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Eldest (2005) 
Author: Christopher Paolini
Genre: Fantasy
Point of View: 1st person
Age Recommendations: 12 and up
Main Characters: Eragon, Saphira, Arya, Roran, Elva, the twins, and Orik
Plot: Ajihad, leader of the Varden, dies. Murtagh and the twins disappear because they are captured by Urgals, and assumed dead. Nasuada, Ajihad’s daughter, becomes the new leader of the Varden. Eragon swears allegiance to Nasuada. In Carvahall, Roran has to go to battle with the Ra’zak because they are trying to lure Eragon out of hiding. The town defeats them, but Katrina is captured. Eragon then goes to Du Weldenvarden to further his training. He discovers that the elven queen is Arya’s mother. Eragon trains with Oromis, the mourning sage, ‘the cripple who is whole’ and his dragon Glaedr. Eragon’s power and knowledge grow. On the blood oath celebration, Eragon’s wound gets healed and he takes on Elvish qualities that enhances his strength and agility. Nasuada decides to move the Varden to Surda, because of this move, was with Galbatorix becomes imminent. Eragon leaves and goes to fight in the battle. Eragon learns of two powerful spell casters, and discovers that it is the twins who he thought were dead. He sees that the enemy has a dragon rider whom he battle with and unmasks and discovers that it is Murtagh whom he assumed was also dead. Eragon then discovers that he and Murtagh share the same father, Morzan. Galbatorix wants Murtagh to bring Eragon’s dragon, Saphira, to him so she can breed with a male dragon, since she is the only surviving female. Eragon refuses and Murtagh lets him go. Roran is also at Surda and Eragon helps him defeat Galbatorix’s army with the aide of the dwarves. After defeating the army, Eragon and Roran decide to go and rescue Katrina from the Ra’zak.
Theme: The continuation of the battle between good and evil, and discovering who your real family is.
Impressions: This second book has a lot more story development since the characters and setting were previously established in Eragon. The action was more intense and keeps the reader wanting more. Little to no dull moments helps move the story and development forward at a swift pace. Paolini does a good job keeping the readers interest.