What are you reading right now? (possible RotE spoilers)

[Valarya]

....it's all made worse with the storyline and other elements that mimic so many other fantasy stories.

This is my biggest gripe with Paolini. He brings some of his own creativity and imagination to the table, but mostly it's just so stolen. Even down to the fact the Elves came over to this land on White/Grey ships. Seriously, Paolini? Really?

I know that most fantasy works are retreads and all but...

No. No they really aren't. I don't think it's fair to SO many wonderful fantasy authors out there to use this excuse for Paolini. I have been reading fantasy novels most of my life, and I've read a lot of them. While some themes are similar throughout certain works, you never really feel as if entire ideas are out-right stolen like you do when you read Paolini.

This is far, far worse though, I think. Almost as if Paolini wanted to include references to all of his favourite fantasy stories and characters in the one story. Maybe he did and so maybe it's deliberate?

I don't think it was deliberate at all. I think he was just young, and gained so much popularity he just went with it. He's definitely more talented than MANY young people I know, but yes. These are all of my major problems with his series as well, hahah.

I have a feeling I won't be getting around to book 4 any time soon. Let me know how it is compared to the first 3?