I´m gonna make my unpopular but clear review really short.

First of all, just because the author's parents published the book initially doesn't necessarily imply that the book is of poor quality.

Secondly, this is not a ripoff. The book makes use of many archetypal components or tropes, whatever you prefer to call them.

During the reading, one can clearly observe the inspirations that influenced Christopher.

However, it is inappropriate to compare this book to a classic like The Lord of the Rings written in 1937 or a certain highly successful epic space opera franchise which is the fourth highest-grossing film series. Come on!

Finally, the writing is acceptable. It has its flaws, but young readers, who are the target audience, should be able to appreciate it.

In conclusion, just like every other book, you might like it or not.

I'm out.

This was straight up painful.

It felt like a never-ending ordeal that just kept on going. Every moment was filled with discomfort and a sense of unease.

I couldn't wait for it to be over. But despite the pain, I knew that a full review would be coming.

I would have to carefully analyze and evaluate every aspect of this experience.

It wouldn't be easy, but it was necessary.

I would have to be honest with myself and with others about what happened.

So, for now, I'll just have to endure the pain and look forward to the day when I can share my full review.

Hopefully, it will provide some valuable insights and help others avoid a similar fate.

Life is now in Fate's hands. You made your choice to stay. It's too late to change that, so stop agonizing over it. You're making my scales itch.

Okay guys, this was actually so good. What the heck?

After reading the Harry Potter books, my interest in children's literature was somewhat rekindled.

I had read a lot of praises for Eragon. When I saw it on offer at half price at the local bookshop near where I work, I did not hesitate to pick up a copy.

Eragon is the first in a planned trilogy. Although Paolini was merely 14 years old when he started writing the book, his inexperience does not show for the most part. The writing style could do with some tightening up in places. However, had I not been aware of the hype that accompanied the book's publication, I would not have suspected that the writer was a new, teenage writer.

But if you have read books from authors like Enid Blyton of yester-year, she won thousands of young readers over. Currently, the author of Archie Wilson and the Beasts of Loch Ness, whom I have criticized myself as not being Shakespeare, but kids don't read Shakespeare and he pulls in many new young readers.

Today's young minds want a novel that speaks to them in the language they speak. The above authors can do it and so can Christopher Paolini.

Like most fantasy novels, the plot is predictable. It involves a reluctant hero who is forced to go on a quest to save the world from an evil tyrant. In this book, teenager Eragon finds a dragon egg and when it hatches he becomes the first Dragon Rider in recent memory. Suddenly, the world's fate rests in his hands and it is up to him to stop an evil king's plans for world domination.

The book takes us on a well-trodden path as we are introduced to characters that could have been lifted straight from the pages of The Lord of the Rings such as wizards, elves and dwarves. While I can accept that Tolkien's formula has become the model for most fantasy writers, it was still disappointing that there was little that could be described as original in Eragon. There were no real twists or surprises. Just familiar characters with different names.

Having said all this, I still have high hopes for this series and will read the rest of them later.

Overall, both Eragon is an exceptional novel, especially considering it is the first works of a young author. I would recommend this to anyone looking for an excellent and exciting tale. Paolini develops the characters very well and provides an intriguing plot that's sure to satisfy a thirst for an excellent tale.

Reread with my IRL friend!

Oh man, this was such a nostalgia trip! I first read this book in the 6th grade, and from then on, I read a book in this series every year, except for 8th grade when I read both Brisingr and Inheritance. I had the locations of my favorite parts in the book memorized so I could easily flip to them. I even slept with a copy on my bed next to me. To say that I loved this series is an understatement hah

I think what enamored me the most wasn't the world, plot, or characters, which are admittedly juvenile and cliché. Instead, it was the simple fact that Paolini himself wrote it when he was just a teenager. As someone who wanted to write but didn't think I had the skills or the ability to craft a thrilling fantasy, that really inspired me. Besides the simple pleasure of a wish-fulfillment dragon fantasy, this book gave me that at least

I also find it interesting that my love for this world didn't diminish because of this reread, though perhaps the rest of the series is still up in the air on that (I remember not liking the last book but solely for the most petty reasons hah). I say this because my other series obsession of that era in my life was Percy Jackson, and for the most part, my enthusiasm decreased significantly when I reread it as an adult. (Don't hate me on this, okay hah) Perhaps it's just because PJ is middle grade and Inheritance is young adult?

