I just finished re-reading Eragon by Christopher Paolini, a favorite book from my childhood. The recent Game of Thrones dragon hype reminded me of this series and it did not disappoint. If you enjoy dragons, high fantasy, and coming of age stories, I think you’ll love Eragon and the Inheritance Cycle series!
Book Stats
- Title: Eragon
- Author: Christopher Paolini
- Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult
- Series: Inheritance Cycle, Book #1
- Publication Date: August 26, 2003
- Pages: 509
- Est. Reading Time: 15 – 20 hours
- My Rating: 5/5 Stars
- Buy Now: Amazon
Eragon: Plot Summary
Eragon, the titular character, is a young farm boy from a small village with an incredible destiny. One day, while out hunting alone, a polished blue stone magically appears nearby with a loud boom. His prey now fleeing the noise, Eragon retrieves the stone hoping it has some value. However, before the stone can be valued and sold, it proves to be an egg which hatches a dragon.
Knowing dragons are exceptionally rare and powerful, Eragon begins raising the dragon in secret. As their bond strengthens, Eragon becomes a Dragon Rider and discovers he can communicate with the dragon mentally. Wishing to learn more about dragons and find a suitable name for her, Eragon cautiously probes the village storyteller, Brom, for information. From the list of past dragon names Brom provides, Eragon’s dragon is named Saphira.
Unfortunately, word of the egg eventually reaches the Empire and King Galbatorix sends his dragon hunters, the Ra’zac, to retrieve it. Galbatorix, a Dragon Rider himself, seeks to control or destroy all other Riders to maintain power. Unable to find the egg, the Ra’zac destroy Eragon’s farm while he and Saphira hide in the wilderness. Discovering the destruction upon their return, Eragon and Saphira set out to kill the Ra’zac and hopefully prevent further harm to their village.
The Journey Begins
Brom, knowing more about Dragon Riders than he lets on and guessing at Saphira’s existence, convinces Eragon to let him accompany them. As they travel, Brom begins training Eragon in swordplay, magic, and the history of the Dragon Riders. This training is quickly called upon to face the many dangers they encounter traveling through the Empire.
Caution: Remainder of plot summary contains mild spoilers (click to expand)
Eventually, they track the Ra’zac down and begin planning their attack. However, they are discovered before they can strike with the element of surprise and are captured by the Empire. With the help of a mysterious stranger, named Murtagh, Eragon and Saphira escape, also rescuing an elf in the process. The Empire now on high alert, Eragon and Saphira are faced with a difficult choice: abandon their beliefs and join Galbatorix, flee their homeland never to return, or seek out the Varden to join the rebellion.
With Saphira adamant she’ll never serve Galbatorix and Eragon unwilling to abandon his homeland, they make for the Varden with directions from the elf, Arya. Pursued by an army of Kull, they reach the Varden’s hideout just in time to avoid recapture. After a few days’ rest, the Varden are attacked by the Empire and Eragon and Saphira take up arms to fight alongside them. Sides chosen, Eragon and Saphira have much more to learn before they can hope to overthrow Galbatorix.
Eragon: Coming of Age
Eragon is 15 when Saphira hatches and he is forced to learn and mature quickly to survive his new circumstances. Throughout the story, much wisdom is given to Eragon but he often only truly learns these lessons the hard way. As he makes mistakes and learns from them, Eragon slowly develops into the warrior and leader the Varden (rebellion against the Empire) need.
Before Eragon leaves home for the last time, his uncle Garrow gives him a great deal of sound advice, which I feel applies just as well to the real world:
“First, let no one rule your mind or body. Take special care that your thoughts remain unfettered. One may be a free man and yet be bound tighter than a slave. Give men your ear, but not your heart. Show respect for those in power, but don’t follow them blindly. Judge with logic and reason, but comment not.
– Christopher Paolini, Eragon
Consider none your superior, whatever their rank or station in life. Treat all fairly or they will seek revenge. Be careful with your money. Hold fast to your beliefs and others will listen. Of the affairs of love…my only advice is to be honest. That’s your most powerful tool to unlock a heart or gain forgiveness.”
Brom is also a great source of wisdom for Eragon and acts as a father figure for much of the book. For instance, when Eragon is concerned they will become lost despite Brom’s following of the stars. Brom replies, “It is foolish to conjure up woe where none exists.” Which I find is often true of worry. A rather impactful description of evil is also provided by Brom:
“Those who love the pain and suffering of others. They wear many faces and go by many disguises, but there is only one name for them: evil. There is no understanding it. All we can do is pity and honor the victims.”
