Eragon / Eldest (Inheritance, Books 1 & 2)

Book Description

In the #1 New York Times bestselling novels Eragon and Eldest, fifteen year-old Eragon discovers his destiny as a Dragon Rider. With only an ancient sword and the advice of an old storyteller for guidance, Eragon and his dragon must navigate the dangerous terrain and dark enemies of an Empire ruled by a king whose evil knows no bounds. This beautiful boxed set includes books I and II in the Inheritance trilogy.

Customer Reviews:

Barely stands out in the crowd........2007-10-07

As I've said, these books are great, wonderful. When I was reading them first two years ago, I found myself dreaming about it at night and picking it up first thing in the morning. These are books that truly capture the imagination and brilliantly well written.
Unfortunately, it has a lot of competition. With so many other great fantasy books out there, it's really hard to stand out in the crowd. Consequently, they've slowly faded from my mind. True, when the third book finally does come out, odds are I will be at these books again with the same ferocity as I had with the Harry Potter books, but for now, they simply sit on the book shelf collecting dust.
On a happier note, I've read both of the Inheritance books at least three times each, and you simply can't help but get excited during some great moments, and the art work for the covers is simply fantastic.
Still, there are so many other stories out there just like this one...
Tell you what. Get these books, because Paolini is a truly talented writer and destined to go places, and you decide whether you like them or not. And who knows, maybe soon in the future, he will come out with an even more exciting, more original story.

Eragon.......2007-09-02

Ok, I'm not going to lie, this is probably the least original thing I've ever read. But if you look past that It is one great book."2 books, sorry I forgot I was righting about both. Well back on subject. The story will keep you intrested in till the end.

This kid can write!.......2007-09-01

A very well-written story. Paolini has a great vocabulary, and knows how to put the words together to create interesting and readable books that can be enjoyed by fantasy lovers of all ages. I anxiously await Book 3.

Great...dont judge the books by the movie.......2007-07-10

The movie was horrible...BUT...the books are MUCH better in comparison. the books are detailed and easy to read. Lots of action and interesting story (somewhat predictable). this is a great series and i am looking forward to the third book. the books are targeted for younger audiences but as said before very interesting and older readers should still enjoy the book.

Great!.......2007-06-08

Great Books. Happy to have found the set of hard backs at a resonable price

Average customer rating:

Adults and Kids!
What utter drek.
Eragon
Eragon
Eragon Inheritance Book 1

Eragon (Inheritance, Book 1)
Christopher Paolini
Manufacturer: Knopf Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0375826696
Release Date: 2005-04-26

Amazon.com

Here's a great big fantasy that you can pull over your head like a comfy old sweater and disappear into for a whole weekend. Christopher Paolini began Eragon when he was just 15, and the book shows the influence of Tolkien, of course, but also Terry Brooks, Anne McCaffrey, and perhaps even Wagner in its traditional quest structure and the generally agreed-upon nature of dwarves, elves, dragons, and heroic warfare with magic swords.

Eragon, a young farm boy, finds a marvelous blue stone in a mystical mountain place. Before he can trade it for food to get his family through the hard winter, it hatches a beautiful sapphire-blue dragon, a race thought to be extinct. Eragon bonds with the dragon, and when his family is killed by the marauding Ra'zac, he discovers that he is the last of the Dragon Riders, fated to play a decisive part in the coming war between the human but hidden Varden, dwarves, elves, the diabolical Shades and their neanderthal Urgalls, all pitted against and allied with each other and the evil King Galbatorix. Eragon and his dragon Saphira set out to find their role, growing in magic power and understanding of the complex political situation as they endure perilous travels and sudden battles, dire wounds, capture and escape.