I also attempted to write a novel when I was fifteen. However, the disparity between me and Paolini lies in the fact that I had the good sense to abandon it upon realizing its awfulness. I won't enumerate a plethora of authors he "borrowed" from as many individuals hold diverse opinions regarding precisely where he did so, and I don't wish to engage in that discussion. It's just that... I believe he had potential. Descriptively, certain portions of Eragon were very well-written. But for the remainder, he tried too strenuously and too prematurely. He ought to have waited until he cultivated his own writing style, rather than hastily publishing his initial work. Now... all that potential has been squandered because when I listen to and read his interviews, his arrogance is nauseating. He won't improve as he doesn't think there's any room for it, and why should he? He hadn't even completed his trilogy when it was made into a movie, and to make matters worse, his publisher came to him rather than the other way around. How many struggling authors out there dream of being discovered, of not having to submit to publisher after publisher and endure their rejection letters? I do respect him for persevering and completing his story, from writing to revising to editing, as I know firsthand how arduous it is... but... this simply shouldn't have been published. It truly shouldn't have been.

One of my former roommates had an intense addiction to Young Adult fantasy books, and she managed to get me completely hooked right along with her.

She had read the first two books in this particular series as soon as they were first released. She was so passionate about them that she urged me to read them before seeing the movie. (Little did I know at the time that the movie was going to be awful.) So, I took her advice and gave it a try.

Despite all the criticism that Paolini's books often receive, I discovered that I really, really enjoyed "Eragon." He follows in the footsteps of Tolkien and creates his own unique world, filled with different races, cultures, and languages. This is no easy feat, and he does a remarkable job.

Admittedly, his wording might seem a little trite at times, but it's something that I was ultimately able to overlook. In fact, as soon as I finished reading "Eragon," I couldn't wait to pick up "Eldest." I'm now officially hooked into this captivating series and can't wait to see what adventures lie ahead.

I find it truly remarkable that this was penned by a teenager. His family played a crucial role in self-publishing it until a publisher for young adults took notice.

CONS

(1) The main character engages in excessive analysis of issues that either don't merit being raised or are simply superfluous. This can sometimes disrupt the flow of the story.

(2) Some of the character interactions lack authenticity, which can make it difficult for the reader to fully immerse themselves in the narrative. I refrain from elaborating further to avoid spoiling the story.

(3) It is a basic fantasy story that adheres to the typical archetypes. While this may not be a drawback for some, it may seem a bit formulaic to others.

(4) The presence of standard elves and dwarves may be a turn-off for some readers. However, if you don't mind these traditional fantasy elements, then it can be considered a bonus.

PROS

(1) The story incorporates standard fantasy elements, which will be familiar and appealing to fans of the genre.

(2) An impressionable minor character meets an untimely end, and hopefully, they will stay dead. It's refreshing to see a sacrifice that holds true and isn't undone later on.

(3) The interplay between the lad and the dragon is one of the highlights of the story. Their relationship adds depth and excitement to the narrative.

(4) The history within the story is interesting, although it is sometimes dumped on the reader in a rather uninteresting manner.

(5) The pacing of the story is generally good. It moves along at a steady clip and doesn't drag overall, despite some moments where the actual movement may seem a bit questionable.

(6) The author employs some good imagery and metaphors, which enhance the reader's experience and bring the story to life.

Overall, this book has its pros and cons. While it may not be a groundbreaking work of literature, it still has enough to offer to keep readers entertained.

The first novel of my adolescence that I spent my own money on.

Here we meet Eragon, a farm boy who finds a blue gem in the forest which turns out to be the egg of a dragon, Saphira, with whom he will soon team up without knowing that the current villain, Galbatorix, wants to recover the egg. This will lead our hero to follow a rather well-known sequence of training and self-discovery that will reveal important things about his destiny and make him meet a series of new little characters. Of course, in the plot there is his love interest, his mentor, his best friend, the bad guys who follow them... and all the known races in the fantasy worlds.

I know, this novel has a rather clichéd plot, not deviating an inch from the typical hero's path that we have seen or read so many times. There are filler chapters and more than one "deus ex machina" that the author doesn't even bother to explain, although we also have to remember that Paolini was quite young when he wrote this novel. Still, and despite all this, I have a special affection for this book, as it was one of those first adolescent readings that I did voluntarily and for pleasure... Although of course this is not a reason to give it a perfect grade, as despite the above I was also aware of its mistakes at the time. There were parts that I found boring or very poorly developed, evidencing the little writing experience that its author had until then.

I have never wanted to give it a review now as an adult, as I am almost sure that my opinion would change, perhaps drastically. For now I prefer to keep the good affection I have for it, although perhaps in the future... one never knows!

I never dared to continue reading its continuations, as by the time its second part came out the "Harry Potter" phenomenon was much stronger, novels that are of course much better written than Eragon.

If you are an adult and have already read authors like Rothfuss or Martin, surely this novel will not be able to satisfy you.

Recommended for adolescent audiences who are just starting to read!

Its 2006 movie has little resemblance to the book!

