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7th_y wrote in Antishurtugal, 2012-02-23 13:20:00
MOOD:

Inheritance Spork: Chapter 24 - The Way of Knowing
Later that afternoon, when it seemed increasingly unlikely that the Empire would launch an attack from Dras-Leona in the few remaining hours of sunlight, Eragon and Saphira went to the sparring field at the rear of the Varden camp.
Yes, obviously the enemy only attacks when it's day, because they don't want to do a surprise attack at night, with the darkness as cover and magic as a way to stop the watch. After all if they attack at night the heroes don't look smart when they do it, henceforth the enemy won't attack at night. Q.E.D.
Eragon went to the sparring camp to train with Arya, something that they have been doing since they arrived in the city. They agreed to use shields beforehand, because it's closer to the reality of actual combat, and it introduced variety into their duels. Except that I doesn't remember a single battle where Eragon always had a shield, and I think that he don't even own a shield and just picks one off the dead when the plot dictates that he needs a shield. Also, if using a shield is closer to the reality of actual combat why do they only train with shields as a change of pace? Wouldn't always training with a shield be, I don't know, a more logical course of act-... Nevermind I got it.
Anyway Eragon is battling with Arya not because he wants to get better, but because there was
something profoundly intimate about staring into Arya’s eyes, without blinking, without wavering, and having her stare back at him with the same degree of focus and intensity. It could be disconcerting, but he enjoyed the sense of connection it created between them (i.e. because he wants to bone her, in a really creepy way), which breaks any interest that I could have had for this chapter. Because now I won't be reading about badly written swordplay, but badly written romance about a guy trying to bone a girl through swordplay.
And then Arya defeats Eragon before he is able to have more creepy thoughts. It happens in a span of a second, which makes me happy, and when Eragon asks why he loses so much Arya replies with something that makes sense:
“Because,” she replied, and feinted toward his right shoulder, causing him to raise his shield and leap shoulder, causing him to raise his shield and leap backward in alarm, “I’ve had over a hundred years of practice. It would be odd if I weren’t better than you, now wouldn’t it? You should be proud that you’ve managed to mark me at all. Few can.”
It makes me sad to see this reply. Because when I look at it I understand that Paolini had the potential to become a good writer, but didn't because the people around him told him that he already was one. But otherwise it’s a nice piece of logic in the chaos that the Inheritance Cycle is. Though I still think that Eragon will beat her at some point, because he is just that special.
They fight some more and Eragon loses some more, and asks Arya why she didn’t just magic him into a better fighter. It goes as follows:
“If you know so much about swordsmanship,” he said, “then why can’t you teach me to be better?”
Her emerald eyes burned with even greater force. “I’m trying,” she said, “but the problem is not here.” She tapped her sword against his right arm. “The problem is here.” She tapped his helm, metal clinking against metal. “And I don’t know how else to teach you what you need to learn except by showing you your mistakes over and over again until you stop making them.” She rapped his helm once more. “Even if it means I have to beat you black-and-blue in order to do it.”
Arya is the worst teacher ever. Any teacher worth their salt knows that if you have to explain the same thing over and over again you have to do it in different ways, because if the student didn’t understand the first time around he won’t understand if you just repeat it again, so you have to explain the same thing in another way. But I do like that she wants to beat Eragon black-and-blue, because it’s something that I want to do sometimes. That we all want to do sometimes.
They fight more, and Eragon get his ass kicked a few more times, even though Saphira tries to save him some of those times. He doesn’t want her help, because it is his mountain to climb. It’s… noble of him, wanting to defeat obstacles through his own strength, except that he never climbed any mountain, because everyone was always putting him right at the top through magic. He was always just that special, learning swordsmanship in 3 months, magic in the same 3, learning a whole language that uses ideograms in writing to the point of poetic perfection in less than a year, and having the one thing that was troublesome and a real obstacle be magicked out through a dragon tattoo on the back of naked elven chicks. And because of this I don’t think that he will climb this mountain, but will just fly through borrowed wings, and in the end it will not make any difference.
But Eragon is still fighting and still losing and it pisses him of. He only won two times, and through near suicidal strategies that worked through luck instead of skill. Since he wants to win one more time, and is really pissed, he prepares to throw his sword, as he might do to a battle-axe. I like that at least one time Paolini noticed that sword throwing relies more in lucky than skill and is near suicidal. But before Eragon does this stupidity Glaedr appears out of nowhere and stops Eragon.
