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.