Darkness falls...despair abounds...evil reigns... Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, have just saved the rebel state from destruction by the mighty forces of King Galbatorix, cruel ruler of the Empire. Now Eragon must travel to Ellesmera, land of the elves, for further training in the skills of the Dragon Rider: magic and swordsmanship. Soon he is on the journey of a lifetime, his eyes open to awe-inspring new places and people, his days filled with fresh adventure. But chaos and betrayal plague him at every turn, and nothing is what it seems. Before long, Eragon doesn't know whom he can trust. Meanwhile, his cousin Roran must fight a new battle-one that might put Eragon in even graver danger. Will the king's dark hand strangle all resistance? Eragon may not escape with even his life. . . . Praise for Eragon: "Unusual, powerful . . . fresh and fluid. An impressive start to a writing career that's sure to flourish." -Booklist, Starred "Christopher Paolini make[s] literary magic with his precocious debut." -People "The new 'It' book of children's lit." -U.S. News & World Report "An auspicious beginning to both career and series." -Publishers Weekly A #1 New York Times Bestseller A #1 Publishers Weekly Bestseller A USA Today Bestseller A Wall Street Journal Bestseller A Book Sense Book of the Year A #1 Book Sense Selection From the Hardcover edition.
Surpassing its popular prequel Eragon, this second volume in the Inheritance trilogy shows growing maturity and skill on the part of its very young author, who was only seventeen when the first volume was published in 2003. The story is solidly in the tradition (some might say derivative) of the classic heroic quest fantasy, with the predictable cast of dwarves, elves, and dragons--but also including some imaginatively creepy creatures of evil.
The land of Alagaesia is suffering under the Empire of the wicked Galbatorix, and Eragon and his dragon Saphira, last of the Riders, are the only hope. But Eragon is young and has much to learn, and so he is sent off to the elven forest city of Ellesmera, where he and Saphira are tutored in magic, battle skills, and the ancient language by the wise former Rider Oromis and his elderly dragon Glaedr. Meanwhile, back at Carvahall, Eragon's home, his cousin Roran is the target of a siege by the hideous Ra'zac, and he must lead the villagers on a desperate escape over the mountains. The two narratives move toward a massive battle with the forces of Galbatorix, where Eragon learns a shocking secret about his parentage and commits himself to saving his people.
The sheer size of the novel, as well as its many characters, places with difficult names, and its use of imaginary languages make this a challenging read, even for experienced fantasy readers. It is essential to have the plot threads of the first volume well in mind before beginning--the publisher has provided not only a map, but a helpful synopsis of the first book and a much-needed Language Guide. But no obstacles will deter the many fans of Eragon from diving headfirst into this highly-awaited fantasy. (Ages 12 and up) --Patty Campbell
Meet Author Christopher Paolini Christopher Paolini's abiding love of fantasy and science fiction inspired him to begin writing his debut novel, Eragon, when he graduated from high school at age 15. "Writing is the heart and soul of my being. It is the means through which I bring my stories to life. There is nothing like putting words on a page and knowing that they will summon certain emotions and reactions from the reader. In my writing, I strive for a lyrical beauty somewhere between Tolkien at his best and Seamus Heaney's translation of Beowulf." --Christopher Paolini
Paolini talks more about the series, and about what inspires him in this video clip. Watch the video (high bandwith) Watch the video (low bandwith)
The Eragon/Eldest Boxed Set Want to learn more about the series? Check out our review of Eragon: Here's a great big fantasy that you can pull over your head like a comfy old sweater and disappear into for a whole weekend. Christopher Paolini began Eragon when he was just 15, and the book shows the influence of Tolkien, of course, but also Terry Brooks, Anne McCaffrey, and perhaps even Wagner in its traditional quest structure and the generally agreed-upon nature of dwarves, elves, dragons, and heroic warfare with magic swords. Read more Order your copy of the boxed set today
Learn the Lingo Our quickie pronunciation guide will help you get to know some of the names and places in the Inheritance series.
Ajihad
AH-zhi-hod
The Leader of the Varden
Argetlam
ARE-jet-lahm
Elven word to describe Dragon Riders meaning "silver hand"
Arya
AR-ee-uh
A powerful elf who is both beautiful and a master swordswoman
Paolini has done it again! Excellent story. I can't wait for the 4th book!
Ok...:
This book was pretty average. It is good if you have nothing else to do. The plot is a bit predectable and flat.
Top fantasy:
One of the greatest book I ever read. One of the greatest stories. I am waiting for the fourth part when the story is finished. Amazing written.
great book!!:
Eldest, written by Christopher Paolini, won the 2006 quill book award and followed his first book, Eragon, to the New York Times bestseller list. In Eldest, Eragon now journeys to the land of the elves, Du Weldenvarden, where he further trains to become a Dragon Rider, learning the skills of magic and swordsmanship. He knows that another encounter with Galbortorix could wipe out the Varden in one blow. He meets Arya, the beautiful daughter of the queen, and falls in love with her. Meanwhile, Eragon's... more info
Christopher Paolini's abiding love of fantasy and science fiction inspired him to begin writing his debut novel, Eragon, when he graduated from high school at age 15.
Our quickie pronunciation guide will help you get to know some of the names and places in the Inheritance series.