Everyone is happy that Glaedr got over his depression, because it really is something that happens because Eragon was sparring. Yeah, Paolini really wants us to believe that Glaedr, the one dragon that lost his rider (i.e. half of his mind) and died (i.e. lost his body with some horrible pain and all nasty things that happen when you die) and then was put in a glowing stone whose only way to interact with the world is by thrusting his thoughts (i.e. Fate Worse Than Death And I Must Scream) got over his depression because Eragon was training. No Paolini, it’s too much, even by “its better be dead than ugly” standards. He got over his depression because the plot needs him too. And also because we need a super jarring scene to make sure that the chapter is really, really bad.
Anyway Glaedr's motive for telling Eragon to stop is that it is very unlikely that he will fight Galbatorix with swords. He will fight him with his mind, so he must train his mind, not his arm. Even though Galbatorix has, like, 9223372036854775808 dead dragon souls to do his bidding and crush the mind of anyone that tries to fight him, and so no one can stand a chance. Except Eragon after he opens the Vault of Souls and finds 18446744073709551616 dead dragon souls, but since we are supposed to not know this Glaedr's “You should train your mind” makes no sense. And I just noticed that the book second title is “The Vault of Souls”, but 250+ pages into the book and the Vault of the Souls, which is likely the main plot of the book, has never appeared. But I digress.
Anyway Eragon says that no, he should train his body because, in the unlikely chance that he fends off Galbatorix and the Eldunari, the final battle may still be decided by the sword. I wonder what would happen if this was not the case (Because we all know it will be, it’s the most dramatic way to happen), and the final battle was decided by magic or mind fight. Eragon would be totally trashed, and the world would be a better place. Also Eragon wants to kill shades with impunity, and talk about the shade Varaug that appeared out of nowhere in the of Brisingr, and Glaedr is all like “Who is Varaug?”, because he
They talk some more, going back and forth about whether or not Eragon should train his body, Glaedr is pro-mind but Arya and Eragon are pro-body. In the end Glaedr makes a Good Point about why training the mind is better and asks why the elves did nothing and let him train his body. Then the furry elf, that is the only one that has a personality aside from Arya, answer to him saying that he is the teacher, they won’t take over his job even if he is neglecting it. Though I suspect that you can just give up your job if one of your loved ones die and/or you die. But it could be just me. Anyway apparently furry is saying this just to piss Glaedr off so badly that he won’t become depressed again. Great mental care here. Pissing off someone that died. What if it doesn’t go as planned and he starts sobbing and become in a worst state than he was before? Or worse, uses magic to kill himself (Again)? It’s not safe to piss off depressed people, it’s safe to say how special they are and how everyone loves them.
Glaedr is really pissed with furry and furry pisses Glaedr off even more, and Glaedr starts going berserker, threatening to destroy the minds of anyone nearby. When he is so pissed that Eragon sensed something unpleasant taking shape that, if allowed to reach fruition, might be the cause of much sorrow and regret, Saphira flatters him and he starts cooling down. Indeed she acts very nice and all, but very un-Saphira like:
Then Saphira spoke, and her mental voice cut through Glaedr’s churning emotions like a knife through water. Master, she said, I have been worried about you. It is good to know that you are well and strong again. None of us are your equal, and we have need of your help. Without you, we cannot hope to defeat the Empire.
Glaedr rumbled ominously, but he did not ignore, interrupt, or insult her. Indeed, her praise seemed to please him, even if only a little. After all, as Eragon reflected, if there was one thing dragons were susceptible to, it was flattery, as Saphira was well aware.
Without pausing to allow Glaedr to respond, Saphira said, Since you no longer have use of your wings, let me offer my own as a replacement. The air is calm, the sky is clear, and it would be a joy to fly high above the ground, higher than even the eagles dare soar. After so long trapped within your heart of hearts, you must yearn to leave all this behind and feel the currents of air rising beneath you once more.
The black storm within Glaedr abated somewhat, although it remained vast and threatening, teetering on the edge of renewed violence. That … would be pleasant.
Then we shall fly together soon. But, Master?
Yes, youngling?
There is something I wish to ask of you first.
Then ask it.
Will you help Eragon with his swordsmanship? Can you help him? He isn’t as skilled as he needs to be, and I don’t want to lose my Rider. Saphira remained dignified throughout, but there was a note of pleading in her voice that caused Eragon’s throat to tighten.
Her willingness to give up control of her own body so Glaedr can fly again is really touching, and so is her pleading so Eragon doesn’t die, but it feels off. The Glaedr part is nice and all, and can be seen as character development or something, since he is her master and she had a crush on him early in the series, and Eragon is part of her soul and all, but looks like an Out of Character moment to me. Sure there are tons of ways to argue about why Saphira would do it, but I always saw her as a bloodthirsty beast, and the third book backed this concept to me, so I don’t believe in any of this, and she said it just so Glaedr can give Eragon the secret lore of battle and Eragon can use it to beat Arya.
