Helpful Score: 7
This is a great book to read. If you liked Harry Potter then I believe that you will also like this.
Helpful Score: 6
It should go without saying that this book far surpasses the movie. It is a great novel by a fantastic young author. Will leave you wanting more.
Helpful Score: 4
amazing and filled with love and fantasy. wonderful for the young adventurer.
Helpful Score: 3
Well done fantasy - good start to a trilogy - some familiar themes but, overall, a worthwhile effort.
Helpful Score: 3
Many classic fantasy elements pulled together to make an interesting light read. I bought this before watching the movie because I prefer reading the book first. As always, the book is better.
Helpful Score: 3
Ahhh. I hate to say anything disparaging about this book now that I know a 15 year old wrote it...but I have to say that I really struggled through this one. I thought to myself several times that the book seemed to be written by a teenage fanboy or an older someone trying desperately to mimic every classic fantasy novel in the last 50 years. It is impressive that a 15 year old was able to write this hefty book...and even more admirable that he was able to capture the imaginations of so many young people who read it. I suppose that since I'm in the minority, there's something I'm just not 'getting' about it...and that's okay. I root for the authors continued success. He's an inspiration, even if his book was less so for me.
Helpful Score: 3
I actually saw the movie in the theater before I'd ever heard of the book. I thought that it translated so well to the screen that I was compelled to check out the book from my local library since books are usually so much better than their movie counterparts. I wasn't disappointed. I couldn't put it down. I was also very impressed by how young the author was when he wrote the book. I have since purchased a copy and added it to my permanent collection.
I will admit that my first attempt with Eldest did not capture my attention, but I recently checked it out from the library again and started over. For some reason, this time around I am totally hooked. I guess I just have to be in the mood for it.
I admit that it doesn't have fabulously intricate character and plot development like J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter books where every tiny detail seems to have significance in later events. However, I still found it to be a very enjoyable read and I look forward to reading future creations by this talented author.
I will admit that my first attempt with Eldest did not capture my attention, but I recently checked it out from the library again and started over. For some reason, this time around I am totally hooked. I guess I just have to be in the mood for it.
I admit that it doesn't have fabulously intricate character and plot development like J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter books where every tiny detail seems to have significance in later events. However, I still found it to be a very enjoyable read and I look forward to reading future creations by this talented author.
Helpful Score: 3
This book was a fun read, though a lot of the story elements are familiar from other, older and very popular works of this genre. Possibly more suitable for adolescent readers who are more likely to find these ideas fresh.
Helpful Score: 3
This was a great story, and very formidable for such a young author. The book (ask usual) was soooo much better than the movie. A worthy, and entertaining read! (it'll make you want to follow the continuing story)
Helpful Score: 3
When Earagon finds a plished blue stone in the forest, he thinks it is the lucky discovery of a poor farm boy. Little does he know it is a dragon egg and he will become the last of the dragon riders, destined to save the world. Filled with fantasy and imagination this is a very enjoyable book.
Helpful Score: 2
I don't read a lot of this kind of fantasy , but I enjoyed it. It had all of the typical fantasy elements and likable characters.
This book has received much criticism for being too much like other works in it's genre, but isn't that true of almost anything? I don't know, like I said, I'm not really big into this sort of fantasy, so maybe to hard core Pern and LOTR's fans it doesn't measure up.
I enjoyed the story and I liked the sequel even better.
The moved sucked sweaty dragon balls, so don't even bother.
This book has received much criticism for being too much like other works in it's genre, but isn't that true of almost anything? I don't know, like I said, I'm not really big into this sort of fantasy, so maybe to hard core Pern and LOTR's fans it doesn't measure up.
I enjoyed the story and I liked the sequel even better.
The moved sucked sweaty dragon balls, so don't even bother.
Helpful Score: 2
Even though it's a long book, it's a great read!! The imagery itself is worth it. But Paolini brings life to things that don't even exist....and it's believable! Great job for such a young writer!
Helpful Score: 2
This book is excellent. An easy read at a little over 700 pages. Considerably different from the movie, which makes it even better.
Helpful Score: 2
I loved this book. I could not put it down. Good story line
Helpful Score: 2
This is a good book, if you like Harry Potter chances are you will like this book. Though not as strong as Harry Potter's storyline, it does prove interesting and it keeps your attention. Though there are a lot of characters to keep track of.
Helpful Score: 2
If Eragon is the first fantasy book you have ever read in your entire life, then you will probably enjoy it. Otherwise, you will find it to be a poorly rendered patchwork of various fantasy elements from other more well-known works, stitched together in a way that is neither cohesive or convincing. I think you'll probably be as disappointed in it as I was.
Eragon is the typical farmboy-turned-struggling-epic-hero who happens to come across the typical wise-old-hermit-turned-mentor who is able to mold Eragon into the shape of a slightly-less-struggling-epic-hero-who-rides-a-blue-dragon.
While I give Paolini credit for creating something like this at age 15, that doesn't make this book any better for what it really is: simple, cliche, predictable, and flat. I found Eragon's progress as a warrior to be too quick and easy to be really believable. Supporting characters are semi-likeable only because they are semi-developed. I found that I really wasn't pulling for anyone in particular. If I wasn't so stubborn about finishing books that I start, I probably would have given up on this one.
If you are in any way well-read in the fantasy genre, you will probably find this book to be little worth your time. But if you are looking to start reading fantasy for the first time (especially if you're 12) and want something of a kiddie pool warm-up in the genre, then this book might be an option. But if you decide to read it, just lower your expectations and expect very little. That way you won't be very disappointed.
