With this episode, the mega-popular Inheritance cycle roars to a conclusion. Eragon, now a Shadeslayer and Dragon Rider, and his loyal dragon Saphira have won memorable victories and suffered painful losses, but all that pales before the struggles that now confront them. To save the land of Alagaësia, they must finally overcome and depose the malevolent, unstable Galbatorix. One show-stopper you don't want to miss.
Inheritance (Inheritance Cycle Series #4)
by Christopher Paolini
The much-anticipated, thrilling conclusion of the worldwide bestselling Inheritance cycle.
Editorial Reviews
Publishers Weekly
Almost 10 years after Paolini self-published Eragon in 2002, he concludes the epic saga of the Inheritance Cycle with this thick fourth volume, the longest yet in the series. With Eragon, his dragon Saphira, and their many allies poised to do final battle against the evil emperor Galbatorix, there is still plenty of unfinished business to wrap up. Cities need to be liberated, enemy leaders (including Eragon's half-brother Murtagh) must be dealt with, prophecies await fulfillment, and a few game-changing secrets will be revealed. In full Tolkienesque style, Paolini luxuriates in excess details, side quests, and a lengthy dénouement in which every last thread is wrapped up. The solidly entertaining plot is fleshed out with defining moments for every major character and a sense of completion (temporary or permanent) for all involved. While this final chapter is bogged down by an almost obsessive complexity with regard to the world-building, Paolini leaves readers with the satisfaction of a journey's end, along with the promise of new beginnings. It's a can't-miss for fans and completionists, and a worthy end to the story. Agent: Writers House. Ages 12–up. (Nov.)Children's Literature - Julia Beiker
Eragon and his dragon, Saphira's tale has a beginning, middle and now the end. This epic adventure starts with an egg and finishes in the battle of a lifetime. Our young hero trains and battles with his cousin, Ronan, all the way to the main city saving and losing lives along the way. Driven by the need to feel justice after almost losing his cousin to Galbatorix, Eragon must pull from all his inner strength and passionate nature to combat this evil nemesis and restore peace to his people in Alagaesia. Nothing can prepare him for what will happen next, but luckily he has Saphira to make him whole and unstoppable. This plot driven book makes this world of make-believe come to life as each page takes the reader out of reality and into a fantastic place where heroes look like regular teenagers. At times, the book seems overwhelming due to the 800 plus pages and makes me wonder if it could have been divided into two or three books instead of one. Sadness came over me as the realization of completing the book meant no more adventures with my old friends, Eragon and Saphira. This is the last book in the "Inheritance Cycle" series. Reviewer: Julia BeikerKirkus Reviews
Capping the former Inheritance Trilogy, this fourth epic-length episode brings teenage Dragon Rider Eragon at last to a decisive faceoff with his greatest enemy. Beginning with the capture of the fortress city of Belatona, the rebellious Varden alliance wins multiple hard-fought victories before arriving at last before the iron gates of imperial Urû'baen, "wherein sits Galbatorix, proud, confident, and disdainful, for his is the strength of the dragons." Meanwhile, Eragon and his scaled companion Saphira fly off to the ruins of Doru Araeba in response to mysteriously delivered hints that something in a hidden "Vault of Souls" will help defeat their clever and overwhelmingly powerful adversary. Tucking in well-developed side plots, elaborate set pieces, internecine squabbles, extraneous characters, piles of corpses and, toward the end, even oblique allusions to sex (dragon sex, anyway), Paolini moves his tale along with all deliberate speed to its properly explosive, massively destructive climax. As in previous volumes, there are so many nods to Tolkien and other fantasists that authorial whiplash must have been a chronic hazard, but battle scenes are satisfyingly dramatic. Moreover, the act that leads to the thoroughly predictable outcome is just one of several ingenious twists, and before sailing off to lands unknown in a boat of Elvish make (sound familiar?), the young warrior/mage actually wages peace while methodically tying up loose ends over the final 90+ pages. Despite the long, anticlimactic wind-down, it is a strong conclusion to the crowd-pleasing series. (maps, multilingual word list) (Heroic fantasy. 12-15)Yvonne Zipp
…Inheritance offers a propulsive plot and plenty of answers…This final volume offers sieges, duels, traps, secret tunnels, evil priests, more sieges, vision quests, sea monsters and man-eating snails…[and] most of our favorite characters get their moment of derring-do…the battles are hard-fought, and there's a suitably melancholy feel to last third of Inheritance—an acknowledgment that magic comes with a price.—The Washington Post
Product Details
- ISBN-13:
- 9780375856112
- Publisher:
- Random House Children's Books
- Publication date:
- 11/08/2011
- Series:
- Inheritance Cycle Series , #4
- Pages:
- 880
- Sales rank:
- 54,106
- Product dimensions:
- 6.60(w) x 9.40(h) x 2.00(d)
- Lexile:
- 1010L (what's this?)
