Christopher Paolini: Eldest review

As the second book of Inheritance Cycle, Eldest continues the story of Eragon. Eragon travels now to the elves and begins his training to become a real Dragon Rider. At the same time his cousin Roran fights to keep his village Carvahall safe.
Eragon must now take his place and defend the good people against the evil king Garbatorix, who has now a new ally. A strong ally.

I noticed instantly that the narrative of Paolini has improved compared to the first book. The sentences are much more describing and extensive. There where parts that I actually enjoyed. (Though I still admit that it might also be the Finnish translation.)
The narration is devided between Eragon and Roran, whom I didn't even realised has become an important character also.

Eldest continues Eragon's story, describes new places and beings in a quite vast book. As I said about Eragon, I say about this book too: it could have been condensed. Over 600 pages is quite a long book and it could have done just fine leaving some bits behind.

The problem with Eldest is the same than with Eragon. Both are filled with characters that don't get interesting. Somehow they are not deep enough and you don't get attached to them in any way. Angela, the weird witch-lady is one of those who, with little more developing, could have become good characters.

Eldest is alright book for written by as young man as Paolini, but in these days "alright" isn't really enough to be praised.

I recommend this book to those who actually did enjoy the first part.


/ [Caterin S.]

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