self-doubt, editing that many others may go through. Paolini has not had to prove himself. A grand marketing scheme has pumped him up and inflated him above what he really is.

There are so many blatant 'mistakes' throughout the book that I just can't let slide. Translations into made up languages are word-for-word. The dragon - a predatory animal - has to turn its head to the side to look at someone, versus having eyes set forward like any other predatory animal. There are painfully obvious corollaries between modern political and religious opinions, and Paolini comes off as downright preachy in his delivery rather than judicious. In the telling of his own opinions I found his reasoning faulty and inconsistent.

I kept reading for the sake of knowing what happens - and I read Eldest as well which I felt brought forth even more flaws with Paolini's writing, philosophy and youth. I will probably read the upcoming Brisingr as well - and I hope that there is something fresh added to that mix.

Overall, if you keep your expectations low, this may be a reasonable read that you can sit down and manage to enjoy. My approach to this book was one that I take to action movies. I can enjoy them as long as I've made up my mind to believe some unbelievable, and accept that i will be seeing nothing new. Then you might find it at least entertaining.

...less

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Alana rated it:

10/21/07

bookshelves: awful, fantasy, to-read, youngadult

Read in September, 2007

Eragon is the story of a provincial farm boy, much given to asking blatantly obvious redundant questions to give the other characters a chance to pontificate, who through some odd coincidence turns up a dragon's egg while he is out hunting. Despite having heard stories of dragons and dragon riders his entire life, he does not recognize the egg, or when it hatches the dragon as such, which goes to demonstrate his approximate intelligence for most of the novel. Seriously, if you happened across a ...more Eragon is the story of a provincial farm boy, much given to asking blatantly obvious redundant questions to give the other characters a chance to pontificate, who through some odd coincidence turns up a dragon's egg while he is out hunting. Despite having heard stories of dragons and dragon riders his entire life, he does not recognize the egg, or when it hatches the dragon as such, which goes to demonstrate his approximate intelligence for most of the novel. Seriously, if you happened across a stone that sounds hollow and SQUEAKS, it wouldn't really be that much of a stretch, would it?

The story itself is an odd mish-mash of Star Wars and Tolkien. We have the Uncle murdered by evil minions of the Bad Guy. So Eragon sets off to follow them to avenge his uncle - completely ignoring the fact that these evil minions sole purpose is to find him and then either kill or recruit him (neither of which fall into the desired outcome category). Along the way we're treated to the obligatory broken dominant arm scene; several typical 'oh, I have overreached myself using my amazing never-before-seen talents' moments, very 'force' like pebble-lifting and a whole lot of whining from Eragon being a little adolescent jerk. Finally we're treated to Eragon's brilliant grasp of international trade (much better than that of a merchant) despite the fact that he grew up in a wee village in the middle of nowhere.

In short, Eragon is a wonder-boy who can do practically anything given a few days: beat a swordsman trained from birth, master difficult magic, bless small children...It's unrealistic to the extreme and gets quite irritating.

The writing itself is nothing spectacular. It seems to be quite typical for a 15-year-old. An overuse of adverbs, choppy paragraphs and awkward phrasing, stilted dialogue. It certainly isn't BAD considering his age, but it could have done with some serious editing from someone not related to him or hoping to spare his feelings before publishing. He should have tried his hand at finding his own story, his own characters before he actually got published.

There's MUCH better young adult fantasy out there. I hope that those who are so enthusiastic about this book will turn to some of that next. ...less

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Franco rated it:

