Eldest (Fantasy)

Citation:  Paolini, C.  (2005).  Eldest.  New York, NY:  Alfred A. Knopf.  Tr.  $21.00.  ISBN:  9780375826702.  Format:  Hardback.

Annotation:  Eldest is the second novel in the Inheritance Cycle about a boy named Eragon and his dragon, Saphira.  In this novel, Eragon head to the land of the Elves to gain the true training of a dragon rider.

Book Talk:  The battle against King Galbatorix’s army in the Beor Mountains with the Varden has ended.  While Eragon, Saphira, and the Varden were victorious in defeating Durza, they have only won a battle; a war is coming.  In order for Eragon to be ready for the next looming battle, he must train.  Eragon heads to Ellesméra to learn all he can from the masters of dragon riding; the Elves.

The inhabitants of Ellesméra eventually revealed themselves as a flicker of movement at the fringe of Eragon’s sight, no more than needles stirring in the breeze.  Then he caught the glimpses of hands, a pale face, a sandaled foot, an upraised arm.  One by one, the wary elves stepped into view, their almond eyes fixed upon Saphira, Arya, and Eragon (p. 222).

A surprise awaits Eragon in the forests of Ellesméra.  For when he arrives, he and Saphira meet their trainers; and who better to teach a dragon and her rider than another dragon and his rider.

Awards:  West Australian Young Readers' Book Award (WAYRBA) for Older Readers (2006), Colorado Blue Spruce Young Adult Book Award (2007), Teen Buckeye Book Award (2007), Soaring Eagle Book Award (2006), ALA Teens' Top Ten (2006)

More: 

To read more about the author and the other books in the Inheritance Cycle, visit http://www.alagaesia.com/

To read an excerpt from Eldest, visit http://www.alagaesia.com/books_detail.php?book=eldest&mode=sample