Author: Christopher PaoliniPublication: New York: Alfred A. Knopf
Pub. Date: 2003
ISBN: 0375826688 (trade)
0375926682 (lib bdg.)
Pages: 509
Summary: In Alagesia, a fifteen-year-old boy of unknown lineage called Eragon finds a mysterious stone that weaves his life into an intricate tapestry of destiny, magic, and power, peopled with dragons, elves, and monsters.
Major Characters: Eragon, Saphira (his dragon), Brom (his mentor)
Comments: Written by Paolini when he was only sixteen, this book is a fantastic masterpiece. Filled with acts of heroism, magic, and amazing creatures, Paolini has created an adventure of epic proportions. It is a rather lengthy novel, but it doesn't seem long because the action is fast paced from beginning to end. There are only two complaints I have about the story. First, Paolini has invented languages which he uses throughout. It is a little annoying to have these foreign words sprinkled through the novel when can't even pronounce them, let alone understand them. The author does provide a glossary at the end of the book, but you've already read through the story by the time you find it. Second, I didn't like how the book ended with a cliff hanger. I know Eragon is part of a trilogy, but I like books to be able to stand alone. Still, fantasy fans will consider this book a "must-have" for their collections.
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 4/5
Age Level: 15+
