BRISINGR Inheritance, Book III

The long-awaited third novel in Paolini's Inheritance Cycle will not disappoint devoted fans. Swords, sorcery, and plenty of "Chosen One" teenage angst await the listener. But wait, there's more—Gerard Doyle's performance takes the excitement and high fantasy of the story to dragon-soaring heights. He voices all the characters well but never overacts. Considering the length and breadth of the novel, the listener will be grateful. While the text does drag at points, Doyle is able to keep the listener mostly satisfied and engaged—Eragon's wallowing in fear and self-doubt might wear thin in print, without Doyle's energy to keep the emotions flowing. Doyle handles Paolini's fantasy language with ease and style, reminding the listener that some books improve when matched with a sympathetic, talented narrator. A.H.A. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2008]