Anyway Glaedr agrees to teach Eragon swordplay. How exactly a dragon will do it is beyond me, but we shall see. Trianna, a mage of the Varden, is panicking because a very strong mind tried to kill everybody just now, and Eragon says that everything is fine and will explain things later. Glaedr tells then to take positions and Eragon starts wondering how exactly Glaedr is going to teach him, to which Glaedr answers:
“All great fighting is the same, Eragon, even as all great warriors are the same. Past a certain point, it does not matter whether you wield a sword, a claw, a tooth, or a tail. It is true, you must be capable with your weapon, but anyone with the time and the inclination can acquire technical proficiency. To achieve greatness, though, that requires artistry. That requires imagination and thoughtfulness, and it is those qualities that the best warriors share, even if, on the surface, they appear completely different.”
What? How does that make sense? Could someone please explain what that mean? I understand the start, which pretty much says that all weapons are created equal, even if it makes no sense in a logical fashion, but I can understand what he means. But the greatness part totally lost me. I want an explanation, if someone can give one.
It’s dropped, and they go to the whole “You have to see what you are looking at”, and apparently it’s reading your opponent. Seriously:
“That I had to learn to see what I was looking at. And I’ve tried, Master. I have.
But still you do not see. Look at Arya. Why has she been able to beat you again and again? Because she understands you, Eragon. She knows who you are and how you think, and that is what allows her to defeat you so consistently. Why is it Murtagh was able to trounce you on the Burning Plains, even though he was nowhere near as fast or strong as you?
Because I was tired and—
And how is it he succeeded in wounding you in the hip when last you met, and yet you were only able to give him a scratch on the cheek? I will tell you, Eragon. It was not because you were tired and he was not. No, it was because he understands you, Eragon, but you do not understand him. Murtagh knows more than you, and thus he has power over you, as does Arya.
And still Glaedr spoke: Look at her, Eragon. Look at her well. She sees you for who you are, but do you see her in return? Do you see her clearly enough to defeat her in battle?”
So the secret lore of battle apparently is reading the others. I mean it is understanding what and why the othesr are felling and doing, so you can understand what they will do next and where you can strike. It is… pretty obvious. How come Eragon became a Master Swordsman without being able to read his opponents? It doesn’t make any sense! But wait, It gets better.
Eragon took a minute to collect himself and consider everything he knew about Arya: her likes and dislikes, her habits and mannerisms, the important events of her life, what she feared and what she hoped for, and most importantly, her underlying temperament—that which dictated her approach to life … and to fighting. All that he considered, and from it he attempted to divine the essence of her personality. It was a daunting task, especially since he made an effort to view her not as he usually did—as a beautiful woman he admired and longed for—but as the person she actually was, whole and complete and separate from his own needs and wants.
Bolding mine. Apparently Eragon never thought about Arya as a person, but just an elf that he longs for. Seriously no, just no. How is it that you think about something that you want for such a long time as little more than an object? I don’t think that there is someone so sallow to think that way. But then again, I’m overly Idealistic sometimes, so it could be just me. But this is one more piece of evidence that Eragon is a Complete Monster.
Anyway he fights some more, and Glaedr gives some tips about what Eragon should do, which are all mildly pointless and repetitive. While fighting Arya uses Eragon's feelings against him, even uttering a soft, catlike growl. I like this pragmatism of her, because it reflects the fact that she has fought enough battles to understand that she has to win at any cost.
They fight and fight, Eragon loses some battles until Eragon makes Arya face the sun and uses the moment of blindness to defeat her. It reminds me of the Gregor Clegane vs. Oberyn Martell fight in the third book of A Song of Ice and Fire, with the sun being used to give someone an advantage and all. Except that in the fight in A Storm of Swords, someone uses a shield to reflect the light into the eyes of the enemy, while in the Inheritance fight Eragon somehow makes Arya do a 180 degree turn, because anything less than that and she would have noticed where the sun was.
But whatever. Eragon wins one more fight, making two victories in a row. Afterward the fights have no clear winner, meaning that now Eragon suddenly learned how to read his enemies and is on the same level as Arya, the one that trained and fought for a hundred years. Because that is how Eragon does his thing, he makes someone teach him and instantly learns, beating his teacher at the same time. It makes so much sense…
The chapter closes with the following scene:
“Then, as they stood there, struggling back and forth without avail, Eragon said in a low, fierce voice, “I … see … you.”
A bright spark appeared in Arya’s eyes, then vanished just as quickly.”
Between the cat like growl and this passage this chapter feels horribly, horribly wrong.
53 comments
[1]

