I'm reading the book Brisingr, the third book of the Inheritance Cycle. Christopher Paolini is so incredibly talented. Of course, I've read his first two books of the Inheritance Cycle: Eargon and Eldest. Paolini wrote the first book, Eargon when he was only 15. Even though his books come out around 3 years after one another, they get better and better. Brisingr was the best book from this series. It has a lot more action and a lot more going on compared to the other ones. In this book there is romance and the enemy's weakness as well as Eargon's weakness are shown throughout.
In the following quote, Arya, an elf who guided Eargon in the second book, and Eargon are talking about Arya's love life. Eargon loves Arya, but because of many conflicts, including the situation they are facing with the evil king, they cannot be together. This passage shows incredible tension between them, but Arya opening up to Eargon.
"As gently as he could, Eargon asked, 'Was it Faolin?' 'Yes.' she said, releasing the confirmation almost as a gasp. 'Did you love him?' Casting back her head, Arya gazed up at the twinkling sky, her long neck gold with firelight, her face pale with the radiance of the heavens...'It does matter, because I regret it, and I shall not tolerate it. Did I love Faolin? How would you define love? Fore over twenty years, we traveled together, the only immortals to walk among the short-lived races. We were companions...and friends.' A pang of jealousy afflicted Eargon. He wrestled with it, subdued it and tried to eliminate it but was not altogether successful." (197)
At the end of the second book, Eargon, the main character, Eargon, shows his feelings for Arya. Arya is an elf who was the carrier of Eargon's dragon (Sapphira)'s egg. She was in search of the egg and because she was captured, transported the egg to where Eargon lived. Needless to say, the egg hatched for Eargon. All throughout the second book, Eargon fights the love he feels for Arya. One time, when Eargon confessed his love for Arya, Arya simply shot him down saying that they each had their duties and Eargon especially had to concentrate on training his magic in order to defeat Galbatrorix. In this book, Eargon still shows his love through jealousy. When Eargon and Arya are on a scouting trip, Eargon asks if Arya ever had anyone she's loved before. Here, I feel sorry for Eargon. Eargon shows a sense of jealousy that clearly he does not want Arya to recognize. Arya on the other hand, realizes Eargon's feelings, but does not want to return them. Further on in the book, she does express her care and her lover for Eargon, but it is only through the small gestures of worry she shows for him when he is going to battle or recovering from wounds.
In Brisingr, Christopher Paolini uses many characters and mythical creatures used very often today in teen books. He uses dwarves, elves, dragons, and magic. It's amazing that he is able to captivate a teen's attention through his writing because as a frequent reader, I always read books that have similar themes or characters. Really, there is nothing special added into Paolini's books. Still, Paolini has a way of drawing a reader's attention with the intricate plot he sets up and his writing style.
In this book, there are many conflicts All these things happen simultaneously in Brisingr. Still, I never get lost reading it, not even with the three made up languages that are included in the dialogue and spells.
In this book, there are many conflicts All these things happen simultaneously in Brisingr. Still, I never get lost reading it, not even with the three made up languages that are included in the dialogue and spells.
"’Casting back her head, Arya gazed up at the twinkling sky, her long neck gold with firelight, her face pale with the radiance of the heaven.’ Do you ask out of friendly concern or your own self-interest?’ She gave an abrupt, choked laugh, the sound of water falling over cold rocks. ‘Never mind. The night air has addled me. It has undone my sense of courtesy and left me free to say the most spiteful things that occur to me.’ ‘No matter.’ ‘It does matter, because I regret it, and I shall not tolerate it. Did I love Faolin? How would you define love? For over twenty years, we traveled together, the only immortals to walk among the short-lived races. We were companions...and friends."
Brisingr was written in a unique way. It was written sometimes in a more precise way of speech and then in other times, a more casual way. Paolini uses casual speaking to describe while using precise speech for when characters talk. The characters are especially enticing and of course, Eargon, the main character is the most enticing of all. One major conflict that Paolini builds up to but doesn't really address in this book is Eargon's struggle with not being able to kill. Eargon learns that everything has life. In the midst of battle, he feels sympathy for Thorn, the dragon, or the soldiers he is fighting. He can come in contact with their "being" or their conscious and can feel what they feel. He refuses to take a life unless absolutely necessary which had already caused issues for him. I'm curious to know what will happen with that.
