Eldest (Inheritance Cycle Series #2) [NOOK Book]

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Overview

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 ...
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Overview

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.

Also available in the Eldest/Eragon hardcover boxed set!

Editorial Reviews

From Barnes & Noble
The Barnes & Noble Review
Eldest, the shelf-bending sequel to Christopher Paolini's wildly acclaimed debut novel, Eragon (and the second volume in his Inheritance trilogy), continues the epic saga of Eragon and Saphira. The teenage boy and his blue-scaled dragon are destined to free the realm of Alagaësia from the clutches of the ruthless king Galbatorix -- or die trying. Even though Eragon and his misfit alliance of rebels have won minor victories against the nightmarish minions of the Empire, he realizes that without more training, he will never be able to defeat Galbatorix and his dark magic. With that in mind, he sets off for the awe-inspiring land of the elves on a quest to complete his education as a Dragon Rider. Like J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter saga, Paolini's epic fantasy -- although categorized as children's literature (for readers 12 and up) -- has attracted not only adult fantasy fans but also mainstream fiction readers. Paolini's fluid writing style, abundance of compelling characters, and utilization of age-transcendent themes like honor, friendship, responsibility, and forgiveness, will make this saga a huge hit with teachers and librarians, as well as lovers of dragon-powered fantasy à la Anne McCaffrey and Ursula K. Le Guin. The 650-plus pages of Tolkienesque adventure will almost certainly leave readers salivating for the third and final installment. Paul Goat Allen
Publishers Weekly
Narrator Gerard Doyle picks up where he left off narrating Eragon by Christopher Paolini, with its follow-up, Eldest. Again lending his assured, compelling delivery to the proceedings, Brit Doyle relates the continuing adventures of dragon-rider Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, now in Ellesmera, land of the elves. Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
More Reviews (1) Fewer Reviews
From The Critics

The second volume in Paolini’s popular “Inheritance Trilogy” continues the story begun in Eragon . Eragon the dragon rider and Saphira, his dragon, are being trained in the forest city of Ellesmera while Roran, Eragon’s cousin, helps the villagers escape Carvahall and flee the siege by the Ra’zacs. There is a large cast of characters and complex story lines, and listeners must be familiar with the first novel before beginning this sequel. But the clear narration of this abridgment makes the plot easy to follow, and little is lost in the production. Though there is not much differentiation in the characters’ voices, it is always apparent who is speaking. The recording is evenly paced, the sound clean and clear, and the Spanish straightforward and smooth. Overall, this is a worthwhile addition to larger Spanish-language audio collections.
—Roxanne Landin

Product Details

  • ISBN-13: 9780375837531
  • Publisher: Random House Children's Books
  • Publication date: 8/23/2005
  • Sold by: Random House
  • Format: eBook
  • Sales rank: 2,441
  • Age range: 12 - 17 Years
  • Series: Inheritance Cycle Series, #2
  • File size: 4 MB
  • Items ship to U.S, APO/FPO and U.S. Protectorate addresses.

Meet the Author

Christopher Paolini
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 fifteen after being homeschooled all his life. Both Eragon and Eldest, the second book in the Inheritance cycle, became instant New York Times bestsellers. Christopher is currently at work on Brisingr, the third volume in the cycle. He lives in Montana, where the dramatic landscape feeds his visions of Alagaësia.

