Eldest (The Inheritance Cycle) by Christopher Paolini
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Book Reviews of Eldest (The Inheritance Cycle)
Book Review: Epic in the extreme . . .
Summary: 5 Stars
Eldest, at a glance, was much bigger than Eragon, being over 700 pages, and the malevolent red dragon on the front highlighted the difference from Eragon: darker, gloomier, and more violent, with an increased sense of seriousness and desperation. This was no mere book that the author handed to us and said was the sequel: This was ELDEST, baby, and I've never read a book that trumpeted itself as a true and faithful sequel as well as Eldest did. It seemed like the direct sequel to Eragon continuing, with everything getting an upgrade, especially the size and story. And those were just my impressions at a glance.
The characters in his story are much more human, and Roran exhibits actual human emotions, such as the sickening guilt he keeps whenever he kills a man . . . and the looming count of his kills in his head. Unlike Eragon, who has become ruthless to the point of killing and forgetting about it a paragraph later, Roran exhibits actual consequences for his deeds. I found his storyline to be extremely enjoyable, especially after I finished the book and came back to read it again.
On the negative side of Eldest's character development, the hero is becoming less attractive as a character every page. He whines and angsts about his scar for most of the book, alternates between being too-flawed and too-perfect, worships the elves excessively, develops an idiotic infatuation with an elf who is +80 years older than him, takes endless amounts of abuse from the women of the Cycle without so much as flinching, and, just to put the nail in the coffin, becomes disgustingly humble by the end of the book. I'm beginning to feel uncomfortable seeing the world through his POV, and am hoping to see some from the really interesting character of Inheritance, Murtagh.
Murtagh. What can be said? He's by far the most interesting character. The problem was that he was absent for all of the book except the beginning and end! Though his triumphant return at the end of Eldest, in the chapter of the same name, was excellent. I am very much looking forward to seeing what happens to Murtagh in the coming books.
By far the largest problems with Eldest were the elves and the women of Alagaesia. The elves are like a virulent poison that spreads through the books, souring the hero's journey, corrupting the hero's mind, vomiting out cheesy dialogue, turning the prose into a cheap imitation of Tolkien when they're near, and otherwise disturbing the excellence that is Eldest!
What really ticks me about the elves is, well, everything. They're annoyingly perfect, self-righteous, arrogant, racist vegetarians. In sort, they make me sick. All of the dialogue and narrative when the elves are near become unbelievable corny. They apologize by saying, "I cry your pardon," undoubtedly the cheesiest way to say "I'm sorry" I've ever heard in my life. The long, excessive paragraphs describing their ethereal beauty are similarly corrupted. I dearly hope the elves are decimated in the coming books. They don't deserve to live in Alagaesia, and they corrupt it with their vile, tainting presence.
Also poorly done are the women. The author obviously does not know how to write strong female characters. Almost every single female in Alagaesia that I've seen so far as been defensive and bitchy. The female characters in the book repeatedly berate, scold, bitch at, and hand crap to the male characters, who take it without even wincing. Several female characters,(such as Katrina or Arya) instantly bitch if a male character expresses any sort of concern for them, while others,(like Angela, Nasuada, and Elva) make subtle threats in their dialogue, such as "Believe me, you don't want to get me angry! You'd be sorry then!" But what irks me the most is that the male characters never once respond in kind. A male character who doesn't treat females with zealous courtesy no matter how they treat him is treated like a pariah, an overprotective buffoon, or simply an idiot. The author would be better off sticking to characterizing male characters, because he sucks at creating female ones.
In terms of plot, the author has definitely improved since his first book. The storyline was good in Eragon; in Eldest it's masterful. I found myself having to limit myself to 100 pages a night so the story wouldn't be over too quickly. No book has ever seized me in such an engaging storyline that keeps me turning the page and savoring every moment of the narrative.
The reason why I was so enthralled with this book is probably because things happen constantly. There is literally never a dull moment: I cannot recall ever being bored when I read this book or wishing for it to stop. The plot and pacing of this book is the soul of Epic Fantasy.
Another huge improvement to the story, that which gives the book some of its heavy length, is the addition of two new POVs. Roran, a minor character from the first book, is back with a vengeance, and has his own storyline. Really, his odyssey could be a book by itself, with a little more length.
The other new POV character was Nasuada, the new leader of the terrorists known as the Varden. I didn't particularly enjoy this narrative, considering she wins awards for bitchiness, haughtiness, and other unattractive features. I hope she gets killed with the rest of her terrorist friends in the next book.
Now, as I was saying. The last good point is that Saphira, the all-bitchy dragon who Eragon rides, finally made a mistake, showed some naitivity, and got the lickin' that was coming to her. The problem was that Eragon, despite all the times Saphira has given him crap, didn't berate her once for it!
