When fifteen-year-old Eragon comes to learn that he is a gifted Dragon Rider, he realizes that his destiny is to fight the evil powers that will bring complete destruction to the Empire and so leaves his quiet life as a farm boy to succeed in his one true mission in life. Reprint. A new adventure hatches in the first book of the Inheritance Cycle, perfect for fans of Lord of the Rings! This New York Times bestselling series has sold over 35 million copies and is an international fantasy sensation. When fifteen-year-old Eragon finds a polished blue stone in the forest, he thinks it is the lucky discovery of a poor farm boy. But when the stone brings a dragon hatchling, Eragon soon realizes he has stumbled upon a legacy nearly as old as the Empire itself. Overnight his simple life is shattered, and, gifted with only an ancient sword, a loyal dragon, and sage advice from an old storyteller, Eragon is soon swept into a dangerous tapestry of magic, glory, and power. Now his choices could save-or destroy-the Empire. Features interlocking art that reveals an image across the spines of all four books! And don't miss the most recent book set in Eragon's world, The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm: Tales from Alagaësia! Christopher Paolini is a true rarity. --The Washington Post Prologue: Shade of Fear 1(5) Discovery 6(3) Palancar Valley 9(10) Dragon Tales 19(16) Fate's Gift 35(3) Awakening 38(9) Tea for Two 47(9) A Name of Power 56(4) A Miller-to-Be 60(3) Strangers in Carvahall 63(7) Flight of Destiny 70(5) The Doom of Innocence 75(6) Deathwatch 81(9) The Madness of Life 90(2) A Rider's Blade 92(15) Saddlemaking 107(4) Therinsford 111(12) Thunder Roar and Lightning Crackle 123(6) Revelation at Yazuac 129(6) Admonishments 135(8) Magic Is the Simplest Thing 143(9) Daret 152(9) Through a Dragon's Eye 161(8) A Song for the Road 169(4) A Taste of Teirm 173(6) An Old Friend 179(19) The Fitch and the Werecat 198(12) Of Reading and Plots 210(3) Thieves in the Castle 213(8) A Costly Mistake 221(13) Vision of Perfection 234(6) Master of the Blade 240(6) The Mire of Dras-Leona 246(4) Trail of Oil 250(5) Worshipers of Helgrind 255(9) The Ra'zac's Revenge 264(3) Murtagh 267(6) Legacy of a Rider 273(5) Diamond Tomb 278(7) Capture at Gil'ead 285(8) Du Sundavar Freohr 293(7) Fighting Shadows 300(10) A Warrior and a Healer 310(7) Water from Sand 317(7) The Ramr River 324(7) The Hadarac Desert 331(6) A Path Revealed 337(10) A Clash of Wills 347(7) Flight Through the Valley 354(15) The Horns of a Dilemma 369(10) Hunting for Answers 379(14) The Glory of Tronjheim 393(9) Ajihad 402(18) Bless the Child, Argetlam 420(13) Mandrake Root and Newt's Tongue 433(6) Hall of the Mountain King 439(14) Arya's Test 453(14) The Shadows Lengthen 467(12) Battle Under Farthen Dar 479(13) The Mourning Sage 492(7) Pronunciation Guide and Glossary 499(6) A Special Preview of Eldest 505