Review by
Louella MorelandLike Harry Potter fans, lovers of fantasy
have waited with impatience for Christopher Paolini's "Eldest," second book
of the "Inheritance" trilogy. This young author has completed another epic
work of fiction at just 21 years of age and promises his followers he is
currently working on the wrap-up book.
The middle book follows three different plots: Eragon, the rider, and
Saphira, his dragon; Eragon's cousin, Roran, and the villagers of Carvahall;
and Lady Nasuada, leader of the Varden. The majority of the book
concentrates more on Eragon and Roran's events, leaving Nasuada's part of
the story somewhat thin. One wonders if this is just a minor element or if
the third installment may pick up her story in more depth.
Eragon and Saphira leave the Varden in search of the elves to begin their
training as rider and dragon. They must travel through the ancient,
extensive forest with companions Orik, the dwarf, and Arya, the elf rescued
from Galatorix's prisons in book one. There Eragon finds a "master" (who can
teach him how to fight the evil emperor), becomes more emotionally attached
to Arya and finds a way to recover from the wound the Shade Durza inflicted
on him in the dwarf city.
Roran and the villagers of Carvahall must evade the attacks of the deadly
Ra'Zoc and the empire's soldiers. Lady Nasuada, who takes control of the
Varden after her father's death, must leave the secluded dwarf city and
somehow lead her people to the country of Surda.
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Eldest is a "coming-of-age story" complete with lessons, bullies,
mistakes, crushes, mystery and battles. More emphasis is put on
character development than in the first book, "Eragon," with the
story beginning to tie together some random threads of the previous
novel. However, some aspects of the story -- such as the Varden
king's death, their need to exodus to Surda, why Katrina's father
would trust the Ra'Zoc and the multiple names for many characters --
can leave the reader a bit perplexed.
There is plenty of action, with the plot flowing along at a good
pace, culminating once more with a huge and splendid battle scene.
Originality can be questioned, as plenty of places in the story have
shades of more adult fantasy fiction, such as George Lucas' "Star
Wars," Anne McCaffrey's "Dragon Riders of Pern" and Tolkien's "Lord
of the Rings." A pronunciation guide, glossary and map help readers
keep the more confusing aspects of the story straight.
If you are looking for a solid "take me away from the real world"
escape, "Eldest" will provide many hours of pleasure. Chapters are
relatively short, and the three plots make an interesting break at
peak intervals. The plot is a solid adventure story containing
characters with strength and vulnerability. The ending will leave a
reader of fantasy satisfied while still looking forward to the
release of the third novel.
Check out Christopher Paolini's "Eldest," "Eragon" and fantasy
adventures by other authors at the Lincoln Public Library, 725 Pekin
St.
[Louella Moreland, youth services librarian,
Lincoln Public
Library District] |
