Eldest

In the elven city of Ellesméra, Eragon studies with a wise old Rider and his dragon, who have secretly survived for decades. He learns the ancient language of magic, swordsmanship and the ethics of power, while Saphira learns from an older dragon. Eragon also falls for the elf Arya, who does not return his feelings. His training is slow and thoughtful, with long passages on the elves' history, music and philosophy.

Meanwhile, in Eragon's home village of Carvahall, his cousin Roran is hunted by the king's sinister servants, the Ra'zac, who have taken the woman he loves. Roran persuades the villagers to leave their homes and lead a dangerous journey across the land to join the Varden, growing from a farmer into a leader. The two storylines meet at a great battle, where Eragon faces a shocking enemy and an even more shocking revelation. There are battles and some violence, described without much gore.

Long, immersive and dramatic, a rewarding continuation for readers who loved Eragon and want to spend more time in its world of dragons, elves and magic. It is followed by Brisingr and Inheritance. About 720 pages in the Knopf paperback.