Brisingr

Brisingr

infobox Book |
name = Brisingr
title_orig =
translator =


image_caption =
author = Christopher Paolini
illustrator = John Jude Palencar
cover_artist = John Jude Palencar
country = United States
language = English
series = Inheritance Cycle
genre = Young adult literature, High Fantasy
publisher = Alfred A. Knopf
release_date = September 20, 2008 [http://alagaesia.com/Brisingr_PressRelease_web.pdf Press release] (January 16, 2008). "Random House" Accessed 2008-01-16.]
media_type = Print (Hardcover and Paperback) and audio-CD
pages = 748
isbn =
preceded_by = Eldest
followed_by = Book 4 (Unknown title)

"Brisingr" or "The Seven Promises of Eragon Shadeslayer and Saphira Bjartskular" is the third book of the "Inheritance Cycle" by Christopher Paolini, following the books "Eragon" and "Eldest". It was released on September 20, 2008. The title means "fire" in the fictional Ancient Language of Alagaesia; it is the "true name" for fire, which means other words refer to "fire", but "Brisingr" "is" fire.

The book sold 550,000 copies on its first day of sale, the most ever for a Random House Children's Book,Diane Roback (September 23, 2008). [http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6598359.html?desc=topstory ‘Brisingr’ Breaks Random House Children’s Record] . "Publisher's Weekly". Accessed 2008-09-23.] and debuted at #1 on USA Today's top150 bestsellers list. [ [http://content.usatoday.com/life/books/booksdatabase/default.aspx Bestsellers List] (September 25, 2008) "USA Today". Accessed 2008-10-06.]

Development

The "Inheritance Cycle" was initially planned to be a trilogy. In an October 2007 press release, Paolini revealed that the third book would have been so large that it would need to be published in two volumes. [http://www.alagaesia.com/kvetha/paolini_announcement.pdf Press release] (October 30, 2007). "Random House" Accessed 2007-10-30.] An April 11, 2008 newsletter sent out by Paolini said that this book was longer than either "Eragon" or "Eldest". [ [http://www.alagaesia.com/newsletter/EragonNewsletter_2008April.html Alagaesia News] . (April 2008) Alagaesia.com. Accessed 2008-04-13.]

Paolini began providing hints about the plot with a March 2005 interview with Shurtugal.com. He suggested the next book would include whether Saphira ever finds a mate, and find the Varden shifting favor away from Nasuada as leader. [ [http://www.shurtugal.com/?id=site/cp-chat-interview Interview with Christopher Paolini] . "Shurtugal.com". Accessed 2006-12-19.] [ [http://www.shurtugal.com/?news=34 Highlights from the CP Phone Chat] with Mike. "Shur'tugal". Accessed 2007-06-30.] Paolini answered some questions for his fans on his official site in July and August 2006 [ [http://alagaesia.com/talktrilogy.html Talking Trilogy with Christopher Paolini] "Alagaesia.com". Accessed 2006-12-19.] and gave a video interview in December 2006 to promote the movie. [Christopher Paolini. "Eragon Red Carpet Interviews" (video). "Shurtugal.com", London.] Paolini said the coming book would explain how Thorn, Murtagh's dragon, matured to rival Saphira despite their age difference, and the nature of the spirits that sorcerers summon. In February 2007, Paolini answered an Open Letter from the Czech fan site Alagaesia.net and Eragon1.net. He hinted that the rest of the Inheritance Cycle would reveal information about Brom's lover, about Ajihad and Arya's background, and about dwarf culture. [ [http://www.alagaesie.net/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=50 Open Letter to Christopher Paolini] "Alagaesie.net". Accessed 2007-03-14.]

Title and cover

Paolini said about the title: "'Brisingr' is one of the first words I thought of for this title, and it's always felt right to me." As it is the first word in the Ancient Language that Eragon learns, it holds a particular significance for him. "Brisingr" is the Ancient Language's word for "fire", used to summon and control fire by magic-users in the series, and it ends up being the name for Eragon's sword. Paolini revealed the subtitle, "The Seven Promises of Eragon Shadeslayer and Saphira Bjartskular", in a July 1, 2008 newsletter from Alagaesia.com.

John Jude Palencar illustrated the cover featuring the golden dragon Glaedr. The content of the cover was one of the few things initially confirmed by Paolini. The cover was first to feature an emerald-green dragon looking to the right. [ [http://www.shurtugal.com/?news=archive-view&year=2004&month=5 Highlights from the CP Phone Chat)] . (May 19, 2004) "Shurtugal.com". Accessed 2008-03-30.] Paolini later indicated that this was affected by the expansion of the series to a four-book cycle, but did not explain the change at the time. [Christopher Paolini (December 19, 2007). [http://www.shurtugal.com/?id=mandm/archives/2007/december192007 Alagaesia Newsletter] . "Shur'tugal.com". Accessed 2007-12-23.]