distinctvaguens
February 23 2012, 17:08:34 UTC Edited: February 23 2012, 17:09:36 UTC
"Later that afternoon, when it seemed increasingly unlikely that the Empire would launch an attack from Dras- Leona in the few remaining hours of sunlight"
Actually this is just redundant (without even considering night attacks) Simpler phrasing of the same words would be "As the day ended, it the probability they would attack in the day decreased." (without considering the statistical flaws in this logic) is the same as,
"It appeared the Empire was not attacking today." 24 words to say 6... and that my friends is how you make epic fantasy!
This whole "convince Glaedr to help" thing was really dumb and just continues the trend of Paolini shrugging off proper characterization for his plot, even when his plot makes little sense. The whole training bits are somewhat baffling. If Eragon is so perfect why do we keep going through training cycles? And the whole mind/body thing was tedious. I liked that you pointed out how them having a swordfight is only there to "look epic"
Glaedr's psuedo-zen is frustrating and cliche. Eragon's motivations are shallow as ever. Here he gets all angry he can learn everything instantly. Then what do you know he gets his way and is more perfecter than ever instantly.
Apparently this entire time (as we suspected) Eragon usually just saw Arya as an object to lust after... ROMANTIC!!!
[1A]

radioflower
February 23 2012, 18:03:19 UTC
"I SEE YOU."
Hmmm...I'm sure I've heard that before. I wonder where. Maybe in some massive-budget candy SciFi movie that got nominated for the Oscars.
Real subtle there. I love how Paolini thinks directly taking things from other writers makes him Oh So Clever.
[1A1]

Anonymous
February 23 2012, 18:53:12 UTC
Yes, that made me throw up in my mouth a little (I hate that movie already so seeing that here just made it worse). Do you think this stuff comes from his memory unconsciously, or is he really that boldly derivative?
[1A2]

Anonymous
February 23 2012, 19:08:27 UTC
Eragon (in mystical tones, sounding not at all like the Eye of Sauron): I . . . see . . . you . . .
Arya (to herself): Oh hey, a quote from a movie! [eyes sparkle]
Wait--the movie is Avatar! [sparkle vanish]
[1A3]

Anonymous
December 24 2012, 13:41:26 UTC
And look at the context. Let me quote this particular Sci-Fi film: "When they see you it doesn't mean they just see you. It means I see through you. I see into you..." In this context however, it means . . . wait for it . . . THE EXACT SAME THING! Smooth, Paolini!
[2]

mage_apprentice
February 23 2012, 21:58:36 UTC
Eragon: There was something profoundly intimate about staring into Arya's eyes during training sessions, without blinking, without wavering, and having her stare back at me with the same degree of focus and intensity. It could be disconcerting, but I enjoyed the sense of connection it created between us.
Murtagh: . . . Eragon, I don't think I will be your sparring partner ever again.
he made an effort to view her not as he usually did—as a beautiful woman he admired and longed for—but as the person she actually was, whole and complete and separate from his own needs and wants.
wut
what
What.
WHAT?
WHAT?!
Eragon said in a low, fierce voice, “I … see … you.”
[2A]

