Eragon (Inheritance, Book 1) by Christopher Paolini Search Amazon for other books by or about Christopher Paolini. Rating: Reviewed by: Heather Froeschl

In Tolkein style, Christopher Paolini has set out on his own quest to duel in the publishing world. At 528 pages, he is giving it a heavy weight attempt. Eragon is doing its best to become the next trilogy to end all trilogies. Will it succeed? Time will tell.

This book is not for young readers, nor even middle grade readers. It is aimed at high schoolers and adults; fans of Tolkien and Wagner. There is a good deal involved in this reading. You'll likely refer to the maps and glossaries in order to make it through with your mind intact. There are something like 65 names of characters involved, languages to be learned, and a wickedly good plot to keep straight.

What's it about? If you haven't yet heard… A boy, a dragon and a wild adventure. A poor boy finds an interesting stone…which turns out to be a dragon egg. The egg hatches and a beautiful dragon, of a species thought to be extinct, becomes Eragon's companion and friend. What unfolds is an epic of evil plots, wars, magic encounters, a dragon rider, dwarves, elves and all manner of nasties that fight each other but are all together against the most evil King Galbatorix.

Eragon and Saphira must face peril, attacks, and capture.The destiny of the Empire may be in his hands. Is the magic enough? Indeed, is the magic of this book having been written by a boy of 15, and published when he was 19, enough to have it compete with the elders? Perhaps for awhile. Likely, Paolini will have to prove his worth in the subsequent books in the trilogy. For fantasy fans, this is a must read. However, it is not so great as Tolkein in originality, nor as ground breaking as Harry Potter in the magic of reaching out to young minds. Stay tuned to Paolini…I trust he'll make a good effort on his quest.