Book reviews Part 4

The fourth book that I have finished reading is known as Brisingr. It is part of the Inheritance cycle (three books is a trilogy, four books becomes a .......cycle, so says the author). It was supposed to be the last book of the trilogy but due to unforeseen circumstances (the author's imagination ran wild), Christopher Paolini extended the story to make it four books. As it is a thick book and due to it being the third book, the story is very well developed. Everything is quite clear if you have read the previous books (which I have). The storyline is quite gripping. It is action packed and full of suspense for what is going to happen next.

The book begins with Eragon, the main character, and his dragon, Saphira, along with his cousin, Roran, journeying to Helgrind to free Roran's fiancée, Katrina, from the grip of the Ra'zac. The Ra'zac are strange nimble creatures the serve as the assassins for Galbatorix, the evil king. The heroes manage to kill all of the Ra'zac but one. Eragon stays behind while Saphira takes Roran and Katrina back to the Varden, the group of rebels united against Galbatorix. Eragon kills the last Ra'zac. He binds Slogan, the father of Katrina, with a spell to make him change his evil nature and sends him to Ellesmera, the kingdom of the Elves. Following that, Eragon, despite being in the midst of Galbatorix's empire, safely returns to the Varden on foot. In the mean time, Nasuada, leader of the Varden, defeats Fadawar, leader of the wandering tribes, in the trial of the long knives and so gains the full support of the tribes. Shortly after Eragon returns, the spellcasters whom the Queen of the Elves, Islanzadi, had sent, arrive to protect Eragon. Eragon somewhat nullifies the curse he had accidentally placed upon a child called Elva. Murtagh, Eragon’s half brother, and Thorn, Murtagh’s dragon, attack Eragon and Saphira. With the help of the Elven spellcasters, Eragon and Saphira successfully drive Murtagh and Thorn away.

Then, Eragon is sent alone by Nasuada to ensure that a dwarven king, who supports the Varden, is elected. Fortunately, Eragon's "brother" Orik is elected the king. But, this was not before Eragon was assaulted by assassins. Orik uncovered the plot behind the assassins' attack and thus manage to claim the throne. Back at the Varden's camp, Roran is sent on a series of missions to prove his mettle. He does quite well and saves most of his men in a mission but is punished in the process due to insubordination. Saphira goes to the dawrven kingdom shortly before the coronation. She mends the star sapphire, the most valuable and historical treasure of the dwarves that was broken in a previous battle. Then, Eragon rides Saphira to Ellesmera to consult his mentor, Oromis, on how to defeat Galbatorix as well as to find a reliable weapon. Rhunon forges Eragon a dragon rider's blade using Eragon's hands. Oromis and his dragon, Galaedr, set off to help the Elves while Eragon and Saphira return to the Vadern. Eragon, Saphira and the Elf, Arya, kill the three powerful spellcasters of the city the Varden were attacking as well as a shade (evil spirit) that the spellcasters summoned. During this time, Oromis and Galaedr are killed by Murtagh and Thorn. This is done when Galbatorix takes over Murtagh's and Thorn's bodies and strike when Oromis is having a spasm.

The main character, Eragon, cannot be swayed in his decisions. This can sometimes lead to disaster due to his rashness. He is also bold. His physique had been improved during a ritual that the Elves performed previously. He hates killing living things after experiencing reading the minds of flora and fauna.

The character, Saphira, provides a counter balance to Eragon's character. She is calm and wise beyond her years. She is slow to anger and but when she is angered, she has a horrible temper. She helps to council Eragon when he is confused.