Eragon (2003) is the debut novel of Christopher Paolini and the first book in the Inheritance Cycle. Written when Paolini was just a teenager, this epic fantasy follows Eragon, a young farm boy whose discovery of a mysterious blue stone hatches into Saphira, a dragon that bonds with him as her Rider. Thrust into a world of magic, ancient prophecies, and rebellion against the tyrannical king Galbatorix, Eragon joins forces with the wise storyteller Brom and the fierce warrior Murtagh to battle the dark forces of the Empire. With its rich world-building, dragon lore, and classic hero’s journey, Eragon became a phenomenon, launching a bestselling series.
For fans of Eragon, try:
- Eldest (2005) – The sequel, diving deeper into dragon rider training and political intrigue.
- The Dragonriders of Pern (1968) by Anne McCaffrey – A sci-fi/fantasy blend with bonded dragons and their riders.
- The Priory of the Orange Tree (2019) by Samantha Shannon – A feminist, standalone epic with dragons and warring kingdoms.
