Eragon: Summary and book reviews of Eragon by Christopher Paolini, plus links to an excerpt from Eragon and a biography of Christopher Paolini.

When Eragon finds a polished blue stone in the forest, he thinks it is the lucky discovery of a poor farm boy; perhaps it will buy his family meat for the winter. But when the stone brings a dragon hatchling, Eragon realizes he has stumbled upon a legacy nearly as old as the Empire itself. Overnight his simple life is shattered, and he is thrust into a perilous new world of destiny, magic, and power. With only an ancient sword and the advice of an old storyteller for guidance, Eragon and the fledgling dragon must navigate the dangerous terrain and dark enemies of an Empire ruled by a king whose evil knows no bounds. Can Eragon take up the mantle of the legendary Dragon Riders? The fate of the Empire may rest in his hands. . . .

Media Reviews

Midwest Book Review Eragon by science fiction and fantasy enthusiast Christopher Paolini is a vigorously written high fantasy epic of Eragon, a young man armed with a mythic red sword, accompanied by a beautiful dragon companion named Saphira, and the recipient of Brom's old storyteller wisdom. Eragon is highly recommended for dedicated fantasy enthusiasts.   Kirkus Reviews This solid, sweeping epic fantasy crosses vast geography as it follows 15-year-old Eragon from anonymous farm boy to sword-wielding icon ....A slight tone of arrogance running through the narrative voice will hardly bother readers busily enjoying the reliable motifs of elegant immortal elves, mining dwarves, a wise elderly man, and a hero of mysterious birth.   School Library Journal - Susan L. Rogers Grade 5 Up--Eragon does not approach the depth, uniqueness, or mastery of J. R. R. Tolkien's works, and sometimes the magic solutions are just too convenient for getting out of difficult situations. However, the empathetic characters and interesting plot twists will appeal to the legions of readers who have been captivated by the Lord of the Rings trilogy and are looking for more books like it.   Publishers Weekly [An] impressive epic fantasy. The fantasy bildungsroman* has the brave youngster learning about exile, magic, love and his own destiny, and Paolini promises his saga will continue in two more volumes of the planned Inheritance series.   Booklist - Sally Estes Starred Review. Gr. 7-12. It's an impressive start to a writing career that's sure to flourish. John Taliaferro, former Senior Editor of Newsweek Paolini’s story unfolds like the tongue of a dragon. . . . remarkable novel. . . .This kid’s pen is as mighty as his sword. *Bildungsroman is a novel whose principal subject is the moral, psychological, and intellectual development of a usually youthful main character, from the German word bildung (formation) and the French word for a novel, roman.

Recent Reader Reviews

Rated of 5 by john
amazing
This book is amazing. All who say otherwise are foolish.

Rated of 5 by me
Eragon Review
This is my favorite book of all time but I still don't understand why you compare it TO FREAKING LOTR....... seriously Eragon is much better/

Rated of 5 by Waldow
Amazing Book!!
This is such a great book! It's perfect for people who enjoy fantasy action books!!!!!

Rated of 5 by SkywardDreams
Well Done
Mr. Christopher Paolini did extraordinary on his first book, I must say. A beautiful world inspired by one of the most revered classics...I won't say it's a copy, more a....reincarnation, one might say? of J. R. Tolkien's fantasy realm. The...   Read More

Rated of 5 by Dudester
Eragon is AWESOME!!!
A perfect book made by a perfect kid for the perfect person who wants it. Great job, Paolini!

Rated of 5 by MisaMisaEK
rolls eyes at reviewer
So, A. Kordan calls Eragon a "Lousy novel" and continues to say "Anyone who enjoys this book has obviously not read any literature that has a point." How old would you be Jordan...? 12? Yeah, that seems to be good enough age,...   Read More

...290 More Reader Reviews

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