Darkness fallsdespair aboundsevil reignsEragon and his dragon, Saphira, have just saved the rebel state from destruction by the mighty forces of King Galbatorix, cruel ruler of the Empire.

Now Eragon must travel to Ellesmera, land of the elves, for further training in the skills of the Dragon Rider: magic and swordsmanship.

Soon he is on the journey of a lifetime, his eyes open to awe-inspring new places and people, his days filled with fresh adventure.

But chaos and betrayal plague him at every turn, and nothing is what it seems.

Before long, Eragon doesnt know whom he can trust.Meanwhile, his cousin Roran must fight a new battleone that might put Eragon in even graver danger.Will the kings dark hand strangle all resistance?

Eragon may not escape with even his life. . . .Praise for Eragon:Unusual, powerful . . . fresh and fluid. An impressive start to a writing career thats sure to flourish.

Booklist, StarredChristopher Paolini make[s] literary magic with his precocious debut.

PeopleThe new It book of childrens lit. U.S. News & World ReportAn auspicious beginning to both career and series.

Publishers WeeklyA #1 New York Times BestsellerA #1 Publishers Weekly BestsellerA USA Today BestsellerA Wall Street Journal BestsellerA Book Sense Book of the YearA #1 Book Sense SelectionFrom the Hardcover edition.