Today we are having a look at Eragon (Barnes & Noble Collectible Edition) by Christopher Paolini. This edition retails for $35.00 USD and can be purchased on the Barnes & Nobble website.
Features:
– bonded-leather binding
– embossed front cover design to match the original cover
– embossed back cover design featuring the quote “No hunter of the sky should end his days as prey. Better to die on the wing then pinned to the ground.”
– embossed spine to match the original cover
– patterned end papers (same on both front and back)
– map after the title page
– table of contents with chapter titles and page numbers
– gilt edging
– silk-ribbon bookmark
Book details:
ISBN: 9798217028474
Publisher: Doubleday Publishing
Publication date: 01/03/2025
Manufacturing: Made in China
Pages: 528
My thoughts
I have a few of the Barnes & Noble Collectible Editions in my collection, and the formula remains much the same—not that it’s a bad thing. Clearly, it works, and for good reason.
The Cover & Design
The cover is undeniably stunning, with embossed details that add a luxurious feel you don’t get from traditional hardbacks. The silver dragon design on the front is gorgeous, but fair warning—the detailing does flake off slightly with too much handling (think tiny glitter-like pieces). If you’re planning to use this as a reading copy, I’d recommend a fabric dust jacket or some other protective cover to keep it pristine.
The back cover featuring the embossed quote does not seem to flake like the front which is encouraging.
Endpapers & Paper Quality
I’ll admit, the endpaper design felt a little underwhelming. A map as the endpapers would have been a beautiful touch, especially if dragon artwork wasn’t an option. On the plus side, the paper quality is thicker than some of the other Barnes & Noble Collectible Editions, which have had thinner, almost bible-like pages. Eragon avoids that issue and feels more like a standard hardcover, which I really appreciated.
A small detail I loved
One unexpected thing that stood out to me? The page numbers are placed on the sides of the pages instead of the bottom. I have no idea why this delighted me so much, but I absolutely loved it.
Overall, while there are a few small details I would have tweaked, this edition of Eragon is still a beautiful addition to any collector’s shelf. Sadly, Barnes & Noble hasn’t mentioned any plans to continue the rest of the series in this style. It’s a shame for those hoping to collect a matching set, but even as a standalone, this edition is a stunning piece for any Eragon fan’s collection.
A video is available on my Insta and TikTok if you prefer video content.
Kimberley Xx
Enchanted Bookshelf 