In spite of the engrossing action, this is not a book for the casual fantasy reader. There are 65 names of people, horses, and dragons to be remembered and lots of pseudo-Celtic places, magic words, and phrases in the Ancient Language as well as the speech of the dwarfs and the Urgalls. But the maps and glossaries help, and by the end, readers will be utterly dedicated and eager for the next book, Eldest. (Ages 10 to 14) --Patty Campbell

Book Description

Now in paperback! Fifteen-year-old Eragon believes that he is merely a poor farm boy—until his destiny as a Dragon Rider is revealed. Gifted with only an ancient sword, a loyal dragon, and sage advice from an old storyteller, Eragon is soon swept into a dangerous tapestry of magic, glory, and power. Now his choices could save—or destroy—the Empire.

A New York Times Bestseller

A USA Today Bestseller

A Wall Street Journal Bestseller

A Book Sense Bestseller

Download Description

A New York Times Bestseller
A USA Today Bestseller
A Wall Street Journal Bestseller
A Book Sense Bestseller

One boy... one dragon... A world of adventure

When Eragon finds a polished blue stone in the forest, he thinks it is the lucky discovery of a poor farm boy; perhaps it will buy his family meat for the winter. But when the stone brings a dragon hatchling, Eragon realizes he has stumbled upon a legacy nearly as old as the Empire itself.

Overnight his simple life is shattered, and he is thrust into a perilous new world of destiny, magic, and power. With only an ancient sword and the advice of an old storyteller for guidance, Eragon and the fledgling dragon must navigate the dangerous terrain and dark enemies of an Empire ruled by a king whose evil knows no bounds. Can Eragon take up the mantle of the legendary Dragon Riders? The fate of the Empire may rest in his hands.

Visit Alagaesia.com to find out more about Eragon and the Inheritance Trilogy.

"Unusual, powerful, fresh, and fluid.... An impressive start to a writing career that's sure to flourish."
   BOOKLIST, STARRED REVIEW

"[A] solid, sweeping epic fantasy..."
   KIRKUS REVIEWS

"An auspicious beginning to both career and series."
   PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

"An authentic work of great talent."
   THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW

"Christopher Paolini make[s] literary magic with his precocious debut."
   PEOPLE

Customer Reviews:

Adults and Kids!.......2007-10-06

This is a marvelous book that my son and I read for one of his school projects. By the time we finished with the book, virtually the whole family was wrapped up in it. We watch as a small town boy finds himself the chosen one of a wonderful but very dangerous item. When this item turns into a "pet," things get really exciting... and Hazardous. Read as Eragons life is torn apart, and his very life is linked with a dragon. This book (an the next) are books that will have you reading well into the night with anticipation. The characters come alive in this wonderfully creative book. Best of all, if you have young writers in your home, this is especially a must read because if you check out the age on this writer, you will find he was quite young when he wrote it... proving our point that kids can do great things!

What utter drek........2007-10-03

I was excited to read this book, what with all of the praise I had heard for the 17-year-old that had written. How disappointed was I. This is, without an ounce of doubt, the most poorly written book I have ever regrettably paid money for. Shoddy characters, a splotchy story, and an over all plot that seems to pull from other fantasy writers that are much, much better than he is. Honestly, I cannot believe how many mistakes he made while writing his story. I just wanted to take a red pen and scribble out whole pieces of useless details.

If you want to read an adolescent fantasy novel, go read The Golden Compass, or a Wrinkle in Time. Don't even bother touching trash like this.

Eragon.......2007-09-27

The lazy, hazy, crazy days of Summer, a great time to lounge in the shade, sip a cold lemonade, and lose yourself in a good book-Ahh, so many books, so little time. Yep, it reminds me of those carefree days of youth. And for the young reader, or the child in you, I very much recommend Eragon , a first novel, and first in a new fantasy trilogy by young author Christopher Paolini.

Eragon is a classic coming of age story, with fresh writing, and new perspective. Yes, there is magic and dragons, and a young hero coming to terms with responsibility and adulthood, and an evil, corrupt king to trust his growing powers. All classic elements of the fantasy genre, but the story and the characters drive the tale, giving solid footing to well-worn foundations.