- Age Range:
- 12 - 17 Years
Read an Excerpt
The sound was stabbing, slicing, shivering, like metal scraping against stone. Eragon's teeth vibrated in sympathy, and he covered his ears with his hands, grimacing as he twisted around, trying to locate the source of the noise. Saphira tossed her head, and even through the din, he heard her whine in distress.
Eragon swept his gaze over the courtyard twice before he noticed a faint puff of dust rising up the wall of the keep from a foot-wide crack that had appeared beneath the blackened, partially destroyed window where Blödhgarm had killed the magician. As the squeal increased in intensity, Eragon risked lifting a hand off one ear to point at the crack.
"Look!" he shouted to Arya, who nodded in acknowledgment. He replaced his hand over his ear.
Without warning or preamble, the sound stopped.
Eragon waited for a moment, then slowly lowered his hands, for once wishing that his hearing was not quite so sensitive.
Just as he did, the crack jerked open wider—spreading until it was several feet across—and raced down the wall of the keep. Like a bolt of lightning, the crack struck and shattered the keystone above the door to the building, showering the floor below with pebble-sized rocks. The whole castle groaned, and from the damaged window to the broken keystone, the front of the keep began to lean outward.
"Run!" Eragon shouted at the Varden, though the men were already scattering to either side of the courtyard, desperate to get out from under the precarious wall. Eragon took a single step forward, every muscle in his body tense as he searched for a glimpse of Roran somewhere in the throng of warriors.
At last Eragon spotted him, trapped behind the last group of men by the doorway, bellowing madly at them, his words lost in the commotion. Then the wall shifted and dropped several inches, leaning even farther away from the rest of the building, pelting Roran with rocks, knocking him off balance and forcing him to stumble backward under the overhang of the doorway.
As Roran straightened from a crouch, his eyes met Eragon's, and in his gaze, Eragon saw a flash of fear and helplessness, quickly followed by resignation, as if Roran knew that, no matter how fast he ran, he could not possibly reach safety in time.
A wry smile touched Roran's lips.
And the wall fell.
Text © 2011 by Christopher Paolini.
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Inheritance
Meet the Author
Christopher Paolini is the author of three other bestselling novels about Alagaësia: Inheritance is the fourth and final volume in the cycle. Christopher lives in Montana, where the natural landscape has been a major inspiration in the creation of his stories. You can find out more about Christopher and the Inheritance cycle at alagaesia.com.
Customer Reviews
Average Review:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
Inheritance
4.6 out of 5
based on
0 ratings.
4052 reviews.
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I for one will be happy to re-read the series to freshen up my memory.Isn't that what books are for anyways? I'd rather he took his time finishing it then didn't finish it at all. After Harry Potter ended I only had this series to fall back on. While I'm sad that it's the last I'm uber excited too. I'm counting down the days until I get that freshly printed book in my hands and get to smell the fragrance of literature....AHHH!
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Christopher Paolini is an accomplished writer, and this is an engaging series. The protagonist Eragon is a well rounded character that has matured through the books as has the author. Unlike infallible characters like Harry Potter, Eragon has weaknesses, and strengths. The writing is reminiscent of Tolkein without the unnecessarily verbose asides about trees, flowers, and sunsets. This series sits on my bookshelf in a prominent place as one of my favorite fantasy series. It sits proudly, and rightfully along side the Chronicles of Narnia, The Lord of the Rings, The Wheel of Time, and Harry Potter. It is at par in my opinion with any of the aforementioned series. Buy it. You will love it, and never regret it.
