(9/5/2005)
I personally loved the book Eragon. To me it had a gripping plot with interesting and likeable characters. I understand what people mean when they say that the book has a lot of elements from other stories. If you were really looking for them, you could find some subtle similarities. I mean, they are not that obvious. I didn't even notice when I read the book. The only time I noticed was when I read the reviews. Some people are saying that it doesn't have enough detail, but I thought that there was just enough. Yes, he was only 15 when he wrote it but hey, its great for 15...I loved it. People have to stop comparing him to J.R.R. Tolkien. I respect Tolkien and love his work. No one can compare to him. Ever. The problem is that he was the first and happened to be the best. He had to come up with his own characters and world. No one can underestimate his mind power. He created some of the myths and facts that all of our fantasies are based on now. Its hard for any fantasy writer, including Paolini, to live up to him. People are too critical of anyone who is not Tolkien, especially if the are young, say 15 ?!?