Eragon is a solid first novel, and there's great promise in Christopher Paolini. He was only sixteen when he penned this novel. If you are a reader of fantasy, you'll see influence from masters of the genre-such as Tolkien, and Ann McCaffrey, and even elements of the Star Wars saga. But I like to think good story telling transcends the boundaries of genre, and this is a book with sound plot, good character development, and an epic tale to lose yourself. I found Eragon to be one of those rare books I never wanted to end, but luckily the next book in the trilogy, Eldest, has been released. So, you know what I'm reading next!

Author "Hobo Finds A Home" and editor of "Of A Predatory Heart"

Eragon.......2007-09-25

This book was ok. The story was pretty good. I really liked the characters, but I wish there was more information about their personalities and backgrounds.

Eragon Inheritance Book 1.......2007-09-22

My 12 y/o son loves this book. He cannot put it down and has read it several times. He cannot wait for the next installment to be published!

Average customer rating:

Great Book!
Better than the movie...
Not too shabby
Too predictable.
Rip off of JRR Tolkien

Eragon/Eldest Trade Paperback Boxed Set
Christopher Paolini
Manufacturer: Knopf Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0375842403
Release Date: 2007-03-13

Customer Reviews:

Great Book!.......2007-08-06

Eragon is a great book. I was looking for something to read in between Harry Potter books and this was a great choice! I saw the movie and didn't even realize that it was based on these books.

Better than the movie..........2007-08-04

These two books really show off the author's talent a a writer. I was glued to the pages until I finished and then wanted more.

Not too shabby.......2007-08-01

For the price, the book set isn't bad. I've finished Eragon and am working on Eldest, and I've found the books to be entertaining (certainly much better than the movie). Still, they aren't on quite the same level of fantasy writing as some of the more popular authors. Despite this, the books are very understandable and easy to read for younger readers.

Too predictable........2007-06-22

While the first two novels of the Inheritance Trilogy, Eragon and Eldest, are a decent first attempt of a budding young author, they certainly cannot be considered masterpieces of fantasy and likely would never have been published had Paolini's parents not owned their own publishing company.

I found the tale predictable as the author adheres far too ridgedly to the classic hero's journey. Unlike with Tolkien's epic, which Paolini is obviously attempting to imitate, or the Star Wars Trilogy (Episodes IV-VI), there is no real sense of tension troughout these works. I was never surprised by anything that happened in the story, nor have I any real doubt about the ultimate outcome. Furthermore, though Paolini's world, Alagaesia, comes with it's own distinct races, cultures and liguistics, it lacks the profound sense of history that is one of the wonderful hallmarks of Tolkien's Middle Earth, leaving one with a gnawing impression of deficiency. Moreover, I found the characters rather two-dementional: lacking in depth and generally uninteresting upon the whole.

All this is understadable. Unlike Tolkien, who was a professor of ancient languages and mythology, as well as WWI combat veteran, when he wrote The Lord of the Rings, Paolini was still an adolescent at the time these books were written and his novels evidence inexperience throughout their length. Having yet to embark upon his own life's quest, Paolini's insights into the causes of human behavior and its effects on others are more theoretical than precise. Consequently, I have real doubts about his ability to develop Eragon into a grown man by the end of the third book, as he himself has yet to fully mature.

One might feel that my comparison of the Inheritance Trilogy to the Lord of the Rings is unfair, but since Paolini clearly set out to mimic Tolkien, I believe such treatment to be fully justified. That said, Paolini admittedly possesses raw literary talent, but reminds me of a minor league ball player who has advanced to the majors too soon. Wisdom would have waited another thirty or forty years before attempting to tackle the grand master of fantasy.

Rip off of JRR Tolkien.......2007-05-17

Tons of hype, NYT best seller and a movie; boy did I expect more! Its nothing more than a rip off of Lord of the Rings, without the cute little hobbits. Dwarves live underground, make elaborate cities in mountains, bond with stone. Graceful Elves have pointy ears, live a long time, are aloof and above mere mortals. Protagonist is a young male-on-a-mission. Long trek with protagonist at center, elf and dwarf in-tow ensues. Sound familiar? It should. Its a re-invention of the characters and even sub plots of the LofR trilogy, only not nearly as well written or clever. Tired, familiar, and predictable, I'd like a refund. Time better spent rereading the original Tolkien. Pass on this.

