Eldest: Book Two (The Inheritance Cycle, 2) - Softcover

Paolini, Christopher

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0552554103 ISBN 13: 9780552554107

Publisher: Corgi Childrens, 2006

Synopsis

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 Ellesméra, land of the elves, for further training in magic and swordsmanship, the vital skills of the Dragon Rider. It is the journey of a lifetime, filled with awe-inspiring new places and people, each day a fresh adventure. But chaos and betrayal plague him at every turn, and Eragon isn't sure whom he can trust.

Meanwhile, his cousin Roran must fight a new battle back home in Carvahall - one that puts Eragon in even graver danger.

Will the king's dark hand strangle all resistance? Eragon may not escape with even his life . . .

About this title

Review

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

Review

"PRAISE FOR ERAGON:
'A winner ... tip of the hat to young master Paolini'" (Anne McCaffrey, author of The Dragonriders of Pern series)

"'A compelling and action-filled adventure . . . a galloping good example of its genre'" (Daily Telegraph)

"'This book is an achievement. Readers . . . will be transported'" (Sunday Times)

"'A portrayal of true affection between boy and dragon ... Paolini writes like someone gripped by his own story'" (Guardian)

"'A stirring fantasy of epic proportions'" (The Bookseller)

Edition details

• Publisher: Corgi Childrens
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0552554103
• ISBN 13: 9780552554107
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 704