Post Re-read 29/03/20: Somethings are meant to be, I guess! I remember that I ASKED for this book’s review copy thinking that I’ve never read short stPost Re-read 29/03/20: Somethings are meant to be, I guess! I remember that I ASKED for this book’s review copy thinking that I’ve never read short stories and that I should give it a try. Little did I know Lady Fortuna was guiding me towards an amazing author! I really like this book. The more I spend time with this book, the more I realize that this reads like a book from a seasoned author. There is a confidence in the writing style. A knowledge of being able to do justice to the task undertaken.
I have loved quite a few authors but I never understood the concept of fan girl/boy. I guess I was unlucky like that. But now I’ve found the queen of my heart!! The author is such an amazing and lovely person and so approachable! I love interacting with her through her FB/insta page and she always obliges. Although I am sure that to her I sound like a complete dork because whenever I talk to her my cheeks flush, my heart flutters and my mind goes blank!! God, I’m starting to sound like a teenager in love!! :P Damn you Priyanka! But I love you for writing this book. Know that you have earned yourself a crazy stalker fanboy for life. Will you have me please?
I believe it’s much easier to be kept awake by a book for all the excitement and suspense and action. But it’s hard to put a reader to sleep with a smile on their face. I never read a book like that. This is that book. I can fall asleep with this book laid open on my chest and with a smile on my face. That, I think, can be my biggest compliment to you, Priyanka. Thank you, once again for the signed copy. I am indebted. And it’s even more special that it’s my first signed copy from any author. First times are always extra special, right? *wink wink* I’m a cheeky bastard and I am going to hell for it!! :P
Original Review: For sometime now, I have been looking for an Indian author that I could cherish and after reading their work I am left to admit, “Boy, that was great!” And I also have been looking for a female author to fall for. One for whom I could say that I will want to read more from. But never did I know that both these wishes of mine will be granted through one small package called My Jiffies: Narration of Moments, Unadulterated and Unpackaged. You know how they say, “Best things come in small packages”? Only now I realize the truth in those words.
“He doesn’t want to conceal his interest anymore and says:”Priyanka Sharma Kaintura, I think I’m in love with you!! <3
Short stories are not my thing. Not really. When I got this book, I had no expectations. When I opened the book to see that these short stories were mostly one paged, some only as long as a few lines, I almost gave up. What little hope I had, was fleeting. But then I read the 1st page and the quote about hopes.
Why collect all your hopes in one place, hoping hope will brighten up your world. Let the light of hope be speckled in unknown spots, so it can surprise you with a twinkle here and a sparkle there.
That's when I knew that something is about to change. And change it did! I now realize how amazing short stories can be in the hands of one as lovely as Priyanka! Ah, the feels! So many feels!! Best one though? To be able to fawn over an author and to be left wanting for more!
Though the stories are all bite sized, they are still deep and meaningful. They invoke a thought process and in many cases they will make you reminisce. This is not a collection of short stories. Not really, no. This is a collection of thoughts, musings, experiences and feelings. This is a book, with all of its pages comprised of the purest of emotions that our hearts hold. This is not a book, atleast not for me. These are feelings, given physical form and given voice through paper and ink. I can only try to express (and probably fail) how much I loved this book and the author for what they made me feel. A host of feelings and memories revisited me in the moments when I read this book.
Love is a great thing. It is most likely the only sensation in the world, which enables us to live in the moment.
This book is divided into 7 categories. 1. Orations 2. Eclogues 3. Monologues & Dialogues 4. Stories 5. Pathos 6. Satire & sarcasm 7. Life Aphorisms & Epigrams
This book is definitely among the top 3 that I have read this year and I am so glad I gave this a fair chance. It was quite amazing to read the words that form a huge chunk of my thoughts and to have my feelings made flesh from someone else. It was a wonderful thing to read from someone like minded. Something so cozy about the fact that someone else feels the way you feel and notices what you notice. See how perfectly we fit into each other?
The author has a very fluent and smooth writing style. It’s a fresh narrative and has a very delicate and realistic touch. So much so, that even when she writes about an extra-marital affair, she does make it sound like love and that’s quite a feat because for me personally, that particular setting never works. Even though I find myself quite incapable of appreciating poetry most of the times, I really did like the offerings here. Not once does it come off as amateurish or as a forced or a rushed book. There are practically no editing mistakes and all in all, this book is something you can definitely enjoy as some light reading. Although, not all that light because it sure will touch your heart. And if you are lucky, it might steal your heart like it did mine.
Amongst the stories, I adored quite a few. 1. Disappearing Memory of Partition. 2. Satvin Trees. 3. Her pointless conquest. 4. Are You Mollifying the Right Shiva.
The one that I loved, was titled Arjuna & Bhima.