predak123
February 25 2012, 01:58:52 UTC
"wut
what
What.
WHAT?
WHAT?!"
This was essentially my reaction to this. God, Eragon is creepy.
[2A1]

mage_apprentice
February 25 2012, 02:04:11 UTC
Like we keep saying!
PERFECT! VILLAIN! MATERIAL!
I swear, one day I will write a story where a villain based off Eragon to a T will fit in with the plot perfectly. It might not even be on purpose.
[2A1A]

predak123
February 25 2012, 02:18:22 UTC
I mean, it's one thing to see your crush as only half a person; you'd only see the qualities that you like, while ignoring that they leave their dirty socks in the living room or that they sniff annoyingly or whatever. That seems pretty normal. But not seeing another human being as being separate from your own wants and needs?! What?!
[2A1A1]

mage_apprentice
February 25 2012, 02:20:57 UTC
I suppose Paolini misinterpreted the phrase that, when you love someone, you love the whole (as in both the good and the bad).
[2A1A1A]

predak123
February 25 2012, 02:27:23 UTC
After all, when somebody loves you, it's no good unless he loves you all the way.
[2A1A1B]

venusrain
February 27 2012, 02:52:10 UTC
Didn't Shakespeare write a sonnet on the subject of loving a person for who they are, without discarding the flaws?
[2A1A1B1]

mage_apprentice
February 27 2012, 04:15:15 UTC
Yup. I believe it's the one where he compares his lover's features to the most hideous things, like her hair to thick black cords and her cheeks to a rose that lost its color, but still loves her despite it all.
[2A1A1B2]

predak123
February 27 2012, 18:42:23 UTC
Sonnet 130, yes!
" And yet, by heaven, I think my love as rare
As any she belied with false compare."
[2A1B]

charlottehywd
February 27 2012, 03:15:48 UTC
Please, please do. Even better if they are convinced that they are a hero.
[3]

pipedreamno20
February 23 2012, 22:44:45 UTC
Trouble is, not even Avatar's Na'vi catchphrase is original. In the Wheel of Time it's an Aiel greeting. Granted, yes, not quite with the same meaning - that the other cannot (or will not) make a sneak attack - BUT STILL!
[4]

torylltales
February 24 2012, 01:14:35 UTC
I'm glad someone else was able to do this chapter. I nearly put my hand for it, but as a martial artist I knew I might not have survived the experience.
There is so, SO much wrong with this chapter and with Paolini's understanding of martial arts, I can't even begin to cover it. Great spork though.
[4A]

7th_y
February 25 2012, 18:16:35 UTC
I'm an martial artist myself (A very inexperienced one, but still), but I prefer not to dwell into those things, the same way that it's better not to dwell into Paolini's Art of warfare.
[4A1]

torylltales
February 26 2012, 02:46:12 UTC
Indeed. Glaedr's contributions are the most twisted, misunderstood drivel I've ever come across in the world of martial philosophy.
May I ask what style you practice?
[4A1A]

7th_y
February 26 2012, XX:XX:XX UTC
[4A1A1]

torylltales
February 26 2012, 19:11:48 UTC
Awesome. Do you happen to know which style of Karate? There's a few of them, and despite strong stylistic similarities (hence why they're all called karate), the philosophy and applications can be widely different.
[4A1A2]

radioflower
February 26 2012, 19:44:48 UTC
I used to practice Aikido, but you have to be really good at to actually use it in self-defence.
[4A1A3]

mage_apprentice
February 26 2012, 22:48:06 UTC
I used to do mixed martial arts. I learned a lot from my shodai. However, the close proximity between me and an attacker for me to defend myself unnerves me, so I'm more likely to go into taichi and learn that for meditation purposes.
[4A1A3A]

distinctvaguens
February 27 2012, 00:59:05 UTC
I'd suggest learning some gunkata if you aren't keen on proximity. I'm been practicing that for 5 years and it's great.
[4A1A3A1]

mage_apprentice
February 27 2012, 01:08:33 UTC
From what wikipedia says, it seems a little flashy for what I have in mind. A gun is a step closer to keeping myself at a distance as well as shifting the balance of power to my favor, but I'd rather skip fancy stuff.
[4A1A3A1A]

distinctvaguens
February 27 2012, 01:12:06 UTC
That's cuz it isn't a real thing and I was joking. lol.
[4A1A3A1A1]

