Eragon by Christopher Paolini

I guess I just have unreasonable standards. The reviews were a rave, it was #1 on the New York Times Bestseller list and the Publishers Weekly bestseller list, the movie, blah blah blah. And I was still disappointed. Of course, it's right in line with my favorites so it did appeal to me. And it was recommended to me. Yet, I found I didn't really like the main character that much. He felt a bit spoiled and clueless. The story felt slightly stilted in the beginning. That said, yes both the character and the story grew on me as I read more. If I'd read it with no expectations I may have like it more. I was expecting the next best thing and unfortunately this ain't no Narnia... or Lord of the Rings or up to snuff with Pratchett, Lackey or even Stephanie Meyers. A great start for a beginning writer. I'm willing to invest the time in Book Two. But if it isn't any better than this I will lose interest.

Reviews:
"Christopher Paolini maker(s) literary magic with his precocious debut." - People

"Unusual, powerful.... fresh and fluid. An impressive start to a writing career that's sure to flourish." - Booklist, Starred

' The new 'It' book of children lit." - US News and World Report

"An auspicious beginning to both career and series." - Publisher's Weekly

"Full praise to Eragon, and I want more! A winner.... tip of the hat to young master Paolini." - Anne McCaffrey, author of the Dragonriders of Pern series

"Will appeal to the legions of readers who have been captivated by the Lord of the Rings trilogy." - School Library Journal

"An authentic work of great talent." - The New York Times

"The hottest fantasy title of the moment." - USA Today

Back Cover:

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 soon realizes he has stumbled upon a legacy nearly as old as the Empire itself.

Overnight 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....