The Inheritance series had passed me by,without my knowledge for many a year. I managed to get hold of the first book, Eragon, around late 2010. It didn’t take much time to get started on the next one, and before I knew it Brisngr’s final pages were turned. Then I sat waiting and itching for Christopher Paolini to complete the last book and fit in the final piece of this fantasy puzzle. But now, the book’s been out for a few days, I satisfied my thirst and curiosity by finishing the book in a day. So after that painful wait and reading the book in uncomfortable positions, what do I think of it: Disenchanting and disappointing. Read on to find out why.
I have been a big fan of fantasy and fighting for as long as I remember. So the final book of this beautifully crafted and designed series should have been the brightest jewel in King Palancar’s crown, but it wasn’t. Christopher Paolini’s (CP from now on) work seems to be too narrow and fixed on a singular idea. Don’t mistake me, the plot is incredible and the story would leave your mouth open. But the way it is carried out is too simple and, dare I say, too generic.
The story falls on similar lines as the previous books. With Eragon and Saphira taking the battle into Urû’baen (after a few other conquests), Roran Stronghammer fighting with his wits and strength to conquer cities, Arya and the elves harping around Eragon, his fights and thoughts. The book starts out with a rather unimaginative beginning but the plot thickens in the middle, with a few surprises, most unexpected. Nasuada still leads the Varden, but her role (in the story) has decreased, with the spotlight shining more on Eragon. Not many more characters are introduced, but we do find out a bit about Angela, the werecats, and of course Dragons and Riders. The meat of the tale begins only when they reach Dras Leona to fight. We find out more about the priests of Helgrind, their worship and the temple. This is where Eragon meets Murtagh for the first time in the book, but the battle’s result is fixed. The outcome isn’t of as much importance here, as is his (Not telling whose) attack. This again fits impeccably into the plot, forcing the story in only one direction. Revenge by Murtagh is expected and revenge he gets. The chapters following this are where, CP’s plot is revealed. And what a story it is.
The last part is the Varden’s final battle for Alagaësia, and Eragon’s return from the Vault of Souls in some rock somewhere…(read the story, you’ll get it). He then, along with his elven partners, gets into Galbatorix’s castle and challenges the Ruler. They are far too easily subdued. Murtagh and Thorn join the crowd, but are on Galbatorix’s side. A small twist and turn, leads to Eragon’s victory (Duh!) and Galbatorix’s and Shruikan’s death. Don’t hold your breath or curse me for revealing this. The battle seemed indescriptive. The vivid imagery that is expected to flow out from his books, especially seen in the battle of the Burning Plains, seem to be switched off. This is where, CP disappoints. The creme de la creme is tasteless and seems old and reused. It lacks flair and left me disappointed.
The following pages are nothing more than how they set right the empire, and King Orrin being a douchebag. CP’s efforts to create a touching ending are in vain, as you lose that sense of oneness with the characters after the final battle. Also the Green Dragon, Fernin has no role whatsoever to play in the story.
So If I had to rate it, 3.5 on 5. Mostly for the elegant and beautifully designed Algaësia and the plot of the story. The wordplay and the mystic demeanour around Angela and werecats make it worth buying, but perhaps at a lower price. It’s presentation is disenchanting and disappointing but good enough to pick up on a rainy day with a mug of warm choclate.
Thus ends Christopher Paolini’s Inheritance series. By the way, did anyone notice how bloody and war ravaged the entire series was?
Rating: 3.5/5
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I completely agree.. especially with the fact that the entire series was centered around the battles and the bloodshed, which dragged on for far more pages than was necessary in an attempt to fill out the book and try to justify the obscene price tag that comes with it.
Don’t get me wrong, I myself read the book in two days with a full time job and have loved the series from the beginning. After eagerly anticipating its arrival for many months though i was a little disappointed if not a lot, especially the fact that Eragon and Arya chose to part ways.
Anyhow, i really will go on all night if i dont stop now but to sum up… brilliant plot like you said but should have focused more on the magic of the series rather than the warring. Alagasia could have rivaled Tolkien’s Middle Earth if the writing were only more eloquent and less rushed or dragged out.
Indeed. You’re comparison of this series with the legendary works of Tolkein is most apt, for no other fantasy series has such an intricate and beautifully laid out map. Maybe he’ll pickup where he left off in another series, for Alagaësia is to precious to leave behind. Also, the ancient language was a nice addition to making it seem supernatural and surreal.
-Regards,
Sameer.