Strange are the ways of love. Draupadi could shut her eyes to all that Arjun did not do and still love him. She could also shut her eyes to all that Bhima did do and still not give him the place she had saved for Arjun.
The story that took the cake was titledThe Light Inside.
There is light all around me but so much darkness inside me. I am happy, yet, what do I seek? I have everything. Yet, what is missing? How on earth do I get illuminated inside and rejoice Diwali from within? How I wish I could untangle these strings…
But the story that really touched me:Rain Mask
This year too, he waits for the rain, but for an unusual reason. This time, he steps in the rain to cry his heart out, so no one can see the tear drops. He uses the rain as a mask.
Have you been hungry and were offered munchies? As you keep munching, you’re not satiated, if anything, you are left wanting for more after you’re through. This was like that. I dragged this book out towards the end. Toying with the idea of finishing it. I did not want it to end. I am left craving for more. This book has been a cherished read and I can say with a certain level of surety that I will be reading it again sometime.
I am, for the very first time, completely satisfied and content with a book that I was asked to review. I couldn’t have asked for better.
I wish the author great luck and success in her current and all future endeavors and I would really, really love to read more from her. (Secretly hoping to receive next book of hers for review and wishes it comes out soon).
“The world is stretched thin, Eragon. Soon it will snap and madness will burst forth. What you feel is what we dragons feel and what the elves feel
“The world is stretched thin, Eragon. Soon it will snap and madness will burst forth. What you feel is what we dragons feel and what the elves feel—the inexorable march of grim fate as the end of our age approaches. Weep for those who will die in the chaos that shall consume Alagaësia. And hope that we may win a brighter future by the strength of your sword and shield and my fangs and talons.”
Well that was some ride! Amazing! First off thanks to my BR partners, Her Purpleness and Her Pinkyness, who not only kept me company but also greeted and treated me with such amazing warmth! I felt so welcomed. Thank you, ladies!!
I don’t think I can review this book effectively. Mostly bcz I read it on the go and in small bits and pieces. The impact was somewhat lost on me (thanks to RL shit)! I’ll still try.
When I last read this series in 2013, I wasn't reading. Not really. I was burying myself in anything that could save me from what afflicted me at that point of time. This series saved me by not just keeping me sane when I probably would have lost myself, it also became close to my heart for some reason, a reason that I lost with time and as I healed. When I set out to re-read this series, I wanted more than anything to find that reason, that connection, which made this series special for me, not to mention that it made me a reader.
“Things that change and are lost, that is what’s worth preserving.”
I found that reason in this book. It is a deep bond that I share with Eragon. Something that has been captured well by Paolini. That Eragon went through it and still stood strong, it gave me hope and will to keep fighting and pushing when I needed it the most. It may sound childish, drawing strength or inspiration from this series or this character but that’s the truth. I will forever cherish this series for some very deeply personal reasons. Eragon will always be a brother, Saphira the greatest friend, Arya my love, Murtagh will be the embodiment of all my betrayals and Galbatorix will be the ultimate foe!
Given that I am super biased towards this series, I’ll keep this review short and as impartial as possible. Here goes:
After the battle of Farthen Dur is done and dusted, scarred as he is, Eragon wakes up to all the devastation around, and yet, he along with Varden must suffer another blow! The setback that charges up the political maneuvering, one where we see Eragon and Saphira grow a touch through their decision making. [image] The battle that has ended brought but a small taste of what is to come and the inevitable war that looms. And if he hopes to survive the war, he must be instructed in the ways of the Dragon Riders. Eragon and Saphira must travel to the land of the Elves, Ellesmera, for there is much they need to know and understand but not enough time.
While Eragon deals with his troubles, Roran has his own share and along with all of Carvahall, they must deal with their problems to make a stand or be obliterated at the hands of the Ra’zac or worse, sold into slavery. And that cannot stand. So they must abandon all they own and know, their homes and lands, and make hard decisions, to fight and even kill!
“Roran had never expected or wanted to kill, and yet he had taken more lives than anyone else in Carvahall. It felt as if his brow was marked with blood.”
Tbh, there isn’t much ‘keeps-you-on-the-edge-of-your-seat’ stuff happening in this book except for the battle sequence towards the end. This book is mostly character central. There are so many characters that come up so strongly in the book. Nasuada, who takes over the Varden and she is a great character that you wanna root for. She is strong and has potential. And yet, not unkind. Roran, who goes through hell to come out a changed and hard man, one who would do anything to achieve his goals. Arya, who is still much of a mystery, her character is very nicely done, I love her strength and resolve.
But the highlight has to be Eragon and Saphira! They both grow and learn so much more and they come even closer, if that’s possible. I love their interactions, their elating and their despairing moments. They have such range from squabbles like siblings to jealously like lovers and advice and concern like parents. I really, really love how Saphira refers to Eragon as ‘little one’ in places and thus adding extra charm! Their bond and interactions are not to be missed.
