Brisingr

Welcome friend! The book review for the third book in the Inheritance Cycle is here! Presenting Brisingr, the book I did not remember:

---

Brisingr – Review

Of all the books in the series so far, this one felt new to me. It was in the last 150 pages that the story started to feel familiar again. Here’s the familiar, unfamiliar, and the emotional:

Eragon

Helgrind and its consequences

Brisingr begins with Eragon and Roran at Helgrind. Roran’s beloved, Katrina, and her father Sloan have been captured by the Ra’zac and the time for the cousins’ revenge for Garrow’s death has come. This brings up memories of Eragon’s imprisonment at Helgrind in the first book, and the religion and customs of this place gave me goosebumps. The fighting in Helgrind was captivating. When Eragon finally interacts with the Ra’zac, knowing that its end is inevitable, the creature requests Eragon to remember its species in stories in exchange for Galbatorix’s secret. Eragon chooses not to indulge.

At Helgrind, Eragon finds himself in a tough spot when he discovers that Sloan is alive.  He does not believe Sloan deserves death over this bad attitude but he also does not want Roran and Katrina to have further complications in their relationship. Thus, he needs to get Roran and Katrina out of Helgrind without encountering Sloan. Eragon takes it upon himself to find another solution. As a result, Eragon has to find his own way back to the Varden. In talking to my friend, Yathi, who is also reading this book right now, I realized this is a point of contention with readers. 

Not everyone agrees with Eragon’s choice, fictional characters and readers alike. Eragon is admonished by Queen Islanzadí and reminded of his duties as Dragon Rider. She is unhappy with him but in the long memory of the elves, has already seen similar things happen with Brom. “Like him, you seem compelled to find the deepest patch of quicksand and then dive into it,” she remarks on pg 88. Later, Arya says something similar when Eragon and Arya have a heated discussion about the morality of not killing Sloan. I rooted for Eragon throughout. Elves and humans are a very good contrast when it comes to the value of lives and emotional engagement. I like what he stood up for himself. 

Both these situations speak to the person Eragon is, his values and boundaries. The Helgrind chapter brings an end to Eragon’s quest to avenge Garrow’s death. It has taken him a long way from home and made a true Dragon Rider out of him. He shares his feelings eloquently and I can relate to them when I have completed a project that was the focus for a long time.

With the Dwarves

Later, Eragon is sent to the dwarves as they decide their king. I loved the details with which the dwarves and their political system was written out. The dangers faced by Eragon during his time was a learning experience for him. This was a great book to get to know Orik and the costumes of Ergaon’s adopted people. I have liked Orik in previous books but here, he was truly able to shine. 

Whether success or failure awaits us, and I surely hope we prevail, our names shall be remembered until the end of time for how we comport ourselves at this clanmeet. That at least is an accomplishment to fill your belly with pride! The gods are fickle, and the only immortality we can count on is that which we win through our deeds. Fame or infamy, either one is preferable to being forgotten when you have passed from this realm.

– Orik, pg 485, Brisingr

I liked the collaboration with Urgals, Garzhvog in particular, the commentary on humans and Urgals fighting each other and how history shapes these decisions. Orik’s words at the coronation meet were moving and also touched on how the dwarves must change and not hide themselves under the mountains. That by not collaborating with other races, it hurts the dwarves too. Conversations on gods and religion continued through this book. The crowning ceremony was breathtaking and I was awestruck. Have I conveyed this properly: the world building is phenomenal and immersive. 

With the Elves

At the end of Eldest, Eragon had had a fateful encounter with Murtagh that he is still reeling from. Eragon is deeply hurt by Murtagh’s revelation about his father and his defeat has shown him how much he still needs to grow as a warrior and Dragon Rider before he can take on Galbatorix. Eragon has always respected Murtagh. He was a friend and even as foe, Murtagh has shown Eragon mercy. There is only understanding and helplessness in their relationship.

Murtagh had been whipped and whipped, and now he had his chance to strike back at a world that had shown him little enough kindness.

Eragon, pg 13, Brisingr

After the dwarves, Eragon returns to the elves’ home city to get some last tips from Oromis. His objective is actually three fold: he wants to talk about Murtagh’s comment about his parentage, he needs to find another weapon and some training would be nice as the last battle approaches. Nasuada understands the tough situation they are all in and tries to buy Eragon as much time as possible so that he can see Oromis.

I loved being back with Oromis and Glaedr! I always look forward to the wisdom in their conversations. Oromis has always been honest and level headed with Eragon’s questions. He is another character I admire. Pieces of history are interwoven well into the conversations, such as the loss of names of the dragons that belonged to the Forsworn and its consequences. Eragon learns more about the foe he will eventually meet. 

Brisingr is the end of an age. Oromis and Glaedr reveal all that they can before they walk into battle. The bond between dragon and rider is explored further through Oromis and Glaedr’s relationship. The time they have had to prepare for this moment has been ample and things must run their course now. I love how Oromis explains this:

“The time for hiding has passed, Saphira. Glaedr and I have taught the two of you everything we could in the brief while you were able to study under us. It was a paltry education compared with that you would have received of old, but given how events press on us, we are fortunate to have been able to teach you as much as we did. Glaedr and I are satisfied that you now know everything that might help you to defeat Galbatorix.

