Cover of Eldest

Fantasy · Young adult · Adventure

Eldest

3.9 out of 5, from 1,327 ratings from Hardcover readers

Second Inheritance book. The young dragon rider Eragon and his dragon go to the hidden elves for training, while his cousin Roran is left to defend their village against soldiers of the empire.

Facts last checked 2026-10-16

First published
2005
Pace
Medium
Length
Long
Pages
679
Format
Book 2 of 5 in The Inheritance Cycle

Read this if you like classic dragon-and-rider fantasy with training, politics and big battles.

Skip this if you haven't read Eragon, since the story picks up directly after it.

The feel

Content warnings

  • Violence
  • Death
  • War

Also reported by Hardcover readers:

  • Murder

Quick answers about Eldest

What is Eldest about?
Second Inheritance book. The young dragon rider Eragon and his dragon go to the hidden elves for training, while his cousin Roran is left to defend their village against soldiers of the empire.
Who should read Eldest?
Read it if you like classic dragon-and-rider fantasy with training, politics and big battles. Skip it if you haven't read Eragon, since the story picks up directly after it.
How long and how fast is Eldest?
It is a medium-paced, long read of about 679 pages, first published in 2005.
Does Eldest have content warnings?
Content we flag: Violence, Death, War.
Can I borrow Eldest for free?
Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Eldest; the borrow button above searches it for you.
What should I read after Eldest?
Readers who liked it often move on to Eragon, Fourth Wing, A Wizard of Earthsea.

Where to get it

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