Book Description
Darkness falls…despair abounds…evil reigns…
Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, have just saved the rebel state from destruction by the mighty forces of King Galbatorix, cruel ruler of the Empire. Now Eragon must travel to Ellesmera, land of the elves, for further training in the skills of the Dragon Rider: magic and swordsmanship. Soon he is on the journey of a lifetime, his eyes open to awe-inspring new places and people, his days filled with fresh adventure. But chaos and betrayal plague him at every turn, and nothing is what it seems. Before long, Eragon doesn’t know whom he can trust.
Meanwhile, his cousin Roran must fight a new battle–one that might put Eragon in even graver danger.
Will the king’s dark hand strangle all resistance? Eragon may not escape with even his life. . . .
Praise for Eragon:
“Unusual, powerful . . . fresh and fluid. An impressive start to a writing career that’s sure to flourish.” –Booklist, Starred
“Christopher Paolini make[s] literary magic with his precocious debut.” –People
“The new ‘It’ book of children’s lit.” –U.S. News & World Report
“An auspicious beginning to both career and series.” –Publishers Weekly
A #1 New York Times Bestseller
A #1 Publishers Weekly Bestseller
A USA Today Bestseller
A Wall Street Journal Bestseller
A Book Sense Book of the Year
A #1 Book Sense Selection
From the Hardcover edition.
Download Description
Darkness falls…despair abounds…evil reigns…
Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, have just saved the rebel state from destruction by the mighty forces of King Galbatorix, cruel ruler of the Empire. Now Eragon must travel to Ellesmera, land of the elves, for further training in the skills of the Dragon Rider: magic and swordsmanship. Soon he is on the journey of a lifetime, his eyes open to awe-inspring new places and people, his days filled with fresh adventure. But chaos and betrayal plague him at every turn, and nothing is what it seems. Before long, Eragon doesn’t know whom he can trust.
Meanwhile, his cousin Roran must fight a new battle–one that might put Eragon in even graver danger.
Will the king’s dark hand strangle all resistance? Eragon may not escape with even his life. . . .
Praise for Eragon:
“Unusual, powerful . . . fresh and fluid. An impressive start to a writing career that’s sure to flourish.” –Booklist, Starred
“Christopher Paolini make[s] literary magic with his precocious debut.” –People
“The new ‘It’ book of children’s lit.” –U.S. News & World Report
“An auspicious beginning to both career and series.” –Publishers Weekly
A #1 New York Times Bestseller
A #1 Publishers Weekly Bestseller
A USA Today Bestseller
A Wall Street Journal Bestseller
A Book Sense Book of the Year
A #1 Book Sense Selection
From the Hardcover edition.
Customer Reviews:
Dull, Derivative, Didactic.......2007-09-27
In Eldest, Paolini carries over all his mistakes with Eragon. The stealing from LOTR and Star Wars is more blatant than before. The needless details and purple prose are still there. The dialogue and characters are dryer than ever.
In addition to these flaws, Paolini has added in another literary no-no. Preachiness. Though we saw hints of his amateur philosophy in Eragon, it's ten times worse in Eldest. He uses Oromis as a soapbox to inject random sermons on atheism and vegetarianism into his story. I have no problem with sermons in fiction if they are relevant to themes well-woven into the plot. Yet atheism, religion, and vegetarianism seem irrelevant to Eragon's fight with Galbatorix. So why are they there?
The worst part is that Eldest's religious debates are frightfully immature. Neither side is well articulated. Oromis is a superficial question-dodger (which embarrasses me as an atheist). The religious characters are stereotypical screaming, spitting, straw men (that last alliterative bit surpasses all Paolini's poetic ability by the way). I can only pray (pun intended) that Paolini will give up this sad adolescent attempt at depth.
Awesome Continuation of an Incredible Book.......2007-09-17
I had been waiting for years when this came out. After reading Eragon, the first of the Inheritance Trilogy, I was just left hanging with the abrupt ending. Well this one picks up just about as abruptly, and doesn't really let go or calm down throughout.
I had read some reviews which complained about the training which Eragon and Saphira go through - how it takes up so much time and how its so boring and all that. I'll admit I'm a bit of a nerd, but I thought Paolini did an excellent job keeping things moving through the training phase. He actually left me wanting more. He also utilizes that period in the book to explore a little more the history of the world he's created. You can see a very strong Tolkien emphasis there (not to mention with many of the names he's chosen for characters and places!).
And I think this book turns the tale more into a multi-character tale, with the return of Roran and the adventure he undertakes which eventually links him back to Eragon.
Overall, very well done. I pretty much inhaled the book - it definitely moved and kept the story rolling on. I had a really hard time putting it down every night. It's also neat to see Paolini's maturation as an author. And I just can't wait for the third book!
Amazing book!!!!.......2007-09-10
I was bored one day at my libary and so i picked Eragon, that was most likly one of the best desisions of my life. It started my on this world of adventure Eldest, the sequel takes off right where Eragon left off and while being much thicker in length is also much better in story and plot. The Author does a great job in creating a world that just bursts in creativity, while also involving some of the clasic elements of surprise, suspence, romance, and the thrill before a battle. Eldest also brings you deep into the culture of Alligasia, I personaly did an all nighter while reading this book, i just could not put it down. My only disappointnent was that it had such a cliff hanger at the end!!! You should not read this book before reading Eragon, but please do read this eventually because this is currently the best book ever written!
