His writing definitely could have been improved. I think that whole series could have benefited from a really good editor.

When I read them I wasn't too worried about that stuff, though; they were just fun reading.

All of which is true. Neil really hit the nail on the head. Of course, I know someone who thinks the same thing about the Star wars prequel trilogy. I am a stout defender of the trilogy, despite acknowledging its' shortcomings. In this case, I am the attacker, and you all can be relieved that you can sit back and stoutly defend it, and we can all see it for what it is, not the most glorious books since LotR, but neither a manuscript that should have never been published. (Save us from ever wishing that upon another author!)

And anyway, I should stop rambling and get back to reading...

Maybe we all should all take a page from Christopher book so to speak.
(after all he is the one who was a published author at age 16 )

(Oh, and about SW prequels terrible writing but I won't go there...)

(Boy I sure disagree with a lot of people....)

What I'm pointing out is that everyone is entitled to their opinions. And the Star Wards trilogy is just another example.

Now I really am going to go read...

I think Katie is being misunderstood. Katie isn't saying that Chris isn't a good writer, but that he could have benefited by waiting to publish his book. If he had waited a couple years and honed his writing and editing skills, I think Eragon would have been a lot better. His writing is improving with age. He was very young when he was published. We all commend him for that. But the general feeling is that maturity would have helped strengthen his work. Katie isn't dissing the book, she's examining it from a writers standpoint, just like screenwriters and directors like to analyze movies.

You realize a statement like that just makes us all the more eager to hound your opinions out of you?

I have a few issues with the series myself. I wasn't a hard-core writer when I read them (just designing) so I can't give you anything there but there are still it's downfalls.

I really like the "setting out" in a book so Roran's part was awesome to me. Especially since he didn't have a dragon or magic or Obi-Wan to help him. He was the average guy who became an excellent leader in a tough time which is great because how many of us will get a dragon? His position was easier to connect with.

I don't think this happened until Brisingr so don't read this if you haven't read the book first. This is the issue I have with Roran. I kept it really short and non-ranty so you people who aren't there yet won't get too agitated wondering what it says.

A man in that day and age would not stoop to a place such as sleeping with his girlfriend!

It's interesting what he's done with the worldviews of Elves and Dwarves but it seems contradictory to me. The whole science and magic thing reminds me of a line from the Screwtape Letters.

I don't remember when this one is so I'll hide it just in case.
What's with Saphira getting drunk anyway?