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I loved reading the last few books! They sure have a story that will keep you entertained for hours. I am so excited to read the next one!!
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The Inheritance Cycle Series... I'm more than excited to dig into this last book of the series; however I'm almost just as sad that they're ending. These books are the most amazing, enticing books I've ever read. They, at the very least, are equal to the Harry Potter series if not superior. I've already re-read these books a couple times upon hearing the upcoming release of the fourth book and I could not be looking forward to it anymore. If you haven't read the series, now's your chance! I will admit the timing of the releases for these books was disheartening, however, start the series now and you won't have to wait for the fourth for years like some of us... :) I highly recommend these books to everyone, they're worth the read.
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I am most certainly excited. Despite the painfully long wait, I am sure it will make up in the amazing detail and adventure Christopher wishes us to see and experience. No matter how many times I have read this series, it always manages to take my breath away. Inheritance is bound to be worlds away from anything I have read before.
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This is the moment I've been dreading from the start. The instant Eragon first came to discover that mysterious blue stone we've all come to love and admire, I knew I had never (nor do I believe I ever shall) read such a fantastic novel. I am...disheartened, to say the least, as this adventure comes to a close. I am left in wonder and in tears because of the turning of the final page. And to you specificially, Christopher Paolini, I tip my hat and bid your masterpiece a sad farewell. I hope for many great things from your future literature, and I silently await the day that the epic of Eragon Brommson and Saphira Firetongue returns once again to fill our minds with wonder and our hearts with mearth. May your days be long, and you be filled with happiness.
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Not a bad finale, if I do say so myself. The timing was excellent, the diction was peerless, and the numerous intricate details given over to describing Alagaesia help build a world that demands attention. The book is entrancing enough to make a reader constantly glancing at a bedside clock at midnight, thinking "five more minutes...five more minutes...."
Despite a few quirks, slight disappointments,and some loose ends (no doubt to be addressed in future books written by Paoini), Inheritance ends the cycle with enough impetus to ingrain this series into our minds forever. So, sit back in a comfortable chair, because you probably won't be moving from it for the next few hours, and enjoy the long-anticipated end to a great series.
Kudos, Paolini!
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I loved this book. As the final chapter to the Eragon series, it did the whole series justice. There were a few things I wish he would have explained in further detail, such as the history of the dauthdaert and more details of Angela's past, but overall, it was fantastic. A real page turner.
I was sad to say goodbye to the story and the characters. I hope Paolini continues to write fantastic stories like this one. Read it!
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This book brought the series to a wonderful conclusion. It had the epicness of all the other books combined, the end left a few things unresolved (i personally think he will write another book) but that IN NO WAY makes it less of an awesome read. I recomend this to all who can get there hands on a copy.
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It¿s been a while since I¿ve read any books in this series, so it was a little jarring to be so immersed in the culture of Alagaësia once more. Paolini led the exposition with a few action sequences (which he has gotten much better at writing, I might add), which is the perfect way to get the reader hooked. Paolini¿s narration style has always been a bit wordy, and in some cases it took me out of the story a bit. However, I found myself duly impressed with this book, something that has never happened to me before when it comes to this series: it surpasses by far the books before it in both quality of writing and plot. I was particularly pleased with the development of some of my favorite characters, as well as a partial glimpse, if not explanation, of some of the more mysterious aspects of the world that Paolini has created. I felt like Paolini was finally comfortable enough with the elements and rules of his world that he could finally focus his attention on bettering his story¿ it shouldn¿t have taken three books to get to that point, of course, but it¿s worth the wait, trust me. While the ending of the series rang hollow and left me feeling somewhat cheated out of the ending I felt I was promised at the beginning of the series, it leaves the books open for a sequel (or prequel), which leaves me hopeful. Overall, this book ranks first out of all the others; Paolini has finally found that balance between a good narrative and an engaging cast of characters. The rest of his books pale in comparison, which makes me excited for Paolini's future as a fantasy author.
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I love this series and I'm glad to have finally found out what happened! :) This is probably my favorite book in the series, although my memory of the other books is a little fuzzy so I can't be completely sure about that.
