I read Eragon a few years ago, and I came out with mixed reviews. This time, however, I give it a solid thumbs-up. I love Paolini's use of vocabulary, and while the dialogue is not realistic, it is not supposed to be. I also love the flaws in his character, Eragon, making clear that he was completely unprepared for his role as a Rider and adventures with Brom. The only thing I would say that was poor about it was the fact the book was clearly planned out beforehand (which is also what makes it such a winner). As a writer, I know that going so in-depth into your world as to create history, detailed maps and political struggles is very entangling. Sometimes you can forget that readers just coming into the story are unaware of these details and you want them to understand so quickly that you confuse them. I think Paolini did as best he could to immerse the reader in the Empire's situation, but it wasn't until the middle of the book I was remotely clear on who the Varden were or what kind of ruler King Galbatorix was. I loved how Paolini helped the reader to see the relationship between Saphira and Eragon but portraying a depth of mental intimacy that is beyond grasp. I liked also how Paolini included chapters about Eragon's normal life before the action began, to help you understand how boring his life was before, and to help you understand how much Eragon's life and family meant to him. The only other complaint I have is the cliche that Eragon is much stronger than he should be and a fast and instinctive learner of magic. I hate to say realistically, but realistically, it would have taken him months of training to complete the tasks he completed with none at all.
Overall: Except for some beginning mistakes, Paolini's book is a masterpiece. 9 out of 10.
Details:
Mass Market Paperback: 768 pages
Publisher: Laurel Leaf; Reprint edition (June 12, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0440240735
ISBN-13: 978-0440240730
