At the age of 15, Christopher Paolini completed the first book of The Inheritance Cycle which is entitled Eragon. A home-schooled teenager, he produced a book that bespeaks a love of the English language and a level of eduction quite rare at such a young age. Critics have said that his writing style matures in his following work, but it would be a mistake to assume that means Eragon is merely children’s fantasy. It is in fact, a introduction to a fully formed work that straddles the Fantasy and Science-Fiction genres.
Eragon is the story of a boy, by the same name. Following the famous hero’s journey
, Eragon is called from his former life to leave and become a Dragon Rider. Dragon Riders are an ancient order of peace-keepers and diplomats, similar in some ways to the Jedi Knights imagined by George Lucas. Riders are a magical race that are mentally bonded to a dragon, whence they can draw strength and and ancient wisdom. The dark king of the land was himself once a Rider; and enjoys virtual invincibility as a result. Eragon’s motivations begin with fear, then progress to vengeance, and ultimately to altruistic duty.
Eragon is followed by Eldest, Brisngr, and a yet-to-be titled Finale.
Magical Realism
Like most Fantasy and Science-Fiction, there are rules and concepts that govern the plot. The Inheritance Cycle stands out as having woven these rules deep into the plot. The rules themselves are explicitly stated throughout the cycle as Eragon (and others) learn the ancient craft of spell-weaving. Because the rules have such a logical basis in actual laws of physics, linguistics and psychology, it is possible to read The Inheritance Cycle as a work of Science Fiction. In order to have magical power over something or someone in The Inheritance Cycle, one must fully understand the true nature of it. The ability to say something’s true name, gives one power over it. Because of the magical system at work, the basis of the plot depends fundamentally on concepts of physics, linguistics, and psychology.
In traditional Fantasy a magician uses mysterious powers to change the world and thus establish an otherwise impossible plot. The Inheritance Cycle distinguishes itself by not treating magic as mysterious. Power is gained through discipline of thought and dedication to discovering truth. Eragon’s journey to power is, in large part, a journey to self-awareness. In this way, The Inheritance Cycle also reaches into the Magical Realism genre. Overall The Inheritance Cycle is a wonderful series which will appeal to adults and mature children alike.