"Eldest" by Christopher Paolini

This book is the sequel to "Eragon"and the second book in the Inheritance Cycle. This book begins at the end of an epic battle where Eragon has killed one of Galbatorix's right hand men, Durza, a shade. This battle had left Eragon with the amazing and rare title of "Shadeslayer" but it has also given him a large handicap. Before Eragon was able to slay the shade, he was given a long slice from his shoulder to hip. The magicians and healers did their best to remove this horrible wound, but their efforts were in vain. Eragon must now try and complete his training as a Rider with the handicap. When overexerted, Eragon faints and contorts with pain until he is drained of all energy. Because his mind and Saphira, his dragon's, are so closely connected, she physically feels his pain. During the battle, Eragon recieved a link of thought from a man they later learn is named Oromis. This man, or rather this elf, was once a rider himself and promises Eragon the training he needs. Eragon agrees to this and seeks to find this mystery elf. He travels all the way from his comfortable new home to the large forest of Du Weldenvaren. There he does find Oromis, along with many surprises, and he discoveres the true meaning of magic. Before Eragon can finish too much of his training, Galbatorix approaches the Varden, the group of resistance that Eragon has taken save haven with and is now aleiganced to. Eragon must leave Du Weldenvaren and face Galbatorix, or risk loosing his only chance at killing the oppresor of his world. This book is told from 3 different people's points of view and brings us back to Eragon's family and the harships that are befalling the everyday townspeople. It also shows the struggles of leadership and the wills of large masses of people to fight as one for one cause. Dangerous facts twist Eragon's fate toward the end of this book, and leave you gasping for more. An excelent read by any standards, and a must for all who love fantasy.