Inheritance

November 7, 2011
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 12âup.

nicdro - Inheritance by: Christopher Paolini Reviewed by: Nick Drown Gr. 7 “Inheritance” by Christopher Paolini takes place in the ancient realm of Alagaesia where a hero’s struggle for the final battle against his antagonist Galbatorix - the evil king of Alagaesia - may or may not be successful. The kingdom of Alagaesia is a lot like the middle ages in the sense that there are castles and dragons, swords and shields. Elves, Dwarves, Urgals, and Ra’Zac roam the kingdom and make their civilizations throughout the Empire. The hero is Eragon and he is struggling to win the war against Galbatorix. Many times he has tried to thwart the mad king’s plans, and many times he has failed. Galbatorix is a usurper and his people live in fear. Eragon hopes to stop Galbatorix’s reign of terror by overthrowing him. Galbatorix seems to be winning the battles with the laughing dead - men who can feel no pain. Eragon must beat him or the Varden will die. Even though they are winning, the Empire is very worried. Galbatorix is insane, and the Varden have ACTUALLY captured two of their strongest cities: Gil’ead and Dras-Leona. The, Empire send out hundreds - even THOUSANDS of men but the Varden win most of the battles no matter what the odds. Now, because of a werecat’s prophecy, Eragon must journey to the Rock of Kuthian in order to find the power that will help him fight against Galbatorix. This could very well be the turning point of the war. What he finds there is legendary, perhaps even more than he can handle. He finds his true name and unlocks the Rock of Kuthian, which is the Vault of Dragon Souls, but, can he control what he finds? Saphira, Eragon’s great dragon, is one of the three dragons left on Alagaesia after Galbatorix’s purge and almost Extinction of Dragons. Saphira battles the two other dragons, Thorn and Shruikan, endangering her safety and the safety of her race. With two Dragons against her, can Saphira defeat her foes? However, unfortunately, if she kills them, she is the last of her kind. “Inheritance” by Christopher Paolini is a truly wonderful book and is full of action, adventure, suspense, and surprises that are unforgettable.