Plot: While on a hunting trip, Eragon finds a bright blue stone. Yet, it bears a secret for him on one clear night. The stone cracks to reveal a dragon hatchling. The dragon, later named Saphira, bonds with the teenager. Yet, the politics, legends, and fears surrounding dragons and their riders quickly overwhelm Eragon, costing him his home and his uncle. During his escape, Eragon encounters elves, dwarves, traitors, and rebels. Still, as Saphira reminds him, farmboys are not named after the original Dragon Rider for no reason. A much-needed revolution depends on the boy and his dragon.
Genre: Fantasy, Coming of Age
Reading Level: Ages 10-16, but older teens and adults may find it interesting as well.
Similar Titles: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, The Sea Trolls
Personal Thoughts: I was surprised by the book. Dragon stories, unfortunately, have a tendency to rely on the "novelty" of the creatures to define their setting. However, Paolini presents a realistic world with believable politics, traditions, and superstitions. The dragon, while exceptional, still meshes with the world in a natural manner. The book is highly recommended for fans of fantasy looking for something "lighter" than Tolkien but "heavier" than Rowling.
The novel provided the basis for a movie in 2006. While critics praised the graphics, the overall film received poor reviews.
Eragon is the first novel of a four-novel series. The final novel, Inheritance, will be published in November.
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