5 comments about Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Book 1).

1. There's not much to say about the Harry Potter phenomenon that hasn't already been written. Suffice it to say that, 10 years ago, I read this jewel on the airplane from London back to the States, and it seemed a fitting end to a delightful vacation abroad. I not only find the novel's characters charming, but I love the very British world that Rowling has created--simultaneously proper and quirky. I am now introducing The Sorcerer's Stone to my own daughter, who is seven and loves the world of books. I recommend the Harry Potter series to anyone who wishes to bring a little piece of childhood nostalgia back into their lives.



2. Belatedly I found out that this is not worth buying. Yes, I bought the book because I thought that being touted as the 10th Anniversary Edition, it would be SPECIAL. Like there would be at least a Reflection page by Scholastic or JKR since the book (and the obscure author) has been a huge success. However, the contents are basically the same. The only additional is the sketch of Snape by JKR with a small note regarding the sketch plus the colored frontis of Hagrid on the boat...yes, the dust jacket has a new art and the boards are red with golden stars...but that's about it.
   
   If you collect the books though, as in because you want every copy of the HP book series, then what I just said won't matter. But if you're buying it because you think it offers something new, then I would say it is not worth it.



3. I am a 14 year old Christian girl who loves Harry Potter.
   Back when I was in 4th grade I heard of it for the first time. Since I was a Christian my parents never allowed me to read it. But then Looking for God in Harry Potter by John Granger came out. I made my mom buy it and read it. After she read it and the first book she allowed me to read it. I was immediately hooked.
   Now some people say that the literature is simple and easy in this book but it is the simplicity of this extraordinary book that we all love! And for those people who say this book is not good for Christians or that it is demonic (my grandmother thinks this about Harry Potter and Twilight. She refuses to let me read it in her house) then I say read Looking for God in Harry Potter by John Granger. It will hopefully change your perspective and allow you to enjoy this wonderful book and the rest of the series like I have.



4. This is what I wrote as a review for Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.
   
   After reading book one, I can defenitely see why these stories were so popular. The author does a great job of creating suspense throughout the whole book. She sets you up to believe one thing and then surprises you in the ending. She sparks your imagination with the fantasy world and life at a wizard school. But I think there are two themes that come out in this book that touched me the most:
   
   1. The rise of the underdog. Harry Potter is raised in a family that doesn't value him; his peers in school don't value him;he is a true underdog. But he is famous in this other world of wizardry because he (as an infant) had defeated the great dark wizard. Many kids and adults can relate to Harry's circumstance of be devalued by the culture, society, world in which you live in. You do find yourself rooting for him throughout the book.
   
   Years ago we went to a family camp and the speaker used movies throughout the weekend. One thing he said has always stuck with Acey and me. He talked about movies being the modern day parables, similar to the stories which were used in the Bible. How many times do you find yourself relating to a scene in a movie, or being brought to tears by something protrayed on the big screen. Yet these parables need to be interpreted in light of Biblical thinking. Why do these scenes, themes, shows touch us at the core?
   
   2. In light of that, Acey asked me today when I finished the book what was the spiritual theme that needs to be redeemed in this book? As I began to think about his question it came down to the the last chapter when Harry asks the trustworthy Dumbledore for some answers to his mysterious life.
   
   One question he asks is why the bad character in this story, Quirrell, couldn't hold on to him and was acutally burned when he tried to touch him. Dumbledore's response brought tears to my eyes: "Your mother died to save you. If there is one thing Voldemort (the dark wizard who tried to kill Harry) cannot understand, it is love. He didn't realize that love as powerful as your mother's for you leave its own mark. Not a scar, no visible sign...to have been loved so deeply, even though the person who loved us is gone, will give us some protection forever. It is in your very skin. Quirrell, full of hatred, greed, and ambition, sharing his soul wiht Voldemort, could not touch you for this reason. It was agony to touch a person marked by something so good."
   