A Derivitave Cluster (Insert Expletive).......2007-09-05
Although some have commented on this previously I will try and put my own spin on this...(warning plot spoilers, what little plot there was are below)
1. Because Obi-Wan Kenobi/Brom's died before completing Luke/Eragon's training, he travels to Dagobah/Elven Lands, to complete his training with Master Yoda/Deebag Lord of Elves.
2. Hero trains for awhile in secluded location by last jedi master/dragonrider left.
3. Luke/Eragon gets a vison of his friends in trouble and travels to Cloud City/Battlefield where he meets a dark figure who he battles and loses his lightsabre/dragonsword in the process. The critical all shocking moment is when Darth Vader/Red Dragon Knight reveals that Luke/Eragon I am your father/brother. Of course if you could be blind as a bat reading the book in braile and seen that Murtag was the red dragon rider about a million miles away...so it wasn't much of a revelation.
4. This book is bad, not in the mildly gosh that's several hours of my life I'll never get back but in a jaw dropping, utterly shocked, the world is now dumber for having read this book way. I read a review that mentioned that the editor of this book did a dismal job. He was certainly accurate in that assessment. Abysmally written, unoriginal to a point of plot plagarism, and editing to shock the conscience.
5. I know that Amazon requires you be over the age of 13 to post a review but I have to sincerely believe that no one over the age of 12 could honestly get mild entertainment out of such a sloppy mess as Eldest. It makes me worry to see so many positive reviews of such utter tripe.
6. I have a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature which I earned departmental Honor's in as well as Juris Doctor degree. Not that it makes my point anymore valid or the book any worse. But I would recommend avoiding this book like a leper with a bad case of herpes.
Nice derivation for uses of magic and when it comes from.......2007-08-29
Very good effort, and with a few parts that I found myself reading 5 or six times at different dates. If your have read it or happen to be Christopher Paolini, all I have to say is "Good Lord" middle section "Eldest", that section was my favorite. I also noticed the werecat clue you dropped in Eragon which as not reared it's head as of 2 books. A very good read, even if you are tired of old style fantasy books. The charactors make all the diffence.
Looking forward to Book 3.
Customer Reviews:
A good book for any class........2007-07-07
If it where just a collection of magic items, then this book would still probably be worth it, but it also introduces several new concepts in magic items that can allow DMs and players new avenues to explore.
The first is a new concept of charges-per-day. Magic items with charges, like wands, and use-per-day items, like virtually everything else, have existed since the beginning of DnD. Charges-per-day is an item that gets a specific number of charges per day for use with a special power. What makes it different is that spending more charges simultaneously increases the effect. This is great for little effects you wanted more than once a day, but sometimes wish where a little bit stronger.
Next up is the runestaff. The runestaff is a new must-have for any spell caster with a static spell list, such as sorcerers, warmages and divine souls. They allow these magic users to sacrifice their own spell slots to cast the spells imbedded in the staff, essentially expanding their spell list, almost exactly like a cleric spontaneously casting cure spells. Each spell can only be cast this way a limited number of times per day, but it allows a magic user to increase their flexibility in varying situations.
Augment crystals are next. The easiest way to think of augment crystals are like slotable equipment in video games like Diablo. These relatively cheap crystals give minor bonuses to your weapon or armor and are swappable, allowing you to change them when the situation does. Unfortunately, the requirements for the highest-level crystal are a little over the top, making them for more expensive than their little price tag indicates.
Finally introduced are item sets. If you have ever played World of Warcraft or Diablo, you know what an items set is. Each component of an item set is its own magic item, but if you own more than one piece of the system, you start acquiring extra bonuses as the items resonate with each other. Some of these bonuses are very powerful and useful, some not so much, but it is a nice option for DMs who give their player planned out loot.
Being a compendium, several items in it came form other sources, such as Eberron or Faruen. Many of these items where changed in the transition. Some of the items become more powerful, others cheaper. This makes some items that where nice concepts, but priced out of the range of players that could use them, possible. Monks and spell casters should check out the re-priced DR shirts!
Also included in the book are new options for stat booster placement, item synergies, good art, and a wonderful chart for all magic items from the compendium, and the DMG!
ONE OF THE BEST WIZARDS SUPPLEMENTS IN A LONG TIME!.......2007-07-06
Dunegons & Dragons players today just don't know how good they have it. Back in the ancient days of the late 70's and early 80's, we AD&D players had the DM's guide and that was about it. Sure, the Dragon Magazine always had new magic items or you could create your own but those were not "official". Today, however, Wizards of the Coast is putting out a veritable dragon's horde of new supplements regularly and among the best of the recent releases is The Magic Item Compendium. Over 100, magic items are packed into this gorgeous 286 page, hardcover tome. Everything from minor magical trinkets to artifacts and relics are included in a well organized, and wonderfully written book that is a must have for players and DM's alike.
