Eragon

[Culhwch]

Originally Posted by the_faery_queen

thats odd. why did the hype paloini and not the other? was it a fantasy book she read? or was it written a while ago?

Quite recent. I figure it's because Paolini's American, and it's so rare to find a literate American teen, maybe?

[Rosemary]

Finally got a chance to begin reading Eldest. Paolini certainly seems to have improved as a writer, in comparison to Eragon.

Despite chapter 1 being a little gruesome in parts, it still comes across as a YA book. I might re-consider that further through the book.

[the_faery_queen]

aw! hehe. that illierate teen thing is mean (but funny) perhaps its just the way america does things? a lot of the authors that get hyped are american.

[kyektulu]

That is very true fairy queen.

There are so many not-well-known authors from various countrys that dont even get thier work looked at becuase of thier heritage.

[the_faery_queen]

and its harder in those countries to get published. one of my rants (i have many) is that it is hard to get an agent in the uk unless you have a book out. that isn't the case in the us, you can get an agent even without a novel or anything published or written. i think that's half the problem. its harder to make it otuside the us. although we can send stuff to us agents, its difficult with reply coupons and so on.

[hedgeknight]

kyektulu - if you have a young niece or nephew who wants to tackle something beyond Potter or Fowl, Eragon and Eldest would make for a nice Christmas present. Then, at least, your money would not have been wasted.
-g-

[Jeremy]

Eldest, Eragon's sequel, was chosen as the worst book of 2005 by Entertainment Weekly, one of the top magazines on art and entertainment here in the US. I have not read Eldest, nor do I intend to. I managed to struggle through Eragon, though, and while I was reading it I was constantly amazed by the bad writing and stupid story, and I kept wondering how such laughable and lame novel could have been published. Of course, we all know why it was published: the publisher wanted to cash in on the author's youth, its intended audience not being able to distinguish good writing from the bad, and the wild popularity of Lord of the Rings, to which this book bears striking resemblance.

[cornelius]

so, it is wise for me to set this one aside, or to at least delete the name from my "to read" list. its long enough as it is already.

[Rosemary]

Originally Posted by cornelius

so, it is wise for me to set this one aside, or to at least delete the name from my "to read" list. its long enough as it is already.

Not necessarily so Cornelius...It naturally depends upon what personal type of book you like to read. I am half way through it and I for one, have found it refreshing...I like his imagination and the way he brings necessary history into the storyline.

Yes, he is a YA writer...I, as you know enjoy an 'easy to read book' now and again. For you though, it might be too easy!

[Alia]

Originally Posted by cornelius

so, it is wise for me to set this one aside, or to at least delete the name from my "to read" list. its long enough as it is already.

The second one is better than the first. But I enjoyed both books. Yes, Paolini is rather young and it shows in his writing, but it does improve in the second book.

As Rosemary says, his books are refreshing.

[Rosemary]

Finally finished reading Eldest by Paolini. I can definately say that his writing skills have improved immeasurably. The way he handles the dialogue in this volume is much better.

I still enjoyed the easy reading for a change, although his battle scenes are more detailed in this volume. Not as detailed as some of the more well known authors but enough for YA readers.

There was a very good twist at the end of this volume, so volume 3 is a must for me.

[Alia]

and it's so rare to find a literate American teen, maybe?

Ouch that hurt...

Rose, I'm so glad you enjoyed the book. I liked both, but saw a huge improvement in writing. I think the third book will be better yet.

[rune]

I thought this book was OK, but nothing startling. There are plenty of better YA authors out there to try