The Inheritance Cycle books must be read in chronological order, with the main narrative sequence read before the companion works:[1][11]
| Order | Cover | Title | First published | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main books | ||||
| 1 |
|
Eragon | 2002[12] | Introduces Eragon, Saphira, the Riders, and the war. |
| 2 |
|
Eldest | 2005[13-14] | Continues after the battle at Farthen Dûr. |
| 3 |
|
Brisingr | 2008[15-18] | Builds on the Varden’s campaign and Eragon’s training. |
| 4 |
|
Inheritance | 2011[19-22] | Concludes the struggle with Galbatorix. |
| 5 |
|
The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm | 2018[23-24] | Follows Eragon after the main conflict. |
| 6 |
|
Murtagh | 2023[25-28] | Continues Murtagh and Thorn’s story. |
| Companion books | ||||
| 1 |
|
The Inheritance Almanac | 2010[29] | A glossary and lore guide. |
| 2 |
|
Eragon’s Guide to Alagaësia | 2013[30] | A guide to the world of Alagaësia. |
| 3 |
|
The Official Eragon Coloring Book | 2015[31] | A coloring book. |
Works in sequence
The core reading experience consists of the main narrative books: Eragon, Eldest, Brisingr, Inheritance, The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm, and Murtagh. These are the books to prioritize for the principal story.[2-7]
The supplementary books—The Inheritance Almanac, Eragon’s Guide to Alagaësia, and The Official Eragon Coloring Book—expand, explain, or visually present the world of Alagaësia, but they are not required for following the main plot. They are best left until after a reader has begun, or completed, the core sequence. These works are most useful for readers who want lore, visual material, reference information, or fuller world coverage beyond the main story.[8-10]
Main books
1. Eragon
Eragon (2002)[12] introduces Eragon as a farm boy whose discovery of a dragon egg draws him into the history of the Dragon Riders, the rebellion against Galbatorix, and the wider world of Alagaësia.[2]
It establishes the central bond between Eragon and Saphira, as well as the major factions, conflicts, and magical rules that the later books develop.[2]
2. Eldest
Eldest (2005)[13-14] continues from the aftermath of the battle at Farthen Dûr and expands the series across several connected strands. It follows Eragon and Saphira as they pursue deeper Rider training, Nasuada as she takes command of the Varden, and Roran as his story becomes a major part of the resistance.[3]
This book depends on the first volume’s events and moves the conflict toward open war.[3]
3. Brisingr
Brisingr (2008)[15-18] follows the consequences of the previous book’s battles, promises, and political shifts. It develops Eragon’s role within the Varden, the dwarves, and the elves while continuing the military campaign against the Empire.[4]
It also expands the lore of dragons, Riders, and magical power, making it a central bridge between the training-and-rebellion phase of the series and its final confrontation.[4]
4. Inheritance
Inheritance (2011)[19-22] brings the principal narrative arc to its climax. It follows the Varden as they advance through the Empire, Eragon and Saphira as they search for a way to oppose Galbatorix, and several long-running conflicts as they reach resolution.[5]
This book should follow the first three main novels, since its stakes, relationships, and revelations depend on the sequence already established.[5]
5. The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm
The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm (2018)[23-24] takes place after the central conflict and shows Eragon adjusting to his new responsibilities at Mount Arngor. Instead of continuing the original war plot, it presents linked episodes involving Eragon, Murtagh, Angela, Elva, the Eldunarí, and Urgal storytelling.[6]
It is best read after Inheritance, since its setting and character situations rely on the completed main arc.[6]
6. Murtagh
Murtagh (2023)[25-28] continues the postwar story through Murtagh and Thorn, who live in exile after the old ruler’s fall. This book begins with events that overlap with the Murtagh episode in The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm, then expands into a larger investigation involving the Dreamers, Bachel, and a new threat.[7]
It reads best after the original sequence and the earlier postwar material.[7]
Companion books
1. The Inheritance Almanac
The Inheritance Almanac (2010)[29] is a companion reference book that serves as a glossary and lore guide to the world of Alagaësia. It provides information on characters, races, locations, magical concepts, historical events, and major factions from across the series.[8]
Because it summarizes and discusses events from throughout the main novels, it is best consulted after reading the core books or used as a reference while reading them.[8]
2. Eragon’s Guide to Alagaësia
Eragon’s Guide to Alagaësia (2009)[30] is an illustrated companion volume that explores the geography, cultures, creatures, races, and magic of Alagaësia through artwork, interactive features, and in-universe commentary.[9]
Rather than advancing the story, it expands readers’ understanding of the setting and is most enjoyable after becoming familiar with the world through the main novels.[9]
3. The Official Eragon Coloring Book
The Official Eragon Coloring Book (2017)[31] is a visual companion featuring original artwork inspired by characters, locations, creatures, and memorable scenes from across The Inheritance Cycle.[10]
It contains no new story material, but it offers readers an artistic way to revisit the world and is best appreciated after reading at least part of the main series and recognizing its characters and settings.[10]
References
- Works Archive. Christopher Paolini.
- Eragon. Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN: 9780375826689.
- Eldest. Knopf Books for Young ReadersHouse. ISBN: 9780375840401.
- Brisingr. Knopf Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 9780375826740.
- Inheritance. Knopf Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 9780375846311.
- The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm. Knopf Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 9781984894861.
- Murtagh. Knopf Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 9780593650868.
- The Inheritance Almanac. Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN: 9780375866722.
- Eragon’s Guide to Alagaësia. Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN: 9780375858329.
- The Official Eragon Coloring Book. Knopf Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 9781524718749.
- The Inheritance Cycle. Penguin Random House.
- Eragon. Alfred A. Knopf. Copyright page. ISBN: 9780375826689.
- Eldest by Christopher Paolini: 9780375840401. Penguin Random House.
- Eldest by Christopher Paolini. Penguin Random House Canada.
- Brisingr by Christopher Paolini: 9780375826740. Penguin Random House.
- Brisingr. Penguin Books UK.
- Brisingr by Christopher Paolini. Penguin Random House Canada.
- Brisingr. Penguin Books Australia.
- Inheritance by Christopher Paolini: 9780375846311. Penguin Random House.
- Inheritance. Penguin Books UK.
- Inheritance by Christopher Paolini. Penguin Random House Canada.
- Inheritance by Christopher Paolini. Penguin Books Australia.
- The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm by Christopher Paolini: 9781984894861. Penguin Random House.
- The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm by Christopher Paolini. Penguin Random House Canada.
- Murtagh by Christopher Paolini: 9780593650868. Penguin Random House.
- Murtagh. Penguin Books UK.
- Murtagh by Christopher Paolini. Penguin Random House Canada.
- Murtagh by Christopher Paolini. Penguin Books Australia.
- The Inheritance Almanac. Alfred A. Knopf. Copyright page. ISBN: 9780375866722.
- Eragon’s Guide to Alagaësia. Alfred A. Knopf. Copyright page. ISBN: 9780375858329.
- Announcing the Official Eragon Coloring Book! Christopher Paolini.