i'd never read any paolini novels despite various people saying to me the dragon reminded them of myself, i avoid fantasy novels as a rule although i have read the obvious ones. the only fantasy writer i think had something different to write was scott r baker who has written a very interesting sextet of books known as 'prince of nothing.' 

anyway's paolini writes his first adult science fiction novel, ot's taken him 10 years and it's a huge monolith which i read in about two weeks. i mean it's easy to read.

the story is not original, it's a sort of mish mash of classic themes, a strange artifact, a weird alien symbiotic being, a galactic war and a band of renegades in trouble with the authorities.

it's not a bad book but it's not really a book for anyone that likes science fiction to blow their minds, it's written for a basic audience and although within is a whole new universe it's very basic.

i'm curious to see how he builds the next book in the series but overall i'd suggest it's really a fantasy book written as a science fiction book. the alien could be a dragon, the quest at the first part of the book is every generic fantasy quest and the ending somewhat trite.

however this should not stop readers from enjoying it, characters are okay but never more than one dimensional, dialogue okay but predictable, aliens and termanology are a bit unimaginative but it will keep you turning the pages.