Brisingr

Rating: 3.5 stars
Rounded down to 3
(As true of a 3.5 stars rating as I can get. Couldn't decide whether to go up or down)

This book suffers from what each of the Inheritance cycle books suffer from... They are so bogged down in exposition and details that, to some, things feel boring. Some people did not enjoy the scenes where Eragon learns to form his own sword because of the 15-page-long-description, however, I actually did. I liked the attention to detail in the battles. It sometimes is a slog to get through, but I enjoy the worldbuilding and immersion that it creates.

Some of the plot points are typical of other words of literature. I'm trying to decide if that is actually a bad thing, since everything is derivative of other works. However, it is strange to me how obvious some of the inspiration behind the points is. Like, I know of no other work that I can point to things and say, “oh, it's [this plot point] from [movie/book]”. Perhaps that is wrong of me and I shouldn't, as the story is enjoyable enough.

WARNING! There are spoilers from this book and read the first two books before you read this review.

1. The world building is really good for the most part, except for a few things that I wasn't super thrilled about. The things that I love was the learning more about the fantasy creatures, the Varden, and other land names that were described in the story. The only thing I wasn't a huge fan of when it came to world building is the details that weren't needed for the story. A good example of this is the process of when Orik got elected to be the dwarf King. Personally most of the details on how a dwarf get to become a King and queen of their the whole entire clans were really boring and I just wanted that part of the story over with. For the most part, I had a blast with the world building and I hope that Christopher Paolini puts less extra details in Inhertiance.

2. Saphira, Arya, and Nasuada were really strong and I love that didn't give up when there were bad times ahead. Saphira and Arya were characters that I rooted for in the beginning. There were both passionate, loyal,wise, and they would do anything to help Eragon out with his journey as a Dragon Rider. The female character that I wasn't a huge fan before I read this book was Nasuada. I found her boring for the most part because I really get a chance to know her that much since she basically sat in a chair and made importance decisions of the fate. The only time I felt sorry in Eldest when her father Ajihad died. Now, I appreciate having Nasuada as a main character because she made decisions that not everyone was going to like, but she thinks in Varden's best interests. Also, I felt a connection with her than Eldest and I can't wait to see what happens to my favorite female characters in the book series.

3. The main protagonists Roran and Eragon are really a huge part of the story. Eragon is becoming a mature person who now actually understands that being polite is good and seperating from the ones you love can help you out in the long run. The major characteristic that he still has is getting into all kinds of trouble and I'm glad that Paolini didn't change that trait at all. Roran is still the same Roran we had in Eldest. He was brave, he was reckless when it came to listening to directions, and he still passionate about Katrina. Personally, both of the protagonists are people I can relate to and I wonder what will happen next.

If you want to read a book that has wonderful female characters,world-building, and great male characters you should read this book. Also, make sure to read the first two books before you read this book.

If you want to check more amazing things on my book blog, please go to http://bookreviewfromjames.blogspot.com