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

Rating: ★★★★
Audience: YA Fantasy
Length: 748 pages
Author: Christopher Paolini
Publisher: Knopf
Release Date: September 20th, 2008
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

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?

BEST SO FAR.

I felt like I was actually interested in what was happening finally. Book two was kind of a slog for me so I’m glad that this one picked up. I like what’s happening with Eragon. I absolutely adore Saphira and the story is really amping up to an intense finale.

I love having Roran’s POV too. It really adds to the story and getting more sides of everything. There were many intense moments and this had a lot of those hallmark older fantasy plot lines that feel nostalgic and enjoyable to read.

The audiobooks for this series are great and I can’t wait to continue the series!

Overall audience notes:

  • YA Fantasy
  • Language: very little
  • Romance: kisses
  • Violence: high

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

Rating: ★★★★
Audience: YA Fantasy
Length: 704 pages
Author: Christopher Paolini
Publisher: Knopf Books
Release Date: August 23rd, 2005
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Darkness falls…despair abounds…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 Ellesmera, land of the elves, for further training in the skills of the Dragon Rider. Ages 12+.

Darkness falls…despair abounds…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 Ellesmera, land of the elves, for further training in the skills of the Dragon Rider: magic and swordsmanship. Soon he is on the journey of a lifetime, his eyes open to awe-inspring new places and people, his days filled with fresh adventure. But chaos and betrayal plague him at every turn, and nothing is what it seems. Before long, Eragon doesn’t know whom he can trust.

Meanwhile, his cousin Roran must fight a new battle–one that might put Eragon in even graver danger.

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

MONTAGE.

This book felt like one really long movie montage where you see the main character, aka the chosen one, go from being horrible at everything to finally knowing how to wield a sword and fly a dragon and hey, Eragon even got a glow up.

I think I would have liked this less if I was physically/digitally reading it. The audiobook (at 3x) kept things moving well and got me to the plot progression moments I needed. I do like Eragon and can see the growth of his character and his relationship with Saphira.

The ending had some good reveals and that makes me curious for the next book!

Overall audience notes:

  • YA Fantasy
  • Language: low
  • Romance: bad flirting
  • Violence: high
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: war themes, loss of life

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