Eragon (Inheritance #1)

The Inheritance Cycle certainly has a lot of pros and cons. But I think the pros definitely outweigh the cons. This is High Fantasy al la "The Wheel of Time" and of course, LOTR (in some cases quite literally so.) BUT, it is also a four book YOUNG ADULT series, each of a reasonable length. Inheritance does not require the huge time commitment as other similar fantasy series. It is an Epic tale for a YA audience and therefore it is a great segue for a young reader to emerge themselves into this amazing genre. I particularly enjoyed the dynamic between Eragon and his dragon, Saphira.
Bottom line: this first book was written by a very young author who was obviously deeply inspired by other works of the genre. But Paolini's version is meant for a young adult audience and shouldn't be compared to full epic masterpieces. Eragon is epic fantasy for a smaller appetite.

Eragon by Christopher Paolini is a magical book and absorbs you in this wonderful world of magic and dragons.

The story is nothing special and i'm sure many others novels like this will have similar plots of revolting against the dictatorship and how a young boy is the man behind this. But none the less this is a fantastic book. The characters are complex and you can never seem to have a certain opinion. Eragon, will make you feel he is brave and worthy, but other times will be naive and rash. Brom, will one moment be this kind, wise old man and the next, a devious and tricky man who betrays people. There is Murtagh, who appears stubborn and uncaring, but has fantastic bravery and fighting skills and is a worthy ally to have despite being the son of the man who betrayed the dragon riders.
The whole world of Alagaësia is so very vividly described and everything is portrayed so well you clearly imagine the whole book inside your head. The world also seems so real and is a joy to read.

Overall, this is a fantastic book and i'm will certainly devour the second book in the Inheritance Cycle.

There are many things to enjoy about this book: the world building, the dragon lore, the constant sense of danger ... But there are also a lot of basic plot cliches and most of the book happens inside Eragon's head so there's very little dialogue. However, the story is solid and interesting, and I think many younger fantasy readers will love it.

'Eragon' is not a gripping story. I love dragonlore and I love how Paolini incorporates the mind link between Saphira, the dragon, and Eragon, the human. The characters are very hard to like, especially Eragon. He seems like your average, YA hero who's going to make it through, but that's just it: he's your average YA hero, but with too many character flaws.
Point A. Eragon comes across the egg while hunting, a plot factor that reflects a lot of fantasy: living a normal life until you come across something abnormal. I'm not saying that's a bad thing, but I would rather have the story begin with Eragon being familiar with dragons, and maybe even opening the novel with Eragon already training Saphira.
Point B. Eragon is too trusting. Correct me if I'm wrong, but Eragon seems very accepting of Murtagh and Arya. The latter is not an issue, but *spoiler* Murtagh turns out to be a traitor. Eragon has entered the world of dragons and Riders, he should watch out more.

I am also aware of the heavy similarities between 'Eragon' and the Lord of the Rings and Star Wars. I'm not a big fan of either of those, but after reading through the similarities, and reading of how the author is the son of parents that made their own publishing firm, I think Paolini was very conscious of his choices, and should've taken the time to tweak them, and make them less noticeable, if they were to remain in the story at all.

Reader reviewed by Banana Split

Eragon is a teenager when he comes across the dragon egg. He just thinks it might look good in his bedroom, but he gets a surprise that changes his life. The egg hatches into a dragon, and Eragon calls her Saphira. Once she is born Eragons life starts going downhill. Creatures come from everywhere to steal the egg and in the process Eragons uncle is killed. Fueled by the desire to get revenge and protect his village, he sets off with Brom, a used-to-be dragon rider. They go through many lands, while Eragon gets stronger. Then during his journey, while trying to save an Elf, Brom dies trying to save Eragon. They later meet up with Murtagh, who leads them to the hideout of the Varden. The Varden is against the evil rule of the monarchy. While there the Shade finds Eragon again, and they fight. The Shade dies but Eragon gets a large scar on his back as a reminder forever. Ayra then tells Eragon that he must complete his training in the land of the elves. Eragon agrees, for it was the only way to get his revenge. This book was full of suspense and I couldnt put it down! If you love fantasy, you will love this book.

