Day 4: Book Turned Into a Movie & Completely Desecrated.

When I saw this on the challenge I didn’t even have to think about the answer. One book to film adaption specifically popped straight into the forefront of my mind. When I think back on all the adaptations I’ve nervously committed to seeing over the years, this is the one I was most disappointed by; a book they totally wrecked. I remembered bobbing up and down at the young age of 12 along with several of my relatives also of a similar age. We had all read and loved the book and were so excited to see it transferred to the big screen.

So, does anyone remember this atrocity?

Inheritance by Christopher Paolini Review 5/5

Overall Impression: Wow, wow, wow! An emotional and fitting end to the wonderful Inheritance Cycle. I didn’t want it to end. Can we have another Cycle? Pretty please?

(To read my review of the previous book from the Inheritance Cycle, Brisingr click here.)

This book was read as part of the Eclectic Reader Challenge for the favourite genre category.
Ohhh how I have been dreading writing this review. It had actually gotten to the point where I was having full on staring contests with my computer. It’s a typical example of when you read a fantastic book, and afterwards have an inability to form any coherent thoughts and your vocabulary flies off the face of the Earth and is replaced with simplistic “EEEEEEP” “EEEEEK” “OOOH” “AHHHH” syllables. Sure, this series has flaws as most do, but this book series has spanned eight years of my life. I remember the first time I laid eyes on it in Waterstones, the excitement that Christmas when I received it, and the next when I received the second book. I guess you would say it has sentimental value. The characters have grown and evolved parallel to my own life. It’s sad to have to say goodbye to them… and yet, at the same time there is something rather satisfying about seeing their stories finally completed. It may have been a long journey, but good things come to those who wait!

Please note: For those of you that haven’t read the rest of the Inheritance Cycle this review may contain spoilers about previous plots and characters from past books in the series. However, for those of you who have read the previous books, this review will not contain any major spoilers about the book Inheritance.

It began with Eragon . . .
It ends with Inheritance.

Brisingr by Christopher Paolini Review 3/5

(To read my review of the previous book from the Inheritance Cycle, Eldest click here)

Overall Impression: Elegantly written, but with a little too much Dwarf politics and  sword searching for my liking….

Brisingr is the third installment in the Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini. It was originally intended to be the final book of the trilogy. However when Paolini was writing it he realized he couldn’t possibly fit the entirety of what he wanted to say into one book, and therefore expanded it into a four book cycle instead.
Rereading this book I was surprised to find that I enjoyed it much more than the first time. On my original reading I only remember coming away from the book very disappointed and strongly believing someone should sack the editor. However even though I enjoyed it more this time, I still feel it is the weakest book of the series so far.

Eldest by Christopher Paolini Review 4/5

(To read my review of the first book from the Inheritance Cycle, Eragon click here)

Overall Impression: A great tale, with a jaw dropping ending that will have you desperately reaching for the next book.

Darkness falls….
Despair abounds…
Evil reigns.
Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, have just saved the rebel state from destruction by the forces of Galbatorix, cruel ruler of the Empire. Now Eragon must travel to Ellesmera, land of the elves, for further training in magic and swordsmanship, the vital skills of a Dragon Rider. It is the journey of a lifetime, each day a fresh adventure. But chaos and betrayal plague him at every turn, and Eragon isn’t sure whom he can trust.
Meanwhile, his cousin Roran must fight a new battle back home in Carvahall – one that puts Eragon in even graver danger…

*PLEASE NOTE: If you have not read the first book Eragon this review will contain spoilers, however this review will not contain any major spoilers from the book Eldest*

The second book from the Inheritance Cycle is split into three different character viewpoints that overlap/interlink with each other. The majority of the book is taken up by Eragon, the protagonist from the first book. The story begins with the aftermath of the battle at Farthen Dûr. The Varden are demoralized and are taking time to regroup when suddenly another attack is launched.

Eragon by Christopher Paolini Review 5/5

Overall Impression: A farm boy destined for greatness, ferocious dragons, powerful magic, and an evil King. This has all the great elements of a traditional fantasy book.

I remember so well the first time I saw this book. I stumbled across it browsing in Waterstones when I was 11 years old. I was captivated by its amazing front cover with its beautiful blue hues, stylish gold typography, and incredibly detailed illustration that I was completely in awe of. I got the book for Christmas that year and read it straight away. It was probably the first proper fantasy book I ever read. Now, with the release of the new book in the series Inheritance, I’ve decided to reread the series to refresh my mind, before reading the conclusion of Eragon’s epic story.

When Eragon finds a polished blue stone in the forest, he thinks it is the lucky discovery of a poor farm boy; perhaps it will buy his family meat for the winter. But when the stone brings a dragon hatchling, Eragon soon realizes he has stumbled upon a legacy nearly as old as the Empire itself.
Overnight his simple life is shattered, and he is thrust into a perilous new world of destiny, magic, and power. Can Eragon take up the mantle of the legendary Dragon Riders? The fate of the Empire may rest in his hands….

Eragon lives in the village Carvahall, along with his Uncle Garrow, and his cousin Roran. His mother abandoned him at birth, and he has never known who his real father is. After Eragon discovers the mysterious blue stone he tries to sell it for food, but is rebuffed. The following week he attempts to sell it to the visiting merchants, who also refuse to buy it, but tell him of mysterious, foreboding events that are spreading across Alagaësia.