Average customer rating:

Not happy yet
Eragon
Mejor que la pelicula!

Eragon
Christopher Paolini
Manufacturer: FonoLibro Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: 1933499281

Customer Reviews:

Not happy yet.......2007-10-11

I was sent the audio book of Eragon in a timely manner, however, it came in Spanish when I ordered English. I returned the item with a note explaining the circumstances and requesting to get it in English, however I still have not heard back regarding this matter. It has been quite a few weeks. Overall, I am getting a bit annoyed at the lack of cooperation in receiving the material I ordered and paid for.

Eragon.......2007-05-22

Thousands of years ago in the country of Aligashia, magic and dragons were discovered. One day, a farm boy named Eargon, went to hunt in the Spine. He came back with a giant blue stone. But when days went by, the blue "stone" hatched.

And that's when the adventure begins for Eragon and his new dragon Saphira. Eragon and Saphira are constantly being told that they are the ones that can stop Gallbitorix because now the rest of the 4 sworn are dead.
Mr. Paolini expresses his amazing imagination from his Montana home. When Christopher was old enough to write, he wrote down stories. He grew up telling his mother these stories that lead to his seirees Eragon.
I really LOVED this book. It is great for children AND adults. I could connect to all the characters even thgouh my world isn't fantasy. I recommend this book to anyone that loved the Harry Potter seirees. If you like fantasy, I ask you to read this book!! Enjoy but be careful because once you eneter the great world of imagination, you will never want to or come back!
-Hillary Jones

Mejor que la pelicula!.......2007-04-27

Una fantastica narracion y produccion. Mucho mejor y completa que la pelicula. Recomendado para adolecentes.

The Ultimate Unauthorized Eragon Guide: The Hidden Facts Behind the World of Alagaesia (Inheritance Trilogy)

Average customer rating:

Pathetic
Not what I expected
A Sad Try
Not what I thought it would be
Wonderful!

The Ultimate Unauthorized Eragon Guide: The Hidden Facts Behind the World of Alagaesia (Inheritance Trilogy)
Lois Gresh
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Griffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0312357923
Release Date: 2006-10-31

Book Description

When a young boy named Eragon finds a blue gem stone in the middle of the forest, he has no idea what magic is in store for him. It hatches a sapphire-blue dragon, a member of a race thought to be extinct. Eragon bonds with the dragon and soon discovers that he is the first in a new line of Dragon Riders, fated to play a part in a war that is poised to sweep his land. With over two million copies in print, Eragon (the first book in the Inheritance trilogy) is one of the bestselling books for young readers since Harry Potter first landed. Now author Lois H. Gresh brings us The Ultimate Eragon Guide: a fun, interactive book that looks deep inside the complex world of Alagaesia to reveal facts behind the magical people, places, and creatures that fill the Inheritance series. Also included is an in-depth look at the many folk references, myths, and legends that form the basis of the books, as well as quizzes, a fascinating trip through the lore of dragons, a biography of the young author, plus tons of fun side bars and more! The Ultimate Eragon Guide will be an entertaining resource for fans of the series and curious readers alike.

Customer Reviews:

Pathetic.......2007-07-22

Pathetic. Sad. Lame. Disappointing... The list goes on. I was a big Eragon fan when I was given this book(before the movie came out and completely destroyed the storyline) and I was very exited to get it for Christmas. I was startled when I opened the book and found out that the introduction was just an argument about why faeries must exist in the real world. This feeling quickly changed to disappointment as I found that the book's main goal was to show how Eragon's magic didn't match with how the person writing the guide sees it is in their version of reality. This guide is a waste of time... unless you want to learn about a paste that you can make with poppy sap and put on your eyes to see faeries.

Not what I expected.......2007-05-29

This book uses the Eragon stories as a jumping off part, but then goes on to talk about all sorts of other things. I was hoping for a book that would give me more about the stories and characters and it really does not.

