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Eldest

The Inheritance Cycle #2 / 6
by Christopher Paolini
Eldest (The Inheritance Cycle #2) by Christopher Paolini
  ★ 7.74 / 81
1★22★13★64★15★56★97★328★99★1710★

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...

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Updated 04/07/2025
Category: Fantasy, High Fantasy, Young Adult, Dragons
Release date: 2005

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Christopher Paolini

Christopher Paolini

Christopher Paolini, the author of the Inheritance Cycle series, is a name that evokes images of dragons soaring through fantastical skies and young heroes embarking on perilous quests. Paolini's rise to fame is as remarkable as the worlds he creates — a testament to the power of imagination and perseverance.

Born in 1983 in Southern California, Paolini grew up surrounded by books, nature, and a deep love for science fiction and fantasy. Homeschooled from an early age, he found solace in writing and developed a profound connection with the stories that sparked his imagination. By the age of 15, he had written the first draft of Eragon, the book that would eventually catapult him into literary stardom. Self-publishing the novel at first, Paolini's hard work paid off when Eragon was picked up by Alfred A. Knopf, marking the beginning of an incredible journey.

Read more ...

The Inheritance Cycle, which includes Eragon, Eldest, Brisingr, and Inheritance, quickly captured the hearts of readers worldwide. Paolini’s detailed world-building, complex characters, and exploration of themes like destiny, power, and loyalty set his work apart in the fantasy genre. His depiction of dragons, not merely as beasts of burden but as deep, wise creatures intertwined with the fates of the protagonists, became a signature of his writing. This blending of myth, adventure, and coming-of-age struggles resonated with fans of all ages, establishing Paolini as one of the defining voices of modern fantasy.

Paolini’s writing is marked by a distinctive blend of classical influences — from Tolkien’s epic worlds to the adventure-driven tales of heroes like King Arthur. Yet, he also infuses his books with a modern sensibility that feels both fresh and timeless. The Inheritance Cycle not only delves into traditional fantasy tropes but also questions them, particularly around the themes of power and responsibility. His characters, notably the young dragon rider Eragon, are far from perfect — they struggle with their identities, their duties, and the very nature of heroism itself.

The success of Eragon and its sequels propelled Paolini into the international spotlight, earning him numerous accolades and a dedicated fanbase that continues to grow. His books have been translated into over 40 languages and adapted into a feature film, solidifying his place in the hearts of readers everywhere. But for Paolini, the journey doesn’t stop with the Inheritance Cycle. After the completion of the series, he turned his attention to new projects, including The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm, a collection of stories set in the same universe, and a new series that promises to further expand his creative horizons.

Paolini’s love for storytelling, his unwavering dedication to craft, and his desire to push the boundaries of fantasy continue to shape his writing. As he once said, “The most important thing a writer can do is never stop writing.” True to his word, Christopher Paolini’s stories remain a testament to the power of imagination, and his legacy as a master world-builder and storyteller is only just beginning.

Photo: Lo Hunter

The Inheritance Cycle

In a world where dragons are both feared and revered, The Inheritance Cycle invites readers into a realm of ancient magic, epic battles, and a young hero’s transformative journey. From the very first page of Eragon, Christopher Paolini weaves a tale that is as vast as the lands it explores — a land where destiny and danger walk hand in hand, and the fate of kingdoms rests on the shoulders of an unlikely dragon rider.

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At its heart, the series is about more than just magic and adventure. It's a coming-of-age story where the protagonist, Eragon, faces the weight of his legacy while discovering what it means to be both powerful and human. As Eragon bonds with Saphira, his dragon companion, he learns that their destinies are intertwined with a much larger battle for the future of their world. Along the way, he must confront dark forces, both external and within himself, as he navigates themes of leadership, loyalty, sacrifice, and the complex nature of good versus evil.

What makes this series so captivating is Paolini’s rich world-building — each setting, from the towering peaks of the Spine to the ominous shadow of the empire, is crafted with painstaking detail. His magic system is deep and original, offering layers of complexity that echo through the battles and the intimate moments alike. Characters, both heroic and villainous, are drawn with striking depth, each with their own motivations, flaws, and desires.

But it’s not just about the battles and the dragons. The Inheritance Cycle explores the cyclical nature of history, the burdens of power, and the quiet moments of self-reflection that define a hero’s path. With dragons soaring across the sky, ancient prophecies unfolding, and dark forces threatening to consume everything, Paolini offers a world rich with mystery, danger, and the relentless pursuit of freedom.

A beloved series that has touched the hearts of millions, The Inheritance Cycle is a literary journey that remains as relevant today as it was when it first took flight. Whether you’re a first-time reader or returning to its pages, the story of Eragon, Saphira, and their companions promises adventure, heartache, and an unforgettable ride through a world that lingers long after the final page.


The Inheritance Cycle consists of five primary books, and includes one additional book that complement the series but is not considered mandatory reads and series is set to expand with the upcoming release of one more book. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.

Related series Tales from Alagaësia

Eragon (The Inheritance Cycle #1)
  ★ 7.30 / 108
Eldest (The Inheritance Cycle #2)
  ★ 7.74 / 81
Brisingr (The Inheritance Cycle #3)
  ★ 8.14 / 69
Inheritance (The Inheritance Cycle #4)
  ★ 8.24 / 54
Murtagh (The Inheritance Cycle #5)
  ★ 9.00 / 4
The Inheritance Cycle Book 6 (The Inheritance Cycle #6)
  ⧗ 9.00 / 2
Eragon's Guide to Alagaësia (The Inheritance Cycle)
  ★ 7.26 / 4

Book Reviews

11/14/2007
Seregil of Rhiminee avatar
Seregil of Rhiminee
3707 books, 260 reviews, 15 posts
★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆ 4 / 10

Eldest is the second book of the Inheritance series. Eldest isn't a special book. It's a bit predictable and flat, but I've read plenty of worse fantasy books, so I decided to give this book two stars. If you're expecting an intelligent and interesting story, you'll be disappointed, because you won't find depth in this book. But if you're looking for light and average fantasy, this book is a good choice.

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