Eldest

Young fans of weighty fantasy novels are delighted that this second volume in Paolini's Inheritance trilogy has arrived. The prodigy writer delivers another satisfying Tolkienesque tale as his first book, ERAGON, begins movie production. Narrator Gerard Doyle magnificently delivers the rich characters, especially the humble but gifted young Eragon. The dragon rider travels to Ellesmera, the elves' forest city, to be tutored in fighting techniques and magic skills, and then must reclaim homeland Alagaesia from the wicked ruler, Galbatorix. Through Doyle's voice, Eragon's splendid dragon, Saphira, flaunts femininity behind her fierce countenance. Doyle presents distinctive elves, dwarves, and frightening bug/human enemies amid a backdrop of complex languages and lands. N.M.C. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award 2006 Audie Award Finalist (c) AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine

July 25, 2005
This phone-book size second helping in Paolini's planned Inheritance Trilogy picks up with the battle-scarred but conquering hero, first introduced in Eragon,
and his dragon, Saphira. As the novel opens, the two are neck-deep in political intrigue over choosing a successor to replace Ajihad, the Varden's slain leader. The scope of the story expands when Eragon and Arya, the elfin ambassador he not-so-secretly lusts after, head to Ellesméra so he can complete his training as a Rider. Eragon's cousin, Roran, makes a more perilous journey, leading the townspeople of Carvahall in pursuit of the villain Galbatorix and his cronies, who have kidnapped Roran's fiancée—hoping to bait Eragon and Saphira. The narrative shifts occasionally to follow the troubles plaguing Nasuada, Ajihad's daughter, who now leads the Varden. Fans of the first volume will find even more of the same here: a wealth of descriptive detail, mythic archetypes and prolonged battle sequences. Here, the inspiration sometimes seems less Tolkien than Star Wars
(Eragon says "Yes, Master" frequently). The most affecting element remains the tender relationship between dragon and Rider, and teens will empathize as the object of Eragon's affection (repeatedly) spurns him, his teacher humbles him and he struggles with questions about God and vegetarianism. Readers who persevere are rewarded with walloping revelations in the final pages, including the meaning of the title and the identity of the red dragon on the cover. The story leaves off with a promise—To Be Continued. Ages 12-up.