Product Description

When Eragon finds a polished stone in the forest, he thinks it is the lucky discovery of a poor farm boy; perhaps it will buy his family meat for the winter. But when the stone brings a dragon hatchling, Eragon soon realizes he has stumbled upon a legacy nearly as old as the Empire itself. Overnight his simple life is shattered and he is thrust into a perilous new world of destiny, magic and power. With only an ancient sword and the advice of an old storyteller for guidance, Eragon and the fledgling dragon must navigate the dangerous terrain and dark enemies of an Empire ruled by a king whose evil knows no bounds. Can Eragon take up the mantle of the legendary Dragon Riders? The fate of the Empire may rest in his hands - 'A winner - tip of the hat to young master Paolini' Anne McCaffrey, author of The Dragonriders of Pern series'A compelling and action-filled adventure ...a galloping good example of its genre' Daily Telegraph'This book is an achievement. Readers ...will be transported' Sunday Times' A portrayal of true affection between boy and dragon - Paolini writes like someone gripped by his own story' Guardian'A stirring fantasy of epic proportions' The Bookseller

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1499 in Books
• Published on: 2005-01-06
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback

Customer Reviews

Eragon IS by numbers
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First of all, let me say that I enjoyed Eragon, it was a fun and enetertaining read to while away the time on my recent flight to Bulgaria. But it has absolutely nothing new to offer, you can almost predict the next page as you read it (total unknown plucked out of existence to greatness etc. etc.), and also, be prepared for Eragon (the title charecter) to loose consciousness at the end of most chapters.

It has been claimed that this book has an incredibly similar storyline and set of charecters to the Star Wars films, and I must admit, that the similarities are glaring, to make the 'conincidences' easier to spot, here's my guide to charecter translation from Eragon to Star Wars:

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Eragon = Luke SkyWalker (incredibly obvious, let me put it this way, they even share the same job, 'farm boy!')

Galbatorix = The Emporer (Corrupt leader role, I could go on and on....)

Arya/Nasuada = Princess Leia (Both are diffirent aspects of the same charecter.)

Brom = Obi Wan (they could be twins.)

And finally.....

Dragon Riders = Jedi (once again, there are many similarities.)

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So, to sum that up, it's Star Wars with dragons added to the formula. This review is just abit of fun and as I've said I enjoyed the book, and I'm sure I will enjoy the sequel. Have fun spotting the similarities!

I should also point out that although the similarities are glaring, most of our well known stories are composites of earlier ones. So Eragon is hardly the first story to take ideas from another story.

Please rate my review if you have the time!

(Please note, I do not have my own acount, so I'm using my father's, I am certainly not a Mr Grant (I'm a girl)!)

Not what it's made out to be...
I bought this book following the hype that was going about. Usually I'm not one for hyped up books and movies but the plot was interesting and since it was being made into a movie I figured it had to be worth taking a look at.

That is the last time I do that...

I've gotten through most of the book but it's become something of a drag. Usually it takes me a day at the least to finish any novel but this one has taken me over three weeks. The writing style is in no way grabbing and I find myself cringing terribly whenever I get to an emotional bit. It feels summarized... all of it.

The two stars are for making me smile twice during two conversations Eragon had with his dragon and for interesting plot. But aside from that the book is lacking. A good first attempt but he really needs to work on it.

Better late than never...
Has someone ever given you a book you just can't find time to read? That happened to me with "Eragon". I liked the story, as summed up in the cover, but a lot of the reviews I had previously read about it were awful, mostly criticizing the style of its author, Christopher Paolini, or saying that this book was just an imitation of others, for example the books in the "Lord of the Rings" series.

I must confess that I let those spiteful comments get to me, and I always found something else to read before tackling "Eragon". That is, until I watched the movie, loosely based on the book of the same name I'm reviewing right now. It wasn't spectacular, but it had something special that made you care for Eragon, a young man like many others that ends up discovering a dragon's egg, and changing his destiny and that of Alagaesia.

"Eragon", the film, was a good introduction to Paolini's world, a world of magic and dragons, elves and strange creatures. All the same, I wanted more, so I went straight to the source. I picked up the book that had been waiting patiently for me and started reading. I read it in a day, without stopping, enjoying the fact that Paolini's story was much, much better than what the film had allowed me to glimpse, and that I was on holidays and could allow myself the luxury of reading the whole book without having to stop and go to work :)

Now, I can say that I loved "Eragon", and can recommend it to others without doubts. This book is not slow, it just allows you to understand the characters. There is action, but also people that talk, and I think the result is balanced, and beautiful. I've read "Lord of the Rings", and I also liked it a lot, but that series is very different to this one. I guess those who disliked this book so intensely weren't reading the same book, or were reading it with other eyes. Worse for them, I suppose.
This is the kind of book that gives your imagination wings, and makes you part of the story. Truth to be told, I enjoyed learning about Eragon, Saphira and their friends, and I thank Christopher Paolini for that. Some people say that "it is better late than never", and I think that applies to me and this book. What about you?

Belen Alcat

PS: Reading "Eragon" has only a small drawback... There is no way you will be able to stop reading about Eragon's adventures here, so just make yourself a favour and buy both "Eragon" and "Eldest" (the sequel) at the same time? It's cheaper, and it will save you some time :)