A review by averyronan
Eldest by Christopher Paolini

challenging dark reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This book is not quite as gripping as Eragon, but it's incredible nonetheless. Pacing wise, this book is a mixed bag as we switch back and forth between Eragon, who is training with the elves, and Rorin, who is leading his entire village out of Alegasia pursued by Galbatorix like some sort of Moses. Both are interesting for different reasons, but Rorin's adventure-filled chapters are a breath of relief after several information-dense, politics-ridden chapters with Eragon. This book can absolutely drag on. However, about halfway through the books climactic battle scene, I realized I really was reading an epic. That's really the best word to use to describe this series; epic. If you want great action and solid characters, this book will certainly give it to you, but it will be awash with politics, moral questions, uncomfortable interpersonal interactions, and strange revelations about humanity. 
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