| Product Summary | | Format: Paperback | | ISBN: 9780375840401 | | Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers | | Publish Date: 3/13/2007 | | Buy.com Sku: 202872275 | | Item#: RH5QWF | | Buy.com Sales Rank: 10275 | | Pages: 704 | | Age Range: 16 to 21 |
|
|
|
| | | Now in paperback--the #1 "New York Times" bestselling second volume in the Inheritance trilogy follows Eragon as he and Ellesmera travel to the land of the elves for further training in the skills of the Dragon Rider.
Annotation:
A sensational avalanche of shifting political alliances, unexpected bombshells, and intense relationships races through this gripping, fast-paced sequel to the phenomenal bestseller ERAGON (which was written when Christopher Paolini was just a teenager). The Varden's struggle to end the reign of the villainous King Galbatorix continues as they and their numerous allies prepare to fight the Empire for control of Alagaesia. Still reeling from the intense battle of Farthen Dur, the young Rider, Eragon, and his shimmering blue dragon companion, Saphira, must continue their training in magic with the elves in the great city of Ellesmera. There, amidst the enchanted forest, the two are privy to an incredible secret that will aid in their growth as warriors and leaders. In the meantime, Eragon's hometown of Carvahall is under siege, with Galbatorix's soldiers and the dreaded Ra'zac pursuing his cousin, Roran, who is forced to decide between taking the easy path of cowardice and the difficult road to heroism. A whirling cauldron of intrigue, combining themes of personal and political power, coming-of-age drama, and family bonds, bubble at the heart of this intense, captivating story of good versus evil.
| Author Bio| Christopher Paolini | | Home-schooled by his parents, Christopher Paolini was 15 years old when he began writing ERAGON, a project he began to entertain himself and which eventually become his first published novel. Inspired by such diverse works as "Beowulf" and Bruce Coville's fantasy story JEREMY THATCHER, DRAGON HATCHER, Paolini's novel tells of a poor peasant boy named Eragon who discovers he is a descendent of the Riders, a band of dragon-riding warriors. Many of the characters in ERAGON speak in languages created by Paolini (with the help of his younger sister, Angela) and which were inspired by Old Norse languages. Originally self-published, ERAGON was brought to the attention of publishing company Alfred A. Knopf by author Carl Hiaasen, who was impressed with his stepson's enthusiastic reading of the book. The book was made into a film in 2006. |
| | Read A Chapter | The Council of Elders
Saphira's breathing quickened, and she opened her eyes, yawning expansively. Good morning, little one.
Is it? He looked down and leaned on his hands, compressing the mattress. It's terrible . . . Murtagh and Ajihad . . . Why didn't sentries in the tunnels warn us of the Urgals? They shouldn't have been able to trail Ajihad's group without being noticed. . . . Arya was right, it doesn't make sense.
We may never know the truth, said Saphira gently. She stood, wings brushing the ceiling. You need to eat, then we must discover what the Varden are planning. We can't waste time; a new leader could be chosen within hours.
Eragon agreed, thinking of how they had left everyone yesterday: Orik rushing off to give King Hrothgar the tidings, Jörmundur taking Ajihad's body to a place where it would rest until the funeral, and Arya, who stood alone and watched the goings-on.
Eragon rose and strapped on Zar'roc and his b Click to read more... The Council of Elders Saphira's breathing quickened, and she opened her eyes, yawning expansively. Good morning, little one. Is it? He looked down and leaned on his hands, compressing the mattress. It's terrible . . . Murtagh and Ajihad . . . Why didn't sentries in the tunnels warn us of the Urgals? They shouldn't have been able to trail Ajihad's group without being noticed. . . . Arya was right, it doesn't make sense. We may never know the truth, said Saphira gently. She stood, wings brushing the ceiling. You need to eat, then we must discover what the Varden are planning. We can't waste time; a new leader could be chosen within hours. Eragon agreed, thinking of how they had left everyone yesterday: Orik rushing off to give King Hrothgar the tidings, Jörmundur taking Ajihad's body to a place where it would rest until the funeral, and Arya, who stood alone and watched the goings-on. Eragon rose and strapped on Zar'roc and his bow, then bent and lifted Snowfire's saddle. A line of pain sheared through his torso, driving him to the floor, where he writhed, scrabbling at his back. It felt like he was being sawed in half. Saphira growled as the ripping sensation reached her. She tried to soothe him with her own mind but was unable to alleviate his suffering. Her tail instinctually lifted, as if to fight. It took minutes before the fit subsided and the last throb faded away, leaving Eragon gasping. Sweat drenched his face, making his hair stick and his eyes sting. He reached back and gingerly fingered the top of his scar. It was hot and inflamed and sensitive to touch. Saphira lowered her nose and touched him on the arm. Oh, little one. . . . It was worse this time, he said, staggering upright. She let him lean against her as he wiped away the sweat with a rag, then he tentatively stepped for the door. Are you strong enough to go?We have to. We're obliged as dragon and Rider to make a public choice regarding the next head of the Varden, and perhaps even influence the selection. I won't ignore the strength of our position; we now wield great authority written the Varden. At least the Twins aren't here to grab the position for themselves. That's the only good in the situation. Very well, but Durza should suffer a thousand years of torture for what he did to you. He grunted. Just stay close to me. Together they made their way through Tronjheim, toward the nearest kitchen. In the corridors and hallways, people stopped and bowed to them, murmuring, "Argetlam," or "Shadeslayer." Even dwarves made the motions, though not as often. Eragon was struck by the somber, haunted expressions of the humans and the dark clothing they wore to display their sadness. Many women dressed entirely in black, lace veils covering their faces. In the kitchen, Eragon brought a stone platter of food to a low table. Saphira watched him carefully in case he should have another attack. Several people tried to approach him, but she lifted a lip and growled sending them scurrying away. Eragon pretended to ignore the disturbances and picked at the food. Finally, trying to divert his thoughts from Murtagh, he asked, Who do you think has the means to take control of the Varden, now that Ajihad and the Twins are gone? She hesitated. It's possible you could, if Ajihad's last words were interpreted as a blessing to secure the leadership. Almost no one would oppose you. However, that does not seem a wise path to take. I see only trouble in that direction. I agree. Besides, Arya wouldn't approve, and she could be a dangerous enemy. Elves can't lie in the ancient language, but they have no such inhibition in ours-she could deny that Ajihad ever uttered those words if it served her purposes. No, I don't want the position. . . . What about Jörmundur? Ajihad called him his right-hand man. Unfortunately, we know little about him or the Varden's other leaders. Such a short time has passed since we came here. We will have to make our judgment on our feelings and impressions, without the benefit of history. Eragon pushed his fish around a lump of mashed tubers. Don't forget Hrothgar and the dwarf clans; they won't be quiet in this. Except for Arya, the elves have no say in the succession-a decision will be made before word of this even reaches them. But the dwarves can't be-won't be-ignored. Hrothgar favors the Varden, but if enough clans oppose him, he might be maneuvered into backing someone unsuited for the command. And who might that be? A person easily manipulated. He closed his eyes and leaned back. It could be anyone in Farthen Dûr, anyone at all.From the Hardcover edition.Continues...
Excerpted from Eldest by Christopher Paolini Copyright © 2007 by Christopher Paolini. Excerpted by permission.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
|
|
|
| |
5
