Rating: 
Summary: Good book but immensely dry at times
Review: My friend let me borrow the book "Eragon" not too long ago, and I finally started reading it. I must say, if you like fantasy, you will definately like this book. And the first thing you will notice is that it has every aspect you can think of, or at least recognize, from other fantasy and sci-fi novels - common ones in fact. This leaves the story dry at times, as Paolini tries to rush into things, especially at the beginning. It seems when you read the first few chapters, you've already read half the book. But his writing is wonderful for someone so young to be published, I must give him credit on that.But things that caught my eye is the way he practically excerpts other fantasy books, most of which you may have read already. Reading about trolls, dwarves, and elves and the "Ancient Language" was practically cut from Lord of the Rings, and even by just watching the movie, everything that relates is clearly evident. Also, I am a huge Anne McCaffrey fan of her Dragonriders novels, and I felt a bit strange to see it "ripped off" so to speak...He speaks of "Dragon Riders", as of course the main character (Eragon), goes through the similar process of obtaining a dragon as "Dragonriders of Pern" novels write, and McCaffrey's books are practically a legacy. Simply, Eragon finds a "rock" (it's really a dragon egg) that hatches into a dragon and connects "mentally" with his mind, ect. Brom even explains the dragon chooses the person, and all of that seems directly taken from the Pern novels. A bit different, all in the end. As good as a writer he is at his age, there are still things that he needs to work on. I'm not a genuis writer myself, but you will find yourself baffling at times when a random comment/explanation comes up in the middle of an unrelated conversation, which leads to more and more unrelated ideas. It seems Paolini put more "information" into his characters rather than personality, which leaves it bluntly, DRY. You will quickly get over his "saids" and "dids" at first, and become used to the over-under descriptiveness, or the more/less detail needed for a certain situation. But the book is great, and will keep you reading for a while (as thick as it is). Final conclusion - not for hardcore fantasy readers. I'm not even a hardcore fantasy reader, and I still feel like I'm reading 10 books at once, all ideas taken from other books (Tolkien, McCaffrey, ect). It's not necessarily a "fresh" new fantasy world with beliefs, ect, but certainly enjoyable to most.
Rating: 
Summary: Archetypal? But great!
Review: IÂ'm almost finished with the book, and I love it! IÂ've read a lot of fantasy books, and I can see what the less enthousiastic readers mean by "archetypal" and "traditional Tolkienien".
What I go for though, is a book I enjoy and captures my imagination. Not per definition something new or cleverly wrought, but utterly boring to read! After all the reviews I read it with a critical eye, but until now I just love it! I am totally immersed in the story and the world Paoloni has created, and looking forward to the time I can pick it up again. I recognize a lot of themes and parallels with other fantasy stories of course, but still I think Paolini gives them his own twists to keep you interested. There are also enough new things and inventions, though not shockingly so, itÂ'll keep you interested but comfortable.
I think all fantasylovers will enjoy this book, and I am looking forward to the next one!
Rating:
Summary: Eragon Book Review
Review: This book was wonderfully imaginative and captivating. It contains all the elements that a fantasy reader could want and more. The action, emotional features, and the bonds of friendship are so clearly shown that it is nearly impossible for a person not to get caught up in it all.
Christopher Paolini brings out the hero in his brave, yet young, character, Eragon. Paolini shows us how destiny controls our lives and that we have to accept who we are, no matter how much we wish otherwise. In the end, we may have bigger plans made for us in our lives than we ever could have made for ourselves. Christopher Paolini, my thanks for the wonderful journey!
Rating:
Summary: THIS IS A GREAT BOOK!!!!!
Review: If you love the lord of the rings books or any fantasy/adventure books you will love this one!!! It is like the LOTR books except a bit easier to understand!! THIS IS A MUST READ!!!
