Congratulations, Christopher! “Inheritance” Has Biggest First Day Sale of the Year!

By Mike Macauley November 11, 2011 Inheritance (Book 4) 674 Comments

This comes as no surprise, but we’re excited to report it nonetheless! Christopher Paolini’s fourth and final novel in the Inheritance Cycle launched with an incredible first day sales record, pushing past all other book releases (both fiction and non-fiction) in 2011 to become the year’s largest single-day book sale! Inheritance sold an astonishing 490,000 books in its first twenty-four hours on sale! Incredible! Inheritance is now the number one book on Amazon’s Best-Sellers list, where it has sat for a great number of weeks now, and will surely join Eragon, Eldest, and Brisingr atop the number one spot on the New York Times Best-Sellers list!

Here’s what Christopher Paolini had to say about the feat:

“This is both a thrilling and gratifying end to a wonderful journey that began more than a decade ago. I could have never imagined that the Inheritance cycle would become what it has, and I’m grateful to the fans for their continued support and enthusiasm. I look forward to seeing them in person on my tour this month, but most of all, I hope they enjoy the book!”

Congratulations, Christopher!

  • Luke

    I think the book was crazy, intimate, and everything it was suppose to be. If you read futher than the end of the book he says that he’s not going to give up on Alagaesia so im sure cp is going to make something more to resolve some of the mysteries he lefted behind. This critisim is ridiculous. When you make 10 mil. in 24 hours that should tell you something. Good job Chris I hope you have more to come as I am always excited what is in store for Eragon and the new dragon riders.

  • paolinisucks

    absolutely pathetic paolini.  i cant believe it took him so long to write that piece of garbage.  

  • Thomascharalambous

    Well i started reading the series when i was 9 i didnnt think i would enjoy it but i did. The last few chapters of inheritance were dissapointing to put it vaguely. If there is no more it has been a waste of time the whole series. I also have a few questions like, why did eragon just stop using his bow as a weapon islandi gave him an elf one i feel like it was faded out. And also how do urgals become drgaon riders in the forst book u said they were designned to kill dragons which is another thing CP faded out. Plz answer

  • Zildrudis

    There first 800 pages of Inheritance were amazing and everything I wanted in the series. The conclusion was garbage. I will never re-read this book.

  • Abayen

    I just finished reading the ending. I feel so hollow inside, its like a part of me has gone with Eragon. I know I sound completely stupid, but after following the series and eagerly anticipating each book, I’m quite sad/annoyed that Eragon lost everything: his romance, his family, his friends. Even though he managed to defeat Galbatorix. Its almost as if they won, but they lost more… I’d like to know what happens to Eragon and whether he ever comes back, or if he has a nice life, or if he dies lonely.

    • Abayen

      btw, I’m 15 so don’t judge me

  • Tawny

    RANT TIME:
    (SPOILER ALERT: Don’t read if intend to read/finish the book)
    I really disliked the ending. It wasn’t exactly the whole romance thing between Arya and Eragon, but that contributed to it too.
    -The thing that really aggravated me was that Arya had SO much power. Queen, Rider, The Word, Eragon’s Name. As stupid as it seems I now really dislike her! Her getting to be a rider seemed really unfair, this probably makes her the most powerful person in Alagaesia. Eragon is really powerful also but he’s not a King and also left and Murtagh went off into the wilderness so it’s not like he will be doing anything.
    -I also don’t like how dragons aren’t mates for life. The whole thing between Saphira and Fírnen just made me upset. I wouldn’t think that Dragons fly around mating here and there. They’re too wise and majestic for that. Also she knew the relationship wouldn’t last so why would Saphira set herself up like that. She was being reckless. Dragons aren’t purely driven by instinct, they are intellectual creatures.
    -Murtagh going off was also something I didn’t like. I didn’t think he should have stayed in Alagaesia but I didn’t think he should just go into the wilderness. I was really hoping that Murtagh would go with Eragon and help train the new dragon riders and Saphira and Thorn would be mates. I know most people wouldn’t like the idea of Saphira and Thorn though.
    -I actually was ok with Eragon leaving, though i really wished there was going to be an epilouge with some nice imagery of the new training place, riders, dragons, and Eragon and Saphira’s feelings on leaving. 
    -The author also seemed kinda rushed. Murtagh. BAM! Leaving. Eragon. BAM! Leaving. And not bothering to write about the Menoa Tree and what she wanted from Eragon. 
    -Since I grew to dislike Arya that’s probably why the romance thing between her and Eragon didn’t have that big of an effect on me. The author spent to much time on their relationship for it to not be a romance.
    -The Cycle and middle of fourth book was great but overall I really disliked the ending.

