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I really thing people are too hard on Paolini. The story was interesting and as good as many fantasy books that are popular. I honestly think that the format of the story (typical archetypes + dragons + other _very_ common fantasy elements) really limits how a story can be shaped and everything that Paolini allegedly stole are so common as to be common property anyway. Yes, Paolini should have to try harder to get published (I think it would have published anyway) and the common fantasy elements
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A mediocre fantasy novel that is noteworthy for two reasons:
1) It was written and self-published by a fifteen-year-old, and
2) It was nowhere near as bad as the film.
_Eragon_ follows the formula of heroic fantasy initiated by Tolkein:
a. Young nobody discovers that he has a marvelous destiny
b. Young nobody is forced to flee his home
c. Young nobody discovers hidden reservoirs of strength/ability/magic/powers that distinguish him as superior to everyone else
d. Young nobody becomes Puissant Valiant H ...more
1) It was written and self-published by a fifteen-year-old, and
2) It was nowhere near as bad as the film.
_Eragon_ follows the formula of heroic fantasy initiated by Tolkein:
a. Young nobody discovers that he has a marvelous destiny
b. Young nobody is forced to flee his home
c. Young nobody discovers hidden reservoirs of strength/ability/magic/powers that distinguish him as superior to everyone else
d. Young nobody becomes Puissant Valiant H ...more
The book is a lovely edition in how it is constructed but I want my week back that I spent reading the darn thing. It is derived from my least favorite stories: Star Wars, the Belgariad, and the sappiest of the Pern books. After suffering through this book I have no desire to read the next in the series.
Here's the thing: I want a dragon. This book has its share of problems, but I was still enthralled when farmboy Eragon's big blue "stone" he found turns out to be an egg that hatches a dragon. A dragon that is his devoted companion, and communicates telepathically with him and helps him perform magic. And makes him a Dragon Rider, the hope for the forces of good. You know?
Still, Paolini, who was 15 when his parents published the book, obviously was obsessed with Tolkien and borrowed the master's ...more
Still, Paolini, who was 15 when his parents published the book, obviously was obsessed with Tolkien and borrowed the master's ...more
When you think about the fact that Paolini was only fifteen when he published Eragon, this novel is remarkable. The complicated plotline follows many fantasy conventions and features a lovable pair of heroes in Eragon and Saphira. I recommend this to fantasy fans.
The book is better than the movie. This young author lives just down the road from me. I'm impressed with his talent and being able to get into such detail. Eragon and Eldest are both excellent reads. I can't wait for the third installment.
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A decent story, but the fact that it was written by a 15 year old definitely shows. Recommended for younger fantasy readers just starting out in the genre...older readers will have seen all this before, only with better writing.
reminded me a lot of Lord of The Rings.. :p
Sep 07, 2007
Christi
marked it as to-read
Mar 13, 2008
Mellow-osity
marked it as to-read
Jan 14, 2009
M
marked it as to-read
Aug 01, 2009
Erin
marked it as to-read
