Eragon- what Kris thought

                                Yesterday, you got to read Christopher's opinion on Eragon (and his thoughts on my....uh...forceful characteristics).  So, now it's my turn.
                                 When I first read Eragon, I found it a quick read. The action was brisk and pleasant, and the secondary characters were, I have to say, memorable.

                               But notice I just said the secondary characters. The main characters are people I've seen hundreds of times as a lover of books. Eragon is a young farm boy who goes from zero to hero... In a way that had nothing to do with his personal skills. Arya is beautiful, smart, perfect Elven princess. My main problem with her is that she didn't have any flaws.  Galbatorix is the classic villian. The one with the looming fortress. The one with the oh-so-powerful magic.. Did you honestly have any doubt that he would be defeated in the end? I didn't.
                          
                                      And speaking of characters, let me talk about those names. Chris said he found them exotic and exciting. I found them painful to read. I would have to stop, go back, reread the name to try and pronounce it right, and sometimes look for a pronunciation guide.

                           I found several of the plot points very cliche. (The ending of the last book coming to mind) Murtagh's personality, betrayal, and relationship with Eragon is something else that got me on the cliche points." I'm your brother and I hate you but you're so kind to me and how could I hurt you but I'm going to kill you because I hate you so much".  And Brom being Eragon's father? Ummm...Star Wars, anyone?

                     But now for the good points. On the characters. RORAN!!! There is so much to say here!! He doesn't have magic and is successfully one of the best warriors in the book. Brom, even if he was the classic guide, was very nice to read. He is sarcastic and secretive, yet obviously caring in a way that not many mentors are like. Then, the Urgals. Big, burly, war-loving brutes. And they're good guys!! Definatley didn't see that coming. Props to Paolini for turning the tables when it comes to ugly creatures.

               As I said in the opening paragraph, Eragon is a quick read with amazing battle sequences and phenomenal secondary and tertiary characters. I would put this book in the hands of any 10-12 year old who loves to read.
                                                             -Kris