For all its flaws, Eldest exceeds its predecessor, which bodes well for the author's future as a writer.
Book Review: Great job
Summary: 5 Stars
Eldest.
The awesome continuation of Aragon is a highly likable story full of mysteries and more magic. We left The young Aragon with his dragon hurt and with an invitation to visit the land of the elves where he will find a teacher who will help him find the inner strength he posses. Aragon is challenge to his limits by the elves some of whom like him and others who don't. His connection with his dragon become stronger to the point that together they made a great weapon. His enemies fear him and his friends see him as their savior. This great writing and awesome tale will keep you turning the pages until late at night.
It is hard to see how others can said that this book is like someone else's. There is only one plot to write about that is evil versus good. Everyone who had written a book has the same plot. It is the telling of the plot that make a book great and other's not. But still everything that is in the fantasy world was written by someone else a million plus times over. I love to write and read but when I read I take the books as they come... I would never compare this one to that one. I do not limit myself by putting down such rules.
If you didn't like it then fine, move on and since you are such an expert... why don't you try writing a book better than his.
Anna del C. Dye
Author of "The Silent Warrior Trilogy"
The Elf and The Princess: The Silent Warrior Trilogy - Book One
Trouble in the Elf City: The Silent Warrior Trilogy - Book Two
Book Review: A Great Continuation of the Inheritance Saga
Summary: 5 Stars
What's it about?: With the battle of Farthen Dur over, thousands dead, including Ajihad, and with the Twins and Murtagh missing, Eragon must continue the fight against the Empire with Saphira, enduring a debilitating scar across his back and the pain of a lost friend in his heart. Will they finally defeat Galbatorix or be killed in the struggle?
What's good about it?: It has a pretty good plotline, with some cliches, but also some original, intriguing ideas. There are some awesome characters that you really grow to know and love. (Murtagh and Saphira are my favorites) Christopher Paolini includes several languages- the ancient language, the dwarf language, and the urgal language. I always thought that was really neat. Also, on that note, there are many interesting creatures in his world - the usual dwarves, elves, dragons and humans, but also urgals, raz'zak and letherblaka.
What's not so good about it?: It *is* a little cliche in parts - it kind of reminds me of Harry Potter, Star Wars, and Lord of the Rings rolled into one. But sometimes that's a good thing! It depends on what you like. Also, sometimes Eragon is frustratingly stupid, and you kind of want to smack him upside the head, but unfortunately can't.
So would you recommend it?: Yes! It's great for anyone who loves books about fantasy, dragons, swordplay, magic, dumb human boys being spurned by elf women, etc.
Keep looking for the fourth book!
Book Review: A truly awesome adventure!
Summary: 5 Stars
I finished Eldest, the second book in the Inheritance Cycle. I highly recommend this book! It's GREAT! I actually cried at one part... I loved Eragon, and I'm glad Eldest didn't let me down. I wish they'd continue producing the movies. The Eragon movie is what got me to read the books in the first place.
This book starts off with Eragon going to Ellesmera, the forest city of the elves. There, he is trained in fighting and magic to become a better dragon rider. Eragon must improve his skills, as well as overcome a crippling injury caused by Durza during the battle in the previous book. At the same time, Eragon's cousin Roran is helping Carvahall, which has again been attacked by Ra'zac. King Galbatorix has discovered the home of Eragon, and sends Ra'zac and troops to attack the town. The people of Carvahall retreat into the mountains. Both stories slowly build towards the epic battle we all know is coming. You also learn details about Eragon's family that he never knew.
Chris Paolini is an incredible writer. I still can't believe these monstrous books, with their incredible characters, languages, lands, and creatures was created by a guy younger than me! I don't usually read these sorts of books, but I'm glad I did. It's been a nice change of pace in terms of reading material, and it's been an awesome adventure.
Book Review: Continues the Series...
Summary: 5 Stars
When I started Eldest, I must admit I had some doubts, but Christopher Paolini once again swept them away. The book began where Eragon left off. Eragon had just killed Durza and had been contacted by the cripple who is whole. After the book starts, Ajihad is killed by the Urgals, and the twins and Murtagh are captured. Following that, he travels to the elfin city, Ellesmera, and meets one of the old Dragon Riders who has survived in order to teach Eragon. During an elfin celebration, Eragon is given the strength and speed of an elf from the dragons. After that, he finds out the Varden and Galbutorix's army is going to meet in a great battle and he must go and fight.
I thought that this book was extremely good and it continued excellently where the first book left off. I would rate this fantasy novel a five out of five. I liked how the author gave you someone to be with, but at the same time changed points of view to different people. I think that the main theme was the importance of understanding and knowledge, because most of the book Eragon learns from the elves. The most important thing he learns is how knowledge and common sense can defeat a greater opponent.