   Isn't that the message of Christ. Christ died to save us. If there is one thing Satan does not understand it is love. Christ's love leaves its own mark on our lives. To have been so loved by God that He sent His only Son, Jesus into the world is what stirs our hearts that are so desperetley seeking love. This belief in what Christ has done will give us protection forever from the the enemy who desires to destroy us.
   
   My conclusion as a Christian parent is that I would allow my children to read this first book under two conditions: (I am only concluding this about the first book so far...I haven't read the others)
   1. I get to read it with them
   2. They have to discuss it with me.
   
   This allows me to talk about what is true, what is fiction. It helps me to find out what things from the story they are connecting with. And in the end it allows me another opportunity to present the gospel to my kids.



5. This is a new elaborate world with some of the best characters written, and some of the most unique experiences imaginable. So many twists and turns!

5 comments about Indigo Dreams: Relaxation and Stress Management Bedtime Stories for Children, Improve Sleep, Manage Stress and Anxiety (Indigo Dreams).

1. My daughter (8) loves these stories. We bought the other 2 CDs as well. She really enjoys them.



2. My son is Autistic, and he loved the first CD in this series when I ordered it for him on a whim. The stories have helped teach him to let go of his anger, and by playing them at night when he's had a particularly overwhelming day I find him having more and more Good mornings. After story time I step out of the room and can hear him following the steps of what are guided meditations for children. Any of the CD's in this series are good. Some are geared a little more toward girls overall, but they all have something for all children. My son's favorite story disc is the one with the Angry Octopus. With the help of these CD's he truly understands now that he has control over his own emotions.



3. I purchased this CD for dual use: for my clients, and for my children. I was hopeful that it would be useful, but since I know I am quite critical of relaxation/imagery CDs given my expertise as an art therapist, psychologist, hypnotherapist who creates imagery, and conducts relaxation training, I didn't expect to be as impressed as I was. Not only did kids like it, but wanted to listen to it over and over again for entertainment. Even siblings who were not the intended audience enjoyed and requested it. My kids liked the stories loved the details and expressiveness of the characters. I found the voice tone good, and the content of the metaphors remarkably cohesive. Its now a staple in our car as well as a recommended resource.



4. Not often do I reach out beyond friends, family and our doctors for help when it comes to challenges we have with our anxious child. We sought out help from teachers, doctors and from within - and this series of CD has nurtured our lives!
   The CD's by Lori Lite have been the beacon of light for us on sometimes stormy nights. The relaxing bedtime CD's have transformed our evenings into pleasant, happy moments we now cherish with our child. My daughter (age 6) can't wait to put on her CD and enjoy the stories that lull her off to bed without a concern in the world - and I'm not even speaking to how empowered she is in the morning. Thank you so much for producing this series - it's been our lifesaver in many different ways!



5. My son enjoys listening to this cd at night. If he wakes up after a nightmare we turn it back on in the middle of the night so he can relax and fall back asleep. I would reccommend this product to anybody with a small child that has trouble relaxing at night and falling asleep quickly. I have noticed a big difference in the amount of time it takes for him to fall asleep.

5 comments about Indigo Ocean Dreams: 4 Children's Stories Designed to Decrease Stress, Anger and Anxiety while Increasing Self-Esteem and Self-Awareness (Indigo Ocean Dreams).

1. I have been using this CD to help soothe my active grandchildren to sleep. They both love the ocean theme and take turns pretending to be the sea child, angry octopus, sea otter, turtle or even the hermit crab.I listen with them and the relaxation techniques work for me as well. All three of us have a deeper more relaxed sleep the nights we listen. I just ordered Bubble Riding and Angry Octopus. I can not wait for them to see the characters we have imagined come to life on paper in a book.



2. My daughter loves this cd. I was looking for something to help her relax at night and get ready for bed. It keeps her interest, has great messages/lessons and she asks for it everynight.