Reader reviewed by Latangi

Eragon is the amazing story of a young man, Eragon, and his dragon, Saphira. In this book they go on a quest for vengeance. Eragons uncle has been killed by the Razac, King Galbatorix evil minions. As Eragon and Saphira hunt for the evil Razac they meet new friends along the way and learn many important lessons. I recomend this book to those who like mythical creatures, Magic, and a good story.

Reader reviewed by Mary

It all starts with a stone. Or rather what appears to be a stone but actually turns out to be an egg. A dragon egg. When the stone hatches into a egg Eragon finds himself unprepared for a whole different kind of world. He leaves his home after his surrogate father is brutally killed with Brom, the local storyteller. And so his journey begins.


The book is well-written. My only problem with the book is that it is a bit cliche. And it bears a marked resemblance to the Lord of the Rings. But the adventures and the good writing make it well worth the read.

Reader reviewed by Rosie

"Eldest" is a much-anticipated sequel to "Eragon", and it was worth the wait! With just as much nail-bitibg adventure, romance, and comedy as the first, I know that you'll love it just as much as I did. Join Eragon in the second stage of his grand adventure.

In this books there are many suprises (which I can't give away, but I'll hint at them). Eragon finds an enemy in a friend, fights a great dragon rider, and finds the secrets of his past (as well as some long-lost relatives). But I can't tell you anything else, you have to read it for yourself and find out the rest!

Reader reviewed by Piper

Upon finding a polished blue stone in the forest, Eragon hopes he can trade it for food. He has no idea that the moment the stone hatches, his life will be forever changed. When his uncle is killed and home destroyed, Eragon and his fledgling dragon, Saphira, are forced to flee from chilling, evil beasts sent by Galbatorix to capture them. Accompanied by Brom the storyteller, Eragon discovers that he is the last of the Riders, who once kept the peace and were wiped out by Galbatorix.

On his journey to avenge his uncle, Eragon learns to communicate telepathically with Saphira, and Brom begins teaching him the skills of fighting and magic. It soon becomes apparent to Eragon, however, that his appearance has reawakened ancient rivalries and he becomes the center of a vast power struggle. He and Saphira can change the evil tides of the empire -- if only they can find out whom to trust.

Reader reviewed by Ad

I will first start out with telling you why I called this "A Truth". I called this a truth, because there are a lot of truth's about this book, but I chose one or two of them to focus on in this review.

To begin. To begin this review I will talk about other people and what they say about Eragon. Other people say that Eragon is a complete copy of Funke, Dragonriders of Pern, LOTR, Star Wars, and more. Let me ask you something first. Have you read every book ever published? I think the answer is no. No as in N-O. Are you wondering why I asked you this? Well, I hope you are, because I am going to tell why in the next paragraph.

Have you ever thought that George Lucas (Star Wars author) and J.R.R Tolkien (Lord of the Rings writer) ever stole something? Well, let me be the first to break it to you. Yes, they stole from other people, most likely. The theft might have been a little one, but for one person or another they freak out at one copied word or one copied idea. Let me tell you something, all authors, except for those at the very beginning of time or the first ever published in the world, stole from something/someone else. Now to begin with the real review.

Another thing I would like to say really fast before the review. Poalini did not steal names, because if he did it would have said Orc instead of Urgal. Also, Eragon and Aragorn do not sound anything alike, well sort of, but the orn is different then on. Also, Poalini chose the name Eragon, because E is right after D in the alphabet so: ERAGON=DRAGON with the D=E. If you don't understand math the D and E are switched. Ragon Ragon Dragon Eragon. Get it good, now let me begin, please.

Eragon is a masterfully spun book that can intice the reader to want more and more. I hope Mr. Poalini keeps writing, for he will keep getting better. I rated this book a 4/5 because it has some flaws and other things, but most of it is okay. Thank you for reading my review, good day or good night, what ever.

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