Eldest: The Inheritance Cycle, Book 2

Possible mild spoiler: I'm surprised there's nothing about the elves' festival in the "Parents Need to Know..." section. I was wavering over whether to let my son read this; the Bacchanalia feeling and the naked dancing girls decided me, along with the magic getting extra creepy in that scene. ("...the creature was... a conscious being bound and sustained by magic." The creature in question being a tattoo on the two naked girls' bodies.)

I love this book! There is just the concern about sex where it mentions that Katrina, Roran's fiance, slips inside his bedroom and remains there for the night. And it's not mentioned in the least bit, which is disturbing.

The language is mild; only occasional curses are used (created by the author) what your child hears at school is a lot worse (even at age 8). A few references to intercourse are made (a couple climbs into bed naked, a character pursues another character, etc.) There is violence on a small scale (less than 20 deaths, until the end where there is mass slaughter) and some references to the eating of humans. Some children will not enjoy the politics within the book, as they do tend to be rather... well political in nature. Some references are made to religious beliefs. Overall if your child is mature they will enjoy the book; if they enjoy reading the front page of the news they will most defiantly enjoy the descriptions of politics and negotiations. Basically know your child, they may enjoy the book or they may hate it, if they hate it don't push them. If your child is immature i would not recommend this book; otherwise it is a great book for them.

An epic tale.

I and of course my daughter read this book and yet again (like Eragon) really liked it! It is more bloody and seeing the side effects killing has on Roran can be pretty disturbing if you are younger than 10. All in all it is a great book with a great ending that is worth all 600 something pages, but make sure that you have Brisingr after you finish cause it does leave you hanging! If you liked Eragon you will LOVE Eldest! Oh and for the sexual material, you just have to be mature about it because most of it can be harmless unless if you think the worse! :D

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.