Need some literary advice

[augustinapeach]

Hi, everyone.

Christmas is coming, and I'm looking for books to give my 8-year-old 
son.  He is a fairly advanced reader (has finished all five HP 
books) who really likes the fantasy genre.  Usually, I like to 
browse through a book before I recommend it to him (hope I don't 
sound like "Mommy Dearest" -- just not quite ready yet to explain 
certain things to an 8-year-old!!), but I can't see myself having 
much time to do that in the next month. I'm wondering if any of you 
might be able to give me a brief review of the following books -- or 
be able to suggest others he might like.  

Eragon -- Christopher Paolini
The Thief Lord -- Cornelia Funke
Wicked -- Gregory Maguire
A Rumor of Dragons -- Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman

I've tried to get him to read the Chronicles of Narnia, but no luck 
so far.  Can only keep trying, I guess!

Thanks for your help.

Greta (finally feeling ready to peek out from behind her pseudonym)