Eldest
Book II
Knopf Books for Young Readers 2007
Book 2 of The Inheritance Cycle
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 7.3 (7th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Book 2 in a series — earlier books first
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Genre
Themes
- destiny
- courage
- loyalty
- power and responsibility
- identity and self-discovery
- rebellion and resistance
- mentorship
- cultural understanding
About this book
In the second book of the Inheritance Cycle, Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, journey to the elven city of Ellésmera to deepen their training while a growing rebellion struggles against a tyrant king. New magic, ancient secrets, and dangerous politics test Eragon’s loyalties and strength. Epic battles and rich world-building keep the stakes high as friendships and destinies are forged. Perfect for readers who love expansive fantasy worlds, dragons, and heroic quests.
Setting: the high-fantasy world of Alagaësia, including the elven realm of Ellésmera
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Eldest right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Eldest. The reading level is AR 7.3, which is typical for 7th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include destiny, courage, loyalty. Note: this is book 2 in a series — your child should read the earlier books first.
How long does it take to read Eldest?
At a typical 7th grade reading pace, Eldest takes around 20h to finish. The book has 212,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Eldest have an AR quiz?
Yes — Eldest has an AR quiz available, worth 36 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Eldest?
Eldest has an AR reading level of 7.3, which places it at a 7th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.