WHAT'S IT ABOUT? The first in an epic fantasy trilogy (originality, behold thee!), following Eragon, the last dragon rider. Whether you like this depends on whether that sentence made you leap with joy or run screaming from the room.

ANY GOOD? It's packed with plenty of battles, monsters and John Malkovich frothing at the mouth as the bad guy. Passable family fun. That'll do for Xmas.

QUOTE FOR THE POSTER: 'Geek-tastic!'