Eragon and Bartimaeus Smackdown!

I recently read to young adult fantasy novels and the experience revealed some interesting things about the state of the genre. These books allowed me to see how two authors at different points in their careers tackled the subject matter.

Eragon is written by Christopher Paolini, who wrote this while still in his teens (the copy on the dust jacket states that he became a New York Times bestselling author at the age of nineteen). The story involves the titular character as he travels across a fantastic realm astride a blue dragon. Nearly every cliche in the fantasy genre makes an appearance in this book. These include: an evil, magic-using emperor; a wise but crotchety old man who is still capable of defeating his enemies at an advanced age; ugly, bestial cannon fodder; and elves. But Mr. Paolini demonstrates an assured writing style and a good grasp of the demands of the genre. Despite the fact that I have read bits and pieces of this same story in different books for over 25 years, I appreciated his style and admired the fact that he is still just a kid. I recommend this book to anyone who is not familiar with the genre (and, therefore, would not see the old chestnuts for what they are) but is looking for a nice read. In fact, it is a perfect book for kids.

The Golem's Eye is written by Jonathan Stroud, a veteran of many years in the children's book publishing industry (albeit chiefly as an editor). This guy knows his stuff! He is a master to Mr. Paolini's apprentice. He has a deft touch and a great facility for creating distinct characters and giving them unique voices. This book is the second of a trilogy concerning Bartimaeus, a djinn, the boy who conjures him and a girl who seeks to drive the djinn and the magicians who summon them from power. No major character is wholly good or wholly evil (admittedly, many of the older magicians are arrogant and avaricious to a man). The djinn is an entertaining and sly narrator, with a soft spot for the boy who commands him. The boy's conscience often conflicts with his ambition, and most of the time his ambition wins. The girl fights for equality and freedom with a band of thieves at her side. And the plot is straightforward but not cliche, a treat for victims of the genre like myself. After the kid reads Eragon (or any Harry Potter book), I'd put this series in her hands show that she can see how this should be done!