Read an Excerpt

The Council of Elders
Saphira's breathing quickened, and she opened her eyes, yawning expansively. Good morning, little one.
Is it? He looked down and leaned on his hands, compressing the mattress. It's terrible . . . Murtagh and Ajihad . . . Why didn't sentries in the tunnels warn us of the Urgals? They shouldn't have been able to trail Ajihad's group without being noticed. . . . Arya was right, it doesn't make sense.
We may never know the truth, said Saphira gently. She stood, wings brushing the ceiling. You need to eat, then we must discover what the Varden are planning. We can't waste time; a new leader could be chosen within hours.
Eragon agreed, thinking of how they had left everyone yesterday: Orik rushing off to give King Hrothgar the tidings, Jörmundur taking Ajihad's body to a place where it would rest until the funeral, and Arya, who stood alone and watched the goings-on.
Eragon rose and strapped on Zar'roc and his bow, then bent and lifted Snowfire's saddle. A line of pain sheared through his torso, driving him to the floor, where he writhed, scrabbling at his back. It felt like he was being sawed in half. Saphira growled as the ripping sensation reached her. She tried to soothe him with her own mind but was unable to alleviate his suffering. Her tail instinctually lifted, as if to fight.
It took minutes before the fit subsided and the last throb faded away, leaving Eragon gasping. Sweat drenched his face, making his hair stick and his eyes sting. He reached back and gingerly fingered the top of his scar. It was hot and inflamed and sensitive to touch. Saphira lowered her nose and touched him on the arm. Oh, little one. . . .
It was worse this time, he said, staggering upright. She let him lean against her as he wiped away the sweat with a rag, then he tentatively stepped for the door.
Are you strong enough to go?
We have to. We're obliged as dragon and Rider to make a public choice regarding the next head of the Varden, and perhaps even influence the selection. I won't ignore the strength of our position; we now wield great authority written the Varden. At least the Twins aren't here to grab the position for themselves. That's the only good in the situation.
Very well, but Durza should suffer a thousand years of torture for what he did to you.
He grunted. Just stay close to me.
Together they made their way through Tronjheim, toward the nearest kitchen. In the corridors and hallways, people stopped and bowed to them, murmuring, "Argetlam," or "Shadeslayer." Even dwarves made the motions, though not as often. Eragon was struck by the somber, haunted expressions of the humans and the dark clothing they wore to display their sadness. Many women dressed entirely in black, lace veils covering their faces.
In the kitchen, Eragon brought a stone platter of food to a low table. Saphira watched him carefully in case he should have another attack. Several people tried to approach him, but she lifted a lip and growled sending them scurrying away. Eragon pretended to ignore the disturbances and picked at the food. Finally, trying to divert his thoughts from Murtagh, he asked, Who do you think has the means to take control of the Varden, now that Ajihad and the Twins are gone?
She hesitated. It's possible you could, if Ajihad's last words were interpreted as a blessing to secure the leadership. Almost no one would oppose you. However, that does not seem a wise path to take. I see only trouble in that direction.
I agree. Besides, Arya wouldn't approve, and she could be a dangerous enemy. Elves can't lie in the ancient language, but they have no such inhibition in ours-she could deny that Ajihad ever uttered those words if it served her purposes. No, I don't want the position. . . . What about Jörmundur?
Ajihad called him his right-hand man. Unfortunately, we know little about him or the Varden's other leaders. Such a short time has passed since we came here. We will have to make our judgment on our feelings and impressions, without the benefit of history.
Eragon pushed his fish around a lump of mashed tubers. Don't forget Hrothgar and the dwarf clans; they won't be quiet in this. Except for Arya, the elves have no say in the succession-a decision will be made before word of this even reaches them. But the dwarves can't be-won't be-ignored. Hrothgar favors the Varden, but if enough clans oppose him, he might be maneuvered into backing someone unsuited for the command.
And who might that be?
A person easily manipulated. He closed his eyes and leaned back. It could be anyone in Farthen Dûr, anyone at all.

From the Hardcover edition.

Reading Group Guide

Introducing Fantasy

Fantasy is a form of literature that presents psychological realities in an imaginative or fantastical way. Using myth and folklore as a background, modern writers of fantasy set their stories in an imagined world or in a real-life setting where magical events take place. Ask the group to discuss folktales and myths they remember hearing or reading in the past. Who were the characters who fought for good, and who were the evil characters? Ask them to describe to each other scenes they remember from those stories. How was magic used? What emotions did the stories evoke? What do they remember of dragons in those early tales? Make a list of character traits exhibited by heroes and villains from folktales and myths. Which of these traits are most important in real-life situations?

WARNING: This guide includes key plot points from both Eldest and Eragon. Should you wish to avoid spoilers, please read both books before this discussion guide!