The book is organized into six chapters on Armor, weapons, clothing, tools, magic item sets, and using magic items and is bolstered by two comprehensive appendices listing magic items by price and random treasure. One of the things that I really like about the new magic item system is the infusing of normal armor, shields, swords, with magical properties that don't necessarily make them unique, one-of-a-kind items.
For example, in the Armor/shield category, there are over sixty different magical properties that can be added to the item (as long as it is already at least a +1 item or better) to enhance its qualities. One such property is Healing. This property will heal 2d8+5 points of damage automatically when the wearer is brought down to -1 to -9 hit points...i.e., rescue from death! The Speed property allows the user to produce the effects of a haste spell 3 times per day. All of these properties can be added to armor or shields. Next, there are over 25 unique armors and shields.
The Weapons chapter is similar to armor in that it first lists all of the different properties that can be added to a +1 or better weapon, as well as the price, caster level, aura, and activation required. Again, there are dozens of different properties listed with their full effects leaving it to the DM to decide what they want to create. There are some great unique items in weapons as well. These all include full descriptions of the appearance and powers, and most of them have a drawing that accompanies the weapon as well.
The items in clothing are all unique items and run the gamut of everything from amulets and boots to gloves and rings and everything in between. Chapter four is really a hodgepodge of everything else not included in the first three chapters. Here you'll find items such as bags, orbs, musical instruments, rods, runestaffs, tomes, and more.
Chapter five's subject is magical item sets. These are groups of three to six unique magic items that provide extra bonuses and abilities when worn together. What I love about these is that they will make great items to set about on separate quests to find and locate. And it had better be pretty hard to do so because they will make for some pretty powerful characters should all the items be found.
Finally, chapter six covers the usage of magic items...where to buy them, how to craft them, where to place them in a dungeon, etc...
It felt like the good, old days again just browsing through page after page of this treasure trove. The art is fantastic as usual. One of the best Supplements to come out in a long time.
Reviewed by Tim Janson
A DM's Crowd-Pleaser........2007-07-06
I've been a DM in one capacity or another for 27 years. This product got me excited again to run a game. The pictures are outstanding and plentiful. The people at Wizards of the Coast should be proud of this one. It is obvious from page one that a true gamer oversaw ever aspect of the product. This book, along with the Spell Compendium are like a one-two punch for the same, boring, treasure trove. A few new spells on scrolls, a new item here and there with never before seen effects and the players catch the excitement as well. The only issue I had against was that the beautiful drawing of the item in question was rarely on the same page as the description, but in a way, it added to the experience of flipping through the book to get ideas. Highly recommended!
Great Book.......2007-06-30
As a long time DM I find the quick and dirty method of item levels to be a very nice tool. Plus the full reference to all the items towards the rear of the book is great for quick look ups. All and all a great book for a DM and a pretty decent book for players. The new skills that you can apply to weapons was a nice addition.
I'm a sucker for options..........2007-06-28
This book has more weapon and armor enchantments than you'll ever use! On top of that, they added relics, artifacts and armor sets. All of which are very useful. They have things for all levels of all power levels.
This is a very useful book, because it adds to every aspect of the magical or legendary equipment. If you game has a lot of magic items or even just one or two items, this book will help you expand that.
The only downside is that your next game will have way to many magic items!
Book Description
Merlin the Magician will not eat or sleep or speak to anyone in Camelot. What can be done? The enchantress Morgan knows who to ask
for help: young Jack and Annie of Frog Creek, Pennsylvania! The brother-and-sister team quickly head off in the magic tree house on another magical and historical adventure.
Their mission: discover one of the four secrets of happiness.
Their journey: to a land of fierce samurai and great beauty, the capital city of Edo (now the city of Tokyo), in ancient Japan in the 1600s.
Their tools: a research book to guide them and a magic wand with three special rules.
In Dragon of the Red Dawn, Mary Pope Osborne transports readers back to the splendor, rich culture, and magic of traditional Japan.
Customer Reviews:
great book!.......2007-09-01
This book I loved when I was reading the pages, and how it gives you a little passport in the back of the book like it was actually a real passport. The books description of the garden when they first get out of the tree house in Japan just gives me a picture of what it looks like in real life. This book had a bit of humor and that adds coolness to the book. Buy this book!!!!!!!! I'm 11.
Mary Pope Osborne: Never A Disappointment........2007-07-23
Osborne forever captures history, folklore and imagination into the minds of many young and old alike. Her books are ever a delight to read to my son (even though he's able to read by himself) and more, a delight to hear when they come out on audiocassette!
I recommend this book.......2007-06-10
I liked it because Jack and Annie travel to Japan which is a really cool place and I think more people should read this book. It is better than any other book because it is the newest of the series.
Dragon of the Red Dawn.......2007-05-27
This is a wonderful book for kids. I love it, so much that I bring it with me everywhere I go. I have read this, and like it. It takes place In old Japan. Jack and Annie meet a poet named Basho, and spend the day with him. I have learned about Basho in school and most of the things the book told about him I knew. I was thrilled reading about the Samuarai, and when the fire came around I was so excited I almost screamed! Dragon of the Red Dawn is a good book to read.
