Joan Aiken is a marvel

A writer of wild humour and unrestrained imagination

Rumbustious . . . The reader is entranced by Joan Aiken's language and imagination, grotesque characters, picturesque settings and hilarity

A remarkable book . . . For the more sophisticated reader, the powerful blend of character angst and Gothic ghost story can be truly rewarding

An exhilarating, entertaining read

Splendid

Exciting and full of adventure.

Filled with darkness and evil, excitment and awe, this is a must for lovers of fantasy.

Eldest is absolutely stunning and proves Paolini is still burning bright. He has a real talent for brining his imaginary world to life and creating the most wonderful characters that walk out of the pages and into your mind.

Back page article about Paolini's success

Paolini's dragon epic shows he's a breath of hot air.

Mentions promotional event at the Cheltenham Festival

Article about the success of the book which is number 1 in the US charts

Short review

Included in Cheltenham Festival round-up of the first week: "author of the much-loved fantasy adventure Eragon

Eragon dabbles in magic - as does the author, as this book is wonderful...a real page-turner, the best adventure tale you'll ever read.

Interview with Christopher Paolini

Sophisticated...a plot following Eragon's cousin is compelling.

Paolini writes beautifully of another world full of magic. This second of a trilogy is a must for fantasy fans.

With Eldest [Paolini's] writing is far more assured...there's no denying Paolini knows how to tell a story.

If you want a book filled to the brim with adventures, magic, fighting and a fiendishly twisty story, pick Eragon and Eldest and I guarantee it will be hard to resist the lure of these titles.

Puts its teenage author firmly on the best-seller lists.

The scenes and characters were described so well I could create a picture in my head of everything - reader review (aged 12).

A most stunning piece of literature.

Fluent and action-filled.

Paolini has matured as a writer, but lost none of the imagination that makes this series such compulsive reading.

Better than the Harry Potter books... I can't wait for the next one.

Older neophytes of the genre will devour this with relish

An impressive achivement by such a young writer.

I strongly recommend this book to anyone, young or old, who appreciates loyalty, love, friendship and bravery. Uncommonly brilliant.

This is a fantastic book