Eragon | Book Review | 2002 | Christopher Paolini

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Christopher Paolini was born in 1983 in Los Angeles, California. He is an American author best known for his debut fantasy novel, Eragon. Raised in Paradise Valley, Montana, Paolini developed a passion for reading and storytelling from a young age.

At the age of fifteen, he began writing Eragon, the first installment in The Inheritance Cycle series. Published in 2002, the novel gained immense popularity and catapulted him to literary stardom. The success of the series, also comprising Eldest, Brisingr, and Inheritance, solidified his position in the fantasy genre.

Paolini’s writing displays a mature understanding of intricate world-building and character development. Beyond writing, Paolini has engaged with fans, participated in literary events, and advocated for the importance of literacy.

SYNOPSIS

Eragon is a fantasy novel authored by Chrisopher Paolini. The plot follows the journey of a young farm boy, Eragon, who discovers a mysterious dragon egg in the Spine, a range of untamed mountains near his home. When the dragon egg hatches, Eragon finds himself bonded with a dragon named Saphira. This marks him as the last of the Dragon Riders, a legendary group thought to be extinct.

As Eragon and Saphira develop a deep connection, their fates become entwined with an ancient struggle against the evil King Galbatorix, who seeks to control all of Alagaësia. Ergaon learns that he must fulfill his destiny as a Dragon Rider and join the resistance against Galbatorix’s oppressive rule. Along the way, Eragon encounters a mentor named Brom, who teaches him about magic, combat, and the history of the Dragon Riders.

As Eragon’s abilities as a Rider grow, so does the urgency of his quest. He forms alliances with unlikely companions, including the skilled and mysterious warrior Murtagh and the beautiful elf princess Arya. Together, they navigate a perilous and magical world filled with elves, dwarfs, urgals, and various mythical creatures.

The story takes the readers on an epic adventures filled with battles, political intrigue, and the discovery of Eragon’s true lineage. The young hero faces numerous challenges and adversaries, including the powerful Shade Durza, one of Galbatorix’s most dangerous servants. As Eragon and his allies confront these threats, they also delve deeper into the mysteries of the ancient language of magic.

The novel combines elements of classic fantasy with unique world-building, captivating characters, and a rich tapestry of magic. Eragon sets the stage for an expansive series. It captures the imagination of readers with its blend of coming-of-age themes, high-stakes adventure, and the enduring bond between a dragon and her rider.

WHAT WE LIKED ABOUT ERAGON

Christopher Paolini’s Eragon is a fascinating journey into a fantastical realm that mesmerizes readers with its vivid imagery and compelling storytelling. The novel is the classic tale of a young hero, Eragon, who discovers his destiny when a dragon egg hatches in his care. The bond that forms between Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, is central to the novel’s charm.

Paolini’s attempt to build a fantasy world predominated by diverse races, magical creatures, and ancient lore is praiseworthy. The narrative has just the right amount of action, intrigue, and character development. These qualities make the book an engaging read for young audiences.

For their part, the characters are well-drawn. Each character has their unique qualities and arcs. Eragon’s coming-of-age journey is quite relatable and inspiring, as he grapples with newfound powers, confronts moral dilemmas, and builds alliances. The inclusion of Brom, Murtagh, and Arya adds depth to the story line, creating a tapestry of relationships that resonate with readers.

The integration of magic and the exploration of the ancient language add to the novel’s charm. Eragon combines the best elements of classic fantasy with a fresh perspective, making it a timeless, enjoyable read for anyone seeking an immersive escape into a world of dragons and adventure.

WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER ABOUT ERAGON

Eragon falls short of its ambitious fantasy aspirations, delivering a narrative that, despite its potential, struggles with lackluster execution. Some readers may find the novel overtly similar to established fantasy tropes. Parallels have already been drawn with works like Star Wars and The Lord of the Rings, making the novel feel unoriginal and rather formulaic.

The writing, while earnest, often lacks the maturity expected in the fantasy genre. The characters, including the protagonist Eragon, are well sketched out, but have a predictable arc and clichéd dialogs. This keeps the readers from getting emotionally invested in the story.

The narrative pacing can be uneven at times, with stretches of the plot feeling too rushed or too slow. Despite its ambitious nature, the world-building is too generic in its portrayal of fantasy races and landscapes. Some readers may even find the magical system and the Riders’ ancient language a bit undercooked.

Despite its many highs, Eragon suffers from an unmissable predictability and fails to offer a unique perspective. While younger readers or those new to the fantasy genre may find this work appealing, more seasoned enthusiasts are bound to find themselves yearning for a more sophisticated narrative.

QUOTES 

What do personal names mean in this language? Do they give power over people?

He saw a young woman, bent over by sorrow, chained in a cold, hard cell. A beam of moonlight shone through a barred window set high in the wall and fell on her face. A single tear rolled down her cheek, like a liquid diamond.

CONCLUSION