The tale begun in Eragon continues here. Paolini's detailed descriptions and many digressions give the 681-page volume a very slow pace, but the author's enthusiasm for his creation is infectious nonetheless. With a growing storytelling talent (though his style is still less than smooth), Paolini requites the devotion of his many readers.

This phone-book size second helping in Paolini's planned Inheritance Trilogy picks up with the battle-scarred but conquering hero, first introduced in <EMPHASIS TYPE=""ITALIC"">Eragon, and his dragon, Saphira. As the novel opens, the two are neck-deep in political intrigue over choosing a successor to replace Ajihad, the Varden's slain leader. The scope of the story expands when Eragon and Arya, the elfin ambassador he not-so-secretly lusts after, head to Ellesméra so he can complete his training as a Rider. Eragon's cousin, Roran, makes a more perilous journey, leading the townspeople of Carvahall in pursuit of the villain Galbatorix and his cronies, who have kidnapped Roran's fiancée—hoping to bait Eragon and Saphira. The narrative shifts occasionally to follow the troubles plaguing Nasuada, Ajihad's daughter, who now leads the Varden. Fans of the first volume will find even more of the same here: a wealth of descriptive detail, mythic archetypes and prolonged battle sequences. Here, the inspiration sometimes seems less Tolkien than <EMPHASIS TYPE=""ITALIC"">Star Wars (Eragon says "Yes, Master" frequently). The most affecting element remains the tender relationship between dragon and Rider, and teens will empathize as the object of Eragon's affection (repeatedly) spurns him, his teacher humbles him and he struggles with questions about God and vegetarianism. Readers who persevere are rewarded with walloping revelations in the final pages, including the meaning of the title and the identity of the red dragon on the cover. The story leaves off with a promise—To Be Continued. Ages 12-up. <EMPHASIS TYPE=""ITALIC"">(Aug.)

Gr 5 Up-Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, have survived the battle at Tronjheim, but their challenges are not over. Galbatorix, the corrupt emperor, still rules Alagaesia and is looking for them. The magically bonded pair must help the rebellious Varden regroup after their leader is slain. Eragon helps deal with the resulting diplomatic complexities and then leaves for Du Weldenvarden, the home of the Elves, in order to finish his training as a Dragon Rider. Meanwhile, his cousin Roran must unite the small town of Carvahall as it is battered by Galbatorix's forces, including the nasty Ra'zac. The story alternates between Eragon and Saphira and their political maneuvering and Roran and his more traditional adventure over land and sea. Paolini provides a worthy companion to Eragon (Knopf, 2003), though it does not stand alone (a summary of the first book will be included in the final edition). The plot-indeed, most of the fantasy conventions-is heavily inspired by Tolkien, McCaffrey, and especially George Lucas. The momentum of the narrative is steady and consistent: a problem presents itself and is neatly (and conveniently) solved before the next one arises, making it appealing to some adventure-quest fantasy fans and runescape.com players. Eragon's journey to maturity is well handled. He wrestles earnestly with definitions for good and evil, and he thoughtfully examines the question of good at what price.While there's nothing particularly original here, the book will find its fan-base.-Sarah Couri, New York Public Library Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

The second book in the Inheritance Trilogy, following Eragon (2003), takes up the epic story just three days after the end of the bloody battle in which Eragon slew the Shade Durza, and the Varden and dwarves defeated the forces of the evil ruler of the Empire. Although Eragon has proved himself in battle as a Dragon Rider, he has much to learn, so he travels to the land of the elves to complete his rigorous training. Meanwhile, his cousin Roran finds himself the target of Empire forces, which threaten to obliterate his village if Roran is not turned over to them. Alternating narratives follow the exploits of Eragon and of Roran as each plays his role in the inevitable advance toward the final battle. Once again, the expected fantasy elements are well in place, and the characters and their relationships continue to develop nicely. The ending promises an even more cataclysmic battle ahead.

The long-awaited second volume in the Inheritance Trilogy finds Eragon still reeling from the battle at Farthen Dur. Determined to continue his rider training, Eragon travels with his dragon, Sephira, to the elven city of Ellesmera to continue his study in the magical arts. Plagued by guilt over the death of those he cared about and a general uneasiness about his abilities, Eragon commits himself to learning all that he can from Oromis and his dragon Glaedr. Oromis, once a powerful rider, has been in hiding ever since the Galbatorix waged battle with the old order and managed to kill most of the riders. While Eragon is deep in his education, another battle is waging in his home village of Carvahall. Roran, Eragon's cousin, is attempting to defend his home as well as join the rebellion against evil. Another battle, much closer to home, completes the bookends of this tale, as Eragon and Roran come together in an effort to save Carvahall. Overly dramatic dialogue and a too-familiar plot is again an issue for Paolini as he continues his epic tale. Owing more than a nod to the stories of J. R. R. Tolkien and George Lucas, the chronicle of the young rider and his dragon at times seems too recognizable. Despite the obvious flaws, this tale promises to entertain and enchant readers with a hunger for magical fantasy.-Heather Hepler.

Eragon continues his Rider training in this dense sequel. After the epic battle at Farthen Dur, Eragon travels to the elven city Ellesmera to complete his magical education. There he learns from Oromis and Glaedr, a wounded Rider and his dragon who have been hidden for years, ever since Galbatorix overthrew the old order and slew the Riders. Meanwhile, inhuman servants of Galbatorix have invaded Eragon's home village Carvahall, hoping to capture Eragon's cousin Roran. Roran leads the villagers to join the Varden rebellion against Galbatorix's tyranny. Another epic battle concludes the story and brings the cousins together just in time for a revelation of dark secrets. Suffused with purple prose and faux-archaic language, this patchwork of dialogue, characters and concepts pulled whole cloth from the fantasy canon holds together remarkably well. Dramatic tension is maintained through the interweaving of Eragon's and Roran's adventures, though too much time is spent on the details of Eragon's training. Derivative but exciting. (Fantasy. 12-15)