Murtagh by Christopher Paolini (13+)
Murtagh is a follow-up book to the Eragon triology that follows the heroic adventures of Murtagh and Thorn following the victory of Alagaësia from the debased King, Galbotrix- and let me tell ya, it delivered. Murtagh and Thorn are the best type of characters. They are flawed, relatable, broken and yet heroic and trying desperately to do good. Paolini does a beautiful job of exploring themes of redemption and freedom while Murtagh and Thorn confront their painful pasts while being complete badass ex anti-heroes in a story of good versus evil. It’s a good one, folks, and I’m amped for the next book in the series to come out.
Points of interest: I felt like there were a few characters that could have been developed more. Thorn and Murtagh were the only characters you really know and were with throughout the whole book, which made it in some ways too… singular? It also took a long time to finally arrive at Nal Gorguth (the source of the evil that Murtagh is compelled to explore). I love a good, long build up, but this build up didn’t include much diversity in character, so I felt myself impatient a bit. I will say this could have been intentional by Perhaps not a flaw of the author, and more of me, the reader, but I felt it nontheless.
The Eragon Trilogy by Christopher Paolini
This series is the perfect read through for a 13-15 year old boy, and generally a great read for anybody above. It has dragons, elves, dwarves, magic, the whole gambit, all tied together in a solid story line and premise of evil versus good. Chirstopher Paolini only gets better with each book. The series follows Eragon, and his companion dragon, Saphira, in a tale to conquer the corrupt King, Galbotrix, for the kingdom of Alagaësia. It’s endearing in its simplicity and thoughtful in its principles. It also has a GREAT ending that emphasizes compassion and understanding.
Points of interest: The author was quite young when he published the first book, and it does show. The writing is pretty simple and the character development with Eragon is a bit impersonal and shallow (each book gets better, however). Also, as a disclaimer, there are spiritual components introduced in the book that vary from the different races in the book that are not christian based (elves, dwarves, humans, etc all believe something different). It could help cultivate some good discussion if you and your kids talk about Ergaon’s personal spiritual wrestling, and how that translates to their own beliefs and walk.
Red Rising by Pierce Brown (ages 16+)
Though technically considered dystopian/science fiction, the Red Rising series reads like a fantasy and I had to review it because it was FANTASTIC. I have had a 6 month bout of gratitude etched into my heart all due to this incredible series. Leadership, sacrifice, friendship, justice. The reality of our world and relationships are so clearly unveiled through this story that it made me weep several times. The main character, Darrow, is a miner of the lowest ranking hierarchical class that slowly grows to the highest ranking group of individuals, “the golds”. The story is of a war for justice in light of great prejudice and corruption. My hope in Jesus and his kingship became wholly real throughout this series, and I couldn’t stop tearing up at the reality that we will truly live in a world that is whole and good, redeemed by Christ’s blood and the epic story of God and man.
Points of interest: The humor is genuinely hilarious (to me), however, I will say it’s very crude – which may not be your thing. Also, the fighting is very gory, hence the 16+ rating.
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis (7+)
This is such a wholesome read, with so many life lessons sprinkled within. Accompany our favorite sibling squad grow up and learn the ins and outs of trusting what is good through epic adventure. Lucy’s simple faith touched me the most, and I couldn’t help longing to return to that little girl I once was. Each character brings pieces of ourselves out and the whole premise challenges us to fight for love, sacrifice and hope.
Points of interest: Sometimes I offhandedly found myself comparing this series to Lord of the Rings and it just can’t compare. I have to remind myself that they are different stories with different intentions, but it, unfortunately, made the story “less than” because I just like Lord of the Rings better.
A Court of Thorn and Roses by Sarah J Maas (24+)
This one is awfully popular these days, and for good reason. Sarah’s books are like catchy songs, you just can’t stop reading once you’ve started. They have some of the most sought after elements: good versus evil, cool and clever characters, sexual tension. This is the first book of six, and it kind of shows. This one felt too obvious for me. Like I knew what was going to happen before it did and usually solved the riddles before the characters. However, the rest of her series takes serious turns that I did not expect and her writing just seems to get better and better. These books are for a mature reader ESPECIALLY the fifth and sixth book. It was just too raunchy for me, and I think I ended up skipping like half the book. yeesh.
Points of critique: See above:D
A Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas (24+)
This series in general is well-written, witty and horribly addictive. I slammed through these books because of the twists and turns as well as the compelling relational dynamics. What was most interesting about these books was Sarah’s exploration of evil as an infection and the antidote of healing. This bigger theme was not lost on me, and she did a fair job of executing it. Also, who doesn’t love a bad ass female lead role destined to save the world?
Points of interest: There is some definite spice in these books that you may need to skip over. Which is fine, just annoying. Also, it’s definitely a feel good book, which I personally like in a book, but some readers may not. It’s in ints genre for sure: unrealistic and fantastical. Also Sarah tends to create strong female characters with a lot of past trauma that in some way… glorifies trauma? I think there is an underlying notion that strength must be earned by traumatic experience. This isn’t outright said, but something you kind of glean, and it just kind of bugged me.
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
This book was a good/average fantasy read. It felt like Eragon meets Harry Potter, but with a girl lead and a little spicier. Violet Sorrengail is our heroine that is forced to brave Basgiath War College, where she will become a dragon rider or die trying. There is of course a handsome “enemy,” a true friend, and rising war tension surrounding their homeland, Navarre. It’s a popular pick and a quick read!