  • Oh No

    I am so depressed. If only Arya left on the ship with Eragon too, then I would be happy.

  • Big Fan :)

    Hey, how about CP writes a second happier ending and then those people who like really sad endings can read that one and those people who prefer not to be sad for weeks can read the other one.  Dickens did it for Great Expectations, why not CP finish his masterpiece with an alternate ending that leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy?  

    • Piplup100

      But some of us wouldn’t be able to cope with it knowing that the sad ending is the true ending

  • Caitlin

    I just can’t believe the Cycle is finally over. I have come on this website for the first time because I was curious to see what other people thought. I see that those who have expressed dissatisfaction are being labelled as trolls. Some probably are, but I have say that I agree with the sense of dissatisfaction.

    I loved most of the book, except for the fact that Arya and Eragon didn’t end up together. I’m actually so depressed. Their developing relationship was my favourite part of the book and I felt so crushed at the end. I cried so much. Hopefully the end is only really the beginning where it concerns those two. I wonder if CP will write more about them down the track, gosh I hope so. Also, the scene where Arya and Eragon get drunk/high – um, what?

    On a more positive note I was kept in suspense and feverishly turning pages throughout the book, I was so excited. The Murtagh “You know why” moment was great, as was Arya smiling at Eragon when sparring to put him off guard. I also liked the Galbatorix suicide bit.

    I can’t get over how I feel about the final part though, but at the end of the day, it is Christopher’s story and he had to write it how he wanted to write it because it’s no use if he is not satisfied with his own work.

    Book 5? Pleaseee? (With Arya and Eragon)

    • Secret

      I agree, I feel so empty inside

    • Secret

      All the hard work and experiences throughout the last four books and he just leaves them behind… it was unreasonable and drastic to say in the least. I do not understand why he could never return after he left, it made no sense and sounded a bit like an exaggeration. 

      Throughout the whole Cycle Arya and Eragon have never really got their feelings out, and so it seems outright wrong that the last memory they have together was one so brief and uneventful… its overwhelming to know it ended like this… I personally do not believer that this was the true ending to the Cycle and yes he did seem a bit rushed to finish towards the ending.

      If this Cycle ends this way for good, I will not be able to live with that thought of cruelty being possible in the world. I am deeply overwhelmed and depressed. But Chrisopher Paolini has still created the best 3 3/4 books I have read, and will ever read.

  • Hey

    Excellent work CP! Book 5? Please?

  • Thomascharalambous

    I wish you ended it with a hint of the future some romance and some happiness not depression it ruined the whole series for me he made so many friends and in the end he dumps them all Christopher please write another one to finish it off even a short story

  • Miriam Kunin

    thanks.. I’m not the kind of person who conside rs a book ‘spoilt’ just because I know theplot there’s so much more to  book than that so thanks for the epic summary. I don’t know what everyone is complaining about that sounds like a good book but can you just clarify
    1)what happens to Murtagh and Thorn after Galby has been disposed of
    2)so can’t Firnen and Saphira be together… can’t Arya and Firnen come make a visit to the place that they’re training new riders
    3)what happens to Roran what is Bridget’s (HOWEVER YOU SPELL IT) revenge?