Customer Reviews
Average Rating 4.5
( 2145 )

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  • Posted March 2, 2009

    more from this reviewer

    An unforgettable tale

    I highly recommend this book! It's GREAT! I actually cried at one part... I loved Eragon, and I'm glad Eldest didn't let me down. I wish they'd continue producing the movies. The Eragon movie is what got me to read the books in the first place. Chris Paolini is an incredible writer! I still can't believe these monstrous books, with their incredible characters, languages, lands, and creatures was created by a guy younger than me! I don't usually read these sorts of books, but I'm glad I did. It's been a nice change of pace in terms of reading material, and it's been an awesome adventure.

    13 out of 13 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted March 2, 2009

    more from this reviewer

    On the recommendation of a young friend...

    ...I read Eragon. I was hooked so I had to read this one too. Then of course I just couldn't wait to read the next. I really am enjoying this series and am looking forward to the conclusion book. This is my idea of escapism. You find yourself pulled into the story and loving or hating the characters as they appeal to you. I would recommend this not just to young adults but to older readers as well.

    7 out of 7 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted November 16, 2008

    I Also Recommend:

    Eldest- Must Read

    I have read many books in my time, and Eldest, along with the other books in the Eragon series are some of the best i have seen in a long time. If you like fantasty, adventure, and a hint of love stories, you will love this book!

    5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted December 29, 2011

    Very good.

    Good, but itcould use some improvements where Roran is concerned. But Eragon's story is fantastic, a wonderful sequel to the first book, Eragon. I really enjoy reading this and it kept me entertained for over 9 hoirs on a car trip. Even after reading it for so long, I still read before I went to bed that night.

    2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted December 14, 2011

    Sweet!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!! !! !!

    Awsome book!!!!!!

    2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted October 17, 2009

    more from this reviewer

    I Also Recommend:

    Great book!

    I have reread this book several times! Enjoy it alot! Characters are well made and allow you to really get into the story!

    2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted October 15, 2009

    I Also Recommend:

    Simply put - an all-around fantastic read

    This is perhaps the most amazing book series I have ever had the pleasure to read. Eldest in particular is great in itself - It's the middle part - where the series itself begins to develop beyond the limits of the first book Join Eragon the farm boy as he continues to learn about his history and his future. Great "growing up" story - a fantastic read for everyone. All ages will enjoy the thrill ride of magic, adventure, and just general fantasy. Christopher Paolini is a literary genious - and he wrote Eragon (the first book) when he was like 16! Eragon Saphira, Arya, and Brom are the perfect group of characters - fully developed and highly enjoyable to read about. The plot as a whole is astonishing - Eragon and Saphira, his dragon travel to the home of the elves to learn about magic and study under *spoiler* ANOTHER DRAGON RIDER! *end spoiler* The outside world's strife is too great though, and eventually they must leave their sanctuary and take matters into their own hands. Buy the book and read it to the end in order to find out what happens! Will Eragon escape? Will he die? What happens to the other characters in the story? It's up to you to find out!

    2 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted February 22, 2009

    more from this reviewer

    Amazing read

    I wasn't expecting to like this series so much! What a pleasant surprise! I had been reading some really good series' lately and didn't think anything could top them but Christopher Paolini has done an amazing job with this series. I feel like the characters are like old friends. I would highly recommend this book (and series) to everyone!

    2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted August 15, 2006

    It was enjoyable but unoriginal in some factors...

    This book bears many similarites to The Lord of the Rings, Dune and other such works, which dampen a reader's enjoyment of the work. And it is just not one or two-Aragorn vs. Eragon, Arya vs. Arwen. Elver is quite similar to the main character's younger sister in Dune, otherwise this book was okay

    2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 3, 2005

    Lets See...Predictable, Ripped Off...could it be Eldest?

