Eragon (Inheritance Cycle) Book

Eragon is the first book in the 'Inheritance Cycle' by Christopher Paolini and tells the story of a young farm boy named Eragon who discovers a mysterious stone while out hunting in the mountains. In a short time his discovery is revealed to be far more important than it first appears since the stone is in fact an egg and a dragon hatches from it. Eragon names the dragon Saphira and the two become firm friends. Through their bond, Eragon is eventually able to become a Dragon Rider, the last of these valiant warriors in fact.

However, the evil King Galbatorix hears about Eragon and his dragon and so sends his servants, the Ra'zac, to capture them. After his home is burned down and his uncle killed by the Ra'zac, Eragon and Saphira are therefore forced to flee from their home in Carvahall and decide to search out the Varden, a group of rebels who are determined to bring about the downfall of King Galbatorix. Eragon is not alone on his quest though as he is joined by an elderly storyteller named Brom, who gifts Eragon with the powerful sword Zar'roc and insists on helping him and Saphira.

Although Eragon is certainly influenced by famous works of fantasy and science fiction such as The Lord of the Rings, Star Wars and Dragon Riders of Pern, it is still an excellent novel and the beginning of a great series. All of the archetypal elements of a great fantasy story are present in Eragon: a quest, a journey towards understanding, revenge, romance, betrayal and the existence of powerful magical objects. While it is possible that this might make the book seem clichéd, for fans of fantasy fiction the existence of such familiar devices can actually serve as a mark of quality.

The story itself is very fast-paced and is packed with excitement. Eragon is truly a fun novel to read and there is plenty of magic and action adventure to keep readers interested. The characters are all interesting, with the characterisation of the dragon Saphira as really being the ideal best friend proving a particularly good example, and the good versus evil plot is engrossing. Occasionally the dialogue is a little weak but that is only occasionally and it doesn't detract from the overall worth of the plot. Eragon is certainly not the most complex of novels but it is still highly enjoyable. The writing is all the more impressive when you remember that Christopher Paolini was only fifteen when Eragon was first published.

Eragon is a fantastic fantasy novel, one that certainly far surpasses the film that was made of it, and the 'Inheritance Cycle' as a whole is a series well worth reading.

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

Overnight, the simple life of young farm boy, Eragon, is changed forever. After finding what appears to be a polished stone in the forest, a dragon is born and he is thrust into a perilous new world of destiny, magic and power.With only a sword and the advice of an old storyteller to guide him, Eragon and the dragon must navigate dangerous terrain and battle the dark enemies of an Empire ruled by a evil king. Can Eragon become the next legendary Dragon Rider? The fate of the Empire may rest in his hands...A tale of affection, adventure and ancient magic, Christopher Paolini's Eragon is a compelling and action-filled story brilliantly suited for readers aged 11 and up.