Christopher Paolini’s Inheritance Cycle reaches its conclusion with the fourth and final book in his fantasy series. Eragon finally faces the evil King Galbatorix in a showdown to determine the fate of Alagaësia. Will good triumph over evil? Can our courageous hero find a way to defeat the insanely powerful villain? Not trying to spoil the ending, but yes, Eragon saves the day. Aren’t you relieved?
Eragon is a Dragon Rider, a magician/warrior who is bonded to a dragon that he rides. And for the first three books he learned that he was a Dragon Rider, he learned how to be a Dragon Rider, he learned about the old Dragon Riders, and he decides to use his Dragon Rider skills to defeat an evil king who happens to be a powerful and corrupt former Dragon Rider.
Eragon and Saphira (the dragon that he rides) spent most of the first three books either training/studying or fighting in battles and skirmishes. One thing becomes clear to them: they are way too weak to fight Galbatorix and win. He is too powerful and Eragon knows it. But he’s still determined to find out how to defeat him.
Eragon and Saphira find a secret stash of dragon eggs and Eldunarí (basically dragon souls), which gives them a glimmer of hope. The Eldunarí give more Eragon strength but it’s still not enough. He must use his wits to defeat Galbatorix in battle. And the climactic scene is a bit of a let down. Then there are a few more chapters tying up all the loose ends of the various subplots. It’s a decent ending, but it’s not as satisfying as some other series. Paolini should have written an epilogue set seventeen years later. That’s the best way to end a successful series.
Critically Rated at 13/17
Written, Rated, and Reviewed by Brendan H. Young
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