mage_apprentice
February 27 2012, 01:16:28 UTC
Oh. /////
[4A1A3A1A1A]

predak123
February 27 2012, 18:43:16 UTC
But your arms will make "SWOOSH" noises when you move them! It'll be great! XD
[4A1A3A2]

streamfish
February 27 2012, 03:50:42 UTC
I remember only catching the last third of Equilibrium and being really, really confused.
And then there was that completely hilarious violation of physics called Wanted...
[4B]

charlottehywd
February 27 2012, 03:17:57 UTC
There is so, SO much wrong with this chapter and with Paolini's understanding of martial arts
Really? I mean, I don't get how all of the vague reassurance would make Eragon a better fighter, but what are some of the other things? I want to make sure that I am not guilty of any of them. ;-)
[4B1]

torylltales
February 27 2012, 12:01:08 UTC
I will write it up on the weekend, if I get time. I'll go through the sparring matches in the last three books as well, pull out some key quotes.
[4B1A]

charlottehywd
February 27 2012, 13:43:52 UTC
Awesome. I look forward to it.
[5]

mangraa
February 24 2012, 01:47:36 UTC
Good lord, sounds like PaoPao was watching the ending of The Matrix when writing this one. I imagined an Ayra-shaped 3D model dropping with elf binary. Ugh.
Second, it is rather...super-creepy that the inspiration is that up until this point, Eragon had NEVER regarded her beyond what amounts toan accessory or "add-on" for Eragon. Now, part of me would say, well, Eragon is young and he's going through his puberty possessive stage and crap, but I know PaoPao didn't plan Eragon's character out to use as a way of communicating the awkwardness of the teenage years, only in this setting.
Sooooo...I mean, how can PaoPao write that "see her as she is as an individual" line and NOT think "Hmmm...this makes my hero a verified creep this whole time since he has just admitted to never seeing Ayra as anything but the two up top and one below"?!
I seriously wonder what PaoPao's "ideal"relationship would be like, as well as what an actual relationship with PaoPao would be like.
Someone give this kid a few years of difficult life, PLEASE- maybe his writing would have more depth and soul afterwards.
(Typed on tablet, please forgive typos and auto-correct errors)
[5A]

mage_apprentice
February 24 2012, 02:54:45 UTC
Sooooo...I mean, how can PaoPao write that "see her as she is as an individual" line and NOT think "Hmmm...this makes my hero a verified creep this whole time since he has just admitted to never seeing Ayra as anything but the two up top and one below"?!
Keep in mind that this is the fully grown adult who can't recognize the innuendos he types up. Chapter Two: Around the Campfire of Brisingr, anyone?
[5B]

loth440
February 26 2012, 23:41:23 UTC Edited: February 27 2012, 04:14:16 UTC
I don't see Paolini ever getting any kind of real experience in his life.
Although it's possible he could go through a hedonistic phase and blow all his money, then attempt to make another fortune with a new book series that never takes off, for obvious reasons. Once he gets enough of a reality check and is forced to join the real world, he just might evolve as a writer.
[5B1]

mangraa
February 27 2012, 04:38:33 UTC
A future series "not taking off, for obvious reasons"? I admit, I don't actually keep track of what's going on and being said about the guy (or any "celebrity" types for that matter), but last I could tell, he was doing well, sold a shitload of copies of book 4, and I think he even broke the record for digital copies sold on release day or something...has this spiraled into a nosedive recently?
I know his even getting published was sort of a fluke, a genuine right place right time thing, and as shoddy as it all was, may end up being his strongest work. But based on how it was received, despite glaring skullfuckery of monumental proportions in a number of areas, I think he would still sell. So...have I missed some juicy backlash from fans or something?
[5B1A]

loth440
February 27 2012, 06:17:06 UTC
With the Inheritance cycle, he is still riding the wave of the "child prodigy" phenomenon.
I might be off the mark, but I think most people will look at his next project with a much more critical eye, and judge it on it's merits alone. Chances are he will take awhile to get the first book out, which will give the current rabid fanbase a chance to grow up and hopefully see things in a new light.
[5B1A1]

