Following a costly victory against the forces of the evil Emperor Galbatorix, Eragon and his dragon Saphira journey to Ellesmera, to further Eragon’s magical training under the tutelage of the elves. At the same time, Eragon’s cousin, Roran, embarks upon a quest of his own, to protect the villagers of Carvahall from the Emperor’s retaliation. One ally is lost, secrets are revealed, and the story continues to unfold in the second book of the Inheritance trilogy. Generally, Eldest is a great read with an intriguing storyline, but Paolini’s influences remain all too obvious as he treads upon some familiar territory. The last book in the series will really determine how well Paolini pulls it all off.