Promotion

In March 2008, a spoiler was released on the cycle's homepage Alagaësia.com, stating that "In "Brisingr", Eragon will meet a god." [ [http://www.alagaesia.com/spoiler.html Spoiler for Book Three] . "Alagaesia.com". Accessed 2008-03-19.] A second spoiler was released in May saying that, "Eragon will meet a terrifying new enemy; one who likes to laugh a lot, but not in a good way." [ [http://www.shurtugal.com/index.php?news=616 Brisingr Spoiler Video] . "Shurtugal.com". Accessed 2008-09-23.] In July 2008, a third and final spoiler was released on Alagaesia.com, stating that "In "Brisingr", one of the characters becomes pregnant."

An excerpt from the third chapter of "Brisingr", "Light and Shadow" (now renamed "Assault on Helgrind"), was included in the "Eldest" deluxe edition and later released on the Fricaya network. [ [http://www.alagaesia.com/fricaya/excerpt.html Fricaya - Excerpt] . "Alagaesia.com". Accessed 2008-09-09.] This excerpt features Eragon and Roran traveling to Helgrind, in an effort to save Katrina (Roran's betrothed) from the Ra'zac's lair. Another excerpt was released on a Flash Drive. Fans had to pick one up at the give-out locations at a given date learned from a Vroengard Academy Side Quest or they could watch Christopher Paolini read it on www.amazon.com. This excerpt features Nasuada talking to elven spellcasters about war details and the whereabouts and protection of Eragon and Saphira.

"Brisingr" was released in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and the United Kingdom on September 20, 2008, with later releases in other countries. [ [http://www.shurtugal.com/?id=series/brisingr/releasedates "Brisingr International Release Dates"] (February 2, 2008) "Shurtugal.com". Accessed 2008-02-09.] More than 2500 midnight party events were held for the September 20 release.Judith Rosen (July 14, 2008). [http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6577725.html 'Breaking Dawn' and 'Brisingr' in a Post-Harry World] "Publisher's Weekly". Accessed 2008-09-23.]

The book sold 550,000 copies on its first day of an initial print run of 2.5 million copies. Both the initial print run and first-day sales were the largest ever for the Random House Children's Book division.

Plot summary

Eragon

Eragon, Roran, and Saphira are traveling towards Helgrind, the dwelling place of the Ra'zac, where Roran's betrothed, Katrina, is being held prisoner. Eragon mends the wound that was inflicted on Roran by a Ra'zac in Carvahall as they are camping. Together they infiltrate the fortress and are ambushed by the Ra'zac. Roran kills one of the Ra'zac while the other manages to escape into the depths of Helgrind. Roran rescues Katrina while Eragon finds Sloan, Katrina's father and a traitor to Carvahall, imprisoned. Eragon decides to remain in Helgrind to kill the remaining Ra’zac and deal with Sloan. He tells Saphira to go back to the Varden with Roran and Katrina, which she does. Eragon finds and kills the last Ra'zac with ease. Eragon then leaves Helgrind with Sloan and, using Sloan's true name, commands him to travel towards the elves' domain, and Eragon heads back to the Varden. Meanwhile, Saphira arrives at the Varden's camp without Eragon, so Arya sets off in pursuit of him. Arya finds Eragon traveling south in Eastcroft, and they escape to the Varden together. At the Varden's camp, Eragon fixes the curse he accidentally set upon Elva. He also pays his debt to Gedric, from whom he stole hides for Saphira's saddle, and he then visits Jeod and gives his wife a gift as well.

Murtagh and his dragon, Thorn, attack the Varden shortly after Eragon’s return, with a unit of soldiers. Elven spell casters aid Eragon, forcing Murtagh and Thorn to flee. After the fight, Eragon binds Roran and Katrina together in marriage. Then Nasuada orders Eragon to attend the election of the new dwarf king, insisting Saphira stay behind, which Eragon reluctantly agrees to. Among the dwarves, Eragon is reunited with Orik, the clan chief of Durgrimst Ingeitum. An attempt to kill Eragon is found to be the work of the clan Az Sweldin rak Anhuin, who are hostile toward Eragon. Orik presents evidence to the clan-chiefs, who banish the Az Sweldn rak Anhuin clan into exile. Having won the trust of the dwarves, Orik is elected the new dwarf king. At Orik's coronation, Saphira mends Isidar Mithrim, which Arya had shattered while rescuing Eragon from the Shade, Durza.

