Brisingr, by Christopher Paolini

Bibliographic Information:
Paolini, C. (2008). Brisingr. Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN 0375826726

Book Awards:
None.


Plot Summary:
This third book in the Inheritance Cycle opens with Eragon having just met up with his cousin, Roran; they must now go to rescue Katrina from the Ra'zac's lair. As the Varden prepare for the invasion of the Empire to defeat the evil Galbatorix, Eragon is torn by his conflicting loyalties to the Varden, the dwarves, the elves, and his dragon. He must choose a path of honor, and discover the secret to Galbatorix's unnatural power before the combined rebel armies reach the evil king's stronghold and perish.

Critical Evaluation:
Although this book (and series) has received a lot of criticism for its length, devotees of the story are grateful for the opportunity to live with the characters for all 748 pages. While the fantasy elements are not unique-- the dwarves and the elves are strongly reminiscent of Tolkein's defining works-- the characters and the plot details are brand new. This third book, unlike the previous two, was started and finished by an adult author, and the depth of the characters really shows. Eragon wrestles with weighty moral dilemmas and philosophical problems that Paolini was not able to convey as a teenager. The complexities and ambiguities created by the internal politics of the various species also add weight and interest to the story. Although Paolini's youngest readers may have to slog a bit through this book, his 13 and up crowd will be delighted at the increased sophistication Paolini's growth as an author has lent to Eragon's story.

Reader's Annotation:
Eragon and Saphira continue to fight, but how can they hope to defeat the seemingly limitless power of Galbatorix?

About the Author:
Christopher Paolini was home-schooled his entire life by his mother, a former Montessori teacher. As a challenge to himself, he began to write Eragon when he was fifteen. He currently lives in Paradise Valley, Montana, and is working on the fourth and final book in the series.

Genre:
Fantasy

Curriculum Ties:
Creative writing

Booktalking Ideas:
Eragon's duty to dwarves, elves, humans, etc.

Interest Age:
12+

Challenge Issues:
Some graphic action violence.
Defense: The sword-fighting scenes are integral to both the plot and the atmosphere of the story.

Reason Included:
I wanted to highlight the first and third book of this series to illustrate Paolini's growth as an author.