Eragon

Eragon by Christopher Paolini

Eragon is the first book in a series of four that take the reader on a magical journey throughout the land of Alagaesia on the back of one of the last dragons.  There are exciting battles, mysterious characters, plot twists and a battle of good versus evil.  The journey the main character Eragon goes on leads him out into the great unknown and calls him to question who he is and to think about the person he wants to become.

The story begins with Eragon finding a strange egg and from it hatches the dragon Saphira.  The two become best friends and must flee from the Ra’zac, strange wasp like creatures, who come looking for the dragon egg. Eragon comes of age as his magical powers reveal themselves and he learns his true identity as he evades capture.  Galbatorix the evil ruler of Alagaesia, who had once been a hero dragon rider, is determined to capture Eragon and enslave his mind.  Along the journey Eragon and Saphira meet an Elf named Arya, who Eragon falls in love with; however he cannot tell her how he feels.  Eragon must travel to the kingdom of the Dwarves and to the kingdom of the Elves to receive the training he needs to become a skilled and powerful dragon rider, and to unite the elves, dwarves and free humans against Galbatorix.

This story was written by Christopher Paolini when he was 15 years old and is appropriate for teens and tween who are starting out on their own journeys of identity.  Eragon reflects throughout the series about the choices he makes, the person he wants to become and taking after his family members.  Eragon is also struggling with his romantic feelings for Arya, a skilled warrior elf.  Eragon finds himself feeling embarrassed and awkward which are relatable feelings for teens. 

I liked reading this entire series because I felt that the author created a magical world full of interesting characters.  The plot twists were not always predictable and I felt moved to tears by several scenes.    
-Daphne Cummings