Rating: 
Summary: In a Different Light . . .
Review: I must admit, when I first heard about Eragon and its plot, I was a bit skeptical. However, once several acquaintances had urged me to read it, I consented to give it a try. And I was pleasantly surprised. I simply could not put it down.As I have read in several reviews on various Internet websites, whether they are casual or more official, this novel does reflect in many aspects the work of other authors such as Tolkien, McCaffrey, and many more famous names throughout the fantasy realm. However, I find this book to have a different flavor, both complimenting and contrasting the more prestigious writers. Perhaps it is because this plot was conceived and written through the mind of a young adult, but I find that the characters and movements in the storyline are seen in a completely different light than in the vision of more accomplished writers. The style of writing may, at some times, seem common and unsophisticated, almost unworthy, but who among the myriads of amateur writers has no such work? I must confess to being among the many who falter in their practice in the creation of conceivable storylines and characters. I believe that this style, just now emerging, is that of the new generation of writers to come. In reflection, it may be seen as a comparison to the world around us. Although not perfect, as it may seem in comparison to other items, I find Eragon to be an enrapturing tale of the trials and conquests of an unwilling hero trying to fit in.
Rating:
Summary: An Authentic Adventure from they Eyes of a Boy
Review: This book is a fresh perspective on fantasy. A teen-aged boy finds a dragon, Saphira, and sets out to avenge the death of his uncle, battling the forces of darkness along the way. The best part -- this book was written by a boy who is about the same age as the hero, Eragon. The result is authentic storytelling. Eragon, the main character, grows from a naive hunter to a budding Dragon Rider with the powers of magic. Knowing that Paolini started the book at the age of 15 gives credence to his view of the loss of a relative, young love and crushes, oppression of well-meaning teachers, and the looming dark forces of evil kings and wicked sorcerers. The result is striking. This book gives readers a peek at how teenagers feel about the world around them, which older and more powerful people control, not unlike the perspective of most teenagers. Other reviews that pooh-pooh Eragon should cool their heels, get over their jealousy and realize that this book is fresh and entertaining. Some have said that Paolini has 'ripped off' other fantasy writers. They have somehow forgotten that the genre of fantasy -- the world of elves, dwarves, dragons, and wizards -- has been well developed by previous writers, most notably Tolkien. Those who pick up the torch of fantasy story-telling need not recreate that world, which makes it the perfect playground for young writers such as Paolini because they need not remake what has already been mapped out. The same is true of writing about the mafia in New York City, for example. The skyscrapers, taxicabs, and gun-wielding thugs in dark coats need not be recreated. Paolini chose a perfect subject to launch his writing career on because he can legitimately rely on those masters who have already created the fantasy realm. Finally, the critics of Paolini betray their jealousy too easily. Anyone who has written a novel or short story and has tried to sell it knows that there is a sea of self-involved souls who view other writers as competition and take every opportunity to tear down others on the way to success. They cloak themselves in the skin of creative criticism but they possessed by the spirit of If-I-Can't-Publish-Neither-Can-You. Do not listen to those that attack Paolini because of his age. They are merely frustrated after years of trying to publish their own boring works, and now are enraged that someone so young could find success so early. Well, more power to Paolini. He has given us an entertaining read and a new look at fantasy from a fresh perspective.
Rating: 
Summary: Simply Entertaining
Review: I enjoyed this book tremendously. It gave entertainment without adding all the extra unneeded scenes. I definitely see the traces of Tolkien and Brooks (what fantasy writer does not look up to such?). I think it is a book you either like or dislike. Hardcore fantasy readers might deem it too simplistic or too amateur (the boy was 15 remember...) while others may feel it a refreshing retreat from the complexity of Tolkien. Those who find Tolkien and Brooks and the like to be too complex, but long for fantasy might find Eragon a nice beginner into the realm of elves and kings. Perhaps later they too will delve into our world of Swords and Rings. For a boy of 15, when he wrote this, I am highly impressed. Would any of us have been able to put out such work at such an early age... think about that the next time you pick up a book from a young author.
Rating:
Summary: Better than Harry Potter
Review: This is the best book ever,it is perfect for children and there parents to share. It amazes me how someone so young could write such a explanatory book. Befor I read Eragon I thought that Harry Potter was the best book ever, but now I cannot belive I actually liked that. There is no way around not loving this book.
