Also known as "The-Lord-of-the-Rings-Star-Wars-Belgariad-Doctor-Who-If-It's-Fantasy-And-Published-It's-In-Here-Somewhere" Book

A long time ago in a galaxy far far away my Little Brother told me about a book called Eragon. Staring a farm boy named Eragon who found a magical dragon egg and became a Dragon Rider. Of course Eragon lives in a fantasy world ruled by an Evil Dark Lord and only Eragon can defeat him. You know, the usual stuff.

I've been trying to write this Review for a while now, but it's been difficult. I think the major problem is that I have been trying to write a spoiler free review, like I usually write. Given the nature of these books I think I'm going to have to give up on my usual format.

From here on, there will be spoilers:

When I finished reading the third book in the Inheritance Cycle, I vowed to myself that I would finish this series even if it killed me. My logic was that I had already fought my way through 1,934 pages... I might as well see this to the very bitter end. I might as well find out how the story ended... maybe this was going to be that one series where the author pulls a fast one and the villain will win. Honestly, if that was how it ended this series would have been worth the uphill climb. But Paolini isn't one to break tradition.

I have a few theories why this book didn't work out so well.

THE LENGTH
Sitting at a whopping 849 pages, Inheritance is one of the larger books that I have ever read.. but it doesn't really need to be. Lets take for example, George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire. Each of the books in that series is around 600-800 pages long, yet the length works. Something is always happening. There are no tangents, every sentence is part of a well oiled machine that serves a purpose. In the case of Inheritance, the novel goes off on tangents that aren't vital at all. They could be completely cut out and it wouldn't even be noticeable that they were missing. If you were to take Brisingr for example, stuff happens at the beginning, then there are 600 pages of padding then something at the end. In the case of Inheritance, the book meanders around for a while eventually leading to Eragon to face off with Galbitorax in one of the most anti-climactic endings ever.

Looking back at Eragon and Eldest, I'm not sure if they suffered from the same problem as the last two. It's been years since I read them and I really have no interest to go back and try them again. Maybe I'm being a little too hard here. The thing is I just don't care.

LETS TALK ABOUT ERAGON AS A CHARACTER
The biggest question that needs to be asked is what makes a likeable character? For me I would say it is complexity. When I think of the books I love with a passion, the characters who inhabit them are mutli-dimensional. They're more than a stereotype, you can believe that they could exist in the real world (personality-wise). Not to say there are certain books that I love where the characters are stereotypes, but that's a topic for another day. When you break down Eragon's character he is lacking flaws. He suffers from the Richard Cypher Syndrome. Since he is the Protagonist, he has to be awesome. He just works so hard to be so awesome you just have to love him. But you don't. Eragon is completely unrelate-able to his readers. He goes through NO CHARACTER development in THE ENTIRE NOVEL. You just don't care what he does. The weight of the entire world is supposed to be on this boy's shoulders, but that stress and (I can just hear the fangirls screaming and sharpening the pitchforks) the pressure doesn't seem to effect him at all, other than him mentioning once in while that the job seems so hard. He doesn't suffer though, in fact he leaves the army and his advisors behind to go and do other stuff. I mean REALLY?

THREE GOOD CHAPTERS?
Surprisingly yes, there were three good chapters. About one third into the book, Eragon and friends are captured by a religious cult that worships the Raz'ac. I guess it's my fascination with cults and black magic portrayed in books... but these chapters were actually interesting. Or maybe it was because Eragon did seem like he was actually in a bit of trouble during these sequences. As I mentioned in the character section, you get so used to Eragon being awesome and always able to save himself... and here he is... screwed. Of course Eragon is able to escape. But you just kind of hope he doesn't.


Read The Rest Here: http://www.fictionlove.com/2012/05/review-inheritance-cycle.html

I purchased my very first eragon book about 3 years ago, and from the first book I couldnt stop reading. I was working full time and was very busy at the time, but still managed to finish all the books within 3 months. This book was so imaginative and descriptive. The characters were brilliant and very consistant throughout the books. When I read the last book and getting near the end I was extremely upset that the war hadnt even started, I was so happy and upset at the same time that he decided to make it into a series instead of a trilogy, the worst part was waiting 2 years for him to finish it and publish it. This book I recommend to everyone of all ages. Its a great read, it keeps you wanting more, not to mention it teachers you their cool little language of the dwarves and the elves. Fantastic!

I love this book! i have been reading these books since they came out. i found this book very interesting and fun to read. I found that overall the book was okay except the ending. it leaves you with a lot of questions in your head... if you like those kind of books then this is the one for you.