05/11/08

This novel would be classified under, “Fantasy Fiction” because lf its creatures and elves. The main summary of this book is, an fifteen year old regular teenager sets off on an long journey of vengeance. One day while hunting he found a blue rock or “egg”. He later tries to sell it for meat, but they wont accept because its from the spine. Eragon later lost interest in the stone and put it aside for a couple a days until something extraordinary happened. The egg hatched and it was a bab...more This novel would be classified under, “Fantasy Fiction” because lf its creatures and elves. The main summary of this book is, an fifteen year old regular teenager sets off on an long journey of vengeance. One day while hunting he found a blue rock or “egg”. He later tries to sell it for meat, but they wont accept because its from the spine. Eragon later lost interest in the stone and put it aside for a couple a days until something extraordinary happened. The egg hatched and it was a baby dragon, it was a dark blue and had long scales. He later went to the town dragon lover, Brom. He asked how take care of them and find a good name for one in particular. He names the dragon Saphira and cared for her over time. After his conversation with Brom, he realized that the dragon could communicate by mind. A day later he saw men interrogating his house, and wanted to get them but Saphira was too scared so she flew away with Eragon. Eragon woke up and went back to the house and saw the whole house burnt’ down and his uncle down on the ground. He brought his uncle back to safety and helped him from being sick to healthy. The last part of the trip he goes to the Varden, he must deal with an a lot dangers, including an army of Urgals chasing them all the way there. The Vardens fortress, located in the depths of the Beor Mountains, is host to groups of dwarves, elves, and Varden, who are in league, having sent Saphira’s egg to The Spine where Eragon found it. Given a short rest, the three along with the Varden and their allies must prepare for the arrival of the Urgal as the approach the mountain. They learn for sure that Galbatorix is in league with the dark forces from a stolen messenge and soon they are in a battle with the Urgal. However, the battle with the Shade leaves him horribly in pain, he still wins!
I thought the writing of this novel was very flat and dry no hard words just a perfect novel to sit down near a small fire and read. The strengths were a good plot and so good characters. The weaknesses were that he made his own language and so I had to keep looking back. I choose this book mostly because Mrs. McGivern told me to choose a different book then Michael Crichton. And I would compare this book to its sequel Eldest. I would recommend this book to fantasy lovers.
Words: 310 ...less

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michelle rated it:

(review of isbn 0375826688)

08/07/07

bookshelves: fantasy

Read in August, 2007

A friend lent me this book after he finished, and I knew nothing about the novel going into it, short of what I had read on the teaser. And so I began...

It took me a while to get into the story. From the get-go I felt that author was trying too hard, being overly dramatic with descriptions and using words like "raven-hair" and "smote". Plus, there was something lacking in the character development; there was a beginning to it, yet the typical layers that exist in human...more

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Faith rated it:

09/07/07

bookshelves: alreadyread

Read in March, 2004

recommends it for: Anyone...especially LOTR fans

I LOVE the Inheritance books. I had never heard of Christopher Paolini before, and was walking through Barnes and Noble when I saw this book on the end display. What caught my eye was the dragon on the front cover (I love dragons, and my "artistic eye" was captivated by the artwork). This is a great fiction/adventure/fantasy novel. Anyone who is a Lord of the Rings would truly have an appreciation for this book. I was hooked from the moment I picked up this book and began reading. The ...more

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Gwyn rated it:

01/23/08

recommends it for: My enemies.

This book spells 'trite' excellently. Unfortunately, that's the best quality it possesses.

This idea has been overworked many times before, and, if I may borrow a baking metaphor, overworked dough makes for flat product. Not only does he steal from successful greats, but ignores completely that the reason why they were great would be because of their ingenuity with GOING TO THE SOURCE and making it their own from there. The book takes information from mouths others, throws it together into a ...more

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Echo rated it:

11/23/07

bookshelves: fantasy, youngadult

Read in November, 2004

recommends it for: Children who haven't been introduced to quality fantasy yet

It's been a few years since I read Eragon, and someday I mean to pick it up again and reread it so I can move on to Eldest. Unfortunately, I remember very little of the book. When I picked up Eldest and read the introduction where Paolini explains what happened in Eragon, I thought, "Really? I don't remember any of that." It was that forgettable. So I can't give much information about plot, characters, or anything very detailed. What I do remember are my reactions when reading the...more

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Jeni rated it:

07/26/07

recommends it for: NO ONE!