Hard for parents to suspend belief, but the kids loved it........2007-05-14
Another classic Magic Treehouse installment, this time in imperial Japan. The haiku and deatils of life in Edo made this book informative for the little ones (4,6) and a little more interesting for the parents reading it. The fact that it involves a dragon was a big plus for both of them. The rating is only relative to other magic treehouse books, and not to the vast choice of better children's literature out there. All that said, I am sure it would make a good read for 7-8 year olds delving into books on their own for the first time.
Average customer rating:
- Eragon
- This kid can write!
- Great...dont judge the books by the movie
- Great!
- Eragon/Edlest is a Gripping Story
|
Eragon / Eldest (Inheritance, Books 1 & 2)
Christopher Paolini
Manufacturer: Knopf Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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Eragon (Widescreen Edition)
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ASIN: 0375836586
Release Date: 2005-08-23 |
Book Description
In the #1 New York Times bestselling novels Eragon and Eldest, fifteen year-old Eragon discovers his destiny as a Dragon Rider. With only an ancient sword and the advice of an old storyteller for guidance, Eragon and his dragon must navigate the dangerous terrain and dark enemies of an Empire ruled by a king whose evil knows no bounds. This beautiful boxed set includes books I and II in the Inheritance trilogy.
Customer Reviews:
Eragon.......2007-09-02
Ok, I'm not going to lie, this is probably the least original thing I've ever read. But if you look past that It is one great book."2 books, sorry I forgot I was righting about both. Well back on subject. The story will keep you intrested in till the end.
This kid can write!.......2007-09-01
A very well-written story. Paolini has a great vocabulary, and knows how to put the words together to create interesting and readable books that can be enjoyed by fantasy lovers of all ages. I anxiously await Book 3.
Great...dont judge the books by the movie.......2007-07-10
The movie was horrible...BUT...the books are MUCH better in comparison. the books are detailed and easy to read. Lots of action and interesting story (somewhat predictable). this is a great series and i am looking forward to the third book. the books are targeted for younger audiences but as said before very interesting and older readers should still enjoy the book.
Great!.......2007-06-08
Great Books. Happy to have found the set of hard backs at a resonable price
Eragon/Edlest is a Gripping Story.......2007-05-14
Eragon of course is a non-stop gripping story, one of those you cannot put down, Eldest is a slow start but 1/3 of the way in is filled with twists and excitemet. It is not fair that the third book of the series is not out yet...these first two books leave you wanting more, I finished these two books in 2 1/2 weeks. A must for dragon/fantasy readers.
Average customer rating:
- What utter drek.
- Eragon
- Eragon
- Eragon Inheritance Book 1
- Too derivative for the mature fantasy reader
|
Eragon (Inheritance, Book 1)
Christopher Paolini
Manufacturer: Knopf Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Paolini, Christopher
| ( P )
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ASIN: 0375826696
Release Date: 2005-04-26 |
Amazon.com
Here's a great big fantasy that you can pull over your head like a comfy old sweater and disappear into for a whole weekend. Christopher Paolini began Eragon when he was just 15, and the book shows the influence of Tolkien, of course, but also Terry Brooks, Anne McCaffrey, and perhaps even Wagner in its traditional quest structure and the generally agreed-upon nature of dwarves, elves, dragons, and heroic warfare with magic swords.
Eragon, a young farm boy, finds a marvelous blue stone in a mystical mountain place. Before he can trade it for food to get his family through the hard winter, it hatches a beautiful sapphire-blue dragon, a race thought to be extinct. Eragon bonds with the dragon, and when his family is killed by the marauding Ra'zac, he discovers that he is the last of the Dragon Riders, fated to play a decisive part in the coming war between the human but hidden Varden, dwarves, elves, the diabolical Shades and their neanderthal Urgalls, all pitted against and allied with each other and the evil King Galbatorix. Eragon and his dragon Saphira set out to find their role, growing in magic power and understanding of the complex political situation as they endure perilous travels and sudden battles, dire wounds, capture and escape.
In spite of the engrossing action, this is not a book for the casual fantasy reader. There are 65 names of people, horses, and dragons to be remembered and lots of pseudo-Celtic places, magic words, and phrases in the Ancient Language as well as the speech of the dwarfs and the Urgalls. But the maps and glossaries help, and by the end, readers will be utterly dedicated and eager for the next book, Eldest. (Ages 10 to 14) --Patty Campbell
Book Description
Now in paperback! Fifteen-year-old Eragon believes that he is merely a poor farm boy—until his destiny as a Dragon Rider is revealed. Gifted with only an ancient sword, a loyal dragon, and sage advice from an old storyteller, Eragon is soon swept into a dangerous tapestry of magic, glory, and power. Now his choices could save—or destroy—the Empire.
A New York Times Bestseller
A USA Today Bestseller
A Wall Street Journal Bestseller
A Book Sense Bestseller
Download Description
A New York Times Bestseller
A USA Today Bestseller
A Wall Street Journal Bestseller
A Book Sense Bestseller
One boy... one dragon... A world of adventure
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.
Visit
Alagaesia.com to find out more about Eragon and the Inheritance Trilogy.
"Unusual, powerful, fresh, and fluid.... An impressive start to a writing career that's sure to flourish."
BOOKLIST, STARRED REVIEW
"[A] solid, sweeping epic fantasy..."
