As one of the first fantasy books I fell in love with, I am still partial to the vast array of world building and story telling that Paolini weaves. In Eragon, we get to witness the rebirth of Dragon Riders. By the end of book 1, much of the history of Alagaesia is set. The story could stand alone. In Eldest, Paolini plays a lot more emotion through the story, showing his increased intelligence in writing. A well written story completely.

12,000 years since the last Lightning Elemental stood guard. The world is in chaos. Shadow magic is spreading outside of the walls of secrecy. A new savior must rise and bring balance, for the fate of Gnariam. Will The Lightning Rod become the hero the world needs, or succumb to the darkness?