A Sad Try.......2007-02-04

I'm a teenager and I've memorized every single aspect of the Inheiritance trilogy and when I got this book for Christmas I was expecting something useful. Instead I got nothing useful. The author has no idea about the books. She says that Durza(A shade) taught Galbatorix the secrets of dark magic wrong. There are many other 'facts' in the book that aren't even in the books. She says that ERagon is attacked by trolls in Eldest. Never happened, ever. Don't buy this book for anyone. They'll be sorely dissapointed.

Not what I thought it would be.......2007-01-12

I bought this book after reading the two books published in the series(Earagon & Eldest). I was excited that it would have a list of creatures, people and other things about Alagaesia. It does mention certain aspects of the books, but it is more for children. I was disapointed that I paid almost 10 bucks plus shipping for this book. If you have a child that is interested in the series this is a good book for them, but for teens and adults it is a bit lame. It is a very thin book, and has few illistrations. I have a five year old and I read parts of the book to him and it was a little complicated for him. It has a section on how to see Faries, that includes a reciepe for a mixture of cloves and other herbs that are smashed then added into a ointment. Then the ointment is smeared on the eyes. Not recommended, and she states this in the book, but why put in a book designed for children? I can see some poor child tring to make this mixture so they can "see" faries. Not a good purchase.I am very disapointed with this book.

Wonderful!.......2006-12-08

Bought this for my nephew who is a big fan of the series and he loved it! Lots of great facts and insights. The author clearly knew a lot. Great job!

Average customer rating:

Eragon strategy
Eragon - game guide

Eragon (Prima Official Game Guide)
Eric Mylonas
Manufacturer: Prima Games
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0761554106
Release Date: 2006-11-14

Book Description

Every Legend Has a Hero and Every Hero Needs a Strategy

· Huge pull-out poster included.
· Excerpts from the book give the reader unique insight into the background story of Eragon.
· Locations of all secret eggs revealed.
· Detailed walkthroughs and tutorials will guide the reader through the authentic Eragon universe.
· Detailed spell lists, powerful melee combos, and ruinous finishing moves will crumble your foes.

Customer Reviews:

Eragon strategy.......2007-03-20

A little confusing, many pictures are to dark and hard to see, but info helps to manuever through. I would have been lost without it.

Eragon - game guide.......2007-03-15

This is an excellent book but unfortunately it was not the one that i needed. However when I told amazon this they very kindly refunded me the cost. I consider that the service from amazon is first rate and I would definitely use them again.

Average customer rating:

Eragon 2007 Wall Calendar
DayDream
Manufacturer: DayDream
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Calendar
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ASIN: 0768881560

Mythic Vision: The Making of the Movie Eragon

Average customer rating:

Great
In-depth look at a shallow movie
Never Seen Anything Like It

Mythic Vision: The Making of the Movie Eragon
Mark Cotta Vaz
Manufacturer: Knopf Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0375839178
Release Date: 2006-10-24

Customer Reviews:

Great.......2007-06-24

This is a VERY good book for Eragon lovers and movie fans alike. I have read it a bunch and never tire of it. Lots of pictures (With captions.) Defenetly a MUST HAVE. Quotes from the actors and inside stories are all in.

In-depth look at a shallow movie.......2006-12-11

"Eragon",the book,lacks many things--a plot,believable characters,good writing.But how will it fare as a movie?

"Mythic vision:The making of the movie Eragon" by Mark Cotta Vaz provides a fascinating glimpse into Stefen Fangmeier's heroic attempt to make a dull,derivative book into a fun film.Vaz first follows the self-publishing quest of the author,Christopher Paolini,who through the magic of marketing,became an overnight success.Paolini's Montana boyhood is briefly touched upon--but since this is a book aimed at kids,not teens--it doesn't mention how his parents once belonged to the survivalist cult Church Universal and Triumphant headed by Elizabeth Clare Prophet.

Next,Vaz explores technical aspects of the movie.He shows how the battle of Farthen Dur--which is set in a volcanic crater--was filmed in an actual volcanic crater in Hungary.He tells of how a designer for rock stars made the leather pants&armor.