Eragon is the typical farmboy-turned-struggling-epic-hero who happens to come across the typical wise-old-hermit-turned-mentor who is able to mold Eragon into the shape of a slightly-less-struggling-epic-hero-who-rides-a-blue-dragon.
While I give Paolini credit for creating something like this at age 15, that doesn't make this book any better for what it really is: simple, cliche, predictable, and flat. I found Eragon's progress as a warrior to be too quick and easy to be really believable. Supporting characters are semi-likeable only because they are semi-developed. I found that I really wasn't pulling for anyone in particular. If I wasn't so stubborn about finishing books that I start, I probably would have given up on this one.
If you are in any way well-read in the fantasy genre, you will probably find this book to be little worth your time. But if you are looking to start reading fantasy for the first time (especially if you're 12) and want something of a kiddie pool warm-up in the genre, then this book might be an option. But if you decide to read it, just lower your expectations and expect very little. That way you won't be very disappointed.
Helpful Score: 2
We loved this book. Cudos Christopher Paolini!
Helpful Score: 1
I loved it, the book will pull you in. I couldn't put it down. If you enjoy fantasy,this would be the book for you.This Paolini book is a work of art.
Helpful Score: 1
If Eragon is the first fantasy book you have ever read in your entire life, then you will probably enjoy it. Otherwise, you will find it to be a poorly rendered patchwork of various fantasy elements from other more well-known works, stitched together in a way that is neither cohesive or convincing. I think you'll probably be as disappointed in it as I was.
Eragon is the typical farmboy-turned-struggling-epic-hero who happens to come across the typical wise-old-hermit-turned-mentor who is able to mold Eragon into the shape of a slightly-less-struggling-epic-hero-who-rides-a-blue-dragon.
While I give Paolini credit for creating something like this at age 15, that doesn't make this book any better for what it really is: simple, cliche, predictable, and flat. I found Eragon's progress as a warrior to be too quick and easy to be really believable. Supporting characters are semi-likeable only because they are semi-developed. I found that I really wasn't pulling for anyone in particular. If I wasn't so stubborn about finishing books that I start, I probably would have given up on this one.
If you are in any way well-read in the fantasy genre, you will probably find this book to be little worth your time. But if you are looking to start reading fantasy for the first time (especially if you're 12) and want something of a kiddie pool warm-up in the genre, then this book might be an option. But if you decide to read it, just lower your expectations and expect very little. That way you won't be very disappointed.
Eragon is the typical farmboy-turned-struggling-epic-hero who happens to come across the typical wise-old-hermit-turned-mentor who is able to mold Eragon into the shape of a slightly-less-struggling-epic-hero-who-rides-a-blue-dragon.
While I give Paolini credit for creating something like this at age 15, that doesn't make this book any better for what it really is: simple, cliche, predictable, and flat. I found Eragon's progress as a warrior to be too quick and easy to be really believable. Supporting characters are semi-likeable only because they are semi-developed. I found that I really wasn't pulling for anyone in particular. If I wasn't so stubborn about finishing books that I start, I probably would have given up on this one.
If you are in any way well-read in the fantasy genre, you will probably find this book to be little worth your time. But if you are looking to start reading fantasy for the first time (especially if you're 12) and want something of a kiddie pool warm-up in the genre, then this book might be an option. But if you decide to read it, just lower your expectations and expect very little. That way you won't be very disappointed.
Helpful Score: 1
Good book, even for an adult reader!
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent read. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Helpful Score: 1
I know people have mixed views on Christoper Paolini, but I liked this book, if you are looking for a great easy read that will keep you wanting more this is a book for you!
Helpful Score: 1
I greatly enjoyed reading this book, and was instantly pulled into the plot. One of the best Dragon fantasy adventures I've read yet. ^^
Helpful Score: 1
A great series. I read alot of childrens books for the school library and I really enjoyed this start to the series. A great read for anyone.
Helpful Score: 1
When I first read this book I thought it was pretty good. Then I stumbled upon a website (http://eragon-sporkings.wikispaces.com/) that made me realize how bad it really was.
Besides the rather (I admit) charmingly clichéd plot(a farm boy finds a dragon egg and realizes he's the last of the dragon riders), it "borrows" heavily from other books or series, and some parts just don't make any kind of sense. Eragon himself is also a very "mary sueish" character who seems to be able to do whatever whenever because it's what he NEEDS to do. The other characters--even Saphira!--seem to have minimal characterization at best and are basically just there to reflect Eragon's glory.
After I read someone else's criticisms of the book, I began to realize how often I'd gone "what?" or "but that doesn't make sense...well, okay, whatever" while I was reading it; in short, it's not worth the credit.
Besides the rather (I admit) charmingly clichéd plot(a farm boy finds a dragon egg and realizes he's the last of the dragon riders), it "borrows" heavily from other books or series, and some parts just don't make any kind of sense. Eragon himself is also a very "mary sueish" character who seems to be able to do whatever whenever because it's what he NEEDS to do. The other characters--even Saphira!--seem to have minimal characterization at best and are basically just there to reflect Eragon's glory.
After I read someone else's criticisms of the book, I began to realize how often I'd gone "what?" or "but that doesn't make sense...well, okay, whatever" while I was reading it; in short, it's not worth the credit.
Helpful Score: 1
I heard this book was extremely popular so I bought it during one of my vacations. Needless to say, I was not very impressed. The characters failed to draw me in and the story is only so-so. I finished the book not even caring about what would happen in the sequel. Still, it's not absolutely terrible; it's just not all that great either.
Helpful Score: 1
Very good and quick reading. I read through this in no time at all.
