Reading Order
EragonInheritance Cycle Reading Order
Christopher Paolini began writing Eragon at age fifteen — and the Inheritance Cycle became a publishing phenomenon. Set in Alagaësia, the story follows farm boy Eragon and his dragon Saphira as they join the Varden's rebellion against the evil King Galbatorix. Paolini returned to Alagaësia with Murtagh (2023), a standalone novel following the series' greatest antihero.
Where to start
Start with Eragon (Book 1). The original cycle must be read in order. Murtagh (2023) takes place after Inheritance and contains major spoilers — read the original four books first.
Complete Eragon Book List
- 1Buy
Eragon
Christopher Paolini·2003·Book 1 — Eragon finds a dragon egg; his destiny begins in Alagaësia - 2Buy
Eldest
Christopher Paolini·2005·Book 2 — Eragon trains among the elves; Roran defends Carvahall - 3Buy
Brisingr
Christopher Paolini·2008·Book 3 — the war escalates; Eragon forges his sword Brisingr - 4Buy
Inheritance
Christopher Paolini·2011·Book 4 — the series finale; the fate of Galbatorix and Alagaësia decided - Buy
The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm
OptionalChristopher Paolini·2018·Companion — three tales set after Inheritance; a bridge to the new era - 5Buy
Murtagh
Christopher Paolini·2023·Standalone — Murtagh and Thorn, two years after Inheritance; a new adventure
Eragon — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Eragon reading order?
The Inheritance Cycle: Eragon (2003) → Eldest (2005) → Brisingr (2008) → Inheritance (2011). Then optionally The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm (companion tales), then Murtagh (2023), which takes place after Inheritance and follows Murtagh and Thorn.
How many Eragon books are there?
The original Inheritance Cycle is 4 books (Eragon, Eldest, Brisingr, Inheritance). Christopher Paolini also published a companion collection (The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm) and the standalone novel Murtagh (2023), set two years after Inheritance.
Is Murtagh a sequel to Eragon?
Murtagh (2023) is a standalone novel set in Alagaësia two years after the events of Inheritance. It follows Murtagh and his dragon Thorn on a new quest. It contains major spoilers for the Inheritance Cycle, so read the original four books first.
Will there be more Alagaësia books after Murtagh?
Christopher Paolini has expressed intent to write more Alagaësia books. He is also working on The Fractal Shroud, a new science fiction novel outside the Alagaësia universe. Future Alagaësia books have not been formally announced with release dates.
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