Review - Eldest - 7/10

The followup of the great first fantasy novel "Eregon".

In case you have not read the first novel, Eregon discovers what he thinks is a giant precious stone. When it turns out to be a dragons egg, he realizes that the evil kingdom is out to destroy him and his dragon. In the process of fleeing he learns about his special powers and begins to cultivate them.

In the second novel, Eregon travels to the kingdom of the elves to receive training for him and his dragon. Meanwhile his cousin, Roran, who returns to the city where Eregon lived with Roran's father, discovers that Eregon is missing and his father was murdered. After being attacked by the kingdom soldiers, he convinces his fellow villagers to flee across the great mountains called The Spine.

Like many second novels in a trilogy this story ends up being just a set up for the third book and not much happens until the last quarter of the book. I also think Paolini should have spent more time on Roran's story than Eregon. Eregon's studies and lessons were interesting at times, but much of it seemed to be pointless and dragged on too long.

Another strange thing is that the story is sort of a "Star Wars" meets "Lord of the Rings". I am not going to make accusations, but at the very least much of the plot is not very original. I kep't thinking I was going to read the phrase "Luke--I am your Father."

Aside from those short comings this was a great epic read, and I am looking forward to the last book. Having read a bunch of fantasy novels lately, I am coming to realize that this genre is a very difficult to get right. I think Paolini is one of the very few authors that his been successful in my opinion. Not to the level of Tolkin or Lewis but probably at the level below those two great giants.

Review - The Lincoln Lawyer - 10/10

In this novel, Michael Connelly introduces us to a new character in his arsenal and hopefully this is a character that we will see again in the future.

Mickey Holler is defense lawyer with the skills and savvy of any of the best lawyers in the business. He is a son of a world famous lawyer himself although he did not really know his father because he past away when he was five. He has a unique working style in that he does not work out of an office but he has hired a former client whom he represented to drive him around in his Lincoln Town Car and it is there in his car where he does most of his work.

The story begins when Mickey is hired by a client who is suspected of attacking and raping a hooker. The client is extremely wealthy real estate agent and Mickey knows that this case is going to earn him a tremendous paycheck.

Things begin to get serious and personal as he investigates the case and as Mickey says he comes in contact with pure evil.

The twists and turns in this book are breathtaking and never stop. I found myself anxiously a waiting the next time I could pick up the book because I had to know what was going to happen next.

In the end, it is also a great story of redemption as Mickey tries to regain ties with young daughter and mend his relationship with his ex-wife, and although at times he makes mistakes and bad decisions he ultimately does the right thing risking everything.