KIRKUS REVIEWS
"An auspicious beginning to both career and series."
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
"An authentic work of great talent."
THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW
"Christopher Paolini make[s] literary magic with his precocious debut."
PEOPLE
Customer Reviews:
What utter drek........2007-10-03
I was excited to read this book, what with all of the praise I had heard for the 17-year-old that had written. How disappointed was I. This is, without an ounce of doubt, the most poorly written book I have ever regrettably paid money for. Shoddy characters, a splotchy story, and an over all plot that seems to pull from other fantasy writers that are much, much better than he is. Honestly, I cannot believe how many mistakes he made while writing his story. I just wanted to take a red pen and scribble out whole pieces of useless details.
If you want to read an adolescent fantasy novel, go read The Golden Compass, or a Wrinkle in Time. Don't even bother touching trash like this.
Eragon.......2007-09-27
The lazy, hazy, crazy days of Summer, a great time to lounge in the shade, sip a cold lemonade, and lose yourself in a good book-Ahh, so many books, so little time. Yep, it reminds me of those carefree days of youth. And for the young reader, or the child in you, I very much recommend Eragon , a first novel, and first in a new fantasy trilogy by young author Christopher Paolini.
Eragon is a classic coming of age story, with fresh writing, and new perspective. Yes, there is magic and dragons, and a young hero coming to terms with responsibility and adulthood, and an evil, corrupt king to trust his growing powers. All classic elements of the fantasy genre, but the story and the characters drive the tale, giving solid footing to well-worn foundations.
Eragon is a solid first novel, and there's great promise in Christopher Paolini. He was only sixteen when he penned this novel. If you are a reader of fantasy, you'll see influence from masters of the genre-such as Tolkien, and Ann McCaffrey, and even elements of the Star Wars saga. But I like to think good story telling transcends the boundaries of genre, and this is a book with sound plot, good character development, and an epic tale to lose yourself. I found Eragon to be one of those rare books I never wanted to end, but luckily the next book in the trilogy, Eldest, has been released. So, you know what I'm reading next!
Eragon.......2007-09-25
This book was ok. The story was pretty good. I really liked the characters, but I wish there was more information about their personalities and backgrounds.
Eragon Inheritance Book 1.......2007-09-22
My 12 y/o son loves this book. He cannot put it down and has read it several times. He cannot wait for the next installment to be published!
Too derivative for the mature fantasy reader.......2007-09-21
Novice readers of fantasy love this book. To anyone who has read a lot of fantasy, including young adult fantasy, it is instantly forgetable.
Young people should be directed to role models like Christopher Paolini or S. E. Hinton of authors who were published when they were still teenagers, but if you are looking for a better young fantasy writer, introduce them to Amelia Atwater-Rhodes instead. She signed her first publishing contract when she was just 13, I think.
Dragon lovers love dragons no matter what and any young fantasy reader who is not already deeply steeped in Tolkien, Feist or McCaffrey will probably love this book.
Customer Reviews:
Great Book!.......2007-08-06
Eragon is a great book. I was looking for something to read in between Harry Potter books and this was a great choice! I saw the movie and didn't even realize that it was based on these books.
Better than the movie..........2007-08-04
These two books really show off the author's talent a a writer. I was glued to the pages until I finished and then wanted more.
Not too shabby.......2007-08-01
For the price, the book set isn't bad. I've finished Eragon and am working on Eldest, and I've found the books to be entertaining (certainly much better than the movie). Still, they aren't on quite the same level of fantasy writing as some of the more popular authors. Despite this, the books are very understandable and easy to read for younger readers.
Too predictable........2007-06-22
While the first two novels of the Inheritance Trilogy, Eragon and Eldest, are a decent first attempt of a budding young author, they certainly cannot be considered masterpieces of fantasy and likely would never have been published had Paolini's parents not owned their own publishing company.
I found the tale predictable as the author adheres far too ridgedly to the classic hero's journey. Unlike with Tolkien's epic, which Paolini is obviously attempting to imitate, or the Star Wars Trilogy (Episodes IV-VI), there is no real sense of tension troughout these works. I was never surprised by anything that happened in the story, nor have I any real doubt about the ultimate outcome. Furthermore, though Paolini's world, Alagaesia, comes with it's own distinct races, cultures and liguistics, it lacks the profound sense of history that is one of the wonderful hallmarks of Tolkien's Middle Earth, leaving one with a gnawing impression of deficiency. Moreover, I found the characters rather two-dementional: lacking in depth and generally uninteresting upon the whole.
All this is understadable. Unlike Tolkien, who was a professor of ancient languages and mythology, as well as WWI combat veteran, when he wrote The Lord of the Rings, Paolini was still an adolescent at the time these books were written and his novels evidence inexperience throughout their length. Having yet to embark upon his own life's quest, Paolini's insights into the causes of human behavior and its effects on others are more theoretical than precise. Consequently, I have real doubts about his ability to develop Eragon into a grown man by the end of the third book, as he himself has yet to fully mature.
One might feel that my comparison of the Inheritance Trilogy to the Lord of the Rings is unfair, but since Paolini clearly set out to mimic Tolkien, I believe such treatment to be fully justified. That said, Paolini admittedly possesses raw literary talent, but reminds me of a minor league ball player who has advanced to the majors too soon. Wisdom would have waited another thirty or forty years before attempting to tackle the grand master of fantasy.
