Eldest

Posted by Jordan
Category Categories: Adventure, Fantasy, Fiction, Older Readers, Review
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Our rating: *

Spoiler alert! In order to review this book, I have to give away the ending of Eragon, the previous book in the series. If you haven’t read Eragon, I recommend that you move on to the next review.

Three days after the Varden’s battle with the Urgals, a small fight leaves the Varden leaderless. Ajihad’s daughter is chosen as the new leader, and Eragon leaves to continue his training with the Elves as a Dragon Rider. However, killing the Shade Durza has left Eragon with a wound that leaves him crippled, and he despairs of ever being strong enough to fight the evil king Galbatorix.

Meanwhile, Eragon’s cousin Roran is in a desperate battle against the Ra’zac for his village of Carvahall. Together with his friends, he must convince the village to do whatever it takes to stop the evil of Galbatorix.

First of all, let me say that I enjoyed reading Eldest. That being said, I must say that for being almost 200 pages longer than the previous volume, Eldest certainly takes a long time to tell a simple story. Eragon’s training reminded me of Luke’s in Star Wars Episode V, but it had some good parts. I found myself wishing that Roran get out of the story so I could get back to Eragon’s more exciting life, but he ended up having a reason to exist at the end, so I can forgive him. Also, I have to say that I didn’t agree with a lot of the different religions, although Paolini says they are mythology. On the plus side, the second book in the Inheritance trilogy has more action than the first one. All in all, this one is worth reading, it’s just a little slow.

Eragon

Posted by Rebekah
Category Categories: Adventure, Fantasy, Fiction, Older Readers, Review
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Our rating: **

One day while hunting in the Spine, Eragon discovers a strange, blue stone. He takes it back with him to his Uncle Garrow’s farm, thinking it might be worth something. Little does he know that the seemingly innocent stone is one of the three lost dragon eggs in Alagaesia. When Saphira hatches, Eragon tries to keep her hidden. Then some mysterious, sinister strangers arrive asking questions. Garrow is seriously injured and Eragon finds himself to be a Dragon Rider. Determined to avenge his uncle’s near death, Eragon decides to track down the strangers and deal retribution. Accompanied by Brom, an old storyteller, who seems to know a lot about dragons, Eragon sets out on a quest that may claim his very life.

Hold on to your hats, folks. This may be a long review. Let’s see… Where to start. Eragon is a very entertaining book. The first time I read it, I had trouble putting it down. However, I recommend caution while reading this book. There are several things in it that I don’t agree with. Eragon’s willingness to steal some leather in the beginning, for example. Also, (and I’m not the only one to say this) the plot seems to be sort of a rehash of Lord of the Rings and Star Wars, while the writing style itself could be stronger. On a good note, Saphira has a real personality and there’s plenty of adventure.