Helpful Score: 1
This is a very good book. My son read this book 2 times. I would recommend this book to young readers who like the fantasy/dragon type books.
Helpful Score: 1
This book is a part of a series. At no point must you think that most of the mysteries will be revealed by the end; nor must you think that any conflicts will be resolved, either. Personally, I think it's cruel to leave a cliffhanger at the end of 508 pages. This is yet another way that the author has poorly ripped off Tolkein. His depiction of Elven and Dwarf societies are very Tolkein-esque, his map of Alagaësia eerily similar to Middle Earth, and his dragonlore reminded me very much of Anne McCaffrey's Pern dragons. Sad thing is, I still want to read the next book, but only because the story isn't finished yet. If the Lord of the Rings movies hadn't done so well, I doubt this book would have made it onto the New York Times best seller list, much less reach number one.
Helpful Score: 1
So bad. Just so, so bad. Reading this was unbelievable - the level of plagiarism was absolutely astonishing. Not only did he try (and horribly fail) to imitate Tolkein, but he also ripped major details, plot points, and sometimes even names from two much lesser-known authors, David and Leigh Eddings. The plagiarism was just infuriating, and the writing itself was severely lacking - don't waste your credits or money.
Helpful Score: 1
This is not usually my genre, but I liked this book a lot.
Helpful Score: 1
good book, great beginning to a intersting series.
Helpful Score: 1
Wonderful fantasy read! The dragons and elves are facinating as Eragon is trying to figure out his role in their worlds to find his place. Loved his world and how the character's respond. Bio of author also very cool!!
Helpful Score: 1
I found it to be a mix between the movie "Dragon Heart" and the "Lord of the Rings" series.
Helpful Score: 1
What a great book. For those who 'still believe', a must read. You can tell this young author loved the 'greats' of Fantasy Literature/Fiction. A wonderful book with familiar characters and everlasting struggle between Good & Evil, in the world and within ourselves.
Helpful Score: 1
Brilliant sweeping epic fantasy. One of the best books I've read this year!
Helpful Score: 1
Very interesting. I love the dragon and her relationship with Eragon.
Helpful Score: 1
I got this book because i was in love with the movie. At the time i was only like 11, kinda a tough read.
Helpful Score: 1
My 12 year old son read this and really enjoyed it. He is now reading the second book and likes it just as much.
Helpful Score: 1
This book is, in my opinion, terribly over-rated. Don't get me wrong: it's not a bad book, but any avid reader of the fantasy/sci-fi genre will feel like they're watching an old re-run throughout the entire book. All the themes seemed tired out and over-used, and it really doesn't contribute much to the genre. Honestly, I think the success of this book can only be credited to it's similarities to Harry Potter, and thusly how it managed to ride it's coat tails to get a fan-base. It doesn't surprise me at all that the story comes from a fantasy Paolini had as a kid: I think any highly imaginative child could have come up with the same plot.
Read this book with my grandson so we could discuss it. Great for young adults with a good imagination. I enjoyed it enough to follow the rest of the books. But not a good plot to get really involved in.
Enjoyed the story very much! That being said it could have easily been edited down by 100+ pages. At times lots of story detail was provided but little information was actually gathered. Found the use of the ancient language gratitious at times. This won't stop me from reading the series as Sephira (the dragon) is an interesting character that I look forward to seeing further developed.
Great book. Read it even if you have seen the movie. It gives much more than the movie could possibly show. I really enjoyed the book.
I absolutely loved this book!
Delightful captivating read. I picked up ELDEST, the sequel to ERAGON, @ local thrift store & was intrigued by authors young age. When I realized it was a sequel decided to order ERAGON from PBS to start from beginning.
Am a grandma & don't usually read sci-fi/fantasy, but wanted to sample before passing on to my granddaughter. Finished ERAGON in just few days & have now started on ELDEST while characters are still fresh.
Main criticism for early readers is abundance of "gore" & "slaughter", but realize it is part of reality of ancient times. Young adults should be able realize it if "fantasy".
Am a grandma & don't usually read sci-fi/fantasy, but wanted to sample before passing on to my granddaughter. Finished ERAGON in just few days & have now started on ELDEST while characters are still fresh.
Main criticism for early readers is abundance of "gore" & "slaughter", but realize it is part of reality of ancient times. Young adults should be able realize it if "fantasy".
I picked this up at my High School library when the librarians told me about it. They often suggested books to me. Eragon was the first fantasy book I've read, that didn't contain a bunch of romance in it. I thought it was great and then learned he was so young when he wrote it.
In the past few days I've been reading reviews on how Paolini plagiarized. I've never seen most of the things mentioned but I think this is close to Cassandra Clare's deal.
In the past few days I've been reading reviews on how Paolini plagiarized. I've never seen most of the things mentioned but I think this is close to Cassandra Clare's deal.
The connection between Eragon and Saphra, his dragon, makes this book worth reading. The random scenes of no particular importance make the book rather uninteresting and the shabby attempt to describe falling in love and being in love truly shows this author as a boy of fifteen. Christopher Paolini doesn't know the first thing about medieval mentality and fails completely as a Tolkien wanna-be. Still, this book has some merit. It's worth reading once, but does not compel me to read the other two in the series.
Fun story from a novice writer.
You will never see my copy of Eragon on pbs because it, Eldest and Brisingr are now among my best-loved books along with Drangon Riders of Pern and other fantasy books of that genera.
I really like all the Inheritance books. I have read them all many times.
This is a great book full of adventure and intrigue. They have even made a movie of it. A really great read, and I can't wait to read the next one in the series.
