Eragon

Eragon is a 2002 fantasy novel by American author Christopher Paolini, his debut, and the first book in The Inheritance Cycle. Set in the fictional land of Alagaësia, it follows a teenage farm boy named Eragon who lives in Carvahall and discovers a mysterious blue dragon egg. The hatchling dragon, Saphira, forms a bond with Eragon, marking him as a Dragon Rider and setting him on a perilous path.

Guided by Brom, a former Rider, Eragon is trained in swordcraft and magic as he and Saphira are hunted by the Ra’zac and the forces of the tyrant king, Galbatorix. He eventually joins the Varden, a resistance movement, and travels across Alagaësia with allies such as the elf Arya and his cousin Murtagh. The novel explores coming-of-age themes, the responsibilities of power, and the struggle against imperial tyranny, as Eragon learns to wield the ancient magic and languages that underpin the Dragon Rider tradition.

Eragon was the start of a commercially successful series, followed by Eldest (2005), Brisingr (2008), and Inheritance (2011). The book was adapted into a 2006 feature film by 20th Century Fox, which was widely criticized by fans and critics for its departures from the source material and its execution.

Reception of Eragon has been mixed in literary circles, with praise for world-building and accessibility but critique of pacing and originality. It remains Paolini’s best-known work and has been translated into numerous languages.