Eldest

By Christopher Paolini
Rating: 4 1/4 stars
Reviewed by Noelle

This book is the sequel to the much touted Eragon. We pick up where the last book left off, with Eragon and his dragon Saphira at the aftermath of a successful battle against the Urgals. After a great deal of politicking with the various groups in power, Eragon sets off with Arya the elf to the elf stronghold for more advanced training. There, Eragon and Saphira are trained by the other remaining Dragon Rider in magic, flying, fighting and other skills necessary for their quest to overthrow the evil king, Galbatorix. Meanwhile, a parallel story unfolds involving Eragon's cousin, Roran. Their small village comes under attack by Galbatorix's troops who have come searching for Roran in their hunt to discover Eragon's whereabouts. Under Roran's guidance, the village holds off its attackers and eventually decides to abandon their village and head off to join the rebellion that is massing to attack the evil king. Eragon and Roran meet again at last at the site of a great battle against Galbatorix's troops. There, another Dragon Rider comes to light, and the stage is set for the next book. This book, and its predecessor, steal pretty blatantly from The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien , as far as the plot lines and even names go, and these books are a pale copy of that famous trilogy. However, if you enjoy long, involved fantasies, and liked the books and/or movies of the Lord of the Rings, you will probably like Eragon and Eldest.