My daughter has read this book and this is her review (shes in 6th grade):
I absolutely love this book! I am on the 3rd book and love that one too. This is not a challenging book for me. I was so surprised to find out about Brom! Brom has so many secrets and there's so many different fantasy creatures in this book! The Ra'zac, Urgals, Shades, Dragons, Dwarves, and Elves are all cool fantasy creatures. I love fantasy books and now I have three of my friends reading the book. I especially love how the book has swords, spears, and arrows, but not guns. I give this book five stars because it deserves it.
I absolutely love this book! I am on the 3rd book and love that one too. This is not a challenging book for me. I was so surprised to find out about Brom! Brom has so many secrets and there's so many different fantasy creatures in this book! The Ra'zac, Urgals, Shades, Dragons, Dwarves, and Elves are all cool fantasy creatures. I love fantasy books and now I have three of my friends reading the book. I especially love how the book has swords, spears, and arrows, but not guns. I give this book five stars because it deserves it.
A good fantasy read if a little long in places.
As a Fantasy Writer myself, I began this book with low expectations. About 4 chapters in to this epic, I realized that a 16 year old author was indeed capable of scribing a novel worthy of a spot on the shelf with the likes of Feist, Jordan & Martin.
Totally disagree with Darcie C. and her put down of this book. Have read all 3 books in the series and want more. Found the whole world that Paolini created as thoroughly engrossing. I don't think she is a real fan of the fantasy world. I find it easy to suspend belief in the natural world.
Very detailed in the beginning. This helps set the tone of the book and allows you to transport yourself into Eragons adventures.
Wonderful book, and written by a KID - I didn't even realize that until after I finished.
Interesting read. Main character is a bit juvenile but this is a book for young readers...
a great book! adventure, magic, and good vs. evil....highly recommend it!
Now a major motion picture. What was once your life is nor your legend. When Eragon finds a polished blue stone in the forest, he thinks it is the lucky discovery of a poor farm boy. But when the stone brings a dragon hatchling, Eragon soon realizes he has stumbled upon a legacy nearly as old as the Empire itself.
I didn't hate it, and the story IS unique enough to stand alone. If the rest of the books made their way into my hands, I would probably read them too, but I'm not going to actively seek them out or add them to my TBR. But, if they show up on my library's feature shelf or something, or hit the $1 shelf at Half-Price, sure.
Great fantasy of a so called Dragon Rider. Firts volume of a planned triology
Heard the book was good so I invested in my own copy and ultimately was unsatisfied. The story was drug out way too long and I had a hard time getting myself to finish it.
This is a story about a boy named Eragon who finds a stone while hunting. He takes the stone back home with him and after awhile the stone "hatches". Turns out it was a dragon's egg. After this we find Eragon's life changed. He goes through many adventures and heartaches, all the while growing into a man. This book swept me away and found it hard to put down. I do agree with some of the reviewers that think the story is a lot like LOTR, Star Wars, etc. but that does not take away from this story at all. I cannot tell you how many stories I've read that I could compare them to different book or a movie I watched. This book is still original enough to stand on it's own!
See Dick, Jane and Spot walk. See Spot run. Dick and Jane run after Spot.
Sadly, "Eragon" as a fantasy novel falls into the "Dick and Jane" books category I learned to read from as a small child; if only slightly better. For those few here, along with the fandom online, I wonder if they have read less than a handful of fantasy novels to give "Eragon" such rave reviews?
Read Lord of the Rings (JRR Tolkien), Dragonriders of Pern (Anne McCaffrey), Wizard of Earthsea (Ursula LeGuin) and Starwars (George Lucas), then take a second look at "Eragon." Use cut & paste, change a few letters around, and wall-ah - "Eragon" is the result.
When I forget to feed the dogs or to change our cat's litter-box, the punishment I have chosen for myself is to read portions of "Eragon". Since then our cat has the cleanest litter-box on the planet and the dogs our well-fed.
Sadly, "Eragon" as a fantasy novel falls into the "Dick and Jane" books category I learned to read from as a small child; if only slightly better. For those few here, along with the fandom online, I wonder if they have read less than a handful of fantasy novels to give "Eragon" such rave reviews?
Read Lord of the Rings (JRR Tolkien), Dragonriders of Pern (Anne McCaffrey), Wizard of Earthsea (Ursula LeGuin) and Starwars (George Lucas), then take a second look at "Eragon." Use cut & paste, change a few letters around, and wall-ah - "Eragon" is the result.
When I forget to feed the dogs or to change our cat's litter-box, the punishment I have chosen for myself is to read portions of "Eragon". Since then our cat has the cleanest litter-box on the planet and the dogs our well-fed.
This was an amazing book, and it is one of my all time favorites. Christopher Paolini has written a masterpiece that I enjoyed immensely and have reread over and over again. A definite 5 stars!
Pretty good read, especially considering the author was so young!
I was given the book as a gift before I saw the movie, but I watched the movie before I read the book... the movie was horrible so that turned me off from reading the book.
Then one day my co-worker was going on and on about this book he was reading and it was Eragon. So i decided to go ahead and read the book i had.... good thing I didn't give the book away ! It was absolutely amazing.
I was pulled in from the start and I was so interested in learning everything about all the different types of characters.
This is a GREAT read if you are into fantasy like me. I couldn't put it down !
Then one day my co-worker was going on and on about this book he was reading and it was Eragon. So i decided to go ahead and read the book i had.... good thing I didn't give the book away ! It was absolutely amazing.
I was pulled in from the start and I was so interested in learning everything about all the different types of characters.
This is a GREAT read if you are into fantasy like me. I couldn't put it down !
Loved this book!