The most interesting part of the book is the exploration of how Stefen Fangmeier adapted the original "Eragon" and took extensive liberties.For example,in the book,Daret is a useless tangent;in the movie,it becomes the setting for Angela's prophecy to Eragon&it is a city built on a lake.In the book,the Urgals look like Minotaurs;in the movie,they look like barbarians.In the book,the Ra'zac are giant ravenlike beings;in the movie,they resemble mummies.Fangmeier took extensive liberties with the book because the original is deeply flawed.

"Mythic Vision" is a great,fun read.

Never Seen Anything Like It.......2006-03-31

I believe that this movie will be tremendous. I've read both of Mr. Paolini's books several times over and over again. This is going to be a star hit in the movie industry and I cant wait for the next two movies following his Trilogy.

Average customer rating:

Eragon Movie vs. Eragon Book
Borrowing from masterpieces
Clichéd... but it works
Dragon riding

Eragon Movie Tie-In (Inheritance)
Christopher Paolini
Manufacturer: Knopf Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0375840540
Release Date: 2006-10-24

Book Description

Fifteen-year-old Eragon believes that he is merely a poor farm boy—until his destiny as a Dragon Rider is revealed. Gifted with only an ancient sword, a loyal dragon, and sage advice from an old storyteller, Eragon is soon swept into a dangerous tapestry of magic, glory, and power. Now his choices could save—or destroy—the Empire.

“An authentic work of great talent.”—The New York Times Book Review

“Christopher Paolini make[s] literary magic with his precocious debut.”—People

“Unusual, powerful, fresh, and fluid.”—Booklist, Starred

“An auspicious beginning to both career and series.”—Publishers Weekly

A New York Times Bestseller

A USA Today Bestseller

A Wall Street Journal Bestseller

A Book Sense Bestseller

From the Hardcover edition.

Customer Reviews:

Eragon Movie vs. Eragon Book.......2007-03-07

Ok. I saw the movie back in December before I had read the book, then after I read the book I thought that the movie was a real disappointment; honestly. Yes I'll give it a 4 because of the awesome graphic designs and digital effects, but the plot (I believe) could have been written much better, even if all people were only wanting to see was the fierce dragon and magic. I watch movies not only for entertainment, but I really care about the actual story and how it is written; weather or not it is written well and with skill.
And I love movies that have layer upon layer of stories that will actually tell hidden meanings or cause the viewer to pause and truely consider those meanings, weather or not the meanings were meant to be extracted from the film; by that individual. And after reading Eragon, its a wonderful lengthy story that has very important details that help enhance the story telling, and I truely would have like to see that come out in the movie, but I'm only one person with only one opinion; that I think needs to be heard among the many other opinions that this world has to offer!

Borrowing from masterpieces.......2006-12-20

Science fiction fans hail George Lucas' original Star Wars trilogy as a classic. Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" is considered the prototype and classic of the fantasy genre. Bring these two together--and you have "Eragon."

In "Eragon",the hero finds out he is a Dragonrider,an order that has been extinguished by the evil Galbatorix (shades of Darth Vader slaying the noble Jedi knights)Through his dragon,Saphira,Eragon gains magical powers (think of Luke Skywalker and the Force!)He has a mentor,Brom (okay,Obi-Wan Kenobi)After Galbatorix's Ra'zac (ravenlike Ringwraiths)slay his uncle (think of the death of Uncle Owen),Eragon&Brom fight back.On the way,Brom,like Obi-Wan,is killed.Eragon goes to rescue an elf princess Arya(think Princess Leia!)in Gil'ead (basically the Death Star)with the help of a rogue,Murtagh (in other words,Han Solo)Both join the Rebel Alliance--I mean,Varden.

Paolini uses the language&culture of Middle-Earth with his elves,dwarves&Ancient Language.In "Eragon",the morning star is called Aiedil--which sounds a lot like Earendil,the morning star in Middle-Earth(!)

