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Eldest
Christopher Paolini Random House Children's Books ©2005 |
Surpassing his triumphant novel Eragon, Christopher Paolini went above and beyond to write the highly anticipated "Eldest." This story is a classic tale of good and evil told in the classic fantasy landscape. Even though this novel is considered a "classic fantasy story," it is anything but generic.
The story takes place after the events of "Eragon." The land of Alagaesia is still suffering the evil reign of the King Galbatorix, and Eragon, along with his blue dragon Saphira and the daring Riders, try to stop from spreading his evil to the corners of the earth. Eragon and Saphira travel to Ellesmera to study magic with the elves. While in Ellesmera Eragon and Saphira meet the legendary Rider Oromis and his elder dragon, Glaedr. Oromis takes Eragon under his wing, and becomes his "personal trainer," teaching him the art of magic, dragon riding, and the ancient language. In Carvahal, the homeland of Eragon, Roran, Eragon's cousin, is being under attack by the evil Ra'Zac. Roran tries to save the people of Carvahal by leading into the mountains. Both of these stories culminate in a giant battle resulting in Eragon learning about his parentage, and a leaves you hanging while a whole new chapter in the life of Eragon the Dragon Rider continues.
I can only safe one thing about this novel. Amazing. This story is amazingly written. The dialogue is sheer genius. The characterization is flawless. The plot is rock-solid. I have never read a more fulfilling fantasy novel in my life. The novel is a challenge, there's no doubt about that, but in the end it is worth it. The novel is 704 pages so it is not a short read. I recommend this book to everyone, young and old. Believe me it's worth it.
~ James Frohman, grade 12, Lowellville High School