THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES by Arthur Conan Doyle
One hundred years before the first Harry Potter novel, Sherlock Holmes inspired readers almost with the same fervor and devotion. When the author tried to kill off his celebrated detective, readers protested so vociferously that Holmes was brought back to life for additional tales. But don’t tackle the first Holmes novel, A Study in Scarlet -- few youngsters will have patience for the long digressions in that work -- but go directly to The Hound of the Baskervilles, serialized in the Strand magazine to great acclaim in 1901 and 1902. Here Conan Doyle mixes in elements of suspense and adventure tales with his standard detective story devices. The result is a classic of genre literature that will still delight readers today.
ERAGON by Christopher Paolini
Why can’t a dragon be a cozy pet? Eragon turns the scaly nemesis of so many children’s tales into a warm-and-fuzzy advocate of righteousness and proper behavior. It is hard to believe that Christopher Paolini wrote this book while still a teenager. The prose at times is merely workmanlike, but the tale is vivid and communicated with passion. My youngest son had just turned seven when we read this book, yet he showed tremendous enthusiasm for all 544 pages, and was ready to tackle the sequel, Eldest, when we were finished.
Article comments
1 - Gordon Hauptfleisch
Well-written (as usual) round-up. Also selected as Book Editor Pick (see Book Page), but sorry: no fabulous prizes.
2 - Anna Creech
I have to disagree with you on Eragon, or at least ask that all of the sources for Eragon be included in the list. I'm glad to see The Hobbit on there, but any of Anne McCaffrey's Dragonriders of Pern series should be included, as well. I'm sure I'm not the only one who noticed how much Paolini borrowed from her dragonlore. Oh, and George Lucas should get his props, too. I mean, who didn't see the parallels with that? Orphan farm boy discovers mystical powers and heads out on an adventure to save the world aided by his mentor with a dark past -- it's Star Wars with dragons.
3 - Jared Wright
Yeah, great list, although I'll check Paolini at the door also. The rest all have their special place for sure.
4 - Dalton
It's 'Tolkien', not 'Tolkein'
5 - Natalie Bennett
This article has been selected for syndication to Advance.net , which is affiliated with newspapers around the United States, and to Boston.com. Nice work!
6 - Fleiger
That's a good article, and since I have read almost all (except 3, 4 and 7), I am pretty sure I am talking from experience. I didn't like "Series of Unfortunate Events" as the books are a bit too dark for my taste (considering childrens' books of course), and I am looking forward to getting to the Pullman Trilogy soon.
And I agree, despite the (mostly true) allegations of "inspirations" against Inheritance trilogy, I loved it... The Earthsea series is a superb one too.
Would you mind heading over to my post on My Top 5 Fantasy series?
7 - Fleiger
@Anna Creech:
Orphan farm boy discovers mystical powers and heads out on an adventure to save the world aided by his mentor with a dark past
Remove the "dark past" of mentor, and you get The Belgariad from David Eddings...
But I am assuming that you meant mysterious past, given as you are refer to Star Wars. So, the similarities are perfect.