Eragon and Saphira decide to return to Ellesméra to continue their training. Eragon is told by Oromis and Glaedr that Morzan is not his father; Brom is. The next day, Eragon is told the source of Galbatorix's power; an Eldunarí, or a heart of hearts, is a dragon's heart, which contains their consciousness and exists forever. Glaedr explains that Galbatorix controls hundreds of these, which are the source of his power. They discuss Eragon's need for a new sword as well. Eragon visits Rhunön, the elven blacksmith, whom he asks to forge a new blade for him. She agrees, only after he retrieves the material needed, brightsteel, and Eragon names the sword "Brisingr". When Eragon sets off to return to the Varden, he finds that Oromis and Glaedr are departing as well. Oromis explains that the time has come to oppose Galbatorix alongside Islanzadí. Glaedr gives his Eldunarí to Eragon and Saphira before they part.

Eragon and Saphira return to the Varden, who are engaging in a siege of the city of Feinster, and are reunited with Arya. Eragon and Arya find the leader of the city, Lady Lorana, but discover that her three magicians are attempting to create a Shade. Eragon and Arya race to kill the magicians, as they transform a man into a Shade. Eragon passes out as Glaedr's Eldunarí depicts Oromis and Murtagh fighting, as Oromis suffers a seizure and dies. Eragon watches as Glaedr is killed by Thorn afterwards. As Eragon regains consciousness, he and Arya fight the Shade, Varaug, who falls to the duo. After the successful siege, Nasuada informs Eragon that the Varden plan to march to Belatona, then to Dras-Leona, then to Uru'baen, where they plan to kill Galbatorix.

Nasuada

Nasuada is being visited by Fadawar, a warlord of Nasuada's native tribe, about a request for power. After debate, Fadawar challenges Nasuada to the Trial of the Long Knives, involving cutting their own arms and seeing who can survive longest without submitting, as a test to see who is willing to suffer the most for their people. Nasuada accepts his challenge, and wins, at the cost of her own health. Saphira returns shortly after with Roran and Katrina, and Saphira explains that Eragon sought to stay in Helgrind.

Roran

After killing the Ra'zac in Helgrind and returning to the Varden, Roran has set about training for upcoming battles. Nasuada calls him to her pavilion, and asks him to serve in the Varden's military forces, to which he agrees. However, he requests to be married to Katrina first, insisting Eragon perform the ceremony. Having his request accepted, Roran prepares for the wedding. On the wedding day, the Varden is attacked by the empire, but the wedding still takes place three hours later. After that, Roran is sent on his first mission as an official part of the Varden's military; he is to ambush a convoy of the empire's supply wagons.

Almost immediately after successfully completing his mission, Roran is sent on another; to ambush yet another of the Empire's convoys. This one, however, was guarded by soldiers who feel no pain, so Roran's squad suffer extreme casualties, and only nine return to the Varden, with the commander unable to serve after losing a limb, causing a new commander to take lead. After shortly returning home, and being encouraged by Katrina, Roran is sent on a mission to take back one of the Surdan cities that the empire conquered. The new commander's plan almost drives the soldiers to death, but Roran takes command when all seems lost, giving new orders. Despite saving the operation, and killing one hundred and ninety-three men on his own, Roran is charged with insubordination, and is relieved temporarily of his duties.

When they arrive back at the Varden, Roran is whipped fifty times for the charges against him. After many hours, Roran awakes to Nasuada entering his tent, who gives him new orders. She promotes him to commander and orders him to ambush another convoy, which is done successfully. However, four Urgals in Roran's command were torturing the empire's soldiers, which he disapproved of. An Urgal challenges Roran for command, and Roran wins the challenge. After returning to the Varden, Roran is now sent to help the siege on Feinster, which is a success.

Reception

David Durham of the "Washington Post" praises Paolini for his streamlined prose, but says the novel drags a lot in the middle. He says Paolini shows greater maturity during some of the quiet moments of the novel, although these parts could bore younger readers. Paolini's new characters are original, and he adds depth to characters from the previous novels. [David Anthony Durham (September 25, 2008). [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/24/AR2008092403239.html For Fantasy Fans, the Dragons Fly Again] . "Washington Post". Accessed 2008-10-10.] In contrast, Sheena McFarland of the "The Salt Lake Tribune" says Paolini "hasn't learned how to create characters that readers can relate to", although praises him for the strong female characters in the book such as Arya and Nasuada. McFarland calls the last 50 pages "riveting", but says they are a "paltry reward for trudging through the 700 preceding pages". [Sheena McFarland (October 4, 2008). [http://www.sltrib.com/arts/ci_10638340 Books: 'Brisingr' bores with its meandering] . "Salt Lake Tribune". Accessed 2008-10-10.]

References

External links

* [http://www.brisingr.com.au/ The Official Australian Brisingr website]
* [http://www.alagaesia.com/fricaya/excerpt.html Excerpt] from the third installment at Alagaesia.com
* [http://inheritance.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page Inheriwiki] , an Inheritance Cycle wiki


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