Eragon Review

Get ready for a whole ton of reviews as I try and catch up on them! First off, the Eragon series!

I've been interested in this book series for many years, but I finally picked it up a few month ago. It is a young adult novel, so I went in knowing this and expecting much less than I actually got.

Eragon, the first book in the series, was the first book by the author, Christopher Paolini, which he started to write at the age of fifteen. For a first novel, at the age that he wrote it at, it is very impressive. The writing itself improves as the series continues and the plot is developed and thought out (to an extent). The first book reads as if a teenager wrote exactly what they wanted to read, which since it's aimed toward a younger reader, is for the best. For anyone used to more sophisticated and elaborate novels, this series is not for them. It's an easy and enjoyable read, without the headaches that accompany the novels that require a flow chart to follow.

However enjoyable the book is though, it's also predictable. The series is heavily influenced by other high fantasy novels and tropes. It barely deviates away from the stereotypical creatures of fantasy: The humans, the elves, the dragons, the dwarves and the humanoid beasts. It reminds me a lot of Lord of the Rings in this way, but makes up for it with the plot.

The plot itself is not original. It's the basic "unexpected hero becomes extraordinary, and is expected to fight and defeat the villain". What makes it different is that this is not the whole story. When one thinks of dragon riders, if they have even heard of the Eragon series, it will likely pop into their head. This is part of the over arcing story, but under the front cover are unique characters, exciting adventures, and unexpected turns, all of which are tied up in a neat ending, which, I admit, tugs at the heart strings.

Eragon is a great series to read as a child or young adult. It rounds out the high fantasy that Tolkien started, but with a much more immersive world and relatable characters.