3. I bought this CD for my son a couple of years ago. My son, who is now almost 7, suffers from ADHD and Anxiety, and the anger and frustration that go with it. He STILL listens to this CD at bedtime at least 3 times a week. He LOVES IT! In his words, "It is soothing. I really like Bubble Riding because it is fun and I can imagine floating along in colorful bubbles." I personally like the Octopus' Garden as this one has really helped him control his anger and realize that he is not the only one who gets quickly angered. This CD gave him a fun and easy method to calm down and relax. Thank you so much! Kelly Giaquinto



4. My son is 10 and has ADD, needless to say going to sleep at night has always been a battle. Up and down, I need water, etc.... His therapist recommended buying him a meditation cd. I can to this website and took a chance on this cd, it has been amazing. He can't go a night without it now, he needs this cd to help fall asleep. He does all the exercises and is usually asleep by track 3. Wonderful product, even for a 10 year old boy!!!



5. This cd is a miracle. I have a four year old and a six year old who have a very difficult time falling asleep and allowing themselves to relax. It is a struggle every night. If I didn't see this for myself, I would have never believed it. Within ten minutes, both of my children were fast asleep. Lori's voice is very relaxing and I can't wait to order another cd.

4 comments about Stephenie Meyer: Twilight/New Moon/Eclipse/Breaking Dawn CD Ppk (Twilight Saga).

1. The Twilight Saga is one of my favorite series. I started this series reluctantly by being encouraged to read Twilight by a friend. I checked it out of my local library and knew that I had to own it. Half way through, I queued up New Moon and Eclipse to start immediately upon completion. I then waited for the arrival of Breaking Dawn, which I completed the weekend it was released.
   
   I have all the books on this series in audio and 3 in print, but I have to say, I prefer the audio by far. Ilayana Kadushin does a fabulous job giving Bella a voice and adds so much more depth and emotion to the story than I could personally get from print. Matt Walters is introduced as Jacob in the Epilogue in Eclipse and Book 2 of Breaking Dawn. He also does a great job of giving Jacob a voice.
   
   As for the series itself, I loved it. Twilight, Eclipse are my favorites in this series, followed by New Moon and Breaking Dawn. I won't give an overview of the plot of each of the books as I won't be able to do them justice individually with limited words. I will summarize series as a whole by saying the first 3 in this series are really about love, conflict, choices with a little bit of the supernatural and some action involved. The last look in this series takes an unexpected turn and is more of a fantasy type novel with a little romance - different than what was laid out in the previous three books.
   
   Breaking Dawn seemed to be received with more mixed reviews than the previous three because it deviated from the format laid out in the previous books. I had some mixed feelings about the story because of this, but I still enjoyed it.
   
   This is a fabulous series that is aimed at young adults (mostly female) but has held the interest of adults like myself, and a smaller male audience as well. While the last book in this series is quite a bit different than the previous 3, its still one of my favorite series.
   
   It's not a literary masterpiece and certainly has flaws, but the story laid out out and the world created are absoultely fascinating and highly entertaining. This is why is I think it deserves 5 stars....as well as the readers of the audio version. Great performances.
   
   The audio version is definetly worth the extra expense. If you loved the Twilight Saga, this is a must have in my opinion.



2. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to these while working. After reading the books, I had to listen. BUY BUY BUY You won't regret it.



3. The CD's are great. They don't capture every bit of the books, but any Twilight lover should have both the Audio and the books. LOVE THEM!!!



4. I was thrilled with the story, however, several of the disc were damaged and I was unable to hear some of the story, had to jump futher on the disc to get them to play. They had permanet prints on the disc, and could not even clean them. The Story is great and a good young person adventure. (I'm old and enjoy this tale too) I paid $26.00 for this with Amazon, so this product was suppose to be new. First time poor quality from Amazon.

5 comments about Eclipse (The Twilight Saga, Book 3).

1. In Eclipse you begin to see the 2nd thoughs to Bella becoming inmortal.. and you finally get to hear the stories of each vampire, and how they became.. They had me at "Twilight" and I just keep digging myself deeper into the lives of Bella,Edward,The Cullen, & Jake .....



