ELDEST BY CHRISTOPHER PAOLINI: I read Eragon last fall and while it was a decent fantasy novel (the first part of a trilogy), which Paolini had first written and self published when he was fifteen, I was ultimately disappointed with is lack of originality and obvious "borrowing" from Lord of the Rings, the Wheel of Time series, and no doubt other fantasy epics. I am pleased to say, having read an advanced reader's copy of Eldest that I'm now looking forward to the conclusion of the series. Paolini has grown up in many ways and this book is a lot more devleoped in both character and plot, plus he's developing his own ideas and making his own choices instead of using other works. He does make some references, as it is impossible to write fantasy and not do this, one being Beowulf, but it is more of an homage or a tipping of the cap to this or that work. Also he'll be coming to a high school in Santa Rosa on September 16th, basically due to my idea for a competition that readers can enter, and the prize is four of them will get to read their idea of what they would do and where they would live in Alagaesia. So I'm looking forward to meeting with him and discussing his influences and ideas, as they are quite similar to mine. We both seem to search for origins of peoples and civlizations, whether they are historical or invented; pretty interesting stuff.Read full review
I bought this book the next day after finishing Eragon. I love the whole dragon fantasy story idea of young Eragon. I'm in my 20's and it was a little more childish than I would have liked, but all and all a book worth reading, especially if you're already read Eragon. If I was a teenage, I would probably give this book 5 stars. If you are older like myself, the book definately proves that it was written by a teenage. It's somewhat slow (as in not much happens, not slow as in boring) for the first 500 pages (out of 700), but interesting enough to keep you turning more and more pages. I couldn't wait to find out about the dragon on the front cover. Its also a little predictable, but also in a well told story as if this was a filler book for the last chapter (book 3). Bottomline: I'll probably be in my 30's when the 3rd book comes and I CAN'T WAIT! And if you haven't read harry potter and liked the first eragon, I'd highly recommend those as well as this book, Eldest...Read full review
If you are a 6th-8th grade boy this is a fantastic pick! This is the classic orphan boy storyline that reads exactly like Star Wars: boy raised by uncle finds out his father is the empire of doom. It has a cool dragon and the real learning curve is a battle of ?real? brothers and the bonding of ?adopted? brothers but most teens miss that part. As an adult who reads a lot of teen literature I found this a good read and I was genuinely interested in the character development of ALL the brothers and the dragon. It did not keep me up all night riveted, but it did make great ?forced? bedtime reading for teenage boys who hate to read. It is a story that is best served by being read out loud by a good reader that can pronounce weird words in a flash. This is part two and unfortunately it will leave you hanging because the third book is not out yet. So if you are an adult who waited until all the Harry Potter books are written before you start the series, then be warned we have no inside news on when book three is coming out.Read full review
I absolutely love the Inheritance Trilogy (of course it's really only a duo right now). If you like Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings, then you'll really love this epic fantasy for young adults. It doesn't get to convoluted like the Wheel of Time series or Lord of the Rings and maintains a manner of writing as simple as Harry Potter. That's not to say that some parts are a little confusing (as is most fantasy fiction), but it is an interesting look at how different characters step into their roles as leaders facing the different fates set before them. I highly recommend this book(s) for anyone young and old.
Great book. Came in very good condition. Could definitely tell it wasnโt new and had been sitting on a shelf for a while but for the price you canโt beat it!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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