Review: Eldest by Christopher Paolini

Eldest

Author: Christopher Paolini

Publication Date: March 23rd, 2007

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Genre: YA/Fantasy/Adventure

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Synopsis:

Darkness falls ...Despair abounds ...Evil reigns ...Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, have just saved the rebel state from destruction by the mighty forces of King Galbatorix, cruel ruler of the Empire. Now Eragon must travel to Ellesmera, land of the elves, for further training in magic and swordsmanship, the vital skills of the Dragon Rider. It is the journey of a lifetime, filled with awe-inspiring new places and people, each day a fresh adventure. But chaos and betrayal plague him at every turn, and Eragon isn't sure whom he can trust. Meanwhile, his cousin Roran must fight a new battle back home in Carvahall - one that puts Eragon in even graver danger. Will the king's dark hand strangle all resistance? Eragon may not escape with even his life .

My Thoughts: I enjoyed this book even more so than the first one. In the second installment in the Inheritance Cycle we get to see so much character growth! Eragon is pretty much forced to grow up quickly with all the pressure on him of being the only rider to oppose Galbatorix. But he does so amazingly well. Facing every challenge head on, and never backing down, even when it means risking his life, extreme pain, or extreme illness. Even when all seems futile, and it seems impossible to press on, nothing stands in the way of Eragon and Saphira's goals. Eragon and Saphira are each other's pillars. They support each other, lend strength when needed and even tell them when they think they are making the wrong choices. The bond they share is ultimate.


So in this book Eragon travels to Ellesmera, where the elves live. There he receives training from the most unexpected character! During his training he grows immensely. He becomes quite a changed person. But all for the better of course! His training was hard and un-relenting. Continuing  on despite his crippling injury inflicted on him by Durza the shade commands the utmost respect. It is a good thing he trains so hard because there is an impending battle between the Varden and Galbatorix and Eragon and Saphira will be the Varden's key weapons. Without them they would all surely die. Will Eragon be able to reach his full strength with the barrier of his wound in the way? Will it be in time for the battle that is ever approaching?


Another reason I really enjoyed this book was because it did not solely focus on Eragon. We got to read a lot about Roran and his journeys and experiences in Carvahall after Eragon left. Which are tremendous, exciting, and scary. Roran is also placed in a position where many depend on him. The entire town in fact. And Galbatorix's servants are not about to let the town go free when they could know Eragon's whereabouts. How will the town defend itself? Is Roran brave enough to face his enemies whilst protecting his entire village? We also get to read a lot about the Varden, and they new leader. The Varden being the major rebels of Galbatorix's ruling. But they find themselves with very depleted resources, the dwarves can no long feed them as well as their own. How will Nasuada, who has just taken role of leader take care of all these people? While preparing for a war?


All this and more happens in Eldest. The story has lots of really great twists and surprises that left me completely shocked. I love when a book can surprise me like that! This book is an epic fantasy that all lovers of the genre should read. It is a long one, but it's well worth the time it takes to read. I'm actually excited that the books in the series get longer as they go. I can't wait to read more about Eragon and Saphira and all the others! This is a world I can so easily immerse myself in and get lost in. The world is beautifully depicted and all the characters are so hard not to love. If you're up for a longer read, and you like fantasy, you should read this series:)

Teaser Tuesday (9)

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by  MizB at Should be Reading.

To Participate you:

-Grab your current read

-Open to a random page

-Share two 'teaser' sentences from somewhere on that page

-BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS

-Share the Title and Author, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR if the like your  teaser :)

This week's teaser comes from:

Eldest by Christpher Paolini

'While you spend your time locked in here conducting experiments that no one understands - endangering your well-being in the process - your country totters on the brink of war. A myriad issues await your decision, and you stand here blowing smoke and playing with quicksilver?'

Yeah, I am still on the same book as last week. I apologize I don't have a new book to tease with, but it's still a new teaser! Two of my kids birthdays have been in the past few days, so it's been crazy busy here! But I am really liking this book, even more so than the first one :).

Review: Eragon by Christopher Paolini

Eragon

Author: Christopher Paolini

Publication Date: April 2005

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Genre: YA/Fantasy/Adventure

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Synopsis:

When young 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 adopted family meat for the winter. But when the stone brings a dragon hatchling, Eragon realizes he has stumbled upon a legacy nearly as old as the Empire itself. Overnight his simple life is shattered, and he is thrust into a perilous new world of inescapable destiny, magical forces, and powerful people. With only an ancient sword and the instruction of an old,mysterious, hermit storyteller for guidance, Eragon and the fledgling dragon must navigate the dangerous terrain and dark enemies of an Empire ruled by a Emperor whose evil and power knows no bounds. Can Eragon take up the mantle of the legendary Dragon Riders? The fate of the Empire may rest in his hands….