As a avid fantasy reader I feel the the author just reused old fantasy ideas with creating anything new in it. I enjoy reading it but would not recommend to avid fantasy readers. This book to me was such a cliche that almost every fantasy stereotype was in this book. This book is meant for those reading fantasy for the first time.
This book is disgustingly terrible. Paolini rips off his 2-dimensional characters and flimsy plot from his betters; writers such as J. R. R. Tolkian, Ursula K. LeGuin, and Anne McCaffrey to name but a few. Had he ripped off these authors and still managed to display a marked talent for creative composition, as many young writers that have not yet tapped into their talent are wont to do, one might be compelled to forgive him. Yet his writing is almost painful to read. The type of purple prose that makes most sensible people bash their heads against a wall in a vain attempt to get the words out of their memory.
It's garbage like this "novel" that causes the dumbing-down of society.
It's garbage like this "novel" that causes the dumbing-down of society.
Eragon is an interesting, albeit bland, blend of a lot of the things that are considered the origins of contemporary fantasy. Unfortunately Paolini has little comprehension of what it takes to make a compelling character, and Eragon himself is not only obnoxious at most times, but often too perfect for anyone to feel any kind of connection toward. The world and it's people are shallow at best, which only heightens the sense that the lead character is some kind of untouchable fanfiction character that the author has created to enact his personal fantasies of being in Lord of the Rings, Dragon Riders of Pern, or Star Wars.
While this is decidedly children's literature, I think it has underestimated even it's target audience's intelligence.
One would be better served - if one is an adult that sometimes enjoys young adult fiction (as I do), by simply tracking down copies of the original works that inspired this.
While this is decidedly children's literature, I think it has underestimated even it's target audience's intelligence.
One would be better served - if one is an adult that sometimes enjoys young adult fiction (as I do), by simply tracking down copies of the original works that inspired this.
A fun, fun read. Never thought I would read it until an elderly volunteer in a thrift store saw me holding the book. That is really good, he said, my grandson recommended it so I read it. I bought Eragon and decided to read it for this challenge. Paolini was 15 when he began writing the book and it was published nationally when he was 17. It's the story about a boy who finds a dragon egg. (He thinks it's just an unusual stone.) Of course, everyone knows that dragons choose who they will bond with don't they? So Eragon becomes linked to Saphira, the dragon, and the boy's life changes entirely. There is an evil king who had destroyed the dragonriders so his life is threatened by his very existence. There is adventure, excitement, and a good story that flows well. Paolini writes well and, yes, you can tell a young person write the book. My favorite clue was when the hero refers to mushrooms as toadstools. Nevertheless, I plan to read the rest of the series. Two members of my family are alreading reading the final book in the series which came out in November. I am certain to get a critique when they finish it.
Paolini's writing is so poor that I could hardly get through this book. It's far fetched, wandering, and generally badly done. I certainly won't be reading the rest of this series.
Even though it's a long book, it's a great read!! The imagery itself is worth it. But Paolini brings life to things that don't even exist....and it's believable! Great job for such a young writer!
Anonymous reviewed Eragon on
Excellent book! Wonderful read for younger and older fantasy readers. This young writer has a long future ahead of him. It says something when a person who as a general rule doesn't read hard fantasy has become a fan of his.
If Eragon is the first fantasy book you have ever read in your entire life, then you will probably enjoy it. Otherwise, you will find it to be a poorly rendered patchwork of various fantasy elements from other more well-known works, stitched together in a way that is neither cohesive or convincing. I think you'll probably be as disappointed in it as I was.
Eragon is the typical farmboy-turned-struggling-epic-hero who happens to come across the typical wise-old-hermit-turned-mentor who is able to mold Eragon into the shape of a slightly-less-struggling-epic-hero-who-rides-a-blue-dragon.
While I give Paolini credit for creating something like this at age 15, that doesn't make this book any better for what it really is: simple, cliche, predictable, and flat. I found Eragon's progress as a warrior to be too quick and easy to be really believable. Supporting characters are semi-likeable only because they are semi-developed. I found that I really wasn't pulling for anyone in particular. If I wasn't so stubborn about finishing books that I start, I probably would have given up on this one.
If you are in any way well-read in the fantasy genre, you will probably find this book to be little worth your time. But if you are looking to start reading fantasy for the first time (especially if you're 12) and want something of a kiddie pool warm-up in the genre, then this book might be an option. But if you decide to read it, just lower your expectations and expect very little. That way you won't be very disappointed.
Eragon is the typical farmboy-turned-struggling-epic-hero who happens to come across the typical wise-old-hermit-turned-mentor who is able to mold Eragon into the shape of a slightly-less-struggling-epic-hero-who-rides-a-blue-dragon.
While I give Paolini credit for creating something like this at age 15, that doesn't make this book any better for what it really is: simple, cliche, predictable, and flat. I found Eragon's progress as a warrior to be too quick and easy to be really believable. Supporting characters are semi-likeable only because they are semi-developed. I found that I really wasn't pulling for anyone in particular. If I wasn't so stubborn about finishing books that I start, I probably would have given up on this one.
If you are in any way well-read in the fantasy genre, you will probably find this book to be little worth your time. But if you are looking to start reading fantasy for the first time (especially if you're 12) and want something of a kiddie pool warm-up in the genre, then this book might be an option. But if you decide to read it, just lower your expectations and expect very little. That way you won't be very disappointed.
I admit that âEragonâ strike a chord with me when I first came upon its summary on the newspaper during my last year of High School. I finally obtained a copy during my freshmen year of college (I actually printed it out of the College Computer Lab, all 200 pages of it). However, I put it aside after several chapters when I was sidetracked with something else. Recently I acquired a copy (the actual book) via Paperbackswap.com and it all came to me that the novel contains numerous of clinches that it should be sue for plagiarism.
