Eragon

Eragon by, Christopher Paolini. ISBN-13: 978-0375826689

Filled with rich descriptions and fascinating characters, this thick story is begging to be read. The plot moves slowly, building gradually to an intensely epic saga fashioned after The Lord of the Rings trilogy by, J.R. Tolken. The author, a 15 year old who felt disappointed in the modern fantasy novel, set off to create a masterpiece and eight years later he is working on the fourth and final book in the Eragon series.

The book begins in the town of Caravall, a small village near the Spine, an ominous mountain range where a teenage boy named Eragon finds a mysterious, blue stone. Eragon cares for the stone, which is actually a dragon's egg, and eventually from the egg hatches the dragon, Saphira. The two must flee the village after evil servants for King Galbritox named the Ra'zac come to find and take Saphira's egg. Eragon and Saphira are accompanied by Brom, a storyteller from the village who eventually reveals himself to be one of the famous dragon riders. Brom teaches Eragon many skills to begin his training as a dragon rider. Eragon will need to use these skills and many new ones if he will be able to battle all of the challenges he faces. He will fight alongside elves, dwarves and the Varden rebels to bring peace to the land of Alagaesia.

This book follows along a number of traditional patterns-- from the classic fantasy pattern to the orphan who wonders about his parents. The major theme is similar to the Star Wars epic saga, a small band of constantly roving rebels attempts to take down the evil empire. All of the big reveals in the story seem related to the titular theme of the series-- The Inheritance Cycle. Ultimately, the complex and intricately woven story contains rich plot development, exciting battles, spine-tingling adventure, and believable characters, which combine together to make this saga one that will be enjoyed for generations to come.