Eldest, by Christopher Paolini

Retrieved from: A Friend {tee hee}
037582670x, 2005
Suggested by: er, well, I've read the first book, and well, ....it's an Advance Reader's Copy!!
My Ratings: 8 Merit, 7 Interest, 7 Fun

Yes, indeedy: an Advance Copy--it pays to know people who sell books! It hits the shelves for the rest of you hoi polloi on August 23 this year. {sniff}

This is the second book of the "Inheritance" trilogy that began with Eragon, which I had great difficulty finishing last year. This one was a little easier--although I'd forgotten a lot of the names and specifics from the first book--since I understood "the rules" of this world from the outset and could just pay attention to the rolling of the plot.

We find Eragon traveling to the homeland of the elves to continue is education in magic. He is, luckily, a quick study in lessons, but finds life much more difficult. His one major stumbling block is his attachment to Anya, the elven envoy to the dwarf and human worlds.

Meanwhile, his cousin is battling to save himself and his town. Eventually, he and the rest of the townsfolk must choose between their land and lives and survival. They realize that they are no longer going to be treated as subjects of the King and decide to join the rebels in Surda.

So, lots of marking time, getting set up for the Book Three, which looks like lots of battles. Sigh.

I'm hooked, though, so I expect I'll eventually slog through it. These are L-O-N-G books.