By Christopher Paolini
Narrated by Gerrard Doyle
Brisingr Overview:
Following the colossal battle against the Empire’s warriors, Eragon and Saphira narrowly escaped with their lives. But more awaits the Rider and his dragon, as Eragon finds himself bound by promises he may not be able to keep, including his oath to cousin Roran to help rescue his beloved Katrina. When unrest claims the rebels and danger strikes, Eragon must make choices that take him across the Empire and beyond, choices that may lead to unimagined sacrifice.
Brisingr Audiobook Review:
STORY
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The Good:
Paolini certainly doesn’t skimp on the detail, his world building skills are magnificent. Brisingr is a well executed follow up to Eldest, moving at a brisk pace and only dragging towards the middle of the story. Paolini manages to slip in myths, legends and cultural practices that help paint a more vivid picture of the land that is Algaesia. It gives the impression that there is so much to learn about the mystical land. The events of the book are very creative and interesting, i also found it harder to predict what would happen. I would recommend this to any dragon lover.
[/span6][span6]The Bad:
This book is looooong. It would be perfect for driving, or perhaps a long haul flight. In terms of unnecessary detail, Brisingr takes the cake. If you’re a lover of Elven culture, Dwarf politics and long unimportant plot lines then I highly recommend this book. This book doesn’t really push the story into any new or interesting directions and is my least favourite of the series by far. My biggest problem with this audiobook was that it sounded too much like Paolini was trying too hard to work description into the story. It seemed like he’d pause the action just he could zoom in on some completely pointless and irrelevant detail and then push play again. It was frustrating to say the least. Then there were the ridiculous metaphors and similes. ” Red as a Ruby dipped in blood, red as an ember burning with hate and anger” SO IT WAS RED? So red that it was red dipped in other red things. This audiobook is also rife with inconsistencies. For example when Eragon is under attack, he doesn’t have time to cast a spell, so just ‘rewove the world in a pattern more pleasing to him,’ but this has already been established as NOT how magic works. Eragon also guesses randomly, and on the first try, another characters name- essentially binding that character to him. HE JUST GUESSED. But when Eragon suggests that maybe Galbatorix may guess his own true name, Arya dismisses it as impossible. Why? Didn’t Eragon just do that? Eragon also denie giving Roran the ability to run faster or have super strength, claiming that he will lose his strength and speed in doing so, but this isn’t how magic is supposed to work either. When he heals the sick, he doesn’t lose health from doing it. Yes it takes energy, but surely won’t sap it all from him? Brisingr was also really very boring for the most part. Learning about how Dwarf politics work or the life of an elf in Ellesmera just came across as pointless filler as Paolini tried to justify creating a new book that was not needed when the trilogy could have been wrapped up. Some fans will delight in the length of this audiobook and all the details that come with it, but personally I prefer it when things actually happen in the story.
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CHARACTERS
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The Good:
The female characters are strong in this audiobook. I liked Arya and Nasuada, they’re both independent and very capable, demonstrating great leadership skills. Nasuada became a bit more interesting in this audiobook, she seemed to have the varden’s best interests at heart and the listeners are able to develop a stronger connection with her as we hear more from her perspective.
Roran is a protagonist that is relatable, he is so passionate about Katrina, he’s strong and also a little bit reckless. He is fiercely protective over those he cares about, which makes him a likeable character. Even though he can be a little rash at times, Roran has a good heart and always willing to do the right thing.
[/span6][span6]The Bad:
Eragon and Saphira seem to have become disturbingly threatening. They’re almost tyrannical at times, Saphira (yes she’s a dragon but meant to be very intelligent) snorts fire at anyone who won’t bring her what she wants. Knowing very well that fire will kill or hurt people. She also attacks a tree spirit when it doesn’t answer her questions quickly enough. If Saphira is meant to be one of the ‘pure and good’ characters, why does she treat others with so little respect? Eragon tortures and banishes an old blind man and then get’s all depressed and wallows in his own self pity because it was soooo hard for him to do that. He ignores a man’s mortally ill wife when he could cure her in an instant, instead going off drinking with his friends and only goes to heal her when he’s reminded that he agreed to it. Eragon also seriously considers taking the dwarf council hostage if they don’t vote the way they want him to. It all seemed rather tyrannical to me. Power seems to have gone to the pairs heads, they’re now used to being treated like royalty, so they decide it’s now ok to treat others like crap.
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I hope you enjoyed our ‘Brisngr’ Audiobook Review, come back soon!