Obviously Paolini was imitating Tolkien's style when he attempted to create languages and elvish, however it obviously couldn't compare to Tolkien's Sindarin or Quenya. Upon reading other reviews from the web, I also noticed that Paolini copy large amount of âStarwarsâ too. The writing style is also dull and dry, with childish solutions to seems impossible tasks (such as rescuing Eragon from the prison of the Capital City).
Understandable, the author wrote most of the story while he was 15 and 16 (as the book proudly stated), however I failed to see how it gain so much fame and there is actually a large database for him. Aside from that, it seems that the fame had gone over the young author's head, in a interview he said that he âstrives to achieve Seamus Heaney's translation of Beowulf and Tolkien at his bestâ in his âEragonâ as quoted from Anthony Tardiff, owner of âHard Sayingsâ, while he also statement âthat one of the pleasures of reading Harry Potter is getting to see Rowling mature as a writerâ. Such arrogance. Pity.
The book seem overly boring after I have read many other great novels, I actually skipped last 90 pages or so.
Obviously Paolini was imitating Tolkien's style when he attempted to create languages and elvish, however it obviously couldn't compare to Tolkien's Sindarin or Quenya. Upon reading other reviews from the web, I also noticed that Paolini copy large amount of âStarwarsâ too. The writing style is also dull and dry, with childish solutions to seems impossible tasks (such as rescuing Eragon from the prison of the Capital City).
Understandable, the author wrote most of the story while he was 15 and 16 (as the book proudly stated), however I failed to see how it gain so much fame and there is actually a large database for him. Aside from that, it seems that the fame had gone over the young author's head, in a interview he said that he âstrives to achieve Seamus Heaney's translation of Beowulf and Tolkien at his bestâ in his âEragonâ as quoted from Anthony Tardiff, owner of âHard Sayingsâ, while he also statement âthat one of the pleasures of reading Harry Potter is getting to see Rowling mature as a writerâ. Such arrogance. Pity.
The book seem overly boring after I have read many other great novels, I actually skipped last 90 pages or so.
Excellent Sci-Fi book written by a young man with great talent. Draws you into a new world and doesn't let you go. This is the first one in a series.
Too much text in a story that could have been a fun read. I ended up taking a pencil to this and the sequel & editing out huge chunks of unneeded overly descriptive text. Couldn't make it through book 2 or 3.
The beginning of this book is very derivative, but persevere..it gets much better as it goes along. One of the many young adult books that adult readers will enjoy.
The story is well-crafted, but Christopher Paolini's style is turgid, relying too much on adjectives and descriptions that bog down the writing. I hope that with time and more publishing experience he can develop a more natural style. This being said, I will read the rest of the books in the trilogy to see what happens to the characters and I think the movie will be great.
One of the reasons I think that 15 year olds shouldn't publish what they write. I ended up finishing the book only because I was having a perverse sort of fun naming where all his ideas came from. "Oh, hey, that's one from Earthsea!" "Oh man, look, Dragonriders of Pern." "...LoTR much?" Yeah. Not really very good at all, I wasn't in any way motivated to read the rest of the series. "Poor farmer boy discovers his magical destiny to save the world" is only good when everything else in the story didn't come from somewhere else, too.
I got this for Christmas, as I've been eyeing it for quite some time. The cover is too alluring to ignore, and I must say...I like dragons. So, once I finished The Jane Austen Book Club, I promptly dove into this one, and read and enjoyed all of it. Magic, intrigue, danger, dragons, elves, evil kings and monsters, what's not to like? Eragon is the main character whose life as a simple farmer boy is ripped in two as he finds a strange blue stone and unrest ripples through the Empire. Little did he know that his life could never again be the same. As he goes on his quest, he grows physically, mentally, and emotionally, and we're there to watch it all as he must fight his inner demons and the physical ones around him. This is certainly a good introduction to a trilogy, and I'm already reading book 2. However, I was sad to discover that I'm older than this author, and that he started writing this when he was 15. ::sigh:: Ah well, at least I can still enjoy the book, right?
This is a great story! I've read all the books in the series and I enjoy listening to them on Audio. It has a great story line and well developed characters. If you like fantasy and can read, this series is wonderful!
Without the added press of the author being 17, I cannot see how this book was ever published. The writing is childish (as in, elementary school), the characters generally unlikeable, and the story unoriginal in every respect. That said, I did finish the book and read the next one to find out what happened.
I enjoyed this book. I found it easy to see what the characters were doing and I even cried when a character died in the book. I am looking forward to read the next book. I would recommend this book to anyone who looking for a good fantasy book.
FANTASTIC BOOK!! I counldn't put it down the story was very fun and I can't wait to see how Eragon grows...
Excellent book. Paolini is a great author and can really bring the world he created to life.
I started reading this book but I just could not get into it. I think I gave up after a couple of chapters in and I think that is the first time I've stopped reading a book. I'm not sure if I'll list it because I might want to go back and try it again, but we'll see.
Not a bad read, if you don't mind going over VERY familiar territory AND if you weren't raised on Star Wars [the originals mind you] and Lord of the Rings.
Well written, good pace, just not original. And that isn't necessarily a mark against this book for the group it was aimed at, the YA. Get them hooked and then on to bigger and better things :-)
Well written, good pace, just not original. And that isn't necessarily a mark against this book for the group it was aimed at, the YA. Get them hooked and then on to bigger and better things :-)
A farm boy named Eragon finds a mysterious stone in the forbidden forest near his home. Assuming that it was just as it seems, a polished stone; he takes it home with him in hopes of a new future⦠He was right.
