Showing posts with label eldest. Show all posts
Showing posts with label eldest. Show all posts

Thursday, August 18, 2016

Inheritance (The Inheritance Cycle #4) by Christopher Paolini: Review


RATING: 5/5 stars!

Author: Christopher Paolini
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf
Source: Bought
Publication date: November 8th, 2011
Find it on Goodreads here!

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):

It began with Eragon... It ends with Inheritance.

Not so very long ago, Eragon — Shadeslayer, Dragon Rider — was nothing more than a poor farm boy, and his dragon, Saphira, only a blue stone in the forest. Now the fate of an entire civilization rests on their shoulders.

Long months of training and battle have brought victories and hope, but they have also brought heartbreaking loss. And still, the real battle lies ahead: they must confront Galbatorix. When they do, they will have to be strong enough to defeat him. And if they cannot, no one can. There will be no second chance.

The Rider and his dragon have come further than anyone dared to hope. But can they topple the evil king and restore justice to Alagaësia? And if so, at what cost?


This is the spellbinding conclusion to Christopher Paolini's worldwide bestselling Inheritance cycle.

REVIEW:

Oh, what a series. I am so glad that I finally chose to read it this summer. An epic, absolute thrill ride of a series. 

But what exactly makes this series so good? 

The story line is very basic. Boy is a nobody, finds a mysterious object in the woods, turns out to be a dragon egg, becomes a dragon rider, finds out he's the last of the dragon riders and must defeat a bad guy. You've probably heard of a story similar to this before. But it is the language that Paolini uses that gives this series its character.

"Who is it who decides that one man should live and another should die? My life wasn't worth any more than his, but he's the one who's buried, while I get to enjoy at least a few more hours above the ground. Is it chance, random and cruel, or is there some purpose or pattern to all this, even if it lies beyond our ken?”

 He uses a style similar to Tolkien, but it is still his own. This series is so beautifully written. I found myself highlighting passages and sentences (which I never do) so I could come back and read them later. It's hard to believe that Paolini was 15 when he started to write this series. His writing shows a maturity that some authors never achieve. 

He also did an amazing job wrapping up the series. I felt so satisfied with the ending...but it left enough open that I'm still hoping there will be a spin-off series at this point. Do not know if it will ever happen...but I can still hope, right?

Overall, THE INHERITANCE CYCLE was an absolutely epic series. I highly recommend it!

Thursday, July 7, 2016

Brisingr (The Inheritance Cycle #3) by Christopher Paolini: Review


RATING: 5/5 stars!

Author: Christopher Paolini
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf
Source: Bought
Publication date: September 20th, 2008
Find it on Goodreads here!

SUMMARY(from Goodreads):

Oaths sworn... loyalties tested... forces collide.

It's been only months since Eragon first uttered "brisingr", an ancient language term for fire. Since then, he's not only learned to create magic with words — he's been challenged to his very core. Following the colossal battle against the Empires warriors on the Burning Plains, Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, have narrowly escaped with their lives. Still, there is more adventure at hand for the Rider and his dragon, as Eragon finds himself bound by a tangle of promises he may not be able to keep.

First is Eragon's oath to his cousin, Roran: to help rescue Roran's beloved from King Galbatorix's clutches. But Eragon owes his loyalty to others, too. The Varden are in desperate need of his talents and strength — as are the elves and dwarves. When unrest claims the rebels and danger strikes from every corner, Eragon must make choices — choices that will take him across the Empire and beyond, choices that may lead to unimagined sacrifice.


Eragon is the greatest hope to rid the land of tyranny. Can this once simple farm boy unite the rebel forces and defeat the king?

REVIEW:

I have no words to express how much I love this book. So I will express my feelings in gifs.










In short, you should read this book. You will not regret it!

Thursday, June 30, 2016

Eldest (The Inheritance Cycle #2) by Christopher Paolini: Review


REVIEW: 5/5 stars!
Author: Christopher Paolini
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf
Source: bought
Publication date: August 23rd, 2005
Find it on Goodreads here!

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):

Darkness falls... Swords clash... Evil reigns.

Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, have just saved the rebel state from destruction by the mighty forces of King Galbatorix, cruel ruler of the Empire. Now Eragon must travel to Ellesméra, land of the elves, for further training in magic and swordsmanship, the vital skills of the Dragon Rider. It is the journey of a lifetime, filled with awe-inspring new places and people, each day a fresh adventure. But chaos and betrayal plague him at every turn, and Eragon isn't sure whom he can trust.

Meanwhile, his cousin Roran must fight a new battle back home in Carvahall – one that puts Eragon in even graver danger.

Will the king's dark hand strangle all resistance? Eragon may not escape with even his life...

REVIEW:

Even better than Eragon!

Everything about Eldest was great. I could go on forever about what I love about this book, but I am going to focus on one single character that really made the book for me: Roran.

Roran, Eragon's cousin, wasn't really present in the first book. But he REALLY came into his own in Eldest. He was absolutely bad-ass! He has such a fierce loyalty to his family, and his leadership skills when it came to getting his men to fight were amazing. The outcome of the story would be totally different if not for Roran and his hammer. The chapters from his point of view were my absolute favorite to read; he is no doubt my favorite character in this series. Christopher Paolini, you know how to craft amazing characters. 

If you have not read this series, I highly suggest you do so soon!

Monday, June 27, 2016

Eragon (The Inheritance Cycle #1) by Christopher Paolini: Review


RATING: 5/5 stars!
Author: Christopher Paolini
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf
Source: bought
Publication date: August 26th, 2003
Find it on Goodreads here!

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):

Fifteen-year-old Eragon believes that he is merely a poor farm boy—until his destiny as a Dragon Rider is revealed. Gifted with only an ancient sword, a loyal dragon, and sage advice from an old storyteller, Eragon is soon swept into a dangerous tapestry of magic, glory, and power. Now his choices could save—or destroy—the Empire.

REVIEW:

If you are like me and have let this series sit on your shelf for years, I have a message for you:


Do not be intimidated by the size of this book. Do not be intimidated that it is just like all of the other high fantasy dragon books out there; because it is not. Do not worry that because this book was written by a fifteen-year-old, it is going to suck; because it doesn't. Do not worry that the book is going to be as bad as the movie, Eragon, was, because the book is so different and sooo much better. And, most importantly, do not let this book gather any more dust; read it. Right now. You will not regret it!