“Every age needs an icon—perhaps that lot has fallen to you. Farm boys are not named for the first Rider without cause. Your namesake was the beginning, and now you are the continuation. Or the end.”

I decided that this was the year I would finally reread all my favourite books, but I certainly did not have the motivation to do so… That is until I came across a book review for “Murtagh”, and realised that there is a whole new book dedicated to my favourite ever character from this series, which meant that I obviously had to reread the series ASAP! 

Rereading this made me realise how different it was back then when I used to read for the love of books and stories and not just for the sake of escapism. I can’t believe it’s been more than fifteen years since I first read this book, and surprisingly my memory regarding the details of this story is pretty intact. Eragon was my first exposure to dragons, elves, dwarves and magic of this kind, and it definitely left a lasting impression on 13-year-old me. Of course, this being an all-time favourite series means this “book review” is pretty biased, and it’s more of a “nostalgic walk down memory lane”. 

The first book in the series introduces us to Eragon, a fifteen-year-old farm boy living with his uncle and cousin in the small town of Carvahall. Hard times are upon them, and in desperation, Eragon ventures into the forbidden forest, the Spine, to hunt for his family. But instead of prey, he comes across a polished stone, which he later finds out isn’t actually a stone, but rather a dragon’s egg. Dragons and their Riders disappeared from Algaësia years ago when the all-powerful and evil Rider Galbatorix decided to crown himself as king. Yet, fate has brought a dragon to Eragon, and unbeknownst to him, he’s unlocked a series of events that will eventually change the fate of the Empire. Eragon narrates the tale of what ensues next as the King’s men destroy Eragon’s family, and begin hunting for him ruthlessly. With the aid of Brom, Carvahall’s resident storyteller and secret sorcerer, Eragon embarks on a journey that makes him cross paths with creatures of all kinds, the good, the evil, and the ones of myths and legends. 

It was truly delightful to reminisce about this wonderful adventure. I remember being in complete awe of Christopher’s storytelling prowess as a young teen, and I assumed having read hundreds of books after that, the spellbinding effect would have worn off, but I am so pleased that it hasn’t. In a way, it was comforting to read this since I knew what came next and didn’t have to sit through the slow bits anxiously. Yet, simultaneously the novelty of Eragon’s discovery of a world beyond Palancar Valley hasn’t dulled away. I still enjoyed the little plot twists and reveals, savoured the first meetings with my favourite characters (Saphira, Murtagh, and Solembum), and truly enjoyed Eragon’s journey. It’s such a blessing to have Eldest at my immediate disposal because I can run to it right after I finish penning this review. I have no idea how I managed to stay in suspense for months back then before my parents finally allowed me to buy Eldest. 

Maybe it’s the “first-love” effect, but to me, this is YA fantasy at its finest. It has all the elements in the perfect ratio: the fantastic world-building, the naive protagonist being exposed to the harsh realities and hidden truths, character development, impactful deaths, diverse creatures- dwarves, elves, Urgals, Ra’zac, Shades, witches, werecats, dragons and so on, an intricate magical system, an ancient language, a complex rebellion group and the associated political dynamics, an air of mystery, suspicious characters, breathtaking battles, and a great cliffhanger ending. I have always recommended this and will continue to recommend this to those who wish to venture into the land of fantasy. This probably feels too “amateur” to the connoisseurs of this genre, but regardless of who says what, this series will always have a special place in my heart. 

“Loneliness suddenly flowered within Eragon, despite Saphira’s presence. Their surroundings were so foreign—it struck him for the first time exactly how far he was from home. A destroyed home, but still where his heart lay. What have I become, Saphira? he asked. I’m only in the first year of manhood, yet I’ve consulted with the leader of the Varden, am pursued by Galbatorix, and have traveled with Morzan’s son—and now blessings are sought from me! What wisdom can I give people that they haven’t already learned? What feats can I achieve that an army couldn’t do better? It’s insanity! I should be back in Carvahall with Roran.”