2. Eclipse wasn't my favorite of the series, but it was still good. For me, it was too much history and background and not as much of the hopeless romantic stuff. I mean, who wouldn't want Edward Cullen as a boyfriend!



3. This is the 3rd book to Stephanie Meyer's awesome Twilight series. With every turn of the page I swear the books get better and better. I do not want to give the whole story away so I am going to end with BUY THESE BOOKS, you will not be wasting any money and you will be extremely pleased.



4. If you liked Twilight and wasn't as excited about New Moon, you will love Eclipse. There's love (of course), vampires, werewolves, and a series of killings.
   
   What's nice about this one is that both Edward and Jacob are present. Although quite different, both add interesting elements to the story and the Bella/Edward/Jacob triangle. The reader learns more of the werewolves and the stories of some of the vampires. Finally, Bella realizes things aren't as simple as 'happily ever after' if she becomes a vampire. Funny thing is, as immature as Jacob can be, it is their relationship that causes Bella to grow up a little and think things thru a little more than just 'me & Edward' - something Edward's been trying to do since book 1.
   
   For me, Edward is the character than draws me into the story. Meyer does an excellent job of conveying Edward's wit and charm in his behavior and dialogue as in Twilight. Although his love for Bella can sometimes make him come across as a little weak or pathetic, this is simply because of his struggle in realizing he can't give Bella somethings he wishes he could or that he feels she needs. The scene in the woods when it is Jacob's body heat that protects Bella is a clear indicator of this. Edward comes across as the 'bigger person' throughout this novel understanding that Jacob was there for Bella when he wasn't. Eclipse continues building on the relationship between Bella/Edward/Jacob and finally forces Bella to make a decision.



5. This was a wonderfully written book. I read it then passed it to my teenage daughter, who also loved it. Upon finishing this book I immediately started reading Breaking Dawn, which is even better than Eclipse!

5 comments about New Moon.

1. I thoroughly enjoyed Twilight. New Moon was not as enjoyable, although I am still a sucker for what has been touted as a "star crossed romance". Clearly Meyers is writing about Romeo and Juliet here as vamp and human respectively, and those clever types out there looking for more logic and realism are going to be heavily disappointed. This is a series about love - irrational, passionate, and totally imbued with an adolescent desperation that is immune to anything but having that love of your life at your side.
   IMHO, anyway. This book leaves us where Twilight left off, except Edward is having some serious second thoughts about his relationship with Bella. He ends up dumping her, and she spends a good portion of the book agonizing about the "hole" in her chest. She also meets up with a character I like far more than Edward, namely Jacob Black, who has a secret of his own - much like Edward did in Twilight (that he was a vampire, but of course). Bella spends almost 400 pages strengthening her relationship with Jacob, and frankly I found it frustrating that Jacob (aka Paris in R & J) is not given his due. At the end of the book I was frankly hoping that Bella might ditch Edward and give ol'Jacob a trial run!
   But that's not what these stories are about, my friends. At any rate, Meyers gives us more bad guys (recycled from Twilight, I might add), and Bella's endless dasmel in distress. I got tired of reading about her being carried around all the time - she's like a Victorian heroine ever about to faint. Get the girl some smelling salts of her own already! So Bella hasn't grown much here - her tendency to sulk (very adolescent, I might add, and therefore somewhat realistic to my mind) are here, and her love for Edward is unchanged.
   We don't see Edward much in this book, although the ending brings them together yet again along with a trip to Italy that seemed a tad forced. However, I enjoy these books b/c Bella is still an intelligent narrator, and the action and romance, to me, are fun and handled well, all things considered.
   If you can sidestep some of the more annoying aspects of this series, namely Bella's inability to see beyond the end of her nose (that being Edward), there is much to enjoy here. This is pure escape - and if you take it as such, you will have a highly entertaining read.