When I first read this book nearly 4 years ago, I didn't even have an account on GR. So, I never had the chance to review it or share my thoughts about it. Now, here I am, 4 years later, re-reading this book with an account, and while I can write a review to gush about it, I probably still can't fully express how much it means to me.

This book holds a special place in my heart for many reasons. It was this very book that rekindled my love for reading and introduced me to the wonderful world of books after an 8-year hiatus. It was this series that led me to the GR universe, which has now become an integral part of my daily life. And it was this series that got me through some really tough times, almost like it saved me from breaking.

This book, this series, with characters like Eragon, Saphira, Murtagh, and Arya, will always have a special place in my heart, and I will always be biased towards it.

A lot of people dislike this series, claiming that it is heavily influenced by or even a ripoff of LOTR. Since I haven't read that series, I can't confirm or deny their claims. However, I can say that Paolini's writing is excellent. His world-building is gradual and well-done. There are no info dumps, and, of course, there are DRAGONS! (If you're a dragon hater, you might want to stop reading now.)

This was my first buddy read with three amazing ladies: Orient (the purple-haired one), Emelia (the disappearing one), and Sujitha (the superfast one). Here is my humble attempt at reviewing this book.

From this moment on, I’ll live by the sword. Let the whole world see what I am. I have no fear. I am a Dragon Rider now, fully and completely.
Eragon, a farm boy out hunting for game, discovers a polished blue oval stone. He tries to sell it for much-needed money, but no one seems to know what it is or its worth. Just when Eragon is at a loss for what to do with it, one morning, it HATCHES!
Eragon recoiled in shock. Standing in front of him, licking off the membrane that encased it, was a dragon. He shifted slightly, and the dragon’s head snapped around. Hard, ice-blue eyes fixed on him.
Dragons Ho!!
But now he must flee! Unbeknownst to him, there are enemies who want to hunt him and his dragon down. He finds help in the old village storyteller Brom, who has secrets and a shady past. On the run, they must fight, hide, and run like the wind to stay ahead of their enemies and reach a safe haven. During his flight, Eragon learns a great deal from Brom about dragons, their history, and magic. He learns to use a sword and is gifted a sword named Zar’roc by his companion, guide, tutor, and father figure.
This sword is named Zar’roc. It had been created for the violent convulsions of battle, to end men’s lives, yet it held a terrible beauty. A red blade, fit for a Dragon Rider.
Running for their lives, battling against all odds, when they finally reach the doors that were promised to provide friendly shelter, respite, and help, they do get all that, but it doesn't come without a price.
It seems, Eragon, that we are embroiled in a new type of warfare here. Swords and claws are useless, but words and alliances may have the same effect.
This book is a great piece of writing, and that cannot be disputed, even if it borrows from other books. What makes it even more remarkable is that it was written and self-published by a 15-year-old Paolini.
I love how the world-building is slow and steady. The world is very well-explained and detailed. The chapters where Brom instructs Eragon in magic and dragon lore are paced really well and don't feel like a dump of information. The magic system is well-crafted, and the characters are incredibly well-developed.
I love how Eragon longs for home and family like a normal person. He has fears, makes mistakes, and can be foolish at times. And Brom doesn't make it easy on him.
From now on you’re going to have to think. There’s a reason why we’re born with brains in our heads, not rocks.
Eragon is not your typical instant hero. He isn't proficient with arms, magic, or even wits. He learns and grows as a character slowly. A boy who is initially afraid of the world he is thrust into finally steps up and is ready to face it.
I’ll fight when needed, revel when there’s occasion, mourn when there is grief, and die if my time comes... but I won’t let anyone use me against my will.
But all of this can be found in other books, right? So, what makes this book truly worth it?
Saphira! Eragon’s dragon. She is an amazing character. Fierce, loyal, loving, and caring.
You! You are the problem. Every time you leave my sight you get into trouble. You’re like a new hatchling, sticking your nose into everything. And what happens when you stick it into something that bites back?
Saphira’s character arc is so strong and diverse that you can't help but love her. She is the perfect friend, loving like a mother and jealous like a girlfriend. The connection between Saphira and Eragon is a beautiful thing, warm and wonderful. It is her unwavering loyalty and love that gives Eragon the strength he needs. And he must be strong because this journey has just begun, and there are tough times ahead. Alliances need to be made, and prophecies need to be deciphered.
Listen closely and I will tell you two things. When the time comes and you need a weapon, look under the roots of the Menoa tree. Then, when all seems lost and your power is insufficient, go to the rock of Kuthian and speak your name to open the Vault of Souls.
Eragon knows that his life will be anything but easy now. He needs to travel to far-off places and fight powers far beyond him. His and Saphira’s adventure is just beginning, and together they must achieve great things to free the world from tyranny. The going will be hard, but only through these difficult times will a true hero emerge.
Eragon laughed weakly and found himself crying because it hurt so much. Why me? He wondered. Sometimes, there are no answers. All will be well. Good night, little one, said Saphira gently. A small smile lifted Eragon’s lips, but he was already asleep.
PS: For anyone who shares my love for this series and didn't know already, Paolini is planning Book 5 in this series, which will focus on Brom, and has also announced that he has at least 7 MORE stories set in Alagaesia, which will include ONE MORE series!! Cause for celebration? You betcha!!
PPS: Paolini is also coming out with a science fiction series. Excited? Yes! But come on, Paolini, get back to Alagaesia NOW!!