Rip off of JRR Tolkien.......2007-05-17
Tons of hype, NYT best seller and a movie; boy did I expect more! Its nothing more than a rip off of Lord of the Rings, without the cute little hobbits. Dwarves live underground, make elaborate cities in mountains, bond with stone. Graceful Elves have pointy ears, live a long time, are aloof and above mere mortals. Protagonist is a young male-on-a-mission. Long trek with protagonist at center, elf and dwarf in-tow ensues. Sound familiar? It should. Its a re-invention of the characters and even sub plots of the LofR trilogy, only not nearly as well written or clever. Tired, familiar, and predictable, I'd like a refund. Time better spent rereading the original Tolkien. Pass on this.
Average customer rating:
- Whimsical and Humourous
- Great books for a wide range of ages
- dealing with dragons review
- decent fantasy
- 4.5, actually, for a set of cute stories
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The Enchanted Forest Chronicles: Dealing with Dragons / Searching for Dragons / Calling on Dragons / Talking to Dragons
Patricia C. Wrede
Manufacturer: Magic Carpet Books
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ASIN: 0152050523 |
Book Description
Collected together for the first time are Patricia C. Wrede's hilarious adventure stories about Cimorene, the princess who refuses to be proper. Every one of Cimorene's adventures is included in its paperback edition--Dealing with Dragons, Searching for Dragons, Calling on Dragons, and Talking to Dragons--in one handsome package that's perfect for gift giving.
Customer Reviews:
Whimsical and Humourous.......2007-09-12
these stories are wonderful. i laughed through half of the books, and then i had some of my elementary age cousins read the series as well. they were able to comprehend them easily, as well as finding them enchanting.
Great books for a wide range of ages.......2007-08-03
This is a great collection of books with a strong heroine and a good sense of humor. They are an excellent choice to read out loud due to the fun characters and the whimsical nature of the writing, and the recurrent message of non-conformity is carried out well without feeling too didactic.
Other reviewers have given capsule summaries, but I would recommend against reading them if you can resist. Part of what was delightful about reading these books for me was seeing the story and Patricia Wrede's pattern unfold.
That being said, I will immediately contradict myself, and note that the third book is, in my opinion, the weakest of lot. I think this is because when I read the books, I was reading out loud. The third book has more fractured conversations and irritating voices popping up all over the place, and the pattern gets in the way of the narrative. Additionally, compared to the other books, the ending is unsatisfying, merely setting up the action for the fourth book. For what it's worth, my wife (who also loved this series) recommends skipping the third book altogether and allowing the story of the fourth to slowly fill you in on what happened in the third.
One other note that I will add is that the vocabulary used in these books is advanced enough to make them a better pick for 10+ year olds, in my opinion. I mistakenly recommended them to the 8 year old daughter of a friend and she struggled to read the first couple paragraphs. The first couple of pages use: philosophers, fashionable, periodic, prosperous, etiquette, etc. Nothing unheard of, obviously, but these are probably better read out loud to early readers. These younger kids will still love the story and the characters, though I guess they may miss some of the humor.
With the discounted Amazon price, this box set is a lot of story for the dollar. I highly recommend it.
dealing with dragons review.......2007-04-19
I like this book because of the adventure. it was interesting, the dragons are cool.if you like dragons and olden time books then this is the book for you. I liked when the wizard made the parts of the clif disipear . I liked the partwhere cimorene ment the dragon.
decent fantasy.......2007-03-09
The Enchanted Forest Chronicles is a decent fantasy novel that turns everything upside down, and wrongside up, and will more than once make you laugh out loud. A good read for any dragon and wizard fan.
4.5, actually, for a set of cute stories.......2007-02-16
I originally bought each of these books individually, and it was quite a pain finding all of them. This is a convenient way to purchase these very cute, very fun fantasy stories.
The first book, "Dealing with Dragons", is a very witty, very cute book about the improper princess who decides to live with dragons rather than get married to someone she doesn't even like. Cimorene becomes the dragon Kazul's "princess", doing her chores for her, cleaning out her library, and cooking for her. The story has a lot to do with the relationships between wizards and dragons and in a sense, everything mocks the "real" view. Throughout this book, Wrede is practically laughing at every fairy tale ever written, and it is hilarious.
Book two, "Searching for Dragons", introduces a new character. Mendanbar, King of the Enchanted Forest, needs to go talk to the dragon king (and there's a new one from the last book!). Unfortunately, the dragon king has been kidnapped, so he and Cimorene go looking for her. It's more action filled than its predecessor and has a lot more magic going on.
"Calling on Dragons" is clearly the weakest book in the bunch, though it's. It's least memorable of them all, its new characters are the most boring, and the plot is more of a preview for the final book, "Talking to Dragons".
And speaking of, "Talking to Dragons" once again brings us the fun and excitement the first two books brought. While each of the other books had a gap of time that stretch across a year or so, the gap between COD and TTD is much bigger... Sixteen years! We've got a whole new generation of characters, whether its the cats, the fiery girls, or our (!) narrarator! Yes, TTD is written in first person, which is a first in this series. We truly get into Daystar's head, which is fun and enjoyable. In a sense, TTD continues where COD left off, but obviously much later, and many things have changed.