– Christopher Paolini, Eragon
By the end of the book, Eragon has grown substantially and become a hero to the Varden. However, he is still only 16 and has much to learn before he stands a chance of defeating Galbatorix.
Eragon: Destiny
Along his journey to the Varden, Eragon meets Angela the herbalist and a werecat named Solembum. Solembum takes a liking to Eragon, which is unusual. Due to this, Angela offers to read Eragon’s fortune, which he hesitantly accepts. Eragon’s future proves difficult to read, but Angela does foreshadow some of the remainder of the series.
“Countless possible futures await you – all of them filled with blood and conflict – but only one will bring you happiness and peace. Beware of losing your way, for you are one of the few who are truly free to choose their own fate. That freedom is a gift, but it is also a responsibility more binding than chains.”
– Christopher Paolini, Eragon
Eragon’s control of many aspects of his own future is an interesting twist on typical fantasy prophecy or destiny which are beyond one’s control. Knowing each of Eragon’s choices could be the one to stray him from the path to happiness leads you to ponder each event more deeply. While most of Eragon’s future remains hidden, the details that are revealed leave you wondering how they’ll come to pass. Something Eragon himself reflects on when he thinks, “Unfortunately, nothing she said will make sense until it has already happened.”
Bond with Saphira
Often, Eragon is unsure of the path to take but can always count on his bond with Saphira to help him through. Their conversations, since they occur telepathically, offer a unique perspective into Eragon’s thoughts. These insights are pivotal in allowing the reader to see Eragon develop. One such example is after Eragon finds his farm destroyed and wonders what the purpose of life is:
“Love, family, accomplishments – they are all torn away, leaving nothing. What is the worth of anything we do?” – Eragon
– Christopher Paolini, Eragon
“The worth is in the act. Your worth halts when you surrender the will to change and experience life… The only true guide is your heart. Nothing less than its supreme desire can help you.” – Saphira
This is sound advice, which I feel we must all come to accept. While Saphira is also young and develops alongside Eragon in many ways, she also has the ancient instincts of the dragons to guide her. Together, there are few obstacles they cannot overcome, and fewer still with the help of the friends they’ve made along the way!
Eragon: Final Thoughts
I love this book, 5/5 stars for me! I had wondered if it would hold up to my childhood memories and I’m not disappointed. Some critics say Eragon is too similar to the Star Wars plot with a Lord of the Rings overlay, but I feel the dragons and character development more than make up for any similarities. Also, the farther you read in the series, the more I feel the plot distinguishes itself. Another of my favorite quotes from Eragon, which definitely applies to this series, is:
“Books are my friends, my companions. They make me laugh and cry and find meaning in life.”
– Christopher Paolini, Eragon
Have you read Eragon and the Inheritance Cycle series? If not, I hope my review has piqued your interest. In my opinion, it’s a series not to be missed by any dragon or fantasy lovers. If so, did you enjoy it as much as me? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
Next, read my review of Eldest, the second book in the series, and please subscribe to our Email Newsletter to never miss a post from Quill Quotes!
Ah, Saphira…what a cool dragon! I remember reading this book. It was great to get lost in the pages of fantasy and adventure!
Definitely a cool dragon! It’s always fun to get lost in a great book!
I haven’t read this trilogy in ages. I forgot how impactful and insightful it really is. I also totally forgot how much happened in the one book! The last time I read this was like 10 years ago I think on my Kindle. And I have the first 3 books in one on that so I never really notice when I finish one and move onto the next one!
Love your review! Thank you
There’s definitely a lot that happens in each book! So much, in fact, that the author changed his original plan for a trilogy and wrote 4 books. I hope to finish reviews on the others over the next few weeks!
I’m glad you enjoyed my review, thanks for reading!
Ahhhhh!! When I saw Eragon on a shelf when I was younger I all but pounced onto it!! I had so much fun reading it and I was in LOVEEE.
I love the different angles at which you’ve considered this book. It’s super exciting for a gushing-fan like me. I’m jumping in my seat, nodding in excitement. I haven’t finished the last book but I’m super excited to hear what to think about the sequel!
Happy reading!
Thanks for reading my review, I’m glad you enjoyed it! I hope you’ll have a chance to finish the last book and discover how Eragon’s journey concludes. It’s well worth the time!