2. I loved Twilight but found New Moon to be a bit frustrating. In Twilight, the reader meets Bella and Edward and witnesses the building of their relationship and the strength of their 'teen' love. It is this relationship that the reader expects to read about when they pick up New Moon. Unfortunately, Edward is only present for about 1/3-1/4 of the book. The rest of the time, we are left we a heart-broken, whinny, depressed Bella who is trying to deal with Edward's departure. A departure, in typical Edward fashion, he concluded was necessary for her safety.
   
   New Moon is essential to the Twilight saga. It is critical to understanding two things: the werewolf story and the bond that is created between Bella and Jacob. It is in this novel that the reader sees the bond that develops initially out of friendship and Jacob filling the 'void' Bella feels when Edward is not near. Jacob is coarse, rude at times, overbearing and pushy. A complete opposite of Edward which, in this reader's opinion, is the reason the relationship (Bella/Jacob) builds and carries thru the rest of the saga. Jacob is there for Bella, as friend and necessary protector (she's a magnet for trouble), when Edward is not. It is in this novel where fans decide if they are a member of 'Team Edward' or 'Team Jacob.'
   
   I have to admit, this novel took me twice as long to read compared to Twilight. I found the vampire element of the story easy to read and interesting...the werewolves, not so much in this installment (werewolves are better in Breaking Dawn). However, after reading the entire saga, the reader will understand why New Moon is an important element to understanding the dynamics of the vampire-werewolf story and the Edward-Bella-Jacob relationship.



3. Okay, I'll admit I'm hooked on this series. No, I'm not a kid, I'm a 46 year old woman who usually prefers, shall we say, a more sophisticated type of book. I had to read this for our book club and I'm glad they twisted my arm! This is the second book in the series and Meyer has gone from the unbelievable vampire to the unbelievable werewolf and made it all believable to me. I connect with the characters and can't wait to read the third book!



4. New Moon was a book that made me feel sorry for Bella, made me laugh under the covers in bed, and could make me smile for Jacob. Bella, in a tragic turn of events, is left empty-handed without the love of her life, Edward Cullen. She feels emotionally drained and becomes a zombie for a few months. When she snaps back to reality, she understands the impact it's created on her fellow students and family (namely, Charlie Swan, her father). Bella's emptiness soon has a big filling: Jacob. I especially like Jacob because of how nice and caring he is when Bella feels unkempt and in a "blah" mood, which is rare when Jacob is around. I think it explains the heartbreaking emotions of having one you adore leave you, and I don't want to sound hokey, but it's something that is vital to understand and get over. I loved New Moon.



5. This is a great book, not my favorite of the series but it is still definately worth reading

5 comments about Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

1. this is the last and best of harry potter's adventure. this time things are for real. see how harry finally destroys the man of all evil. this is the best book of them all. if you haven't read it. then you should.



2. Not much to really say. This is the final book of the Harry Potter series. If you have enjoyed the other books in the series you need this book to find out how it all ends.



3. In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows I personally thought I could have predicted what was going to happen. J. K. Rowling completely got me on this one though. She brought up new and complex ideas and problems while still answering the old ones too. The Deathly Hallows was a wonderful addition to the book and clarified some things about some old questions I had. Some characters died and I was so shocked when I found out. Like, I almost cried for a couple of them. The final chapters of the book though are phenomenal, honestly the best chapters in the whole series. Nice job Rowling on this fantastic book, and Thank you for creating this series for all people to enjoy.



4. She did it up big for the ending. Plenty of spoilers to be had....



5. This item is wonderful to add to ones collection.
   My children enjoy listening to the Audio book as much as reading the book itself

5 comments about Breaking Dawn (The Twilight Saga, Book 4).

