Eldest, by Christopher Paolini is the sequel to Eragon. After an impressive 668 pages, I find that I’m a little disappointed that it had to end. I’m still not sure of the 3rd in the trilogy’s release date, but I’ll definitely be looking forward to it.
In Eldest, we again follow Eragon’s journey; this time, to the land of the elves. And we’re also reintroduced to his cousin Roran, and his path after returning home to find his father dead and Eragon missing. While Eragon apprentices under elven care through half of the book, Roran finds himself in constant danger. Both of the young men go through a lot of changes as they face their battles.
More fun surprises are revealed about the Riders, dragons, and Eragon’s heritage. As in the first book, the story crescendos to the end of the book and the great battle scene.
Paolini paints a striking picture with his description of the elves and their land. His many characters all seem to have depth and meaning. While, I found the first half of the book to drag a bit with all of Eragon’s training, I still found most of it to be important to the story. And the rest of the book flowed, and was much more exciting.
Again, I’m impressed that such a young man wrote these extraordinary novels. I’m looking forward to seeing how his writing style develops with time and maturity.
I have not read these yet. I have heard mixed reviews. ANd, sometimes I wonder if those that diss him, are just jealous. He does have a book contract and a movie deal. The kid is making some cash. Good for him.
I think my kids have the first one and I will put it in my too be read pile.
I read it and enjoyed it. I think a large part of the criticism is jealousy. One thing I hear all the time form ciritics is that it is a Star Wars/LOTR rip off. First, let me say that there are no new story elements. Only different ways of combining them and new characters. Second, what fantasy is not immitating LOTR to some degree. Everybody wants to tell a story that has that loyal of a following.
I really enjoyed Eragon and can’t wait to read this one. I’ll be waiting for it to come out in paperback though. Hardcovers are out of my current price range. 🙂
I agree that a lot of the bashers are just jealous. Yes, there are a lot of “borrowed” elements. But it’s a new story and it’s for young adults.. no use in picking it apart.
Definitely borrowed, but definitely good. 🙂
No one rips apart vampire books for borrowing ideas.
Okay, I haven’t read any of these books, but I just had to say… Angela you write excellent reviews! You didn’t give away anything, yet I’m left intrigued. A very impressive skill! 😉
Thanks, Vicky! 🙂
Hey Angela,
I fixed the link to the quiz if you want to take it. Gotta admit, I’m quite curious about your result.
Let us all know. 😉
I admit it, I’m jealous.
I’ve heard many times that his dad had a big hand in writing it though….
I loved the book personally. And I agree as well that a lot of people are just jealous. Did you know there is like a whole ring of websites devoted to bashing Paolini’s Eragon (and now Eldest)? I mean really, all the websites do is dig into the various elements and rip them apart in every way possible completely ignoring the fact that it’s a fantasy story meant for teenagers and adults…
I love the books, but I think that even Paolini must be upset with the movie adaptation for Eragon, as it was possibly one of the worst book-to-film adaptations I have ever seen.
Good review, hopefully it sparks some new readers onto the series!
I’m surprised with the movie and all that they haven’t locked down a release date for the third book yet. I’m glad it ended up being enjoyable after a slow start. It doesn’t seem as painful to push through a slow starting book if it picks up and ends up being enjoyable.
My husband just finished reading this one as well. He loved it. He did say though, like you, that the training dragged on a bit.
Looking forward to reading these myself. I still haven’t seen the movie, but I want to read the book first.
Great review! It’s perfect timing too as I hope to read Eldest within the next three months or so. I did enjoy Eragon. I agree with much of what Ron said. It’s hard not to find elements in any type of novel that are truly original when it gets right down to it. The art (and originality) more often than not is in how the author puts the story together and creates characters and such that the reader wants to know more about.
I’m working my way through this now, and I find it to be a big step up in terms of syntactical structure and vocabulary. Paolini matured with this book, and it’s obvious in his descriptions of events and characters. I’m as impressed as you, I’m sure!