Eragon (Eragon, Book One): Christopher Paolini

"One boy...

"One dragon...

"A world of adventure.

"When Eragon finds a polished blue stone in the forest, he thinks it is the lucky discovery of a poor farm boy; perhaps it will buy his family meat for the winter.  But when the stone brings a dragon hatchling, Eragon soon realizes he has stumbled upon a legacy nearly as old as the Empire itself.

"Overnight his simple life is shattered, and he is thrust into a perilous new world of destiny, magic, and power.  With only an ancient sword and the advice of an old storyteller for guidance, Eragon and the fledgling dragon must navigate the dangerous terrain and dark enemies of an Empire ruled by a king whose evil knows no bounds.

"Can Eragon take up the mantle of the legendary Dragon Riders?  The fate of the Empire may rest in his hands."

So, long story short, I went to review this book yesterday but had to stop when I realized that I'd forgotten to review another book that I'd finished a few months ago.  Now, I'm back to reviewing after quite a bit of a hiatus.  Many things contributed to this lack of posting, not the least of which was the words inside of this book...  While the first few chapters were alright, I quickly reached a point that I could hardly stand reading it!  Now, before I get angry comments from devoted fans, please give me a chance to explain my stance.

For several years I've been told from numerous sources how much I would like this book and I just never picked it up.  The plot seemed okay, but the premise was not my usual cup of tea.  Then, some time ago, I picked up Eragon at a book resale store...then it proceeded to sit on myself for months before I actually opened it.  Thought it had taken me a while to get to this book, my expectations were somewhat high after all of the hype from bookstores and fellow readers.

As I said before, the first few chapters were okay, but my interest quickly diminished and I was extremely put off by the writing style.  The novice abilities of the writer were made extremely evident in the blatant overuse of explanation and the constant inconsistencies in the formality of the language.  (Not to mention, half of the book was written in internal dialogue!  That's the cheapest way to create filler and description for a story.)  It was as if Paolini wanted to make sure he answered any and all questions the readers might have about any of the characters' actions, so he felt he had to unnecessarily repeat himself and describe every little interaction to the point of exhaustion.  Eragon didn't seem to know if he was a poor farmer or a hero-in-training.  His mannerisms and language didn't always fit his character.  One of the biggest problems I had with Eragon was that I just didn't care about him!  He was too perfect and too good.  He  didn't have any flaws, which made him entirely flat.  He was so similar to many of the old characters in some of the first children's literature.  He always made the right choice, he preached good examples to others, and he was purely and entirely good.  In other words, the character of Eragon was BOOOORING!!!  There was no personality other than the flat one you would expect from a very basic character created to be an example for children rather than one they can relate to.  Essentially, the only thing that makes Eragon different from Abbott's "Rollo" was that Eragon rode a dragon.  He was just about as interesting and exciting as a character created purely with the intent to help children decide between "good" and "bad."

Before I get a hundred comments telling me that I don't know what I'm talking about when I discuss and critique children's literature, let me say that it was my minor and I've taught a Children's Literature course to college students where the head of the college's English department deferred to my knowledge of the topic.  That is partially why I read this book--I like to read popular modern children's literature to compare and contrast and see how literature has evolved.  I have to say that Eragon was a bit of a step back from a lot of other books I've read.  Just because you graduated school early, your parents own a small publishing company, and you think you know what you're doing when you write does NOT mean you should.  Sorry.  That's the harsh truth.  You may say that all of the book sales don't agree with my opinion, but just because Gossip Girl and books about farting dogs make sales does not mean it's literature that is worth our child's time.  There are so many better choices that will captivate and enrich our children's minds and expand their horizons.

I hate to say it, but I'm not recommending this book.  The only reason I finished it was because I cannot stand to leave a book half-done.  With its flat characters and less than thrilling writing, I have to say something I've never had to say before:  I won't be reading the rest of this series.  It's just not worth my time.

Midnight Peasures (Conatins Dark-Hunter Series, Book Six): Amanda Ashley, Maggie Shayne, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Ronda Thompson

“Handsome and sensual, surrounded by an aura of danger, mystery, and the forbidden, a lover steps from the shadows. But is he mortal? Or is he an ancient god, a sorcerer, or a mythical beast who can possess a woman’s heart…and her very soul?

“Four of romance’s most popular authors have created this spellbinding collection of stories filled with dark passion and desire. Under the cover of darkness, their heroes inhabit worlds haunted by ageless hungers and deadly forces stronger than any seen by day…and vanquished only by the power of love.

“Now travel into realms where dazzling wonders roam the night, where magic replaces reason, and where a kiss unleashes a raging fire in the blood. And here, if you dare, discover the seduction that begins at the bewitching hour when a man and woman partake in…Midnight Pleasures”

“DARKFEST BY AMANDA ASHLEY

“The price of saving her dying mother is Channa’s promise to spend a year at the castle of tormented nobleman, Lord Darkfest…to obey him as his servant or, as his secrets are revealed, to become his salvation. And her own.”

