Eldest

There's a keenness in the storytelling, and an excitement for pure adventure and magic, that will ensure fans of Paolini's Eragon will find its much-anticipated sequel every bit as readable and captivating. This young author, who wrote that debut (very long) novel aged fifteen, has shed some his earlier less convincing turns of phrase and tendancies to homage other inspirational works, to come up with a deeper second novel that is more assured, better balanced and distinctly original.

Picking up from the exact point where its predecessor gave way, Eldest begins with dragon rider and now shade slayer, Eragon, on the battlefield of his greatest triumph. He is saddened by the death and carnage before him, and fearful for the future. King Galbatorix is, despite this battle won, still the cruel ruler of the Empire and must be defeated. Together with the beautiful and elegant dragon, Saphira, with whom he can communicate without speech, they must travel to Ellesmera - fabled land of the Elves to undergo further training in magic, swordsmanship and other worldly necessities.

Meanwhile, in his homeland, in the village of Carvahall, Eragon's cousin Roran faces challenges of his own. The king's men, and the dark creature that instructs them, lay siege to the tiny mountain community in the hope of finding Roran, and thus lead them to Eragon. After fierce resistance, Roran leads the villagers on a long, arduous journey to salvation (hopefully) with the community known as the Varden.

Told in alternate chapters, the stories of both young men on separate missions give this `difficult second novel' a refreshing feel. Eragon is still the star, but has a substantial second cast to make this novel a worthy sequel to the first book and a tantalising bridge to the final chapter in volume three.

(Age 12 and over) --John McLay

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View books by Christopher Paolini.

Fantastic! - Rated
I personally liked this book even better than the first, Eragon, which has been one of my definite favourites. The plot is engaging, fast moving and origional with fantasy brought to life as though reality. The characters are also brought to life - as complex individuals - and the book is difficult to put down. The subtlety in many places also makes Eldest a good read for the second or even third time, as some moments just have to be re-experienced, and you also notice things you missed before. Revealing answers are found to some of the questions posed in Eragon, whilst leaving others to be explained in the next book, Brisinger. There is also a fantastic twist at the end of Eldest, which although very surprising is utterly believable as it fits in perfectly with the rest of the story. Overall, these books are a must-read; not to be missed!

OMG cant belive what IM READING - Rated
This book is as good as the first BRILLIANT. Yes it has a lot of pages, but each page fly by and the book takes next to no time to read compared to most books of it size.
There is so mutch storey in this book you cant put it done and the storey is as captivating and spellbinding as the first.
AS FOR THE training eragon undergoes CP only devotes 16 chapters out of 35t hat make up the bulk of the middle for the book. the rest is spent with nasuada and roran on ther quests.
Cant wait for brisinger i hope its bigger.

Ace - Rated
I just wanted to add my assertion that this book is indeed ace. i imagine that paolini's office is covered in timelines and family trees and little notes because there is so much that happens, so much story there and every moment is fab! i thank CP's parents for bringing him into the world.

excellent - Rated
i have to disagree with those people who found the book too long or felt that it focused too much on Eragon's training. i think that the training is a vital part in Eragon's developement plays a major part in the story as a whole.

Good - Rated
It is a good book but the first on in the trilogy(Eragon) is much, much more exciting and gripping.