Brisingr (The Inheritance Cycle)

Brisingr (The Inheritance Cycle)
by Christopher Paolini

Brisingr (The Inheritance Cycle)
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Book Summary Information

Author: Christopher Paolini
Brand: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2010-04-13
ISBN: 0375826742
Number of pages: 800
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Book Reviews of Brisingr (The Inheritance Cycle)

Book Review: Frustrating But Enjoyable All the Same
Summary: 3 Stars

Brisingr is diametrically opposed in style and structure to Eragon and Eldest. Whereas the first two books were full of action and amazing revelations, the third book meanders through the first 600 pages. It isn't until the last 150 pages or so that we get the "big reveal" and the meat of the action. And while the core of Paolini's series is intriguing, I couldn't help taking issue with this latest book.

The maturity in the writing shows. Eragon exhibits clear examples of a high schooler's efforts. Eldest showed quite a bit of improvement over Eragon. So it was refreshing to see the progression of his writing in Brisingr. But where Brisingr succeeds in writing style, it fails in terms of structure.

The book begins with a dramatic rescue and there are plenty of skirmishes between the Varden and the Empire's soldiers. But still the book's first 600 pages seem to drag. Those pages emanate a feeling of inactivity; there are many long conversations and descriptions that are completely unnecessary.

The narrative meanders, and several times I was tempted to give the book up. But going by the previous two books, I knew Paolini would be saving something good for the end of this one and I wasn't disappointed. The story has its share of big moments beginning at about page 600 (in the paperback) and continues to build from there. The last 150 pages or so prove to be the saving grace of the book. I venture to say Paolini could have, in fact, most likely finished the series in three books if his editor had been a little more careful in removing so much of the extraneous "stuff" from the third installment.

As a whole, however, the series is a fine attempt and an enjoyable read. I'll certainly be on the lookout for the fourth book when it comes, and I hope Christopher Paolini's writing style and story structure continue to improve. Based on his first three books, the prospect of this last hope is a promising one.

Summary of Brisingr (The Inheritance Cycle)

Oaths sworn . . . loyalties tested . . . forces collide.

It's been only months since Eragon first uttered "brisingr," the ancient language term for fire. Since then, he's not only learned to create magic with words-he's been challenged to his very core. Following the colossal battle against the Empire's warriors on the Burning Plains, Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, have narrowly escaped with their lives. Still, there is more adventure at hand for the Rider and his dragon, as Eragon finds himself bound by a tangle of promises he may not be able to keep.

First is Eragon's oath to his cousin, Roran: to help rescue Roran's beloved from King Galbatorix's clutches. But Eragon owes his loyalty to others, too. The Varden are in desperate need of his talents and strength-as are the elves and dwarves. When unrest claims the rebels and danger strikes from every corner, Eragon must make choices-choices that will take him across the Empire and beyond, choices that may lead to unimagined sacrifice.

Eragon is the greatest hope to rid the land of tyranny. Can this once simple farm boy unite the rebel forces and defeat the king?
Tad Williams and Christopher Paolini: Author One-on-One

Tad Williams is the New York Times bestselling author of several epic fantasy series. He lives in California.

Tad Williams Read on for Williams and Christopher Paolini's discussion about why they write fantasy, their upcoming projects, and more.

Tad: Hi, Christopher. Nice to talk to you, albeit virtually. It was great hanging out with you and your family this summer. Pretty much all of us fell in love with your part of the world, too.

Be warned: this isn't my best time of the day, so if I start calling you "Herman" and asking what it was about whaling that interested you, please forgive.

The first thing I'd like to ask you as a starter question is: why fantasy? I mean, there's the obvious answer (which is also true for me) that it was something I loved to read growing up, but I guess I'm curious what is it that still resonates for you. Why do these kind of stories, these kinds of characters, these kinds of worlds, still speak to you?

In a similar vein, do you have another kind of fiction, another genre, that you'd really like to try? If so, why? Any genres you think you'll never write but wish you could?

Christopher: Hi Tad. Great talking to you as well. We all had a wonderful time when you guys visited. Definitely one Of the highlights of the year.

I'm still waking up as well -- takes a few cups of tea and a few strips of bacon before the little gray cells start firing properly -- so if I sound a bit muddled, that's why. Still, we can make a stab at coherency, eh?

Christopher Paolini Hmm. Why do I write fantasy? As you said, it's because I enjoy reading it, but I enjoy reading it because . . . well, for a number of reasons, I suppose. First of all, fantasy allows for all sorts of dangerous situations, and those can provide a lot of excitement in a story. And excitement is always fun. Also, epic fantasy usually deals with themes and situations that everyone can relate to, such as the challenge of growing up, or how one is supposed to deal with moral quandaries. Fantasy is the oldest form of literature; the very first stories that humans told while crouched around campfires were stories about gods and monsters and tragic mistakes and heroic feats. Even now, those topics still resonate with us on a primal level, which is one reason I think fantasy will remain popular with readers as long as humans are still human. And I love the sense of awe and wonder one can often find in fantastical literature. . . . Fantasy can allow you to see and hear and experience things that have never existed and never *could* exist. To me, that is the closest we come to real magic in this world.

That said, there are a number of other genres I'd like to try my hand at: mystery, thriller, horror, science-fiction, romance, etc. I love stories of all kinds -- although mythic ones certainly hold the greatest appeal to me -- and I'm very much looking forward to experimenting once I finish the Inheritance cycle. Any genres I think I'll never write but wish I could? . . . Probably long-form epic poetry or a witty comedy of manners. Poetry is fun, but my grasp on it is rather shaky, and a comedy of manners (while I enjoy them) is so different from my usual life, I'm not sure I could pull it off properly.

And now a question for you: You have just finished your third (large) series. What is it about big epic stories that so fascinates you? Why not write small, intimate books about a fishmonger whose greatest love is his toothpick sculpture of the Brooklyn Bridge?

Read the full conversation

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