Eldest, Chapters 33-36

Chapters read:

• The Secret Lives of Ants
• Under the Menoa Tree
• A Maze of Opposition
• Hanging by a Thread

These chapters felt very spiritual, as if I were watching a ninja or hippie movie or something. The elves in Alagaesia are very much like a hippie/ninja hybrid that can do magic LOL. Eragon literally mediated and did an elf version of yoga. I enjoyed the scene when Eragon got to experience the aunt and squirrel consciousnesses. Oromis is an interesting instructor for sure. It was nice to see Arya be not robotic and show a kinder side. The Menoa Tree is so interesting to me, I love trees in general in real life.

It was intriguing to see the book change up all of a sudden to Nasuada's character. I remember being pretty shocked by this as a kid. The very fact that the books changed perspectives at all really blew my mind back then. I notice now that Nasuada's chapters start pretty much right smack in the middle of the book. Close enough anyway, chapter 35 of 71. Nasuada is a determined individual, her personality and situation remind me a bit of Roran and what he's going through up north.

So yeah, Eragon is beginning to learn more about what it means to be a Rider and magic user, while the world around him is gearing up for war. Galbatorix is a very vague, classic villain which is cool. In other fantasy books, often times the villain is kind of very involved. In Harry Potter Voldemort is not introduced for awhile, but even he is seen and spoken to once he is introduced. I think Galbatorix being sort of cloaked in mystery is cool. His mere existence is enough to make society around him pretty much live in fear.

These were enjoyable chapters. Mostly plot developing and journey deepening or whatnot. If I remember correctly, a pretty gnarly scene featuring Nasuada is coming up! Let's go!!