Man what a story 'Brisingr' really was. Stories like this make me remember why I am so reluctant to ever really care much about a majority of TV shows or movies. Some books are just too good to really be enticed or impressed by much.
'Brisingr!' and 'Shadow of Doom' were really just masterfully written chapters. The battles felt so intense with Eragon and Saphira's new level of skills and knowledge of the world.
I had forgotten that Murtagh and Thorn actually FOUGHT Oromis and Glaedr. Murtagh and Thorn are really building their own odd legacy. They seem extremely formidable. I know they were aided by Eldunarí and whatever other benefits they received from Galbatorix but, their journey does really intrigue me so much. Oromis and Glaedr were still absurdly more wise and had a ton of power within Oromis's sword. Ultimately Oromis and Glaedr were on the verge of seeing victory vs Murtagh and Thorn, nevertheless it's so interesting. If I recall correctly later in Inheritance, Eragon and Murtagh duel, a duel in which Eragon struggles a bit, and I'm unsure if Eragon takes into account any experience Murtagh may have gained from being exposed to battling a legend like Oromis. Like my goodness. I think as a reader I assumed Eragon always simply was disadvantaged due to Galbatorix and Eldunarí assisting Murtagh and Thorn but I think Murtagh is very much on his own journey and simply very skilled himself. He also did train with his father, even if Morzan was awful. Also, Thorn did ultimately down Glaedr. Glaedr was heartbroken beyond comprehension and stuff so he wasn't himself of course, and it's anyone's guess if Galbatorix was using himself or Shruikan to aid Thorn. Just because Galbatorix took over Murtagh it's hard to say what he did or did not do with Thorn. All in all it's surprising how well that Murtagh and Thorn competed with Glaedr and Oromis. It's symbolic that Glaedr did take a chunk of Thorn's tail in that final exchange, similar to how Glaedr was missing his left foreleg.
Galbatorix intervening and completely taking over that battle seemingly single handedly was wild to me. Mind-blowing power indeed. Galbatorix may be the most intriguing villain I've ever read. Well, he's definitely up there. It truly makes me wonder more than ever as to why exactly he didn't just take over Alagaësia in full, Du Weldenvarden and The Beor Mountains included, by force. It seems that he literally could have at any time. The dwarves seemed very frightened of this possibility at all times. Galbatorix even says as much when speaking with Oromis. In general I found that conversation interesting. The series speaks on changing true names rather frequently... Not to necessarily suggest anything of that sort happened to Galbatorix but hmmm. If I remember right, Eragon defeats Galbatorix with relative ease in the next book, I'm curious as to how this all goes down. I mean I know some main reasons this happened but still... My memory is probably off on some details. Galbatorix is ultimately evil of course don't get me wrong, his atrocities and evil acts throughout his life cannot be measured but still, I am more intrigued by this story than I was when I read these when I was younger. As I've lived life and suffered many personal defeats and have gone through a lot, I'm much more intrigued by the bigger picture this time around. Like, Galbatorix is simultaneously the strongest and loneliest person ever I feel. Even the dragon he's taken by force doesn't care for him. Being so untouchable and yet so hated must be a very odd place to be. I mean, like at a certain point what is the point of all this if you're Galbatorix? Was his heart really into continuing being the King? Maybe it was, I guess evil people just like being evil. But something does feel a bit off. Call me what ya want, but this is very intriguing. In the end, Galbatorix did say when speaking with Oromis that death would never take him of course and in general his tone and energy did devolve into more anger and whatnot in his conversation, even claiming he'd enslave Oromis. Still I can't help but wonder why he didn't just take over. I guess if he did so there'd be no point to the entire Inheritance Cycle. I could say any powerful villain should have just 'taken over' I suppose. Also, with the dwarves now around once more in full, Eragon and Saphira growing stronger, the Varden, and elves fighting, it would be hard for even Galbatorix to prevail. The Ra'zac are also gone. It wouldn't just be a total piece of cake. I also can't recall what happens with Thorn and Murtagh if I recall correctly something happens with them involving Galbatorix's downfall. Also, Galbatorix HAS been the leader forever. It's kinda like, what else is he supposed to do? The guy has been winning essentially the entire time. So it's really just maintaining power and playing defense I guess. Hmmm. Very interesting to wonder though! I'm only more intrigued to re-read Inheritance and read Murtagh!
I also learned that there's gonna be a SECOND 'Murtagh' book??? What is going on?! Luckily I didn't get spoiled whatsoever, I sorta just noticed while browsing that it's supposed to be a duology??? That's a topic for another time LOL.
Yes, the action in the final pages of 'Brisingr' were next level. Eragon, Saphira and Arya having to defeat another birth of a Shade, while having visions of Oromis, Glaedr fight Murtagh, Thorn and Galbatorix fight leagues away was stunning stuff. Like just unbelievable!!
If this Disney+ series ever sees the light of day, I really hope this scene is taken seriously.
Truly this was one of the most exciting two chapters ever.
As I head into 'Inheritance' I'm only more excited. I only read Inheritance once, and I always remember it as being my favorite. But now re-reading these final chapters of 'Brisingr', this COULD be up for debate. Brisingr was next level. Eldest was also epic, I can't forget how unexpected Thorn and Murtagh's arrival was. Sheesh.
But yes, I could write about these books a lot. But I simply want to dive into 'Inheritance' QUICK. Life is too short to not enjoy these exciting tales.
My life has been chaotic personally, but I'm glad I never lost these books throughout the madness. I hope my son one day reads them and enjoys them as much as I have. That'd be cool.