mangraa
February 27 2012, 07:26:29 UTC
Well...you'd think that they wouldn't be that big a factor since...holy shit. I just looked up his birthday on wiki s well as the book dates. The guy is currently _28_ years old. What the fuck? Anyway...
Eragon- STARTED age 15 (1998), self-pub at age 18 (2002), real-published age 19 (2003, 2 months before turning 20).
Book 2- published age 21 (2005)
Book 3- published age 24 (2008, 1 month before age 25)
Book 4- published age 27/28 (2011, same month as birthday)
I can understand hyping the child factor for book 1 and maybe 2, after which it would definitely be mentioned, but perhaps toned down. Were they still making a BIG deal about it for book 4? When the fucker was 27?!
I'm just surprised because up until now,I thought the guy was maybe 21, having published Eragon by age 13. I saw a few seconds of a video he did about completing book 4, and he looked like a 20 year old (I thought). If all that had been the case, I'd understand being liberal with the young-writer promotions...but...just..wow.
Long reply, sorry. With all that in mind, I see 4 options:
1-he'll have a knack for attracting young readers based solely on his writing (since he better not still be touting that young author shit anymore), and writes the same awful shit but sells a lot to kids
2- His writing matures (as it should)
3- He writes the same shout but STILL sells to old and new fans since they're too dense to notice it (the "weep for the future generations" scenario)
4- He is found dead in a few years in a somewhat seedy motel in Vegas, surrounded by empty baggies of white powder and an assortment of worn-out bodybuilding magazines and Abercrombie & Fitch catalogs with some pages torn out. And still wearing his Yoda underoos.
I'm rambling, means time for bed, but wow...he's too old to make any more than a passing mention of his childhood "genius".
[5B1A1A]

loth440
February 27 2012, 22:29:52 UTC
LOL...I don't wish him dead but I find #4 hilarious.
[5B1A1A1]

mangraa
February 28 2012, 02:10:19 UTC
I don't wish any true ill will on the guy either. Just officially clarifying for the record.
But yeah, maybe a post-binge arrest and a few years in some seedy scene would provide him with some great material...maybe.
[5B1A2]

Anonymous
December 24 2012, 13:51:30 UTC
That these books were published and that he was called "child prodigy" and is now rich and famous is an INSULT to aspiring fantasy writers that have actual talent, and learned humility and caution through repeated rejections and DIDN'T have fathers to publish their work for them.
[6]

watersheerie
February 24 2012, 04:32:35 UTC
God...this book is long...and pointless.
"...Eragon said in a low, fierce voice, "I...see...you."
Well that's original, not like we haven't heard that before ::coughAvatarcough::
[7]

lupus753
February 24 2012, 05:51:57 UTC
It must be extremely difficult for you sporkers to come up with variations of "this scene was completely pointless" all the time. I hope something actually happens soon enough. The scene where Eragon reveals more of his self-centeredness with Arya gave me hope, though.
[8]

torylltales
February 24 2012, 08:59:22 UTC
Next chapters:
Chapter Twenty Five: A Heart-to-Heart - dibbed by [info]7th_y
Chapter Twenty Six: Discovery - dibbed by [info]distinctvaguens - second dibbed by [info]jair_greycoat
Chapter Twenty Seven: Decisions - [info]dr_doomsduck
[9]

teufelsgebraeu
February 24 2012, 11:53:10 UTC
I'd suggest you re-read your post again and correct some stuff. Your conjugations are all messed up.
[9A]

predak123
February 25 2012, 01:57:45 UTC
If you'd like, I can PM you and help you out with that, 7th.
[9B]

7th_y
February 25 2012, XX:XX:XX UTC
[9B1]

torylltales
February 26 2012, 02:49:21 UTC
You've definitely improved from the previous sporks, anyway. Thumbs up!
[10]

alienwonton
February 24 2012, 19:28:18 UTC Edited: February 24 2012, 19:36:09 UTC
My first thought when I read the 'I see you' phrase was the Obsidian Trilogy by Mercedes Lackey. In those books the phrase 'I See you' is used as an elven greeting. When you tell somone that you 'See' them that means that you acknowledge their presence and you're willing to talk to them. If that person doesn't 'See' you it means that he/she doesn't wish to talk to you and you should probably excuse yourself or something....it's been a while since I read the books so I'm not too sure on the specifics.
Now that I think of it, I'm beginning to find many parallels between the Inheritance series and the Obsidian Trilogy, particularly in the elves....but then again, that might just be due to many elements of fantasy being the same no matter where you look (elven forest protected by ancient charms, etc). The fact that Saphira and Glaedr remind me of watered down versions of Ancaladar, and Arya is like a so-called 'perfected' and ultra-boring version of Idalia and Eragon a watered down dragon rider combination of Kellen and Cilarnen is probably just coincidence....or I really hope it is, anyway. The Obsidian Trilogy is one of my favorites and I seriously don't need to be reminded of Inheritance every time I read it. D:
[10A]