Rating: 
Summary: Eragon -- a reveiw
Review: I think this was a good book, and frankly it doesn't bother me that he once or twice wrote something like "Sorry," Brom apologized. Why let something like that get in the way of enjoying the book? I thought the writing was slightly shaky in the beginning, he jumped around, with not a lot of description of things, but it improved rapidly. I also felt that he didn't give a good description of how long things took. It would be a week ahead, and you might still think only two or so days had gone by. Other than those two things really, I thought the book was very well written, and I can't wait until the next one comes out, cause the first leaves you hanging a bit. :D
Rating:
Summary: Best Book Ever
Review: This amazing story of a simple farm boy's journey to become Eragon, Dragon Rider and Shade Slayer, has to be the Best Book Ever. In the time when the dragon riders have died out, and the evil king Galbatorix rules the land one boys discovery will change all that. All I can say is, "I can't wait for the next book, Eldest, to finally come out.
Rating: 
Summary: Trite Fantasy and Poor Writing
Review: I thought this story was going to be somewhat promising since the sales rank--but IT DEFINITELY WAS ALL HYPE. I tried my hardest to like it but the poor chracters and "cookie cutter" story time and again defeated that. I've never seen a fantasy story so unabashadly rip Tolkien--watch Fellowship the movie (or read the book) and you have the plot. One feels that he was inspired to change the names and write his 'own' story. Inexcusable and pathetic! The more you praise this worthless tripe folks the more of this is what your going to get. I know it's tough people but there ARE good fantasy books out there (and certainly better writers) so show a little discretion and take a stand for quality. It's CERTAINLY not here. Recommended for people without any taste in fantasy or like it predictable and boring.
Rating:
Summary: An excellent read...
Review: I bought this book because I've always loved fantasy, and I had read an article on Christopher Paolini. Intrigued that someone so young had published a book, I was compelled to buy it. I didn't really know what to expect, but I was surprised to find out how good it was. Paolini may be young, but he tells the story well. I'm giving this book five stars because--while one might find similarities between this and other fantasy works--you have to keep something in mind: What *hasn't* been done before? An author is hard-pressed these days to come up with an entirely original idea when practically everything has been done. Now really, it doesn't matter what this kid wrote about, people would still find something to pick at him for. It's a sad thing, but that's just the way the literary world works. In my opinion, this is a very good book and an excellent first try for Christopher Paolini. I sincerely hope he continues. I'm sorry for the people who are criticizing this book for it's similarities to other works. I'm sorry that they can only pick up a book to criticize it, not to enjoy it for what it is. People also do not seem to understand that this book was intended for young adults to read and enjoy, not--and I apologize for the stereotype--the 45 year old obsessed fantasy novel reader to scrutinize and crucify in Amazon reviews. It is unfair to compare it to master fantasy works, especially Tolkien--the undisputed master of the fantasy epic. Christopher Paolini is a very, very talented storyteller and I would really like to see what he can do with the books that are to follow Eragon. He has real potential. My advice to people who are considering purchasing this book? Buy it. It's a wonderful read, and it's definitely not a waste of money. Please don't let the negative reviews get you down about buying this book, because it's worth every penny.
Rating:
Summary: AWESOME!!!
Review: I see that there are those who rated this book as a 1 and are chewing out those who rated it as a 5. That's just pathetic, get a life! Books can be loved OR hated, it's not the end of the world. Anyway, I LOVED this book. I am a senior english major and I get tired of the dense "classics" reading that i do all day long. Paolini was a refreshing break from it all. The story was just FUN! Don't get me wrong, I love my classic writers and I love reading things that are deep and timeless, but Paolini's story is one that you can just enjoy curled up by the fire. I can't wait for Eldest!!
Rating:
Summary: Hyped Stock Fantasy -- BEWWARE!
Review: Just read the whole book and wished that I had not. What a waste of my time. I kept thinking it would get better but it sadly never did. There are so much better fantasy books than this to pick up (I suggest the LOTR or Harry Potter, perhaps Narnia) that this is just the stockest fantasy story I have ever read. Every scene and dialogue is a cliche! BARF!
|
