All Caught Up... Book 3

Since I didn't decide to start this blog until recently, there were already a few books I had finished reading before I started and this is the last of them.  So, as the title of this post suggests, I am "all caught up" on the books I've finished and from now on I'm writing as I finish books (and maybe a few others comments here and there).

Book 3....Eldest, the second book in the Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini.  In this book we start off after the battle between the Varden/dwarfs and the Empire/Urgals in Farthen Dur (don't want to ruin it by letting on too much).  Eragon must now travel to Ellesmera with Saphira and Arya to meet the elves, learn their ways, and train to be a better dragon rider.  This book answered a lot of questions for me because the reader discovers much more about the history of the dragon riders and what it takes to become a better one, which Eragon must do if he wants to help the Varden defeat the evil king, Galbatorix (who is a dragon rider that turned on the rest of them).  While in Ellesmera, Eragon and Saphira go through many changes of body and mind.  After much training though, they must cut their time short in order to return to the Varden to help fight.

While all of this is going on with Eragon and Saphira, we are also taken back to Carvahall, where Eragon's cousin Roran is helping defend the town from the Ra'zac who are intent on capturing him.  It is here that Roran is able to become the leader he was meant to be as he helps the town hold off the Ra'zac and soldiers.  Eventually, Roran convinces the townsfolk to leave Carvahall and join the Varden fighting the Empire.  It is here the town of Carvahall sets upon a great journey across Alagaesia where they encounter many challenges before reaching their goal of joining the Varden in Surda.

The book ends in another epic battle between the Varden and soldiers of the Empire (plus a couple other unexpected guests).  Eragon and Roran are reunited at last and have a chance to catch up - dragon rider Eragon to great leader Roran Stronghammer.  It is during this conversation they make a pact that I'm sure will be of great interest in the next book!