watersheerie
February 25 2012, 05:21:24 UTC
Ah, Christ, I completely forgot about those books...and I loved them too (forgive me Lackey for this slight against your awesome'ness). But yeah, I can totally see the parallels between the Inheridump books and the Obsidian Trilogy. Now I'm going to go cry.
[10A1]

venusrain
February 27 2012, 03:00:47 UTC
They both take from the same basic story type, so i'm not surprised that there are similarities. Besides, I find that even though Lackey has her flaws, she at least can write a gripping yarn (plus a good co-writer really helps smooth out her writing's flaws). Paolini couldn't manage that much; even as a child I found Eldest to be deathly dull, and it's the only book I've read where I actually skipped pages.
[10A1A]

mage_apprentice
February 27 2012, 04:19:06 UTC
When Eldest first came out, I was in my every-book-i-read-is-wonderful phase and I found myself skipping entire chapters (the Eragon-training related ones). God, it was so boring.
[10A1A1]

predak123
February 27 2012, 18:45:53 UTC
I really think "Eldest" is what brought me to become the critic that I am; I hadn't been so bored since I was forced to read 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea in 5th grade. (Yes. Forced. Unabridged.)
[10A1A1A]

mage_apprentice
February 27 2012, 19:11:10 UTC
Eldest brought so much rage, especially concerning Murtagh. There was that shallow religious debate at the beginning, the fact that I could see right through Murtagh's death (and I'm pretty gullible), Murtagh's mind-control, and then protagonists harping on and on about how they're gonna get revenge for Hrothgar's death when not only was that an understood risk of battle (that, perhaps, just PERHAPS, you're gonna die) and that Hrothgar's death was strategic for an army (y'know, killing a major leader of the opposing army) but that also Eragon should understand that Murtagh doesn't have a lot of free will. The whole fiasco at the end actually inspired my young self to explore mindcontrol to Murtagh's degree and its consequences (from not having a personality to dying when someone says "die").
And I find it sad that Paolini, a fully grown man who should have more exercises in imagination than I did, never explored that in his entire series. He really didn't.
[11]

predak123
February 25 2012, 07:20:38 UTC
"Because now I won't be reading about badly wrote swordplay, but badly wrote romance about a guy tring to bone a girl through swordplay."
This statement is 100% correct. I'm not sure if that's hilarious or really, really depressing.
[12]

notapproved
March 4 2012, 22:17:18 UTC
Arya is the worst teacher ever. Any teacher worth their salt knows that if you have to explain the same thing over and over again you have to do it in different ways, because if the student didn’t understand the first time around he won’t understand if you just repeat it again, so you have to explain the same thing in another way.
I feel like playing the Devil's Advocate here, because fighting isn't really something you learn in the classroom or teach through words. To be a good fighter, it's all about muscle memory and simply doing the same action, over and over and over, until your body can do it without your brain dictating. Arya is actually right here, because rarely is the fighter who knows the most tricks actually the best. The one who wins all the time is the one who has been practicing so long and been beaten so many times that they can do their moves perfectly and without thinking. Your own brain can actually be your worst enemy in a fight.
I guess it would depend on his mistakes. If he's making gross errors that need better instruction, sure. She should tell him. But if it's stuff like his stance gets sloppy when he's excited, or he hesitates too much before parrying, or a million other little mistakes, then...well, she can tell him every different way possible that he's wrong and it still won't make a lick of difference until he does exactly what's going on in this chapter: practice (and loose) until he gets it right. It's not that he doesn't understand his mistakes (probably, if he's even remotely like a normal martial arts student), it's that his bad habits just take over in the middle of a bout because he hasn't perfected good ones yet.
Of course, then the rest of the 'training' goes on to talk about 'seeing' and being 'thoughtful' and totally full of crap, so it's still just as horrible as ever.