My Thoughts: Eragon really is a fantasy story of epic proportions. It packs all the classic stuff, Elves, Dragons, Dwarves, Magic, Battles, and more! I think if you are into the fantasy world at all that this is a book you should read.

Christopher Paolini really has a way with words. He just seems to have this knack for picking the most perfect one! I can't even really describe it, his writing just seems to flow so perfectly, seamlessly, magically. His words weave together and pull you deep into the story. He creates these perfect settings, wonderfully descriptive, you feel your imagination is in awe with them. There is a lot of traveling in this book, and the scenery and is constantly changing, usually dramatically. Paolini pulls it off with ease. We go through small towns, forests, grand deserts, mountainous ranges, Dwarven halls, and more. And with each new location your mind is reeling with the beauty it's described in. Even in the darker places of travel, you are still appreciating the surroundings. At least I was. My favorite by far was the home of the Dwarves! It usually goes without saying that Dwarves create immensely beautiful dwellings with their incredible craftsmanship. Paolini painted such a beautiful place in my mind.  I could picture myself roaming this incredibly large, startlingly beautiful, awe inspiring underground city. I had the most fun reading the chapters that took place there.

Eragon lived with his Uncle Garrow, and his cousin Roran. He knows nothing of his parentage or heritage. He's been raised by his uncle, his mother's brother, since he was just a newborn. They live on  a humble farm just outside the nearest town. Eragon is skilled in hunting, and the job tends to fall on him. On one of his hunting trips he happened upon a round, blue, smooth stone. Thinking he might be able to sell it and make money for his family, or trade it for food, he pockets it and takes it to the market.  However getting rid of it doesn't come as easily as he expected. So he bring it home only to have it hatch into a dragon!

Long ago, there used to be a whole clan of Dragon Riders. But now there is only one, and he's the king. He was part of the old clan but he decided he wanted to rule, so he ousted the others and became the one and only. Dragons were thought to no longer exist, but now Eragon has one of his own, and is bonded with her. He has to try to keep her a secret from the Empire, along with everyone else. Who could he trust with such a large secret, that is continuously getting larger. Unfortunately, his secret doesn't remain so forever. Eragon spends a lot of his time fleeing capture from the Empire. Discovering his new abilities and continually growing strong along the way, and also discovering a few allies of his own. The Empire has grouped up with an evil band of creatures in an attempt to dominate even more lands, and to capture Eragon and his dragon. He finds himself facing powers beyond his imagination. With very few allies, and places to hide, how will he fare?

I really enjoyed the Eragon's character. He is very strong, determined, loyal, and not afraid to show his true feelings. He faces his obstacles with fierce bravery, and the will to survive. I had to remind myself how young he is often, and be even more marveled at his abilities and maturity. I also love  his dragon Saphira! She is incredibly wise, protective, and just as fiercely determined as Eragon. I can't wait to read more about their adventures together! Paolini has created a wonderful fantasy world that I love to get lost in. I'm so glad I have all four books so I don't have to wait to move on!

Teaser Tuesday (8)

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading.

To Participate you:

-Grab your current read

-Open to a random page

-Share two 'teaser' sentences from somewhere on that page

-BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS

-Share the Title and Author, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR if the like your  teaser :)

This week's teaser comes from:

Eldest by Christopher Paolini

'There's been mutterings of a Shade haunting the northern territories. He's been seen all along the edge of Du Weldenvarden and near Gil'ead. They say his teeth are filed to points, his eyes as red as wine, and his hair is as red as the blood he drinks.'

I've just started book #2 of the Inheritance series. I really enjoyed the first one, and I'm eager to immerse myself into the story even more :D

What are you teasing with this week?

Teaser Tuesday (7)

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading.

To Participate you:

-Grab your current read

-Open to a random page

-Share two 'teaser' sentences from somewhere on that page

-BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS

-Share the Title and Author, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR if the like your  teaser :)

This week's teaser comes from

Eragon by Christopher Paolini

"Tears blurred Eragon's vision and he tried to look away, but the dead faces held his attention. He stared at their open eyes and wondered how life could have left them so easily. What does our existence mean when it can end like this? A wave of hopelessness overwhelmed him."

I received the 4 books from this series as a birthday/x-mas gift from a good friend of mine. It's about time I tackled them :). So far I am really enjoy it, it's darker moments surprised me, it's a little more mature than I thought it would be, but that is not a bad thing! Looking forward to finishing this book and moving on to the next ones!