1. Stephenie Meyer has done it again another brilliant book, its addicive and I love all of the characters... Looking forward to the next one



2. I don't understand why these people keep complaining about the example this book sets for kids. Sure the book is intended for young readers... I'm 22 years old so I still remember what it was like to be 13. I would never close the series and think "Wow, can't wait to have a kid and get married". You're 13 years old but you're not stupid. Juliet was 13 years old when she DIED for Romeo. You don't see young teens dying for their first love because Shakespeare wrote about it. This book isn't about life lessons. If you want to teach your kids lessons on life read them "Chicken Soup for ..". This is a fictional series about a mortal in love with a vampire like harry potter was a fictional series about a wizard going to wizard school. Stephenie Meyer didn't type up this story with the intention to teach young readers lessons on life. This is pure enjoyment. If you didn't enjoy it, too bad. And trust me, unless the boy they fall in love with is a 108 year old vampire your girls won't dream about getting married young and having children.



3. It was a wonderful read and great to see all characters come to one big happy ending. I enjoyed the whole fight seen, I couldn't put the book down.



4. Contains Major Spoiler!
   
   First off I just want to tell all the haters that they're ridiculous. I don't mind people disagreeing with the book or downright hating it. What I'm sick and tired of is hearing about how Stephenie went and made Bella's character a bad role model for young girls to look up to. Stephenie is the author and she can write her book however way she wants to. I think people get caught up in the idea that it's their own personal story and should cater to exactly how they want it to pan out. This was Stephenie's dream of how she wanted this book to be written. If you had an idea of a book to write and you believed it was so perfect in your mind of how you wanted it to be but everyone around you told you how to write it, would you listen to them? She is the author, we're just going along with the ride and reading her work. There are things in the story that shocked and surprised me. There were things I wish hadn't happened and things I wished that did happen. It's fine to have your own opinion, but to go to the extent to making assumptions about Stephenie copping out and throwing a sloppy book together or that she's giving young girls a bad image to look up to is just very immature and narrowminded. Also what's really bugging me is all the negative attention on Bella deciding to name her daughter Renesmee. When I first read it, I fell in love with the name. It's unique, I don't understand why people say it's hard to pronounce and spell. It's a beautifull name. I thought about naming my kitten that but of course I'm the only twilight fan at home and no one got it so I just settled for Bella. Enough said, that's my opinion on her name, you can have your own.



5. I loved this book as I did with the first 3 books. I really hope this isn't the last one.

5 comments about Twilight (The Twilight Saga, Book 1).

1. I knew that I was going to like this book after just a few pages. It is very similiar, at first, to something that I am writing now.
   
   When I found out that they have made a movie out of this-I wasn't surprised. It was so good.
   
   It was so well written-I just love all of the details. I was completely wound up in this book.
   
   The reason this is a YA book is because the main character is 17. The language was so educated-the author used the word "incredulous" a lot.
   
   It was so nice to read a sweet love story. The vampire, Edward, has waited decades to meet and love Bella. There love seems enduring and can survive the odds.



2. I'm in love with Edward! This book is so hard to put down. I'll probably read the whole series again when I finish.



3. I started reading this three times, I couldn't get past the beginning. Finally I pushed through it, and ended up loving the book, and the series!



4. Everyone should read this book! It's awesome and can't wait for the movie in theatres November 08



5. This is a awesome book, this is the first of four books in the Twilight Saga. Stephanie Meyer is one of those authors who have the rare ability to capture the readers imagination and make you feel like a bystander witnessing the action firsthand

5 comments about Brisingr (Inheritance, Book 3).

1. As with the other 2 books in this cycle it is a journey of growth and self realization. This book expands on some of the promises and commitments made by Eragon as well as other characters to the greater good of one's self, love, kin, and country. It lets you believe in the worthiness of the struggles to fight evil. Great contination it just ends a bit abrupt.



2. Seriously disappointing. Perhaps Mr. Paolini lost his intentions once Eragon was written. I thought that Eldest was too long-winded and short-plotted, but Brisingr is a disaster. The story doesn't move and leaves the reader wanting to simply skip whole chapters to see if there is anything worthy of staying with the book. Sadly, there is not. Why would I want to read yet another (4th) book? The original idea of a trilogy seemed interesting, but sadly it missed it's mark in plot, character analysis and overall reader interest.
   If you are still "dying to read it" - I highly recommend you don't waste your money and just get this one from the library. Better still - INSOMNIACS take hope ... this book (even on audio with the outstanding reader!) is sure to put anyone to sleep!
   The TWO STARs go to the wonderful reader of the audio edition. Sadly even he could not keep me engaged with this book.



