Yet it is clear that a fourth volume will not be too much for our hero and his dragon (unless it's the opposite ... to understand the allusion, read!) Can finally undo (or not) the ignoble Galbatorix.
So of course this decision Paolini to transform his trilogy tetralogy affects the pace of the story: we are left with many passages very "contemplative" and sometimes downright "descriptive", interspersed with action sequences and battles each more violent and impressive as each other ... But is it really bad?
To me, not really, because with few exceptions (the council of dwarves, in particular), it is during these quiet moments (quite relative!) That Paolini takes the task of developing the universe he created , always making more credible and expanded. But also, and especially, its characters! Characters who, during the previous volumes, had not acquired sufficient depth Arya, Nasuada, Roran are prime examples! In this third volume, they take all their scope: a fierce leader Nasuada becomes desperate to carry out its objectives, and Roran becomes a warrior - with all the questions and the horrors that entails.
And Eragon in? Well, him ahead on the way of his destiny and becomes a little more "political". For the author insists well on its pivot key role among nations (elves, dwarves, Varden, Urgals ... etc.) And that role still makes less free of his actions ... like everything politician who respects himself, right?
But what has me most about this book is the relationship between Eragon and Saphira; it also evolves amid the tumult of events and these moments of introspection, contemplation I mentioned above ... It evolves to the point of becoming poignant, sometimes taking us tears and sometimes making us laugh out loud.
Revelations? Yes there are! Some frankly predictable (the origins of Eragon) and the other much less (the source of Galbatorix power).
So yes, it looks like a weird mix between Tolkien, Rowling, Lucas and sometimes Lewis; but why sulk our pleasure! Good fantasy series are sufficiently rare to be appreciated at their true value!
A tiny thing before concluding: I'm not sure this book to be put in the hands of younger, given the extreme violence of some scenes ...
Well, read on!
