Eldest by Christopher Paolini (The Inheritance Cycle: Book 2)

Darkness falls…despair abounds…evil reigns…

Eldest is the sequel to Eragon and is the second book in Christopher Paolini’s Inheritance Cycle.

Eragon and Saphira, saviours of the rebel state must travel to Ellesmera, a land of elves to complete their Dragon Rider training. A journey begins, full of adventure and betrayal where Eragon will be lucky to escape with his life.

Eldest will once again thrill and excite young fantasy authors around the world. The tale is full if excitement, awash with swords and sorcery, full to the brim with friendship and betrayal. Eragon and Saphira once again play the leading roles but we now have Eragon’s cousin Roran playing the supporting role as he defends his mountain community from the evil King’s men.

If you were being kind you could say that Paolini was paying homage to Star Wars and the Lord of The Rings. However, if you were not so kindly you would state that he has no original bone in his body and is simply re-working classics from the past. I would personally go for the latter.

This book will be read and enjoyed by those who have never read fantasy by more accomplished authors but in time the reader will move on and come to realise that Paolini’s books are not as good as they once thought they were.

Still, having said that, reading a book is all about enjoyment and if Eragon worked for you then you will not be disappointed by Eldest.

8/10 If you enjoyed Eragon then this is more of the same.