“Shall we dance, friend of my heart? We shall, little one.”
[image] The final battle sequence is somewhat short, I felt. And could have been more intense than it was but that’s a minor complaint. The writing overall is pretty great and so is the storyline. The twist at the end of the book is a nice one too! I knew it since I am re-reading but otherwise it’s pretty awesomely done and it is also nice to see Eragon being put down.
“Eragon closed his eyes, tears leaking from under the lids. They had won, but he had lost.”
It’s a great book in its own right! Even if it draws on Tolkien, which I still don’t see or feel btw, it lacks nowhere! It holds its own just fine! Making comparisons as desperate as Eragon = Aragorn or Arya = Arwen is kinda off putting to me. In my opinion, Paolini did a great job of writing and creating The Inheritance Cycle and comparing him to Tolkien is an insult to both authors.
I can say that I loved the book thoroughly! The pacing of the book is fab and it keeps you hooked. Not much happens in the book except for a lot of buildup and some major character building and yet, so much happens! This book serves as a proper launch pad for the next book, which I trust to be a cracker bcz more battles and skirmishes are on the way for the swords are drawn and the armies march. Allies have been called upon and some unexpected support has been found. Now everyone must declare themselves and must fight to be rid of tyranny!
“Is it time to fight, Eragon? asked Saphira, an odd note of formality in her voice. He knew what she meant: Was it time to challenge the Empire head-on, time to kill and rampage to the limit of their considerable abilities, time to unleash every ounce of their rage until Galbatorix lay dead before them? Was it time to commit themselves to a campaign that could take decades to resolve? It is time. said Eragon”
I will be back soon, Eragon & Saphira! Until then, fair winds! [image]...more
When I read this book almost 4 years years ago, I didn’t even have an account on GR. So I never reviewed it or said anything about this book. Now hereWhen I read this book almost 4 years years ago, I didn’t even have an account on GR. So I never reviewed it or said anything about this book. Now here I am, 4 years later, re-reading this book when I do have an account and I can write a review to gush about this book but I probably still can’t.
This book has been special in many ways.
It was this book in particular that re-introduced me to the love of reading and the world of books after a hiatus of 8 odd years. It was this series that brought me to the GR universe which is now a huge part of my everyday life. And it was this series that saw me through some really tough times, saved me more like, that might have broken me otherwise.
This book, this series, Eragon and Saphira and Murtagh and Arya will always hold a special place in my heart and always shall I be biased towards it.
A lot of people hate this series because they say it is heavily influenced if not a total ripoff from LOTR. I haven’t read that series and so I can neither validate nor refute their claims. But I can say, even if it were true (which can be said for a lot of fantasy books, I am sure), Paolini lacks nowhere in his writing. His world building is good and gradual. There are no info dumps and well, it has DRAGONS! (Any Dragon haters reading this, now would be a good time to move on from here.)
Here goes my feeble attempt at reviewing this book.
From this moment on, I’ll live by the sword. Let the whole world see what I am. I have no fear. I am a Dragon Rider now, fully and completely.
Eragon, a farm boy out hunting for game finds a polished blue oval stone. One he tries to sell for some money that is needed badly. No one seems to know what it is or its worth. Eragon cant figure out what to do with it when one morning, it HATCHES! Eragon recoiled in shock. Standing in front of him, licking off the membrane that encased it, was a dragon. He shifted slightly, and the dragon’s head snapped around. Hard, ice-blue eyes fixed on him.
Dragons Ho!!
But now he must run! Unbeknownst to him, there are enemies who want to hunt him and his dragon down. He finds help in the old village story teller Brom, who has secrets and a shady past. On the run, they must fight and hide and run like the wind to stay ahead of their enemies to reach a safe haven. During his flight, Eragon learns much from Brom, about Dragons, their history and magic. He learns to use a sword and earns a sword as gift from his companion, guide, tutor and father figure. This sword is named Zar’roc. It had been created for the violent convulsions of battle, to end men’s lives, yet it held a terrible beauty. A red blade, fit for a Dragon Rider.
Running for their lives, battling odds, when they finally reach the doors that were promised to provide friendly shelter and respite and help, while they do get all that, it doesn’t come without a price.
It seems, Eragon, that we are embroiled in a new type of warfare here. Swords and claws are useless, but words and alliances may have the same effect.
This book is a great piece of writing and that cannot be refuted even if it borrows from some other books. Add to the fact that this book was written and self-published by a 15 year old Paolini, it becomes that much more fantastic. I love how the world building is slow and steady. The world is very well explained and detailed. The chapters where Brom instructs Eragon in magic and Dragon lore are really well paced and don’t feel like information is being unloaded. The magic system is well made and the characters are amazingly shaped.
