Eldest is the second book in the Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini and the sequel to Eragon. Eldest was first published in hardcover on August 23, 2005, and was released in paperback in September 2006. Eldest has been released in an audiobook format, and as an ebook. Like Eragon, Eldest became a New York Times bestseller. A deluxe edition of Eldest was released on September 26, 2006, including new information and art by both the illustrator and the author. Other editions of Eldest are translations into different languages.

Eldest begins following several important events in Eragon. The story is the continued adventures of Eragon and his dragon Saphira, centering around their journey to the realm of the Elves in order to further Eragon's training as a Dragon Rider. Other plots in the story focus on Roran, Eragon's cousin, who leads the inhabitants of Carvahall to Surda, and Nasuada as she takes on her father's role as leader of the Varden. Eldest ends at the Battle of the Burning Plains, where Eragon faces a new Dragon Rider, and a new dragon, Thorn.

Reviews pointed out the similarities between Eldest and other works such as Lord of the Rings, while praising the themes of the book, such as friendship and honor. Several of these reviews commented on the style and genre of Eldest, while others considered the possibility of a movie adaptation similar to the movie of Eragon.

Background

The first book, Eragon, introduces many characters whose stories continue in the second book. Some such characters include: Eragon, the main character and viewpoint for the novel; Saphira, Eragon's dragon; Murtagh, who is the son of Morzan; Arya, an elf for whom Eragon has feelings; and Brom, a Dragon Rider who trained Eragon before being killed by the Ra'zac. The Ra'zac are servants of King Galbatorix, who began the war that is being fought in Alagaësia.

Characters introduced or whose roles are increased in Eldest include Roran (Eragon's cousin), Elva (a girl supposedly blessed by Eragon in Tronjheim, capital city of the dwarves. However, in Eldest it becomes clear what actually happened), The Twins (magicians), and Orik (a dwarf who is a friend of Eragon).

At the end of Eragon, a great battle occurs between the Varden (the group opposing the Empire of Galbatorix) and an army of Galbatorix's Urgals. Although the Varden succeed in defeating the Urgals and their Shade leader, Durza, Eragon is gravely wounded. He is healed by the witch Angela, but is left with a scar on his back. Eldest begins three days after these events.