Eldest: (Inheritance Book 2) Reviews

This is the longest book I've read in recent years. It just kepy going and going! I had a schedule to keep for my Book Quest and this book brought me up to the deadline because of its length!

After seeing Eragon and finding it intriguing, I did some research and read various reviews and comparison between book and film lists. Eragon must have been the most watered down epic film of recent years.

I skipped to Eldest though as I wanted to read a book where I didn't know what was going to happen.

Eldest is the continuing story of Eragon Shadeslayer. A young boy who was chosen by a dragon to be its rider. He has become a hero in the resistance against the Empire and now goes to get trained by the Elves.

The alternate focus on this story is that of Ronan, Eragon's cousin. He returns from a neighbouring town to find his Father Dead, his cousin missing and his home & Heritage destroyed.

Ronan has no powers and no immediate Deus Ex. He relies simply on his own strength and will. The underdog always gets respects in this case. His trials were much more challenging than Eragon 'OP' Shadeslayer.

I thought the disappearance of Murtagh from the entire bulk of the novel was a cop out. A character of true torment and they just brushed him aside to cameo later.

The elf customs were also laborious and monotonous. Them and their traditions, it was a wind up mission! Once again, Elves in a fantasy narrative are just a source of hate and bore!

The Battle of the Burning Plains was somewhat enjoyable. A real Minas Tirith if you will. It wasn't too long and the action was sharp. I think thats where Paolini's talent lies, in the heat of battle.

Read this book if you want to kill a month with reading. I look forward to the final installments of Inheritence.