The only thing I didn't like about Inheritance was the very ending. I wish something different had happened, although I guess the characters did the only thing they could. Still, it made me sad.
If Christopher ever decides to write another book in the series (which he sort of hinted that he might), I will definitely read it!
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Okay, I have read a lot of books in the past but this one blows each and every one from my mind. I was in a trance, in Eragon and Saphira's world, as I turned each page. I literally could not keep my hands off the book; I would memorize scales just so I could read it while practicing music. I bravely tackled the first Eragon book as a third grader and am SO glad I did. Reading Inheritance as a seventh grader helped me with some of my writing techniques as well. My heart broke when the book ended, but Christopher Paolini writes so beautifully that I kept myself from chucking the book across my room when it did end. Hats off to you, Mr. Paolini, for an unforgettable and thrillimg adventure.
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I just finished the final book of this series last night. I stayed up way too late some nights reading this series, sometimes until two or three in the morning, knowing I had to get up for work in a couple of hours. Christopher Paolini is a truly talented writer! He has created a world so real and sunstantial that it makes you feel like you are actually there, as if you were fighting along side the Varden, or flying through the clouds on Saphira's back with Eragon! I hope I get to revisit Alaglaesia some day! I thoroughly enjoyed reading these books, and if you have not yet, I think you will too!
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Overall, this last book was by far better written than the previous books. You can definitely see how the author has grown and matured in his writing style over the course of these four books. Eragon seemed almost too convenient, but as the author grew, so did his characters and writing style. Glad to have read this series, but Inheritance is by far my favorite. I spent many a night unable to put the book down. Truly the climax to a great story.
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Inheritance was a great way to end the book. Though at the end it was a little rushed. I could envision what the charcters were doing, like a movie. And i could feel the emotions from the charcters. For spending 12 years of his own life, to make these books, christopher paolini you rock.you should be proud for spending all that time.
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I has soooo exited when the 4th book came out. I was literally counting the days till it came out. I was reading till 11 each night reading. After 4 days of intense reading i read the last chapter then didnt believe it was true ans read it again .and cried. Its not realley sad but it wasnt happy. It just wasnt right. Im not going to say anything else or ill ruin in. But ive read the series like twice and been on the internet trying to get a clue to what happens after the ending. But STILL!!!! He sould have least made a epilouge or make small book on what happens.
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In my opinion, Inheritance has been the best book of the series. It has so many secrets and mysteries unveiled, I couldn't stop reading. I am both happy and sad after completing this book, because I want the series to go on. It was more adventurous and action packed than all of the other books, and I loved it. I recommend this book to everyone who needs a book to read, and anyone who likes to read.
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OMG - it is so good, i was so sad when i finished this book because i loved the series THIS IS A MUST READ!!!! Wish there was another one in the series :( Didn't want it 2 end
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Oh My God freaking amazing book really sad at end but I loved it!! Please Continue Christopher Paolini!
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I love this book!!!!
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I am just here to tell you that if you read the acknolewgdements you would find out that Paolini is going to make a new series. Go on, read it.
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OMFG this book is STOOKY!!! If you don't know what 'stooky' means, it means 'AWESOME'
Also, I am part of the B&N longer sample protest. THEY NEED LONGER SAMPLES!!!! SPREAD THE WORD!!!
The ever faithful reader,
Roxas
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most everything was answered from the previous books...but it left a few things hanging at the end. maybe there is a 5th book coming sooner or later...but it is a must read after reading the other books. it seems that the book kind of dragged before the final battle, giving a lot of details until the last few chapters...then it sped up.
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This whole series is amazing. Eragon really changes through the whole thing, and the surprises around every corner make it even better. I am very sad for this to be over. I very much hope there will be another book or mini-series about the same people. Thank you, Paolini, for writing such a wonderful series of books. You will be happy, (and sad) if you read this amazing book. Christopher, you have created some wonderful memories for me
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ANYONE WHO THINKS CHRISTOPHER PAOLINI SHOULD WRITE MORE ERAGON BOOKS TYPE IN YES IN THE SUBJECT BOX!!!
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