Reviewed by The Compulsive Reader for TeensReadToo.com

Eragon and Saphira have just barely survived the latest battle between the Empire and Varden, and learned the truth about Eragon's parentage. Their encounter with Murtagh and Thorn has made them realize that they desperately need to revisit their teachers in Ellesmera, but their multitudes of promises keep them from returning. They must help Roran recover Katrina from the Ra'zac, rally forces for the Varden, and find a way to thwart Murtagh. But along the way, they'll discover some dark secrets and learn the sickening methods behind their adversaries' strengths.

BRISINGR is a well executed follow-up to ERAGON and ELDEST. It moves at a brisk and almost businesslike pace, only dragging slightly near the center of the book, as Eragon and Saphira struggle to fulfill their promises. Readers will be glad to see that the duo, Eragon especially, has not been placed upon a lofty pedestal, and still admit ignorance at times, an element that adds just the right touch of plausibility to the book.

Paolini's descriptive writing is becoming easily recognizable, and his ability to draw similes and metaphors between the most unlikely objects only adds to his appeal, and contrary to what one might expect, will draw in reluctant readers. Like with the prequels, the author cleverly manages to sneak in colorful myths and historical stories into the book that only add to the reality and vividness of Alagaesia, and make for a more engaging read.

The plot of BRISINGR is a little less developed than its predecessors, and seems to serve more as a segue between the first two books and the conclusion of the lively series, although the revelation of certain secrets and the suspense and tension Paolini weaves into the pages go a long ways in making BRISINGR a quick read.

Seasoned Paolini fans will enjoy the story, and be eager to move on to the final book. ( )

Aug09:

He might have pulled me back in briefly at the beginning, but then it was gone.

For the elves being such "logical athiests" so much of the book seems damn illogical. I can think of stupid scene after stupid scene:

1. Eragon and Arya come upon legion in desert. They don't just give them all brain aneurysms. There were no magicians. They used more magic afterwards to heal Eragon. I mean, WTF? And then on top of that, why didn't they just lay down and bend light around themselves like Eragon does later. Sooooo stupid.

2. Eragon can replenish his energy by sucking out life forces. Why the hell doesn't he just suck the life force out of the soldiers he fights? I mean really, c'mon. And if we want to stick on conservation of energy, how can he suck the "life force" out of an animal and then there be any energy left to be gained when you consume it? I suppose he's sucking on soul energy or something.

3. A crippled old man hides for centuries because he knows that if he tried to fight he'd die. Then for some weird ass reason decides he wants to fight, guess what the hell happened. Yea, that made lots of sense.

Characters: Yea, I'm totally over most all of them. He's making Arya more human which is relate-able but predictable I suppose. The Verdan leader is still the coolest. He killed off the most interesting bad guys in the first couple chapters (although they did put up a fight) Galbatorix made a proxy appearance.... and wasn't really that cool. Murtagh shows up a couple times but not enough to make an impression. The Urr... something Orc-Wanna be leader was pretty neat.

Plot: Did he really pull a double "Luke I am Your father?" that about did me in. The chapters of drawven politics was worthless. Especially when nothing unexpected happened in the end anyway.

Style: He made me read about putting saddlebags on and off to go through a tunnel. Why was that important? Bah. This is getting worse and worse. At least he promised to end the series in the next book. ( )

This is the third book in the series and my most favorite of all. And once again the brother really comes alive in it. Totally couldn’t put this one down and am definitely looking forward to the last book of the series to be released. ( )

The war in Aleghezia continues, with Eragon and Saphira, the dwarves the elves and the urgels all fighting against the evil king Galbatorix. ( )

Book 3 in the Inheritance series, this installment continues the saga of Eragon and Safira.

A lot happens in this installment, though to little fanfare. A couple decent battles early on in the story get the pace rolling, but then quickly dies down to more character/plot development with the separate sub-plots. A lot of minor developments (and the book's namesake) get explored, and then ends somewhat anti-climatically.

All in all, I was a little let down by this book. I'm hoping that book 4 (yet to be released) redeems this one and make it the "Empire Strikes Back" of the series. ( )