Inheritance (Christopher Paolini)

Title: Inheritance

Series: The Inheritance Cycle

Author: Christopher Paolini

Released: 2011

Rating: 4.5/5

Basic Plot: The series comes to a close as the final showdown with Galbatorix becomes a reality.

Arya and Eragon Don't Become a Couple
I can't fully express to someone who hasn't read the rest of the series how big of a deal this is. All I can say is that I waited four books and they didn't even have sex or kiss. It could be argued that they told each other their true names and that was like sex (I swear the effect of telling someone's true name to them is like giving the person an orgasm). But my point still stands: there's no resolution to their relationship. At the very end of the book it's still up in the air on how the relationship will end.

Eragon's "Destiny"
This point in the book (where Eragon discovers some Eldunari) made me pissed off to no end for awhile. You find out that the Eldunari have been controlling Eragon's actions since the first book. They made Saphira's egg go to Eragon, lead him to Arya, and other things. And, guess what, Roran had no help by them whatsoever. So this guy with no magic, isn't 'special', actually is the stronger character. Though this did give me the effect of respecting Roran much more than before.

Finally Getting to Meet Galbatorix
Meeting Galbatorix for the first time was very exciting. Luckily Paolini only had Galbatorix shown clearly during the final showdown. The description you first get (when Nasuada is captured) is creepy. Every time he's on page I love it. You have heard, throughout the series, about Galbatorix and you will not be disappointed. Galbatorix has become one of my favorite characters that I love to hate.

Final Thoughts
In some ways this is a great end to a series. Many issues are resolved but a lot are left open. Such as: The relationship between Nasuada and Murtagh, the relationship between Arya and Eragon, and the fate of The Empire. Nasuada is left in charge but she's going to do something Galbatorix was going to do and it is implied that she might be controlled by Elva. But the main thing of the series, the war with Galbatorix, is resolved. The battles leading up to the final showdown, the discoveries, and the final showdown itself are just great to behold. Paolini has also said he might write about Alagaësia sometime in the future so we might get issues resolved then.