BOOK REVIEW: ‘Eragon’ a good read, before or after the film
For those that think they may like fantasy but aren’t really sure where to start, “Eragon” is the one. Written by Christopher Paolini, “Eragon” combines ideas and stories from other fantasy writers to create a unique and entertaining story that is an easy read.
“Eragon” has the basic formula for a good fantasy novel. A poor boy, who seems to be a nobody, discovers a dragon egg deep in the forest. Through a chain of events that uproot him from his comfortable home, he sets off on an adventure with an old story teller named Brom. Along the way, Eragon learns he has magical powers, and, with the help of his dragon, the ability to overthrow the evil emperor that rules the people of the kingdom with an iron fist.
One thing I enjoyed about the book may push other people away. Paolini started writing the book when he was 15 years old, so most of what he wrote in his book was basically taken from other fantasy authors he had read. It is easy to see where he pulls in ideas from Eddings’ or Tolkein’s novels. I haven’t read many other fantasy authors, but I’m sure there are many more styles and ideas he pulled into his book.
One problem I had was that all throughout the book, Paolini is trying to sound older than he really is by using big words. I heard someone point out that it was interesting that an uneducated 15-year-old boy growing up on a farm in the wilderness like Eragon would use words like “convoluted” or “more circuitous route.” It’s not that big of a deal – the first time I read the book I didn’t even notice – but once you get past the fact that it may not be very realistic, you’ll realize it’s a fantasy novel and it’s OK.
“Eragon” really is a good book though, and the end will leave you itching to read more.
Andrea Edmunds is a former Statesman editor whose contributions to the paper will be sorely missed. Comments can be sent to her at aedmunds@cc.usu.edu.