Tweet of My Life

I think the world is a warmer, more loving place than they say; maybe everything after seems warm when you're born in a Minnesota blizzard.

The Dragon Rider's Sword (character-object)

Eragon's sword since training and since the death of Brom, Zar'roc, was stolen in the final chapters of Eldest by Murtagh, after Murtagh defeats Eragon, leaving Eragon to go through many sorts of weapons throughout Brisingr.

The thing about a Rider's sword is that via the ancient magic of the elves, the sword is unbreakable, always sharp, and can hold magic reserves; all needs of a Dragon Rider Having grown accustomed to such a sword, other weapons often fail him, breaking from the force of his blows (Eragon has super-strength due to becoming part elf), and dulling from his poor technique.

He tries a magically reinforced staff, and a similarly reinforced blade. He uses magic to make his fists studded weapons, which works out well, but up to the point I've read, he has mentioned it often and repeatedly, and it's clear it's one of his main goals at the moment.

On Begginings, (or Rather the Beginning of Brisingr by Christopher Paolini)

A novels beginning is incredibly important to it's continued appeal. Some readers will give a poorly performing book 20 or more pages before giving up, some will decide within the first paragraph. It is one's imperative as a writer to foster an imperative for the reader, to create an initial desire.

The book Brisingr will perhaps not hook you within the first sentence ("Eragon stared at the dark tower of stone wherein hid the monsters who had murdered his uncle, Garrow."), but it is definitely not lacking in action or intrigue (and, to be fair to Paolini, a reader of the crack-like series is likely already incurably hooked). It continues with a graphically described ritual in celebration of the evil emperor (Galbatorix) that is, frankly, rather forgettable, but perhaps necessary to show the fanaticism with which Galbatorix's followers live. Of course, what truly captures the audience is the quick but skillful ascension to an exciting climax. Paolini's excellent ability to create interesting battle scenes is a huge draw of the draconic series.

Ultimately, anyone into high fantasy will love the beginning of the third installment of the Inheritance trilogy.