3. Brisingr, the third book of the Inheritance tri/quad/quintology? is written as if the author had had a gun placed to his head during the writing, which in a sense, I suppose he did. The plot is good, with a large amount of deviation from the overall storyline, which amounts to a slow, steady progression of the war of Surda vs. the Empire and Gallabatorix. The story flows well, but the devil crops up in the details.
   
   Eragon, the now half-elf Dragon Rider, still reeling from his disastrous fight with Murtagh and Thorn, is sent scampering around the realm, rescuing Katrina from the Ra'zac, serving as emissary to the dwarven confederation while they decide on a new monarch, and being on call to defend the Varden from Thorn and the Empires army. During this time, Eragon tries to make up for past failures, suceeding somewhat, and failing somewhat as well. The detail and precision are a bit scattered, sometimes providing a rich background to the scene, and sometimes glossing over nut and bolts to advance the plot.
   
   Paolini however, seems to suffer from a typical condition of series authors. He thinks everyone else is as familiar with the previous books as he is. While I could recall the general storyline of Eragon and Eldest, a synopsis, however brief, would've been a welcome refresher. As its written, you almost have to reread the prior books to be able to appreciate the plot currently being handled. Details, names, and places resurface regularly that make no sense given that theres no context or recap to place them. Dialogue has become more archaic, and sometimes confusing given the characters, with soldiers and random wanderers talking like wizened scholars and philosophers.
   
   Magic continues to place the greatest role in the story, and while Paolinis use of it remains rather inventive, there are time when it would've been easier and simplier to deus ex his way through the encounter. Some instances are needlessly confusing or overly complex, although there are other that're rather pleasing for their originality. Paolini needs to pick a happy medium. While I want magic more complex than that of Harry Potter, with thought and planning put into it, making every spell its own Rubiks cube makes the usage of the device clunky and dull.
   
   The Inheritance series latest installment is a worthwhile read, but you can almost feel the authors pain through the pages. He tried to make Brisingr too many things to too many people, and wound up with a novel that feels overly stretched and rather bland. That having been said, considering his prior successes, one hopes he takes this stride, and tells his publisher to cram it when it comes to volume 4's release date. So long as he is given time to write what he wishes, I feel confident it will return to his prior standard.



4. As written by another reviewer "If you liked the Lord of the Rings series, then you'll probably like the Inheritance cycle as well."
   
   Actually, The Lord of the Rings trilogy was a wonderful, well-written trilogy. This fantasy series is in essence a great first showing (Eragon) with an okay sophomoric offering (Eldest) and a dismal current contender (Brisingr).
   
   I hope that this was more the fault of the publishers than Paolini's own writing. In many places the writing actually made me cringe and want to break out my red editing pen of death, ex. "Pointing with her chin past a row of spits and cauldrons suspended over a bed of coals, past a clump of men butchering a hog, past three makeshift ovens built of mud and stone, and past a pile of kegs toward a line of planks set on stumps that six women were using as a counter."
   
   Yes folks, that is one, very long and exhaustive run-on sentence. Why they couldn't be bothered with proper grammar and punctuation we will probably not know.
   
   I see no use of dramatic suspense in bridging chapters, or even within each chapter. Most of the dramatic scenes seem forced, almost as if the characters are being coached by a high school drama teacher from behind the curtain, "Now in this scene Eragon, you feel ANGER. Show me your anger, be a tiger and let it all out!"
   
   All in all, I wish I hadn't picked up this book, because now I feel obligated to read the (nearly assuredly) fourth book of the series.



5. Excellent read. Christopher has lived up to the previous books in this series. Can't wait for the next one