Shortly after, he finds out that the stone holds many adventures and will change his world forever. When the baby dragon is born, his world is turned around and he finds himself with many responsibilities, a new life, and choices that will change the world.
This book is full of adventure, magic, humor, and battles. You feel as though you're in the story, and keep you wanting more. Recommend this book for anyone who loves Dragons, fantasies, and adventure.
Shortly after, he finds out that the stone holds many adventures and will change his world forever. When the baby dragon is born, his world is turned around and he finds himself with many responsibilities, a new life, and choices that will change the world.
This book is full of adventure, magic, humor, and battles. You feel as though you're in the story, and keep you wanting more. Recommend this book for anyone who loves Dragons, fantasies, and adventure.
Actually a 24 year old man wrote this book. Exceptionally well written book. I suggest you all read it.
This is a fabulously vivid book. There are so many things left out of the movie! It is a "must read"!
A very well written book for a 15-year-old author. I hope that as Christopher Paolini matures as a writer he develops his own voice. Though entertaining and a fast read, Eragon is not very original. Paolini draws heavily upon the ideas of Tolkien, Terry Goodkind and Anne McCaffrey.
Absolutely fascinating world and quite believable. Yes, it is the typical young farm boy hero in over his head against the evil, tyrannical ruler, but the setting and the races are just atypical enough to be fascinating (elves more western than european for instance). Saphira (the dragon) is wonderful--a book to revisit often...this series begins here but before it ends, can easily stand tall next to Harry Potter and need not feel ashamed in the company of The Lord of the Rings or The Chronicles of Narnia.
If your kids liked (or you) harry potter - you will like this story of a boy on a quest and his dragon -- I want the next in the series
SO much better than the movie. IN fact, I recommend NOT seeing the movie because it is a supreme dissapointment when comnpared to the book.
My best friend let me borrow it I loved it
The first half was pretty good, but it went downhill from there. Anyone else see the similarities to Tolkien? It's as if he copied from him. Not cool! It was a quick and enjoyable read, though, if you've never read Tolkien.
Way better than the movie.
I thought this was a great book. Very detailed. There were time that I really felt I was there with Eragon riding his dragon.
Interesting read but not as good as I was lead to believe. There are some better dragon & magic books.
If you are a fan of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings this is the book for you. This modern plot is much more approachable for today's young readers and is a truly magnificent story. This reader cannot wait until the final chapter of the trilogy is made available.
This is a really good book. I thought that it was a little intense for young readers, but I loved it.
I enjoy Fantasy Fiction and it was a good read. The author has a very good imagination, captive, kept me interested. Him being a young author, was easily detected by the writing and his voice. I enjoyed it thouroughly, maybe I'll read the sequel. I felt it was more for young readers.
I really enjoyed this fantasy novel and was impressed by the young age of the author who developed such engaging characters.
The book about a young boy who finds a dragon egg and befriends the dragon on the first of many adventures is a great escape for a rainy afternoon.
A good book. I can't wait to see the movie.
This is a fantastic adventure story. The writing is very descriptive, and the characters are very well thought out. Christopher Paolini started writing the book when he was 15, which makes the result even more remarkable.
Destined to become a classic in Fantasy/Fiction genre and written when Paolini was only 17, the book is a great read. In it Eragon and a fledgling dragon battle those proverbial forces of evil on their way to becoming Dragon Riders.
great read wheter you are young or old.
One boy....one dragon...a world of adventure.
An amazing read!!! I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Please DO NOT bother to read this book. It has a plagiarized storyline, wooden dialogue, two-dimensional characters, and many worn out cliches of the fantasy genre, all rolled up in a overlong novel which is at best amateurishly written. Paolini's writing style feels condescending toward the reader. He "tells" much more than he "shows", which makes for a clunky and awkward reading experience. This book is not worth your time or your Paperback Swap credits.
I did not read the book. It was for our library, however, the students have continually checked it out.
I have to say that I flat out hated this book. I admire Mr.Paolini for being able to write such a large book at a relatively young age, but I couldn't even make it twenty pages through the book. It's a good read if you like Harry Potter and need an okay intro to science fiction.
My biggest problem is that he should have been sued for plagarism. The concept of dragonriders, particularly the idea that the boy and dragon bond and are destined for each other is STRAIGHT out of Anne McCaffrey's Dragonriders of Pern series. The map, the names, the languages and too many other things to count are yanked right of Tolkien.
So...if you're even fairly well read in the genre, this book can irritate the heck out of you. If you've never read Tolkien or McCaffrey and need an okay intro into the genre (the writing is really only so-so), then Eragon is the book for you.
My biggest problem is that he should have been sued for plagarism. The concept of dragonriders, particularly the idea that the boy and dragon bond and are destined for each other is STRAIGHT out of Anne McCaffrey's Dragonriders of Pern series. The map, the names, the languages and too many other things to count are yanked right of Tolkien.
So...if you're even fairly well read in the genre, this book can irritate the heck out of you. If you've never read Tolkien or McCaffrey and need an okay intro into the genre (the writing is really only so-so), then Eragon is the book for you.
This book just goes on and on. It may be very good for how young the author was, but it is just not very original.
I didn't finish this book--I found it very boring and was having to force myself to pick it up and read it. On the flip side, I read it for an online reading group and everyone else seemed to love it. I'm not sure what I was missing, but I don't want to torture myself anymore to find out.
Buk is fantastic!!!!
This book was fun, and, for the first novel of a very young author, impressive. However, I found it too be too heavily steeped in LOTR and Star Wars, because many of the characters and situations are similar to that kind of story and world. A bit overly epic for my tastes as well.