This was different from what I’ve read of Amanda Ashley in the past. Though this had a completely different plot, it stayed true to her unique style of writing. I enjoyed the storyline a lot and the characters were well-written. I tend not to read stories with magic in them, but this kept me captivated. Darkfest was an interesting character and I would have even maybe liked to see him in a full-length book. He had so much depth and mystery to his character that I found myself wanting to read more to find out what made him so special.

There was mention of a tapestry in the story and it was described in such detail that I thought it was some sort of foreshadowing (you’re going to have to read the story to find out what happens!) I really liked how Darkfest was able to shape-shift and had seemingly boundless powers. It was really creative and it made me want to read more. The descriptions were beautiful and they had the power to transport me that only really good writing can—though it was less than 100 pages. I’ll be sure to read more of Ashley’s work in the future!

“PHANTOM LOVER BY SHERRILYN KENYON

“Haunted by recurring nightmares of terrifying beasts, Erin McDaniels is afraid to sleep—until a hero arrives in her dreams to save her…and makes erotic, incredible love to her. But can she find him again when she is awake?”

Again, Sherrilyn Kenyon has worked her magic! She has a knack for making the readers fall in love with her characters in only a few pages. That takes some serious talent and I’m thoroughly impressed. This plot was a change-up from the other books of hers that I have read and I liked it. The characters were real and I really loved V’Aidan. He was a fun character to watch as he developed. I don’t want to give too much away, but as the plot takes a HUGE turn the readers just can’t hate V’Aidan—Kenyon did such a fantastic job at making him seem so touching and real that you can’t help but feel for him. As always, I will most definitely be reading more of Kenyon’s work as I go on to read the rest of the Dark-Hunter series.

“UNDER HER SPELL BY MAGGIE SHAYNE

“A consultant for a TV series about one gorgeous witch, “white witch” Melissa St. Cloud plans to make the show authentic. But once on the set she is pulled into the arms of a man who opens up a doorway to the dark side and chilling peril.”

Maggie Shayne was an author that I’ve never read before and it was refreshing. I liked the general plot behind this story a lot. Again, this was filled with magic, but it kept me captivated. I liked the characters and the background behind the story was interesting. I learned a lot about witchcraft that I didn’t know before and that was fascinating. There was some gruesome violence, but it really enhanced the climax of the story. Overall, I liked it and will probably read more of Shayne’s work in the future.

“A WULF’S CURSE BY RONDA THOMPSON

“Running away from an arranged marriage, Elise steals aboard a wagon in a traveling circus and finds herself in the bed of the Beast Tamer, Sterling Wulf, who is something other than he seems…and suddenly all Elise desires.”

I’ve never read Ronda Thompson before and this was a really good start for me. The characters were real and the situations were enthralling. I loved how the emotions of the characters were so well-written that it kept the story moving without becoming boring or too sappy. Sterling was very interesting to watch as he grew and changed because of his time with Elise. There was a new twist on an old tale—which I am NOT going to give away, so you’re just going to have to read it!—and that made it all the more fun to read. The only difficulty I had was with some of the dialogue/inner-dialogue. Sometimes it was difficult to comprehend what the characters meant or what was going on inside of their heads without reading and rereading the lines a few times. Other than that, it was a fun read. I liked Thompson’s work a lot and will most likely read more.

Dragonswan (Dark-Hunter Series, Book Three): Sherrilyn Kenyon

“Beautiful scholar Channon MacRea has spent years studying the legendary Dragon Tapestry, devoting days and nights to deciphering the impenetrable Old English symbolism. Then one evening the unnaturally handsome Sebastian appears. He claims to hold the key to solving the tapestry’s mysteries. Bearing magnificently taut and tanned flesh marked by intriguing scars of battle, he also claims to be a dragon slayer trapped between two worlds.

“For Channon there’s only one way to finally uncover the secrets of the intricate embroidery—by following the seductive stranger into a fantastic alternate world of magic, danger, and erotic adventure.”
So, I ordered this book offline and was all excited to get it…little did I know that I paid six bucks for a book with only a little over 80 pages! Wow, I had a good laugh over that…but that’s not what this review is about.

This book was very short, but it seems as if Sherrilyn Kenyon has a certain knack for making her readers care for her characters in a matter of pages. It’s no small feat and I really admire her for it! Sebastian was a fascinating character, as was his story. I saw a lot of myself in Channon and it only made me want to read more!

The story behind Sebastian was so well-thought-out that I couldn’t put the book down! I’m not usually into these types of books, but this was too amazing not to read. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!