So if you like rather mocking fantasy stories that are both fun and cute, you'll love this. If you love witches, evil wizards, cool dragons, and awesome characters, than this is a great set to pick up. Just remember that COD is more of a transition book and all will be well.
So go join Cimorene, Mendanbar, Kazul, Daystar, Morwen, the cats, those evil wizards, and the lot by buying this great set!
Average customer rating:
- Fire Star
- LOVED IT!
- Excellent
- Dragons Rule
- Fire Star was great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Fire Star
Chris D'lacey
Manufacturer: Orchard Books
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ASIN: 0439845823 |
Book Description
In this thrilling final installment of Chris d'Lacey's popular trilogy, David Rain is faced with a perilous task. ICEFIRE's evil sibyl Gwilanna is back, this time determined to resurrect the dragon Gawain on the ice cap of the Tooth of Ragnar. Can David and his friends stop her before it's too late?
Customer Reviews:
Fire Star.......2007-06-26
Another excellent book by Chris D'Lacey. And the BIG news is that this was NOT the last book in the series as had been reported. Book FOUR - The Fire Eternal - has been completed and is due for release in the UK in Sept 2007. I think it will be available in the US in March of 2008!
I can't wait! Check out his website for info on the new book, but beware, some of the things you 'thought' happened at the end of book 3, aren't quite what you think. :-)
Is it March yet???????
LOVED IT!.......2007-05-06
My sons love this series! They have quickly read each one, and eagerly wait for the next to be released.
Excellent.......2007-03-21
This is the third book in the "fire" trilogy from author Chris D'Lacey. My 10 year old daughter and I loved it! But it really leaves you wanting more and fortunately we learned from his web site that he is working on book number four "Fire Eternal" which should be released soon. These stories are about the legend of the dragons' firetear;the story of Gawain and Gweneviere and the polar bears. There is magic and mystery and adventure. A very good read for kids and parents alike.
Dragons Rule.......2007-03-06
If you would like a dragon tooth for yourself; then you should read Fire Star.
This book is about a man named David trying to write book on the events that happen in the Canadian Artic. After David returned home everyone in the house including the dragons greeted him. In about the middle of the book David returns to the Artic because he receives an urgent message to return. The message contained information about a mysterious comet landing.
This book would have been better if there weren't many characters. There should have been at least three dragons and four main characters. The things I liked about this book that it is full of mysteries. I would recommend this book for people of the ages of ten to fifteen. I rated this book a four stars because of some of the boring parts.
Fire Star was great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2006-11-08
Do not read unless you have read the book or enjoy spoilers.
Fire Star was great!!! There were a lot of things I did not expect. Who knew that Liz had an ex boyfriend! Or that there is an alien race called the Fain that has no physical form whatsoever! I did not expect Tootega and Dr. Gergstrom would die. Three things I did not expect were that Gwilanna would get frozen in ice, Dr. Bergstrom is a polar bear (I think he was Thoran), and that Bonnington would turn into a tiger. The only part I don't like about this book is that David dies! Once again, Fire Star was great.
Book Description
A new sourcebook outlining the use of arcane magic by any D&D character.
Complete Arcane provides Dungeons & Dragons© players with an in-depth look at how to access traditional arcane magic and use that power to a character's advantage. It explains how magic affects life and gameplay in the D&D world, adding dimension to one of the most unique and popular aspects of roleplaying. Complete Arcane also contains a wealth of material for traditionally non-magical characters, so the tips and data provided will assist all class types. In addition to new feats, spells, prestige classes, and magic items, this title adds new and revised core classes to a player's character choices. There are also new arcane-related monsters and information on how to fight, join, or summon each one.
Customer Reviews:
Yep, totally broken.......2007-04-03
This book is crazy overpowered. The Warlock class slowly makes itself invincible level by level. They've got too many hp's, too many save bonuses, too much armor, and they can imbue items w/o the item creation feats???????? WHAT???
Warlocks make clerics look like sissies, and they're not nearly as broken as the prestige classes. This book is great for Players whose DM's have an annoying habit of killing or screwing over their players, but it's a headache for the DM since you have to plan every dungeon and battle around super overpowered casters with no weaknesses.
Dual wand weild--a bard wand user can cast cure critical wounds and fireball every round...
Eh, it's not bad.......2007-03-09
Not too much in this book impressed me. I really like the Warlock class, anda lot of the new spells are brilliant (and compliment Complete Mage well, too), but all the spells were reprinted in Spell Compendium. The feats are pretty lackluster, the monsters are mostly by-products of the prestige classes, and the prestige classes aren't so special in their own right. So really, it's just the warlock then. Whatever, I got it with Christmas money.
People of the arcane flavor will enjoy this... others, not so much........2006-12-27
Ok, the book is good, but it's certainly not great. Most of what the book has to offer is more for giving your character flavor, and it really won't suit a min-max'er or a power gamer. But, if you're still interested (because you love the arcane classes as much as I do) then read on.