I love how Eragon pines for home and family like a normal person would. He fears. He makes mistake and is foolish at times and how Brom doesn’t make it easy on him.
From now on you’re going to have to think. There’s a reason why we’re born with brains in our heads, not rocks.
Eragon is not your insta hero. He isn’t proficient with arms or magic or even wits. He learns. He grows as a character slowly. A boy who is afraid of the world he is put in, finally steps upto it and is ready for it. I’ll fight when needed, revel when there’s occasion, mourn when there is grief, and die if my time comes . . . but I won’t let anyone use me against my will.
But all this can be found in any other book, right? What makes this book worth it?
Saphira! Eragon’s Dragon. She is an amazing character. Fierce. Loyal. Loving. Caring.
You! You are the problem. Every time you leave my sight you get into trouble. You’re like a new hatchling, sticking your nose into everything. And what happens when you stick it into something that bites back?
Saphira’s character arc is so strong and varied that you can’t help but love her. She is a friend. The perfect friend one can ask for. Loving like a mother and jealous like a girlfriend. The connection between Saphira and Eragon is a very lovely thing, warm and beautiful. It is her unwavering loyalty and love that Eragon draws his strength from. And strong he must be for this journey has just begun and there are tough times ahead. Alliances to be made and prophecies to be riddled.
Listen closely and I will tell you two things. When the time comes and you need a weapon, look under the roots of the Menoa tree. Then, when all seems lost and your power is insufficient, go to the rock of Kuthian and speak your name to open the Vault of Souls.
Eragon knows his life will be anything but easy now. He needs to travel to far off places and fight powers far beyond him. His and Saphira’s adventure is only beginning and together they must achieve so much to free the world of tyranny. The going shall be hard but only through these hard times shall a true hero emerge.
Eragon laughed weakly and found himself crying because it hurt so much. Why me? He wondered. Sometimes, there are no answers. All will be well. Good night, little one, said Saphira gently. A small smile lifted Eragon’s lips, but he was already asleep.
PS: To anyone who shares my love for this series and didn’t know already, Paolini is planning Book 5 in this series which will center on Brom and has also announced that he has atleast 7 MORE stories set in Alagaesia which WILL contain ONE MORE series!! Cause for celebration? You betcha!!
PPS: Paolini is also coming out with a science fiction series. Excited? Yes! But damn you Paolini, get back to Alagaesia NOW!!...more
27/02/2020: Update 1: I was, just out of curiosity, reading again the part where Harry confronts Snape right after Dumbledore's murder and I can't emp27/02/2020: Update 1: I was, just out of curiosity, reading again the part where Harry confronts Snape right after Dumbledore's murder and I can't emphasize enough how well that was translated into the movie! The atmosphere captured so well! I personally feel that a lotta moments were done better in the movies than in the books and this is one of them. I absolutely love how Harry asks Snape to fight back! Dang boy! You got some heart! Much love to you!
“He’ll be famous – a legend – I wouldn’t be surprised if today was known as Harry Potter Day in future – there will be books written about Harry –
“He’ll be famous – a legend – I wouldn’t be surprised if today was known as Harry Potter Day in future – there will be books written about Harry – every child in our world will know his name!”
Am I supposed to review this now? For real? Bcz there isn’t one word I could say about it that hasn’t been said already. This series is my first love and first foray into reading. And there are memories attached to this. Memories of growing up with Harry, Hermione and Ron. Memories of a time when life wasn’t all that pleasant and these books brought a much needed respite. For that and much more, these books will always be special! Rowling will always be special. [image]
As I re-read this book after well over a decade, it still felt great. I was apprehensive in the beginning about this series getting tarnished for me but that didn’t happen. Although it is much clearer to me now what the target reader group was. And yet, it was a good fit. I still enjoyed it, quite more than I was expecting to, I was smiling and at a couple of places I laughed, thanks to Fred and George!
I bought the whole paperback box set on impulse, mostly for this BR, and I kept thinking why did I do it and what if I don’t feel like continuing with the series but I know now that I can re-read this series as many times as I want and it will never lose its charm for me! I loved every bit of the book and I am so happy I bought these glorious books with such amazing covers, like an investment! I will now be off to watch the movie (yes, I’ve watched the movies just the once too) and hopefully, all of us will resume this journey again soon enough bcz I know that I want to read this back to back very badly!
I have had fun! With all the amazing updates and the nicknames and the irrelevant banter and most of all, re-living the magic. This was a great BR and I wanna thank all you guys again. And a special mention to my dear Sillyhead who joined me on such a short notice! It was awesome to have you on board even if you joined forces against me when you were supposed to be on my side, you little shit and I won’t forget it ;)
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