Christopher Paolini’s Eragon (Inheritance, Book 1)
was a pleasant surprise. Paolini was 15 when he started writing this epic tale, and 17 when it was first published. That alone is extremely impressive. But I would have loved it just as much if an adult wrote it. Yes, Paolini obviously borrowed ideas from his favorite authors (Le Guin, Tolkein, etc.), but Eragon is definitely a different story.
Originally, I wasn’t going to read the book, even though I had heard of it. But then, I saw the trailer for the upcoming movie. I was intrigued. Boy, was I glad I did.
This is a wonderful coming-of-age story. Eragon is a young teenage boy who was raised by his uncle in a poor village. He happens upon a mysterious rock that ends up changing his life. As Eragon matures and goes off in search of two killers, he is trained by a strange old man named Brom.
I was immediately swept up in the book within the first chapter. This epic tale of fantasy and lore is not only beautifully written, but exciting as well. There are quite a few surprises along the way. And all of the characters have depth and unique personalities.
This is the first in a trilogy, Eldest being the second book that was just recently released. I plan on going out and getting it soon. And you can bet that I’ll be at the theater opening night.
I think I saw this book on the Scholastic order form. Would you say it’s good material for children? I would read it to them. They are too young for advanced chapter books. It may still be too mature for them to keep up with. Hmmmm. . .
James is starting to read The Magician’s Nephew to them now. Lydia checked a second one out from her school library so she can read along as he reads. It’s so dang cute!
Well, it’s definitely a book geared towards youth. I’d say the ideal age would be preteen & teen. Tho I would have loved this book at an even earlier age.
The only warning I would give is that there is a bit of mild violence with battle/fighting scences.. and there are quite a few of those.
If that wouldn’t bother your older girls, this might be a fun book for them.
This is definitely not as dark as the Harry Potter books.. but certainly as long!
I guess you could skip the violent parts though, if you’re reading it to them.
I bought the first and second book as a set not knowing that there is a third…has it been released yet? Anyway, I just loved both books and am looking forward to seeing the movie.
No, the 3rd hasn’t been published yet.
I may try to space out my reading of the 2nd one so I’m not waiting so long that I forget what happened previously.
I’ve heard so much about these books, I think I’m going to go out and pick them up. Coming of age stories are wonderful. 🙂
My husband listened to the first and second book on audio. He really enjoyed the first book but didn’t like the second one as much. He was also a manager of a bookstore at the time and got to “meet” the author on a conference call. Paolini was like 20 or something at the time. My husband said the kid is obviously bright and has a great future, but that he is also rather self-absorbed and full of himself. I guess early fame will do that to a person.
I do want to see the movie. I tried to read the book awhile back now, I just flipped through it and moved on to something else. But now I’ll have to give it another shot. (it’s still in my to be read stack anyway)
Christine – Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Stefanie – I’ll try to avoid reading any of the author’s interviews then! I’ll just enjoy his books for the sake of the story.
Katie – Did you get bored with it? I couldn’t imagine.. it captured me right away. The only thing that was a bit daunting to me was the length of the book.
I really love the books!! I am looking forward to the third book. There is a rumor that the name of third book will be “Empire”. It will be released summer 2008.
I am a bit disappointed at the movie, but whatever, the books rules! They are the best books I ever red! Love them!!