I truly love Safira! The way she purrs, but in a dragon version, is simply amazing :D This whole concept is really great and has captured my imagination. It makes me extremely excited to see what kind of adventures Eragon will embark on next. I can just picture him and Safira soaring through the skies, facing various challenges and overcoming them together. The bond between them is so special and I'm eager to follow their journey as it unfolds. I have a feeling that there are many more thrilling and unforgettable moments in store for them. I can't wait to turn the page and discover what awaits Eragon and Safira in their next adventure!

In 2002, I was 16 years old and a sophomore in high school. I was the Manhattan finalist for a storytelling festival. I was into writing, mostly poetry. The previous year, I had been named the runner-up in a contest held by the Poetry Society of America, and the poem I entered was read on the radio. I used to feel quite good about those achievements until I read Christopher Paolini's bio on his first book.

In 2002, Christopher Paolini was 15 and a high school graduate. Naturally, the next logical step for him was to write a novel. This led to the creation of Eragon, the latest addition to a long line of dragon-centric fantasies (a term I just coined). This novel is the first in the Inheritance Trilogy (Eldest is already out, and Brisingr is due for release soon). It was also made into a movie in 2006, which I really enjoyed even before I discovered its excellent tagline: "You are stronger than you realize. Wiser than you know. What was once your life is now your legend."

The reason I mention the movie is that this is one of the few books where I saw the movie adaptation before reading the book. I liked both and found it interesting to be motivated to read a book because of the movie. Before I review the book, I want to state that Eragon was really good, and I enjoyed it. However, at times, it did sound like it was written by a fifteen-year-old. I'm not saying this to be petty or out of envy; I just truly believe that's the case.

In addition to mentioning his age, Paolini's back flap bio mentions his abiding love of fantasy, which motivated him to write his own fantasy novel. For this reason, Eragon owes an obvious debt to some of the fantasy greats. Like Tamora Pierce's books (and Gail Carson Levine's), this one has a medieval-esque setting. The most obvious similarities I noticed were between this book and Ursula K. Le Guin's A Wizard of Earthsea and J. R. R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings books (and The Hobbit too). Obviously, if you like those books, you will like Eragon. At the same time, these similarities made me wish there were more "acceptable" ways to write a fantasy setting. Maybe that's just me.

This is more of a journey book than an event book where events are central to the plot and the story moves from event to event. Stuff does happen, but most of the novel is spent traveling. In a sense, the entire book is a journey to the end, which I assume leads to more revelations in the second book of the trilogy.

The book's journey begins with its title character, Eragon, a fifteen-year-old youth living in a rural town in the land of Alagaesia. Once a place of glory where dragons and their riders kept peace across the country, the Empire is now ruled by a cruel king called Galbatorix. However, such concerns are far from Eragon's daily life. Living with his uncle and cousin, Eragon's days are spent helping his family farm their land and prepare for winter.

All of that changes when Eragon returns from a hunting trip with a mysterious stone. Soon enough, he realizes the stone is actually an egg. A dragon egg. The presence of this new dragon will not only change the course of Eragon's life but also the path of the entire Empire. Thus, Eragon is set on a new path with only his dragon, an old storyteller, and a mysterious sword to help him find his way.

And that, really, is what this book is about: Eragon finding his way as he learns what it means to be a Rider and, dare I say, a hero. One of the subtler aspects of the writing that I liked is that when Paolini begins this story, his protagonist is clearly a boy, even if by Alagaesian standards he's only a year from manhood. By the end of the novel, though, Eragon is a man. The writing changes subtly to reflect this important transformation from beginning to end.

Eragon is literally finding his way too - the novel features many long, perilous journeys and dangerous battles. All of which were good to read but left me exhausted when I finally reached the end of my paperback copy (on page 497). Sometimes it's surprising how long it can take to read a long book.

For fear of accidentally spoiling the story, that's really all I have to say. Once I got over the fact that I didn't graduate high school at fifteen or write a novel, the book was not at all depressing. Eragon features some great characters (Brom, for example) and some of the scariest villains seen in recent fantasies. I have high hopes for the next installment in the trilogy once I get my hands on it.

You can find this review and more on my blog Miss Print