Eldest is the second book in the planned Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini. It is 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, 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.

The critical reception of Eldest was mixed. Negative reviews often pointed out the similarities between Eldest and other works such as Lord of the Rings and Star Wars. Positive reviews praised 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

In Eragon, there are some events and characters that later become important in the next book, Eldest. Some important characters introduced are: Eragon, the main character and viewpoint for the novel; Saphira, Eragon's dragon; Murtagh, who is the son of Morzan; Arya, an elf whom Eragon has feelings for; Brom, who trains Eragon before the Ra'zac leave him mortally injured. The Ra'zac are servants of King Galbatorix, who started the war that is being fought in Alagaësia. Characters who play a large role in Eldest but not as great in the previous book include Roran (Eragon's cousin), Elva (a girl Eragon blesses in Farthen Dûr), The Twins (magicians), Orik (a dwarf friend of Eragon).

A great battle occurs at Farthen Dûr, where the anti-Galbatorix group called the Varden led by Ajihad resides. The Varden wins the battle, but Eragon nearly dies. He is healed by the witch Angela, but is left with a scar on his spine. Eldest begins three days after these events.