In Aagaesia, a fifteen-year-old boy of unknown lineage called Eragon finds a mysterious stone that weaves his life into an intricate tapestry of destiny, magic, and power, peopled with dragons, elves, and monsters.
This wasn't a bad book, but I honestly wish it had given reasons for what was happening. There was too much that was left unexplained. Maybe it explains in later books, but it should still give us context earlier so that we aren't left hanging the whole book.
For example, the first scene in the book isn't referenced again until we're nearly at the end. The whole time I was confused about what had happened.
Aside from the choppy language (English) usage, the story is interesting enough. It's just not at all unique. If you have nothing much on your plate to read and you want a pretty good story, that's geared towards teenagers, this one's for you.
Si je devais décrire tout ce que je déteste dans la mauvaise fantasy, je crois que je citerais ce livre. Personnages creux, récit bourré de clichés, manichéisme primaire, tout y est.
Engaging. Impressive writing and details, not too elaborate, but just the right amount. There are events going around away from the story - known unknows - which give the narration some depth. I will pick up Eldest right away (which I heard is the best in the series.)
I did enjoy this story. The influence of several authors is apparent. I caught a bit of Katharine Kerr as well as Tolkien and CS Lewis. Unfortunately, with this novel, I see how people who do not care for fantasy say all fantasy is cookie-cutter and alike. There were a lot of fantasy cookie-cutter episodes in the novel: young person finds something that changes their life, death of family, journies, death of instructor. I got a bit tired of the journeying, though.
There were a few places where it was also apparent that a 15 year old wrote it. The view-points and story had a definite teenage feel that is not usual when an adult writes a novel for teens. However, those points were few and far between. I did think it was amazing that a 15 year old was able to get a book published, but I see he …
I did enjoy this story. The influence of several authors is apparent. I caught a bit of Katharine Kerr as well as Tolkien and CS Lewis. Unfortunately, with this novel, I see how people who do not care for fantasy say all fantasy is cookie-cutter and alike. There were a lot of fantasy cookie-cutter episodes in the novel: young person finds something that changes their life, death of family, journies, death of instructor. I got a bit tired of the journeying, though.
There were a few places where it was also apparent that a 15 year old wrote it. The view-points and story had a definite teenage feel that is not usual when an adult writes a novel for teens. However, those points were few and far between. I did think it was amazing that a 15 year old was able to get a book published, but I see he had connections.
I very much enjoyed the very short chapters. As mentioned above, my reading time is sparse. Being able to grab the book and read one chapter in between activities, while waiting somewhere for something, really helped. The chapters were good breaks.
Despite what sounds like complaints above, I enjoyed the story. It moved along well. Paolini does have a way with words and is quite descriptive. He used "show not tell" quite well. What follows now could contain spoilers as I voice some thoughts on the novel.
It was sadly obvious from the introduction of the Twins that they were not on the Varden's side and they were the leaks/spies for Galbatorix. As for Murtagh, I am split as to if he was planted (which I am leaning toward based on his comment at the end about the Twins bravely fighting off a group of Urgals) or if he truly is Eragon's friend and was taken back to Galbatorix to be punished, which is what I would rather the case. I guess I will find out in the next book. I will be surprised if it does not turn out Selena was Murtagh's mother and Murtagh and Eragon are brothers.
Two or three years ago, everywhere I went there was some display attempting to sell me Eragon, by Christopher Paolini. It was obviously a bad book without opening the cover: the back cover carries a quote from the book, and an endorsement by Anne McCaffrey, and I'm pretty sure I could get that woman to supply a blurb for a double mint wrapper to the effect of "I couldn't put it down! An author ... to watch for!" The quote is "Wind howled through the night, carrying a scent that would change the world." Please note, the author has just claimed that the world is going to be changed by a smell. Which would actually be an interesting book, sadly, not this one. I know this, because that quote is the first sentence of the book, and what the author means is "Wind howled through the night, carrying a …
Two or three years ago, everywhere I went there was some display attempting to sell me Eragon, by Christopher Paolini. It was obviously a bad book without opening the cover: the back cover carries a quote from the book, and an endorsement by Anne McCaffrey, and I'm pretty sure I could get that woman to supply a blurb for a double mint wrapper to the effect of "I couldn't put it down! An author ... to watch for!" The quote is "Wind howled through the night, carrying a scent that would change the world." Please note, the author has just claimed that the world is going to be changed by a smell. Which would actually be an interesting book, sadly, not this one. I know this, because that quote is the first sentence of the book, and what the author means is "Wind howled through the night, carrying a scent giving warning of the coming of persons who would set in motion events that would change the world." I know, it lacks a certain something.
Better the eighty percent of the pit of voles, but still, undeserving of being published.
I do not blame Paolini for writing a bad book. People write, and sometimes, they write badly. But I do blame the editor, and his publishing house. This book is crap, and it should have been obvious to anyone who read it. The main character's most interesting bit of characterization and only vestige of personality is that he collects rocks, and this is only mentioned in one paragraph. He's a transparent sue. Everyone acts as if they have just acquired their motivations and history on a 3x5 card before walking on for their scene.
The plot is a clumsy clunker that is foreshadowed on page 22. He has never known his father, and his mother refused to answer questions about him! Do you think this will turn up again later? His name is Eragon. Like dragon, but with an E. An old man pops in to tell what in a better novel would be suspiciously appropriate myths and folktales every time Eragon needs to know what is going on.
Descriptive sections are often incomprehensible, as for example, "His hand was numb, his fingers paralysed. Alarmed, he watched as the middle of his palm shimmered and formed a diffuse white oval." The only reason I know what the author is intending to say there is because I have read enough fantasy to recognize the Mystical Mark.
Our hero makes decisions that make no sense, simply because they are necessary to move the plot forward. Obstacles like hiding a dragon from those living in your house are hand waved away in two paragraphs. Things that oughtn't be obstacles, like buying groceries, are, just to build sympathy with the protagonist by inserting baseless discrimination.
Why publish this!? Were they incapable of finding something more deserving? Was this book even edited? Is he someone's nephew? Publishing this book is an insult to readers and a disservice to writers everywhere, including Mr. Paolini. It's like telling someone they look great when they have spinach in their teeth. Dammit!
