Christopher Paolini | Brisingr

Published: November 4, 2008

Paradise Valley author Christopher Paolini replicates his writing prowess in the third installment of what is now to be a tetralogy named “Inheritance.” Paolini originally intended to create a trilogy, but later decided to extend the story so as to better complete his series.

Fans of the previous two novels, Eragon and Eldest, will once again find themselves enthralled in this electrifying adventure into the magical land of Alagaësia.

In Brisingr, the young dragon rider Eragon fights alongside scores of men, elves, dwarves and mythical beasts to conquer the malevolent King Galbatorix. Having prevailed in their recent battle with Galbatorix’s forces, Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, now have to come to grips with their role as leaders in the ongoing war.

Eragon begins to struggle with the mass of oaths and promises he has made, and does not know whether he will be able to uphold them all. He has sworn to fight Galbatorix, but has also vowed to devote his efforts to saving his cousin’s beloved Katrina from the evil king’s minions.

Dragon and rider must now make crucial decisions that could mean victory, but also certain disaster for the entire nation. Eragon traverses the land, from the dwarves’ mountains in the south, through the brutal Hadarac Desert, to the north and the land of the elves, all the while trying to pull the resistance together and fend off Galbatorix’s monstrous forces.

Truths are told, enemies strengthened and friends lost as the climax of the series nears. The pages are guaranteed to fly by in this tumult of action and excitement that is Brisingr.

The book sold 550,000 copies on its release date, making it the greatest one-day sale ever recorded for a Random House children’s title.

– Spencer Shafter