Eldest
2005
Book 2 of The Inheritance Cycle
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 7 (7th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include war and resistance
Book 2 in a series — earlier books first
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Genre
Themes
- destiny
- loyalty
- betrayal
- war and resistance
- identity and self-discovery
- power and responsibility
- family
- training and mastery
About this book
In this sweeping sequel to Eragon, young Dragon Rider Eragon and his dragon Saphira travel to the elves’ realm for advanced training in magic and swordplay while war against a ruthless empire spreads. As Eragon’s powers grow, he faces tough choices about loyalty and leadership, and learns that trust can be fragile. Meanwhile, his cousin Roran fights to protect their village from forces beyond his control. Fans love the rich world-building, intense battles, and the deepening bond between rider and dragon.
Setting: the fantasy world of Alagaësia, including the elven city of Ellesméra and the war-torn Varden strongholds
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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, 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, loyalty, betrayal. 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 213,000 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, 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.