Inheritance Cycle Omnibus: Eragon and Eldest

I’m giving three stars because of the state the book was in when I got it. I purchased used but it told me it was in good or very good condition, but this was more acceptable. The pages were creased and the cover was bent in the corner.The story itself is wonderful, the world building is well done and so is the pace of it all.

I have owned these books for a long time but have never gotten the time to read them. I decided though that I should read them but I decided to watch the movie first, because a lot of the reviews said you would just like the movie as it is unless you read the book. So I decided to like the movie as much as I could while I had the time. I was so caught up with the book that I finished it in 4 days!!!! Luckily, I owned Eldest already so as soon as I finished Eragon, I picked up Eldest and started reading it. I loved this series and cannot wait until the third one!!! I especially cannot wait because of the news you hear in the book and how it abruptly ends. I have always thought this series was cool because in the first book you find out that they are 2 other dragon eggs that have not hatched. Then in the second book, You find out about a gold dragon and then later the second dragon egg is hatched bringing a red dragon. Galabotorix now wants Eragon and Saphira because Saphira is the only girl dragon left and he wants her to mate with the third egg to bring a whole new race of dragons. I still cannot get over the news you hear in the ending of Eldest!!!!!YOU HAVE TO READ THIS!!!!!

If you're reading this review, then you're probably thinking about buying this book (or both books I guess). Well, since my version hasn't shipped yet, I can't say that I've read it, but I guess since I read the first two separately, that I can kind of guess what's going to happen. Let me tell you that this book (again, two in one) is an absolute must read. If you're any kind of fan of Tolkien, Jordan, or Goodkind, then you will definitely enjoy these books. There is one condition that you must meet before reading this book though; you can't have any problem with the age-old saga of Star Wars. This book regrettably follows a similar plot, but trust me, it's a good thing. All you have to do is pretend that they don't exist in the same time frame. Pretend that Paolini never saw the movies or read the books and that you're reading it fresh out of his mind. If you take the story as a stand-alone, you'll enjoy it 10 times more than if you sit there comparing the two stories all day. I think Star Wars has a lot of merit in it's own right, but Eragon and Eldest bring a whole new level to the story. You have to treat it as a separate entity. If you can do that, then you will enjoy the story, I guarantee. That is, if you're a fan of those other authors I mentioned previously.

How does one imagine comparing Paolini, the young author of "Eragon" with the likes of Lewis and Tolkien. However, it continues to happen, unfairly, I think. The members of the Inklings were powers in their right, in other fields, before they delved into the Narnia Tales and "The Lord of the Rings".Eragon is a typical "hero and his dragon" tale. However, I was taught that there are probably only five original plots and all stories are based on one of those five. Although it has all the elements of the usual tales of this type, it is well written and exciting. There is also a morale deep within this story, greater than the hero fights the bad guys and almost gets the girl and keeps his dragon in the end. The idea that the dragon cannot live if the rider is killed seems to be an analogy for the idea of freedom which would die if the believer of the idea dies. Perhaps it would be better for those who are criticizing this book to read it with more depth than they would play a video game. I'll bet they would find quite a few more hidden messages.Excellent story; good read. I am buying a copy for my grandchildren and perhaps I'll read it again before I pass it along to them.

If you are expecting fantasy at the level of Tolkien, Lewis, Burroughs, or even Rowling, you will probably be disappointed. Paolini's books do not have the originality of any of these authors. I actually found them quite predictable; with the only surprises being the random inconsistencies in the timeline, background story, and spiritual elements of the various races. However, just because the path is well worn does not make it an unpleasant place to walk. Eragon and Eldest are both highly enjoyable to read. The longer I read, the harder it was to lay it aside--even knowing what was likely to (and did) happen, I still wanted to see how it would play out. And isn't that the point of escapist fantasy? I also agree with the reviewer who said that one of Paolini's strengths is his descriptive writing. It is much easier to lose yourself in such a rich and vibrant fantasy world; you feel like he has actually seen these places with his own eyes. My family read these together, and we look forward eagerly to the third and final installment.

Now, I am not going to say that this is one of the best books ever. But it is right up there on my list of my top ten all time greatest books ever written. I really enjoyed this book, this is one of those books where you have to force yourself to put it down. I must say there were several times, where I would rush to complete an assigned task or something else to read this book. I am a mother of four children ranging in ages from 12 years to 2 years and I dared anyone of them to touch the books before I finished them. Without spilling any details of the book, this is a very captivating story and from page one of book one you are literally thrown into Christoper's fantasy world and the vivid language and storytelling really gets the imagination going. I absolutely loved, loved, loved this book.

Whilst I agree with much of the criticism pointed at it."Its so obviously like Star Wars and Lord of The Rings"I suggest one take a step back and remember the Christopher Paolini wrote the first book when he was 15. And also lets be honnest whilst Eragon and Eldest do make more obvious hints and nods at other fantsy works Isn't the general outline for any fantasy novel. "A young character who lives a simple life until one day something happens and he is Thrown into a world he is unprepared for and is forced to sink or swim..."Despite this I still rate these books highly and consider them my personal favourites, they are easy reads yet beneathe lies a complex story with interesting characters. And arguably as the books go on their similarties to Lord of the Rings and Star Wars begin to fade somewhat.I strongly advise anyone of any age to give the books a read they are fun enjoyable and leave you eager for more.

Great fantasy story of dragons in a mythical land called Alagesia, somewhat like Lord of the Rings complete with humans, elves, dwarves, magic, good and evil. Easy to read and there are 4 volumes to keep you going. This box set covers the 1st 2 volumes and is in paperback format

I have only read part one the first book Eragon .I absolutely loved it I have never found a book as good as George r Martin I have now .just as good in fact fantastic . I feel honour to have read such a great book . Thank you x

what a grea book to read, it had my imagination going, i was in this story and throught the series of books. My emotions were up and down with the characters, what a fantastic young author

This is superb value. The set cost less than buying the books separately. The whole trasaction was perfect - excellent coms - fast delivery - perfect products... What more can you ask?