Summary
After the siege of Feinster, Eragon and Saphira continue to travel across Alagaësia with the Varden in an attempt to take control of the land and thwart Galbatorix's supporters. The further they venture, the more they fear their enemy is too powerful to be defeated. Eragon trains as hard as he can in hopes of becoming a strong enough fighter to defeat the all powerful Galbatorix, but nothing he does seems to be enough. When unexpected allies join their side, the Varden's hopes rise, but will it be enough to bring down the most powerful magician in the land? Or will Eragon and the Varden be forced to admit defeat and live under Galbatorix's rule?

Review
If you've come this far in the series then you're probably already a fan of Paolini's remarkable characters in the Inheritance series. I love each of the characters and would have a hard time picking my favourite (it's Saphira). Each of the characters are complex individuals with both strengths and flaws, and their unwavering convictions make it hard to dislike even the most evil players. Rich background stories are woven throughout the four books and Inheritance is no exception, as we finally learn more about the Dragons history and the fall of the Riders.

While the books are sometimes criticized for being too long and drawn out, I for one don't have a problem with how the story has progressed or its conclusion. While I must admit that Inheritance did drag a bit in the middle, I still enjoyed all the side adventures that brought Eragon and his friends to where they are today.

***SPOLIER IN THE NEXT PARAGRAPH***

For those of you expecting a big love scene, you may be disappointed. Eragon's story has never been a romance, but a tale of growth, strength and overcoming obstacles against all odds. I think Paolini handled the Eragon/Arya situation perfectly in keeping with the true spirit of the novel.

Verdict
It was a long time coming, but Inheritance makes for a satisfactory conclusion to Eragon and Saphira's story, while still leaving the door open for possible future Rider adventures. This fan is satisfied.

I don't want to ruin the book for anyone so I will just say that the book left many unanswered questions. It felt as though the end was a beginning to another book instead of an ending to a good series, very disappointed.

Join us for a very special event with Christopher Paolini, the bestselling author of Eragon, as he signs Inheritance, the last book in the Inheritance cycle at the Newcap Radio Stage on Monday, December 5th at 6pm. Enjoy activities, trivia, prizes and more!

Wristband Policy in Effect:
• Get ONE wristband for the December 5th event with the purchase of Inheritance in-store at Chapters West Edmonton Mall
• Be amongst the first to purchase Inheritance on Tuesday, November 8th! Doors will open at 8:00 am.
• ONE wristband with every purchase of Inheritance while quantities last.
• The book must be purchased in-store, wristbands will not be applicable towards online or kiosk orders.
• Only wristband holders will have access to this event.
• Christopher Paolini will personalize one copy of Inheritance and will autograph his name on up to three additional books.
• Promotional items and memorabilia will not be permitted for the signing.
• No posed photographs. Candid photos only.
• Line up is first-come, first-served for wristband holders only and will open at 4:00 pm on Monday, December 5th at the Newcap Radio Stage, Phase IV
• Please contact Chapters West Edmonton Mall for more information: (780) 444-2555

I liked this book. I think it showed an improvement in Christopher Paolini's writing and pacing. While previous novels of his tended to drag out quite a bit, (dwarvish politics, anyone?) this one keeps the reader drawn in from the get-go and never drags. The events are interesting and and there's a good mix of drama and humor. I love the little quirks Paolini tends to drop in, and the characters have realistic personalities. The build-up of tension and action to the grand finale worked really well, I think.

That being said, nothing's perfect. There were some side-stories with rushed conclusions, and questions left unanswered. The ending I found surprisingly melancholy. I was also disappointed by Galbatorix: after so many, many pages of build-up I expected him to be subtle, unpredictable, and absolutely terrifying. (Instead, he seemed to me more like the usual gloating, overconfident stock villain.) These are the only issues I had a problem with. Over all, I found the book to be interesting, well-rounded and certainly worth a re-read.

my copy should be here tomorrow! iv only been waiting since grade 8 for this book! caaaant waiiiiit!!! :DDDDDD

Finally it's out! Waiting for months and I will make review as soon as I finish the book!

OMG! I have been waiting for what seems like forever!! I stopped checking the offical site because the waiting was killing me. I decided to check the status of this book tonight and now its only a week away!!! LET THE COUNTDOWN BEGIN...again!!!

I can NOT wait to get my hands on this book!!!!!! Love this series and this installment is long awaited!!! :)

took long enough lol