Brisingr

by: Christopher Paolini

Published by: Alfred A. Knopf

Reviewed by Andrea Sisco

Christopher Paolini was fifteen when he began Eragon. He followed Eragon with Eldest and at twenty-four he’s written Brisingr, the third book in the Inheritance Cycle. Paolini’s first book, Eragon was made into a motion picture in 2006. The Inheritance Cycle started as a trilogy and grew into a four-book series.

Like Stephanie Meyers or J.K. Rowling’s series, a synopsis of Brisingr is probably not necessary as most people really know the books and just want to read the next. They are however, interested in what others think of the newest release. That is what I will focus on in my review.

In Brisingr there are more wonderful adventures afoot. Eragon is compelled to rescue his cousin Roran’s beloved from the King. The Varden need Eragon’s help and in general, tyranny is running rampant through the land and must be quashed. Success is in the decisions and actions of our hero Eragon. Will he be successful? Oh, and it must be mentioned that there are some fantastic revelations in Brisingr.

Brisingr is in many ways a better book than Eragon and Eldest. And in other ways, it’s not as good. Paolini’s writing is getting better with each book, but because it’s a story of adventure, it could have benefited from some editing. I think it was too long, at times too wordy (I could have used less explanations and ‘telling’) and that distracted from the story. Some problems were ‘fixed’ far too easily and that rang hollow for me. I was surprised that the trilogy has been extended to a fourth book and believe that it could have been handled in three with editing.

But with those criticisms aside it really is an enjoyable read. For the most part it is an exciting fantasy that readers will enjoy. Those fans of the earlier book will forgive most of the books limitations. And in the long run, it took me only a week to read and that means Paolini kept my attention to the end.

Armchair Interviews says: Brisingr’s fantasy is worth the read.

Author’s Web site: http://www.Alagaesia.com