Eragon

Eragon, by Christopher Paolini.  When I first found this book, years ago, I loved it.  It was hard to believe that Christopher Paolini was just fifteen when he wrote the first draft of Eragon, and sixteen when it was first published.  I’ve just listened to it read on audiobook and I’m still impressed.  It helps to know that he was a home-schooler kid and that his early reading list was a lot like mine.  I’m waiting impatiently for Book 4 now.

Here’s the blurb from the http://www.alagaesia.com website:  

When Eragon finds a polished blue 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 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. . . .”

**** Four Stars out of Five, even if it is a series book.  I have the second, Eldest, on a hold at the library now, and I’m looking forward to reading/listening to it again.

I’m finding that the person who reads the book aloud has a great deal to do with how good it comes off.  This one is read by Gerard Doyle, and I really hope he reads the rest of them too.  Great voices.

Happy Reading!