I cannot adequately express my complete and utter loathing for this book. I was working at a library during the time that this book was being published and had access to a galley of the novel. I did finish it, but only so I could know (entirely how much) Christopher Paolini (the supposed 16-year-old author-genius) had plagiarized J.R.R. Toklien's "Lord of The Rings" trilogy. If you are not familiar with the Inheritance books, allow me to inform you:

Lord of the Rings: Trilogy
Er...more

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Nightfalltwen rated it:

04/21/08

bookshelves: children-or-young-adult

Read in April, 2008

recommends it for: 15 year old boys with a sword fetish

The story is your typical Hero's Journey (for more info, study up on Joseph Campbell) and that makes the plot fairly predictable. I know a lot of people compare it to Star Wars and say that Paolini copied the ideas from it and LOTR, but Star Wars follows the Hero's Journey almost verbatim and so does Eragon. Come on people. George Lucas and JRR Tolkein are/were no strangers to the idea either. Quit making stupid comments about how this author stole from that author. The hero's journe...more

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Sabrina rated it:

02/08/08

An orphaned boy is raised by his uncle and discovers a power he didn't know he had. He leaves home to learn about this power from an old master after the farm is destroyed by agents of evil. Along the way, he discovers more about his own parents that brings into question his heritage.... wait a minute... haven't we heard this story before? Is anyone else waiting for the James Earl Jones barritone "I am your father" declaration?

Seriously now. Aside from Eragon being another cookie-...more

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Gabriella rated it:

02/02/08

I tried writing a novel when I was fifteen, too; but the difference between me and Paolini is I had the decency to chuck it when I realized how terrible it was. I’m not going to list a host of authours he ‘borrowed’ from — many people just have different opinions where exactly he borrowed from so I don’t want to get into it. It’s just… I think he had potential; descriptively, there were some parts of Eragon that were very well-written. But for the rest, he tried too h...more

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Patrick rated it:

04/14/08

bookshelves: first-books-with-reviews-of-entire-

This is an interesting series. If you don't know, this home-schooled fantasy nut wrote the first draft of this when he was 15 and eventually got it published at 17. The 2nd book was published when he was 19 or 20. He then served an LDS mission and the 3rd book is finally coming out this summer after a long wait.

The first book is OK. The author is smart and knowledgeable, but the book really feels like a mish-mash of all the fantasy series the kid has read. Some more obvious influences ar...more

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Sella rated it:

02/29/08

recommends it for: fantasy lovers

When Eragon finds a polished blue stone in the forest, he thinks it is the lucky discovery of a poor farm boy; perhaps it will buy his family meat for the winter. But when the stone brings a dragon hatchling, Eragon realizes he has stumbled upon a legacy nearly as old as the Empire itself. Overnight his simple life is shattered, and he is thrust into a perilous new world of destiny, magic, and power. With only an ancient sword and the advice of an old storyteller for guidance, Eragon and the fle...more

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Julie rated it:

(review of isbn 0440240735)

04/25/08

bookshelves: fantasy, young-adult

Read in September, 2006

recommends it for: young fantasy fans

I feel as though I'm reiterating what so many have said in the reviews for this book... It's not the best fantasy book out there. Paolini definitely yoinked some stuff from his inspirations (I can't believe he actually named one of the mountains "Dur" something - did he figure it was a "tribute" to Tolkien rather than an outright ripoff?) but he does create his own world as well. Story-wise, it kept me interested enough to want to know what happened. However, many of the char...more

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Brent rated it:

03/21/07

Read in August, 2005

recommends it for: dragon lovers and fighters

i learned that this book kicks butt i mean common ppl you see this explosion in a forest gather up the guts to go see what it was and its a hue piece of saphire (or is it?) well then eragon goes around trying to sell it because his family is poor but know one wants it because it came out of the spine! (for those that dont know what te spine is its a collection of mountians only the brave go in but only the lucky come out) i seen the movie and i literally wanted to send a P.O. email to him i swe...more

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