Eragon by Christopher Paolini

Book Description:
ONE BOY... ONE DRAGON... A WORLD OF ADVENTURE.
Fifteen-year-old Eragon believes that he is merely a poor farm boy -- until his destiny as a Dragon Rider is revealed. Gifted with only an ancient sword, a loyal dragon, and sage advice from an old storyteller, Eragon is soon swept into a dangerous tapestry of magic, glory, and power. Now his choices could save -- or destroy -- the Empire. When Eragon finds a polished blue stone in the forest, he thinks it is the lucky discovery of a poor farm boy; perhaps it will buy his family meat for the winter. But when the stone brings a dragon hatchling, Eragon soon realizes he has stumbled upon a legacy as old as the Empire itself.
Overnight his simple life is shattered, and he is thrust into a perilous new world of destiny, magic and power. With only an ancient sword and the advice of an old storyteller for guidance, Eragon and the fledgling dragon must navigate the dangerous terrain and dark enemies of an Empire ruled by a king whose evil knows no bounds. Can Eragon take up the mantle of the legendary Dragon Riders? The fate of the Empire may rest in his hands.


My Thoughts:
This was a delightful book. Eragon is a simple farm boy goes where others fear to venture. While hunting to supplement his family's food supply, he finds a beautiful blue 'stone', which turns out to be a dragon egg. He quickly loses the life he knew and is pushed into a life he was destined for. Braum, the village story teller as his guide teaches him of the evil powers, magic and leads him through his first confused days as a dragon rider! He makes an enemy of the King and his evil magician and may just be the only one who can save the Empire!
I did a first with this book and watched the movie before I read the book. I wasn't overly impressed with the movie but read the book anyway! I think I fell in love with every character in this book! There are so many characters and adventures, but they flow so well together and are easy to keep up with. Eragon is so simple and unassuming. His cousin is strong and stable. His uncle is the caretaker. Braum is a wonderful story teller and teacher. There are elves, dwarfs, dragons, and all kinds of magic! The story takes hold of you and just pulls you along for a magical ride! This is going on my keeper shelf to stay!
I give it a 5/5. Any age would enjoy this story and get caught up in the magic of it!