Besides the frequent depiction of violence, one thing to be concerned about in the Inheritance Cycle (particularly book 2) is the focus on polytheism and atheism in the characters (Dwarves and Elves) that the main character spends time with.
Eldest (The Inheritance Trilogy, Book 2)
(2005, Fiction - Fantasy, Written by Christopher Paolini)
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
The epic saga continues -- and improves.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 10 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Eldest (The Inheritance Trilogy, Book 2) was written by Matt Berman
Parents need to know that, as is typical in high fantasy, there is plenty of fighting and bloodshed, though not as much as in the first book. Fighting and war, though sometimes bemoaned, are pretty much accepted as the way to solve problems.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about Eragon's training and its parallels in Roran's trials. Does Eragon deserve Roran's blaming him for the village's troubles? Was Oromis right to withhold forms of magic that Galbatorix possesses? What are the parallels with the Star Wars saga? It can be fun to play Find the Matching Characters -- if Oromis is Yoda, who is Obi-Wan? Darth Vader? Princess Leia?
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More on Eldest (The Inheritance Trilogy, Book 2)
Book Summary
Eldest picks up where Eragon left off, at the end of the battle between the Varden, aided by Eragon, Saphira, and their friends, and the evil emperor Galbatorix's forces in Farthen Dûr. With barely time to mourn his fallen friends Eragon is first caught up in political intrigue among the humans, and between the humans, elves, and dwarves, and then sent across the empire to complete his training as a Rider with the elves in the vast forest of Du Weldenvarden.
At the same time, Eragon's cousin Roran is sought by Galbatorix, who sends soldiers and two of the vicious Ra'zac to Carvahall, Eragon's home. Roran leads the villagers in holding them off, but Roran's fiancé is captured and the villagers are force to flee across the mountains, pursued all the way, to try to make their way by land and sea to Surda, the stronghold of the rebels.
As the story flips back and forth between Eragon and Roran we get to see both of them grow in maturity and power, Eragon as a result of his training with the last survivor of the old Riders, and Roran in a trial by fire as the de facto leader of his villagers fighting their way across the empire. These parallel streams, of course, converge in a climactic battle which once again ends the book.
Includes map and language guide.
Is It Any Good?
ELDEST is considerably longer and more dense than its predecessor, Eragon, but it's exciting, dark, suspenseful, and imaginative. This is a considerable step forward in Christopher Paolini's development as a writer. Eragon and Roran are compelling characters, and the relationship between Eragon and Saphira can be touching.
It may take some of the younger fans quite a bit of plowing through to finish it, but Paolini's writing is, like his main character, growing more fluid and sure here, with almost none of the embarrassing clunkers that marred the first book. His dialogue, though still the stilted, formal speech beloved by authors of high fantasy, is less hackneyed and clichéd. This is the work of a growing young writer who is learning as he goes and gradually but surely getting a firmer grip on his considerable talent, like an inexperienced charioteer with a frisky team.
Publisher’s Details
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf, Publication date: 08/23/2005
Number of pages: 704, Price: $27.95 (hardcover)
Read Aloud: 10, Read Alone: 11
Number of pages: 704, Price: $27.95 (hardcover)
Read Aloud: 10, Read Alone: 11
Our Members Say
See all 55 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title on for age 17 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Negative role models
Polytheism and Atheism
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I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
Eldest
This is the sequel to Eragon and Books 2 in the Inheritance Cycle. Eragon, after defeating a force of Urgals, must move on the the elves' forest to complete his training as a legendary Dragon Rider. He fights along the way. He struggles to learn, but is persistent. He keeps going to learn new spells and techniques. He, along with elves and the Varden, are the only forces willing to take down the evil king Galbatorix and end his reign. Eragon is pitted against danger and near death in this amazing, thrilling book.
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I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
not for under 10.
Eldest is better than eragon by only a little bit...... eragon tries to win Arya's heart ( and fails ) quite often. lots of description of the blood - oath celebration ( good description ) which is my favourite part!
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I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
PERFECT! :)
This book is very interesting and you get to use your imagination to travel into a time of dragons. Overall I loved the book.
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I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Negative role models
Not my standards
Improves!? Ha! It falls much shorter from its starwars rip-off of the first book. I still like the series though.
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Ratings at a Glance
| 100% | of parents don't feel there are good role models |
| 100% | of parents say it's too violent |
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