I am dying to know when the next book comes out.
Rating:
Summary: Aflight again
Review: I read all the time and this book has made number one on my favorite books list. Chris has a wonderful gift that i can only dream of having. I beg readers of any age to read this magnificent book of love, war, hatred, magic, dwarfs, and elfs.
I know a good fantacy book when I read one since I play Dungeons & Dragons and read mainly fantasy and science fiction books and this is a good book. This is a must read book and i was hooked by the third chapter. I can't wait untill the second book ,Eldest, comes out because of how much i loved the first. Thanks Chris, for you have given me another book to look foward to.
Rating: 
Summary: belongs in the category of fan fiction
Review: Eragon belongs in the category of fan fiction. No wonder reviewers are dazzled: so many fantastic events and wonderful ideas in one book. Tne only problem is that the events and ideas come from other authors. Christopher Paolini has systematically raided great fantasy writers, pilfering their ideas right and left, right down to the names he gives places and characters (though sometimes he changes a couple of letters). If you don't believe me, read Anne McCaffrey's DRAGONRIDERS OF PERN, Robert Jordan's EYE OF THE WORLD, and JRR Tolkien's LORD OF THE RINGS. The so-called professional critics who have given this book the nod should be ashamed. If they bothered to educate themselves about the fantasy genre, they'd recant the glowing praise they've given this book and bestow it on the ones who actually deserve it--the authors I've mentioned. This book has a beautiful cover, but what's inside is cheap imitation. Christopher Paolini may be excused due to his youth, but if he's intelligent enough to assemble such a long piece of fan fiction, presumably he can grasp the concept of stealing.
Rating:
Summary: I DIDN'T WANT TO PUT IT DOWN
Review: This is one of the best books I have read. In no time I was hooked. I highly recommend this book.Saphira and Eragon are my favorite characters because they are in the most action. Buy this book for you and your kids. I cant wait for the next one.
Rating:
Summary: Eragon
Review: I couldn't call SF/fantasy overused with a clear conscience. There are always new worlds to be explored and new levels of style and skill to be tapped into. However, you need a certain amount of individuality to make a fantasy hit with me, considering the huge numbers of novels available, and in this I find Eragon slightly lacking. Paolini's age is certainly remarkable, and I personally believe this contributed considerably to the popularity of his novel. Otherwise, Eragon is nothing new. Other reviews call it "the Lord of the Rings for the younger set" or mention its similarity to Tolkien's epic vision, but if I were to compare it to Tolkien it would only be with shock. I saw similarities to orcs in the swarthy Urgols, and the elves with their pointed ears, white horses, superior weapons and overall loveliness and grace. The names in the map, like Isenmere, ring a little too true for my liking, while the fact that the book culminates in a battle against the Urgols outside of the white mountain city is just strange. Add the race of dwarves and Snowfire, the fastest, most beautiful horse the land has to offer (Shadowfax?) and you have a blend that is certainly unoriginal, if not outright ridiculous. If fantasy still has thousands of novels to offer us, Paolini certainly shouldn't contribute he gets his act together. Philip Pullman said "I read like a butterfly and write like a bee; if my story [His Dark Materials series] has any honey, it is because of the nectar I found in the work of better writers. . ." But what he took was the "nectar," not the entire flower!
Rating:
Summary: The Lord of the Rings, for Kids!
Review: I am pretty picky about the books I read, but this one is a winner! It started out pretty weird, but by the time I got to the end of the second chapter I was hooked. Eragon is a book written in the calibur of Lord of the Rings (I don't consider myself to be exaggerating one bit), but not as violent, and better for younger audiences. I'd recommend ages 13+, not because of content (though there is some violence), but because younger kids might not be able to understand some vocabulary. I must warn, you, though, the end left me in suspense, and I can't wait for the next book in the Inheritance trilogy: Eldest.
Rating:
Summary: Flying the Skies Again
Review: For anyone who has flown with the "Dragons of PERN" this story adds to the thrill of being a dragonrider. It is written from a another perspective and deserves to be read. I have all of the PERN books and am pleased to add this marvelous story to my collection.
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