Awards
Nominated for the American Library Association 2003 Best Books For Young Adults Award
Synopses & Reviews
One boy
One dragon
A world of adventure
When Eragon finds a polished blue stone in the forest, he thinks it is the lucky discovery of a poor farm boy; perhaps it will buy his family meat for the winter. But when the stone brings a dragon hatchling, Eragon realizes he has stumbled upon a legacy nearly as old as the Empire itself. Overnight his simple life is shattered, and he is thrust into a perilous new world of destiny, magic, and power. With only an ancient sword and the advice of an old storyteller for guidance, Eragon and the fledgling dragon must navigate the dangerous terrain and dark enemies of an Empire ruled by a king whose evil knows no bounds. Can Eragon take up the mantle of the legendary Dragon Riders? The fate of the Empire may rest in his hands...
Review
"[An] impressive epic fantasy....[Paolini's] use of language dispenses with the floral, pastoral touch in favor of more direct prose....An auspicious beginning to both career and series." Publishers Weekly
Review
"An impressive start to a writing career that's sure to flourish." Booklist (Starred Review)
Review
"[A] vigorously written high fantasy epic....Legacies etched in stars and dreams guide his steps in this enchanting adventure. Eragon is highly recommended for dedicated fantasy enthusiasts." Midwest Book Review
Review
"[A] solid, sweeping epic fantasy..." Kirkus Reviews
Review
"The empathetic characters and interesting plot twists will appeal to the legions of readers who have been captivated by the Lord of the Rings trilogy and are looking for more books like it." School Library Journal
Review
"Full praise to Eragon, and I want more! A winner...tip of the hat to young master Paolini." Anne McCaffrey, author of the Dragonriders of Pern series
Review
"A promising new author finds his literary legs in this engaging story....Overwritten action sequences and occasionally forced dialogue do not detract too much from the interesting and entertaining tale." VOYA
Review
"Paolini takes a little Tolkien, a little McCaffrey, a coming-of-age quest, and combines them with some wicked good storytelling....Fantasy buffs will find themselves immersed in a world of magic and sword fighting...eagerly awaiting Book Two." KLIATT
About the Author
Christopher Paolinis abiding love of fantasy and science fiction inspired him to begin writing his debut novel,
Eragon, when he graduated from high school at fifteen after being homeschooled all his life. Both
Eragon and
Eldest, the second book in the Inheritance trilogy, became instant
New York Times bestsellers. Christopher is currently at work on the final volume in the trilogy. He lives in Montana, where the dramatic landscape feeds his visions of Alagaësia.
You can find out more about Christopher and Inheritance at www.alagaesia.com.