The beginning was slow, but as the story went on, I really got into it. The only thing that I didn't really like about the ending was the "cliffhanger." I think even if a story is part of a series, it should exist as its own story without strange hints at what is to come. That's more something I would expect from a TV show. All the same, fun, easy read.
Don't base your opinion of the book on the movie. The story line and the characters are a bit used, but it's a great read when you just want to enjoy something.
Trite and simplistic in style and story. The author obviously read too much Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and bad D&D novelizations when he was younger. Obviously written by a teenager. Don't waste your time. Re-read the "Narnia" books instead. Even if you know how those end, you'll still have more fun reading those than this pap.
slow start, but altogether an excellent book!
This is the same review for all of the books in this series.
This book is part trilogy called the Inheritance Cycle although it must be pointed out that it's four books, not three and should be called a tetralogy. The books are (in order) called Eragon, Eldest, Brisinger and Inheritance. For best effect, read them in order as it is in part a coming of age story.
Our protagonist is Eragon -- a 15 year old boy -- and his dragon is Saphira and they struggle to overthrow the evil King. If you are in to these fictional fantasy books set in a world far away, this is one series you should definitely you should read.
I loved each book and I loved the rich characters, the clarity of the fight between good and evil, the variety of species who must work together, and the visions of glorious battles with dragons and their riders.
I'm a big fan of the Lord of the Rings, the Hobbit, Star Wars, and these books rank right up there.
Well worth the read.
This book is part trilogy called the Inheritance Cycle although it must be pointed out that it's four books, not three and should be called a tetralogy. The books are (in order) called Eragon, Eldest, Brisinger and Inheritance. For best effect, read them in order as it is in part a coming of age story.
Our protagonist is Eragon -- a 15 year old boy -- and his dragon is Saphira and they struggle to overthrow the evil King. If you are in to these fictional fantasy books set in a world far away, this is one series you should definitely you should read.
I loved each book and I loved the rich characters, the clarity of the fight between good and evil, the variety of species who must work together, and the visions of glorious battles with dragons and their riders.
I'm a big fan of the Lord of the Rings, the Hobbit, Star Wars, and these books rank right up there.
Well worth the read.
Pretty good book for a 15-year-old, although the characterizations are a little superficial. Entertaining overall, though.
My daughter LOVED the book, hated the movie.
My son is completely in love wtih this entire series. I have read Eragon. It is a great, strong start to the series!
Classic fantesy. Marketed to young adults but enjoyoble by all ages. Wasn't in the league of Martin's books, but worth the read.
A backwoods farm boy finds something special out in the woods one day, and after that his once-simple life gets very, very complicated. In a way ERAGON is a typical coming-of-age story, and it's called a Young Adult novel. I still enjoyed it (and I passed legal drinking age more decades ago than I want to admit.)
ERAGON is a rather startling first novel considering it was begun when the author was (I think) only 15 years old. It's been on the Best Seller Lists of the New York Times, the Publisher's Weekly, The USA Today, and the Wall Street Journal. It was also the Book Sense BOOK OF THE YEAR.
From back cover: 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 soon realizes he has stumbled upon a legacy 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.
ERAGON is a rather startling first novel considering it was begun when the author was (I think) only 15 years old. It's been on the Best Seller Lists of the New York Times, the Publisher's Weekly, The USA Today, and the Wall Street Journal. It was also the Book Sense BOOK OF THE YEAR.
From back cover: 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 soon realizes he has stumbled upon a legacy 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.
I finished it, how about that? Just didn't catch my attention. The only character I liked was the Shade, and I don't even remember his name. It just seemed a little bland.
Y'know. Fire-breathing dragons, magical swords, and noble elf-girls kinda bland.
Y'know. Fire-breathing dragons, magical swords, and noble elf-girls kinda bland.
I love this story,
a great addition to my library
a great addition to my library
http://www.eragonmovie.com/ Link for movie precedes. This book is ten times better than the movie was.
I'm not big on the genre, but even I could play Fantasy Novel Derivative Bingo while reading this book: 'Hey-- that's from Lord of the Rings', 'and that's from Star Wars', and 'that's straight from Earthsea'. Unfortunately, a house elf never showed up so I couldn't yell "Bingo!".
Nevertheless, it's still an enjoyable fantasy read and I'll put myself in line for the next book in the series...
Nevertheless, it's still an enjoyable fantasy read and I'll put myself in line for the next book in the series...
Fifteen-year-old Eragon believes that he is merely a poor farm boyuntil 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 saveor destroythe Empire.
I enjoyed the book very much. Exciting but not raunchy. (Is that a word?)
Simplistic adaptation of Tolkien and Rowling. Very light reading, perfect for falling asleep.
Good start to a young author's career, will see much more I'm sure in the years to come.
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 soon realizes he has stubmled upon a legacy nearly as old as the Emprie itself.
Overnight his simple life is shattered, and he is thrust into a perilous new world of destiny, magic, and pwer. 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 Empre ruled by a king whose evil knows no bounds.
Overnight his simple life is shattered, and he is thrust into a perilous new world of destiny, magic, and pwer. 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 Empre ruled by a king whose evil knows no bounds.
Horrible, horrible, horrible! This isn't inspired by Tolkien, it's a poor regurgitation of Tolkien. I appreciate that the author was very young when he wrote this and to have written a book that young is very impressive. However, it doesn't mean it should have been PUBLISHED. Go read the "Lord of the Rings".
this book is softcover not hardcover.
kids loved it, I haven't read it myself - this is the soft cover copy with the movie cover