Therefore, since it seems unlikely that either of you will have a chance to return here for further instruction before the conclusion of this war, and since it seems even more unlikely that there shall ever be another dragon and Rider for us to instruct while Galbatorix still bestrides the warm earth, we have decided that we no longer have any reason to remain sequestered in Du Welden-varden. It is more important that we help [Queen] Islanzadí and the Varden overthrow Galbatorix than we tarry here in idle comfort while we wait for another Rider and dragon to seek us out.”

Oromis to Eragon and Saphira, pg 690, Brisingr

Eragon comes to realize that the teachers will eventually be gone and the responsibility to succeed and see the world towards a new age will be on him. I think The Wheel of Time portrays it best with the weaving of the threads. Eragon is like The Dragon in that book. Time weaves around Eragon, things just happen around him. Whether it is the cursed blessing to Elva or his sword, Brisingr, Eragon is special. I wonder about the toll of this responsibility on him. In Eragon’s words:

He had often longed to be treated as more of an adult, but nevertheless, he did not feel ready to take Oromis’s place. It seemed wrong to even contemplate the notion. For the first time, Eragon understood that he would eventually become part of the older generation, and that when he did, he would have no mentor to rely upon for guidance. His throat tightened.

Eragon’s thoughts, pg 692, Brisingr

Thankfully, he has Saphira and the work seamlessly as a unit. Being apart is akin to torture to them but when duty demands it, they do it. It was fun to read Saphira’s perspective. She has grown so much. She is a dragon and knows herself to be a superior being. 

“Turmoil accompanies every chance. And we have experienced more than our share, for we are agents of that very change. I am a dragon, and I do not regret the deaths of those who endanger us.”

Saphira, pg 18, Brisingr

But also on pg 219, “I cause things to happen.”

Saphira starts to interact more with Roran. She understands how deeply Ergaon cares for his cousin. Nasuada also finds someone to turn to in Saphira.

Nasuada

Life as the leader of the Varden is full of highs and lows. Nasuada is new to having a guard. I loved how the Nighthawk Captain confronted her about her choices to leave the guards behind and what it reveals to the spies watching them. He cautions her about trusting the witch child, Elva, more than her guards who have taken oaths in the ancient language to protect her. 

Deeply sad things also happen that warrant reflection throughout the book. One particular moment that stood out to me was related to this same Nighthawk Captain. His inspection of the elves did not serve him well and Nasuada has much to learn from it. 

“Do not blame us for what has happened; we cannot help our nature. And do not blame yourself either, for we live in an age of suspicion. To allow us to pass unchallenged would have been negligent on your part. It is regrettable that such an unpleasant incident should mar this historic meeting between us, but at least now you may rest easy, confident that you have established our origins and that we are what we seem to be: elves of Du Weldenvarden.”

Blödhgarm to Nasuada on pg 175 

Roran’s ideas and subordination causes Nasuada grief a number of times, His relationship to Eragon and his competence in battle make him an important ally but she cannot show favoritism. 

Roran

At Helgrind, Roran and Eragon acknowledge and discuss the effects of fighting and war on them. The cousins bond further by the horrors they have witnessed. Roran is struggling with PTSD and the people he has killed are taking a toll on him. 

Back at the Varden, Roran has his own challenges. He marries Katrina and their chemistry and love is beautifully portrayed. It gives a glimpse into the worry that war causes for loved ones, whether on or off the battlefield. Roran is growing fast as a warrior and leader. He knows he is capable but does not forget that this life is not what he had planned for. “I never wanted to be a warrior. I dreamed of blood and glory when I was younger, as every boy does, but the land was what was important to me. That and our family… And now I have killed… I have killed and killed, and you have killed even more,” he says to Eragon when they are in Helgrind. 

Roran takes what comes in stride and is an admirable man. He is smart and unafraid in the face of danger. He owns his mistakes and proves himself to be an asset to Nasuada. He can find ways to defeat the most formidable of foes. His luck, intelligence, calmness and presence of mind in battle are phenomenal. I am glad that the narrative focuses on him!

The sweet moments

The mundane everyday moments are always a highlight for me. 

When Saphira pokes her head into Nasuada’s tent and causes a mess, it is accepted by all and the area is left this way. 

Eragon is grossed out when he has to take wool out of Saphira’s teeth. 

The gift from Glaedr is another uncomfortable moment for him. 

The Ending

Eragon learns to fight alongside the elves, teaching and being taught along the way. His growth is similar to that of Nasuada. Neither are used to being important nor do they care for their safety but for these very reasons, they need the protection. Everyone knows it. The outcome rests on their survival and leadership.

Eragon experiences loss at the end of Brisingr. It is not like Garrow or Brom. There is the compounded pain of seeing someone lose their other half. But Eragon takes this grief in stride and is inspired to end the cycle of suffering for all of them.

---

I rarely ever find books where I want to go over the main plot points all over again in the review. The Inheritance Cycle is unique in how much happens in each book. I really like the pace of the story. Promises and mistakes from previous books are set right in Brisingr. Some things are starting to resolve as the storyline nears its end but so much is still to happen. I caught glimpses of characters and storylines that I don’t remember anything of. With Murtagh, the latest release in this series, I wonder if any of these will be important.

Stay tuned for the review of Inheritance, the conclusion of Eragon’s saga, or so I think. I will know more when I read Murtagh.

On a different book in this series? Check out Eragon and Eldest book reviews.