Fifteen-year-old Eragon believes that he is merely a poor farm boy--until his destiny as a Dragon Rider is revealed. Gifted with only an ancient sword, a loyal dragon, and sage advice from an old storyteller, Eragon is soon swept into a dangerous tapestry of magic, glory, and power. Now his choices could save--or destroy--the Empire.

"An authentic work of great talent."--The New York Times Book Review

"Christopher Paolini make[s] literary magic with his precocious debut."--People

"Unusual, powerful, fresh, and fluid."--Booklist, Starred

"An auspicious beginning to both career and series."--Publishers Weekly

A New York Times Bestseller

A USA Today Bestseller

A Wall Street Journal Bestseller

A Book Sense Bestseller

From the Hardcover edition.