The Book offers several new core classes, each of which have a very unique feel to them. The Warlock is chaotic and/or evil, relying on a limitless supply of "Eldrich Blasts" that serve as her main offensive ability. She manipulates these blasts with invocations, and she gets very few of them. The next is a Wu Jen, which is basically a Wizard with a very oriental feel to it. The spells are more based around elements (Asian, not European) than schools, so it offers a different perspective on magic. The third is the Warmage, which, as the name implies, is a battle ready caster who is great at raining down destruction... and little else. The class offers little in the way of utility, so you could basically consider it to be the arcane equivalent of the barbarian and/or fighter.
The Prestige classes aren't fantastic, but then again, many casters loathe the idea of giving up spell progression for a few neat tricks. Luckily, the Complete Arcane offers a decent set of classes to choose from, a few of which actually let you maintain near-complete progression. Some might not see the tabletop and feel a bit like filler, but then again, it's rare to see an arcane geared prestige class. Over all, I really like the classes the book had to offer.
The feats the book has are, well, pretty damn awesome. I think this is the real shining point of the book. There are many many new metamagics (like the ability to convert any elemental damage into your chosen type, for a sort of arcane signature move), and half a dozen feats that allow non-casters the ability to use a few minor spells as spell like abilities. This section also has some very interesting sorcerer-based feats, most notably being an evolution of their draconic heritage.
Lastly, the book hold a plethora of new spells, most of which I found to be very useful. Many of the combat based spells created for the Warmage made their way to other caster's spell lists, so you can at least consider your mage to be better armed in a fight.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. Yes, it wasn't fantastic, but jeez... Tome and Blood did an awful job of spicing up the caster classes, and I think this book really made amends to that. Being a Wizard and only being able to choose from Metamagic Feats or Spell Focus got really dull, so I was thrilled to get ahold of this book. If you like the arcane casters, and you'd like to add a bit of individuality to your mage, I definately recommend picking up this book. If you're new to the caster classes, or don't often play then, I'd say pass it on by.
I find this book miserable........2006-09-21
I know many will disagree with me, but this is simply my reaction as a player.
I loved Complete Warrior, but as I am more likely to play a mage type character, I picked this book up. I am quite dissapointed. There isn't a single Prestigue Class or Feat I find useful for my characters. I understand that each player has his or her own style of play, but it seems my style isn't suited for Complete Arcane. Also I find the art abominable. Yes, the artists are much more talented than I, but I simply don't enjoy the art they produce. Really, this book was a disapointment, because when I shell out over $20 on a new splat book, I feel like I should be getting my money's worth.
average.......2006-08-31
the book is average containing only one interesting class and an interesting campain for arcane users but the mosters abd the spells are disapointing
Average customer rating:
- MY BOY LOVES READING
- Day of the dragon kings
- Jack & Annie in China
- the burning of the books
- The Trip to China
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Day Of The Dragon-King (Magic Tree House 14, paper)
Mary Pope Osborne
Manufacturer: Random House Books for Young Readers
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ASIN: 0679890513
Release Date: 1998-04-20 |
Book Description
Jack and Annie set off to find an original copy of an ancient Chinese myth. Armed only with their magic library cards, they must take on a book-burning emperor. But with the help of a scholar and a silk weaver, they triumph again.
Customer Reviews:
MY BOY LOVES READING.......2007-01-07
My 1st grader hates to put it down, he would rather read Magic Tree House books, than play video games. He even reads them to his class and explains the story for show and tell. In his kindergarten class the teacher would also let him read the Magic Tree House books out loud, not to give her a break, but to promote reading out loud. Great books!
Day of the dragon kings.......2006-11-17
this book Its great because anyone liked cartoon this book would like him
Jack & Annie in China.......2006-04-25
When Jack and Annie found out that they were going to China, they went straight to the treehouse. They met Morgan there, and she told them that they had to save a library in China. The dragon king was going to burn all the books, because he didn't like them. Jack and Annie saw a huge map of the castle where the emporer lived and they used it to help them find the library. In the end, Jack and Annie saved the library and were heroes again.
I liked this book because of the Terra Cotta soldiers (we have one of these at home !), the Chinese hats that Jack and Annie wore, and the dragon kings clothes. And I think I'm a good judge of Chinese things, since I was born in China !
the burning of the books.......2006-02-02
I hate the way the Dragen King wanted to burn all the books in China. But I am glad that Jack and Annie saved one. They escaped eveything.
The Trip to China.......2005-04-13
This story take place on China in the 1970, the boy and the girl were ready to go to China and they go in to get the bamboo book that is on the city, and they find two Chinese people. They take them to the city and they see people selling fish, the boy told them if they can take them to the library to find the bamboo book that has all the secrets of China.
This book is mostly about two kids that go to China to look for the bamboo book that is in the city of China. They went to the library with the secret library card and finally they found the bamboo book.
In my opinion, I think its a very good book because, the trip to China and the Great Wall and the Dragon King's tomb.
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The Lost Colony (Artemis Fowl, Book 5)
Christopher Paolini's abiding love of fantasy and science fiction inspired him to begin writing his debut novel, Eragon, when he graduated from high school at age 15.
Our quickie pronunciation guide will help you get to know some of the names and places in the Inheritance series.
