One big problem, I think, is that Paolini seems unable to commit to a single vibe.
That's very true. He has an awful lot of tonal clash which has only gotten more pronounced over time. Attempts at grimdark are right next to childish jokes about hiccups which are right next to attempts at philosophy which are right next to attempts at being grand and epic. Like dude, you can't have it every way. Pick a tone and style and stick to it.
I've talked about this before, but I actually went to Reed College, the same school Paolini got into and chose not to attend, and I firmly believe that if he had actually gone, Eragon and his work as a whole would be much better for it.
Or he might have been unable to cope with the pressure after the easy ride he got for the first part of his education and dropped out after the first semester. The world will never know.
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Date: 2023-11-27 09:59 am (UTC)That's very true. He has an awful lot of tonal clash which has only gotten more pronounced over time. Attempts at grimdark are right next to childish jokes about hiccups which are right next to attempts at philosophy which are right next to attempts at being grand and epic. Like dude, you can't have it every way. Pick a tone and style and stick to it.
Or he might have been unable to cope with the pressure after the easy ride he got for the first part of his education and dropped out after the first semester. The world will never know.