The book has its strengths--Paolini can describe languages&creatures,and he has potential.Unfortunately,his blatant borrowing from Tolkien&Lucas--as well as a flimsy plot structure--makes the book drag on.There's the scene where Eragon&Brom have to look through shipping records to find the location of the Ra'zac (think Eragon,Dragonrider&CPA!),the fact that every character weeps single tears,the unconscious Arya is tied to the dragon's belly (and spends most of the book comatose,though Paolini claims he likes strong female characters)

"Eragon" is like some chocolates--it has a sweet shell,but in the inside it's hollow.

Clichéd... but it works.......2006-10-27

While filled with Fantasy Clichés Paolini is able to build sympathetic characters we care about. His characters are complex enough for adult readers without being too complex for younger readers. Although some of his segments drag they are few and far between and do not negatively affect the plot. If you find yourself bogged down feel free to skim a bit. In my opinion this is one of the better-written fantasy novels of the last five years. Surprising when you find it was written by a teen. Based on raw talent expect Paolini to be a force for years to come as his style, creativity and life experience mature.

Dragon riding.......2006-10-26

Every now and then, there's a massively hyped book that catches the attention of media and readers alike, even spawning movie adaptations. Teen author Christopher Paolini's "Eragon" is probably the most-publicized fantasy since the Harry Potter series. Is it as good as they say?

In a word... no. Paolini has raw, unrefined talent and an undeniable flair for writing, but he's bogged down by every fantasy cliche in the book, and a style that desperately needs an editor's guidance.

Eragon is an impoverished lad living with his uncle in a secluded village, barely scraping by. That changes when he finds a strange blue stone in the woods. He tries to sell it, with no luck -- it's harder than diamond, and no one knows what it is. Then it hatches -- into a baby dragon. When Eragon touches her, he accidently burns a scar into his hand and forms a mental bond that allows them to communicate without speaking.

He raises the dragon in secret, naming her Sephira, until his farm is attacked and his uncle Garrow murdered by the evil minions of the ex-Dragonrider Galbatorix, who is now the evil king. Seeking revenge, Eragon gets the help of the old storyteller Brom, who is more than he seems. When the new Dragonrider (Eragon, of course) sets off with his new friends, he sets out to deal with Galbatorix...

Is "Eragon" an amazing fantasy? No. Is it mind-numbingly awful? Again, no. The handling of much-worn elements is clumsy, and though Paolini's writing has a certain eagerness that makes his story somewhat appealing, it fails to cover up his inexperience. The storyline is one that has been done elsewhere; it's a fairly standard S&S quest-against-evil.

Nobody could accuse Paolini of being too innovative. Young, clueless hero raised by an uncle, wise old magical man, ancient sword, dragons, wise and fair elves, grumpy dwarves? Check, check, checkity check.. We've seen these all before, in fantasies ranging from "Lord of the Rings" to "Star Wars," and sadly Paolini isn't up to the task of adding any new spice.

The saving grace is that Paolini does have some raw writing talent, sort of like unpanned gold. He has a knack for describing the landscape, right down to raging storms and burned out villages. Unfortunately, other parts are extremely awkward, and he has a tendency to get bogged down in insignificant details that don't add anything except "how to build a fire."

Eragon himself is a pretty typical fantasy hero, who gains instant sword skill and leadership abilities, despite being kind of a twerp. Nothing about him really stands out, no matter how much training he gets from Brom. The supporting characters all fit their archetypes, from Wise Old Wizard to Fair Elf Maid. The one interesting character is Saphira the Dragon, who has some promise as a character.

Paolini has some raw talent and a pleasant writing style, which keep "Eragon" from being a total waste. Unfortunately, this raw talent needed some refining.

Keep Holding on (From Eragon) (Piano Vocal, Sheet music)

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Keep Holding on (From Eragon) (Piano Vocal, Sheet music)
Avril Lavigne
Manufacturer: Hal Leonard
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Sheet music
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ASIN: B000NS59SM

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KEEP HOLDING ON (FROM ERAGON) Series: Piano Vocal Artist: Avril Lavigne Sheet music.

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