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A review by jordanreedsbooks
Brisingr by Christopher Paolini
4.0
If you’re into epic fantasy, Brisingr by Christopher Paolini is totally worth the read. It’s the third book in the Inheritance Cycle, and while it’s definitely a slower burn compared to Eragon and Eldest, it really dives deep into the characters and the world-building.
What I loved most is how much Eragon has grown as a character. You really see him grappling with the weight of his responsibilities—not just as a Dragon Rider, but as someone trying to do what’s right in a super complex world. The bond between him and Saphira (his dragon) gets even richer, and there’s this constant undercurrent of loyalty and trust between them that’s really moving.
The political intrigue is also on point. You get a closer look at the different factions—elves, dwarves, humans—and their struggles to unite against Galbatorix. The stakes feel massive, and the tension builds beautifully. Plus, the magic system is just so cool. There’s this sense that Paolini thought of every little detail.
That said, it’s not perfect. The pacing can drag at times, especially with long sections of introspection or world-building. Some parts feel a bit overwritten, but honestly, the payoff is worth it. The action scenes are incredible—intense, vivid, and emotional. And there are a couple of twists that I didn’t see coming, which kept me hooked.
Brisingr isn’t my favorite of the series, but it’s still a fantastic book. It’s setting the stage for an epic finale, and I’m excited to see how everything comes together in the last book. Definitely a solid 4 stars from me! You'll enjoy this one if you’re into dragons, epic battles, and a hero figuring out who he’s meant to be.
What I loved most is how much Eragon has grown as a character. You really see him grappling with the weight of his responsibilities—not just as a Dragon Rider, but as someone trying to do what’s right in a super complex world. The bond between him and Saphira (his dragon) gets even richer, and there’s this constant undercurrent of loyalty and trust between them that’s really moving.
The political intrigue is also on point. You get a closer look at the different factions—elves, dwarves, humans—and their struggles to unite against Galbatorix. The stakes feel massive, and the tension builds beautifully. Plus, the magic system is just so cool. There’s this sense that Paolini thought of every little detail.
That said, it’s not perfect. The pacing can drag at times, especially with long sections of introspection or world-building. Some parts feel a bit overwritten, but honestly, the payoff is worth it. The action scenes are incredible—intense, vivid, and emotional. And there are a couple of twists that I didn’t see coming, which kept me hooked.
Brisingr isn’t my favorite of the series, but it’s still a fantastic book. It’s setting the stage for an epic finale, and I’m excited to see how everything comes together in the last book. Definitely a solid 4 stars from me! You'll enjoy this one if you’re into dragons, epic battles, and a hero figuring out who he’s meant to be.