    Yes, I suppose it could be. I must say that all these inarticulate people posting mind-numbingly poor reviews is really annoying me. If you want to review a book, learn how to use the English language! In any case, now that my gripes are over, on to Eldest. My main problem with this book is the horrible predictability. Mutargh is Eragon's brother. Wow, really? I hope you didn't expect this to suprise us, most intelligent people had figured it out three quarters of the way through the first book. The slightly slower of us had it clinched at the end of the first with Eragon's scar. Why don't you have his mother's ghost turn up while you are at it? The second predictable problem is the fact that Mutargh(spelling?) is not dead. Lets see, you killed the leader of the Varden, the Twins, and Mutargh(spelling?) in five sentences. Ajihad is the only person left behind, dead. Lets see...the obviously evil Twins, killed by Urgals....Riigghttt...sure they were. Mutargh, son of Morzan, killed? Killing off a main leader in five sentences is bad form, but a main character? Please. Even a five-year old could see most of the 'plot-twists' coming. Or the future results of such 'plot-twists.' Now I have noticed that many people have been saying how Eldest has been ripped off from Star Wars Episode III. This did not occur to me at time of reading, but perhaps that is because I am not a major Star Wars fan. I don't know. I can certainly tell you the similarities, I will tell you that. Yes, I can see the paralells. Come on, Eragon! Feel the Force! I say that because there is one section in which Eragon meditates and 'senses' the life of everything around him. All he needs to do now is say 'I sense a disturbance in the Force,' and it will be complete Star Wars rip-off. One does not have to be in outer-space with lasers to rip off a storyline. Please, fellow reviewers. Understand this. There was only one mild suprise in the book, and that was the identity of his mentor. But I won't spoil that for you. His infatuation with Arya was also becoming oh so tiresome. Now I come to the major plot hole. Mutargh(spelling?) has no magic. Yet his magic is very powerful when they meet each other. I can almost imagine the author pausing at this point and saying something along the lines of this: 'Oh no! I said Mutargh didn't have any magic in the first book! I'm gonna have to find a major loophole to explain this one! Uh...Galbatorix gets stronger because his dragon grows stronger with age and they share magic...ok...nobody is gonna remember that, so lets just say he augments his own power with 'forbidden and ancient' magic that he uncovered when he came to power. Yes, this rather standard Rider...but nobody will remember that either. Lets give that to Mutargh!' I say the above, because sometimes I really do question what the author thinks of his readers. He must really think that we are all rather unintelligent. In finality, Eldest is not a book I would like to buy. Appealling to young readers who care for nothing but big battles, unappealling to people who actually want an intelligent read without mistakes, with unpredictable plot-twists, and without gaping plot holes. I rest my case. Read this mediocre work at your own risk.

    2 out of 8 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted January 26, 2012

    Best book ever

    Hello i recommend this book to you i am only 10 and i love this book. Good byye Harry Potter fans! :D

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted January 20, 2012

    Third book is "Brisingr"

    The forth one is out too

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted January 12, 2012

    Wonderful book!

    This book was an amazing follow up of Eragon! As with Eragon, it was thrilling and action packed which keeps the reader on the edge of their seat and unable to put the book down. I would (and have) suggest this series to anyone and everyone because it is perfect for anyone who can read at this level! I can't wait to see what Paolini comes out with next, heres hoping for more stories from Alagaesia!

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted January 2, 2012

    Hi

    This is an amazing book! It is the second book, so if you haven't read the book Eragon, read that first. Eldest is about Eragons training in a city calledElsmera. The middle is a bit boring, but once you get past that part the end is SUPER exiting! You learn secrets and if you love fantacy and love action, this is the book for you! READ THIS BOOK!

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted January 1, 2012

    Love it

    Love it

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted January 1, 2012

    Genius

    Great book. Hope Paolini goes on to do great things.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted December 31, 2011

    Decent

    I've read the book it gets somewhat confusing but its still a good book. Its a must read if liked Eragon.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted December 30, 2011

    Focus

    If you r the kind of reader who reads with out paying attention to the book u will get confused by the 2 plotlines
    J Ford

    1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted February 15, 2009

    I Also Recommend:

    Perfect Sequel to Eragon!

    This book just picked off where Eragon left off and kept going... As always I love this book and it is just as good if not better as Eragon. Great twist at the end that you dont see coming! If you liked Eragon then definitly take the time to read this sequel!

    1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted February 3, 2009

    I Also Recommend:

    My Review for the book Eldest

    Eldest is a great book and I would recommend it to anyone of my friends. The whole Inheritance Cycle is very good. I have just started to read Brisingr and I like it very much. Eldest has action, fantasy, and suspense just like Eragon which is a good book also. Kids will love this book and so will parents.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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