Book Review

Cole Jolovich
March 4, 2009
English 2
Eldest Review
Eldest Review
It starts out with Eragon recounting the events that had happened a couple of days prior, but mostly about his battle with the Shade Durza. A few days later Orik, Saphira, Arya, and he left for Du Weldenvarden. Along the way they stop in Tarnag, so that Eragon can learn about the Dwarf customs and history since he joined them as a family member. Although they weren’t welcome they left the grand city unscathed. Once they reached the great forest of Du Weldenvarden they headed straight for the capital Ellesméra. Once there they were treated with outstanding hospitality, unlike that of the inhabitants of Tarnag. There he finds that there is another sane Rider and dragon whom will become Eragon’s and Saphira’s teachers. After several weeks of excruciating training they leave for the rebel country of Surda. There they will face their greatest battle yet.

Although Eragon, Saphira, Arya, and Orik may be the main characters they are only part of Paolini’s array of characters. Roran, Eragon’s cousin, is also mentioned. He encounters Ra’zac, monstrous creatures that hunt and feed off humans. After several bouts with them and the Empires soldiers he and the village people abandon their homes to seek salvation from the Surdans. Once they reach the city of Teirm they encounter a merchant who helps them steal a ship and go to Surda. Once there they join Surda and the Varden.

Nasuada, leader of the Varden, rests from the long move from their original home. Though her rest is short lived because the Varden has many troubles and she has to prepare for war. Although she isn’t alone because she has the Council of Elders, a group of advisors, and King Orrin, the King of Surda, to advise her in her upcoming test of strength. She also has Elva, a “blessed girl” whose blessing was mispronounced and made into a curse, which she shields others from pain. From this she is used as a bodyguard for Nasuada.

This novel by Christopher Paolini demonstrates many of the parts of good writing. One of them was climax. There wasn’t only one but he really incorporated it into many of the chapters as well. The longer of the chapters definitely had climaxes. Some of the shorter ones got grouped up and had a climax between them. The climaxes that included Eragon were the greatest because Paolini seems to bring out Eragon and Saphira’s personality making it even better than usual. This I think is one of Paolini’s greatest strengths in his writing.

Another strong piece in his writing was his ability to lay down a great plot. He makes it easy to get the idea of the story but makes it much more than it seems. For example he puts out complex ideas that are open for thought so that people can interpret it differently. Since he does this I think it makes his writing much stronger because then it leaves people to think about what they read and even after they are done reading it. When he leaves it open ended like he does it allows him to collaborate with e-mails and letters he has received from fans to decide how he wants to plot out the next book. Apparently, Paolini uses plot very well in his books.

I think this is a great read for those who either like or are neutral towards fantasy fiction. Most of the chapters are packed with action and fighting. Each and every action made by the main characters effects what will occur later, either in the next book or later on in the book itself. The writer omits so much energy into the book when you’re reading it you feel impacted by what happens to the characters. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I believe that you will to if you give it a try.