    • Miriam Kunin

      that was in reply to MurtaghFan by the way

    • Gayending

      Bridget cut his hand with her sword

    • Tawny

      1) They fly north to be alone. Really depressing actually. As murtaghs says until the evil is gone from him he wont return.(not word for word)
      2) She’s queen and probably has to be with her people and make decisions. Also the flight would probably take to long. (You kinda have to guess on your own or just accept the writing)
      3) Cut his hand with a sword. I thought it would be more dramatic but nope. Just a tiny slice on the hand which could easily be healed with magic, though he refuses.

  • Thorn777

    It would hav been better if eragon had died!!!
    I mean if he isn’t going to see anyone ever again then y make it so depressing:(:(:(

    • Nobblejobble

      ^^^Have you noticed how no one has liked that because no one agrees with you?

  • Ewan

    U have got to be goddamn kidding awfull ending. wtf Eragon got ZERO POON  he put Days of wheeling into Arya. the character Eragon would not give up on his love and just leave, he got depressedcuz arya didnt reply his letter and the end and now hes gunna never see her again ya right. Paolini should grow a pair and write some love scenes, evidently thats his flaw as a writer.

    • Ally

      I f-ing agree mate. I love Eragon’s character; he’s bold, fair, etc. But let’s face it, the ending isn’t like him. On a side note, has Paolini actually been with a woman?

      Ahh, the ending was just depressing. Feel like it’s empty. Maybe there’s more to come… (HOPING THERE IS!)

      • VEEEGBEEG

        you’re not gonna get CP to write another book by criticising him so badly….although i agree with Thomascharalambous  (but without such language)

    • Thomascharalambous

      I know i loved the whole book and it fcking ended with the “ill leave u to thonk about it” not even a 20 years later he didnt tell us what happened with the island and the future dragons and palancar valley ARRRGH

  • Edin

    I am a fan of his work and have read all the books more than 5 times, and each time I find new enjoyable things with it. however, in the end of the fourth book it felt like this:
    Eragon: i have to leave alagaesia…
    me: ehm… no you dont…
    Eragon: yes I do! It fits the prophecy!
    me: ehm… no it doesnt… how about the epic romance? you would think that chris is uncomfortable writing about relationships…
    Eragon (and all who liked the book): Oh no you didnt!! how dare you!? If chris says that the story shouldnt make sense it shouldnt, because he knows best! Critisism is a bad thing that should be avoided at all times! SHAME!!
    me: ok… sorry for existing… il just go cry in a corner about a awefull end to one of the best series ever :-…
    Eragon: yeah! you better be!!! books do not need to follow logic!

    just expressing how I feel right now lol, love the series as a whole though… a wonderfull adventure it has been, indeed!

  • Hrenaise

    I couldn’t cry when I read the last three chapters. I thought I would but I didn’t. I got a little bit cranky when I got to the very last chapter when I realized the ending was just “a three fingers on Eragon’s lips…” It’s a fantastic book but the life, love not ended well.

  • greeny

    I dont know how some of the other people feel and I certainly don’t speak for everyone. However I think that CP made the ending to book 4 rather depressing. I realize that ending it in a popular way wouldn’t be good writing, but I can’t help but want that perfect ending to one of the best series of books I’ve ever read. 

  • Steliosk

    Oh God 490,000 books are too many! Well, I want to know if CP will come in Europe and especially in Greece! I have been waiting for Inheritance so long!

  • WitcherWarren

    i didnt like the ending. i think he forced the ending. Eragon didnt have to leave and I think it was a lame reason for him to leave. i was like what is this. its not like they couldn’t have raised the dragons back on Doru Araeba again. 

    • Hi

      I know, he had the name of the ancient language, so what was stopping him? Plus, I would hardly have called it an epic romance like Angela foretold, unless there is more to come in a later book.

  • RVg

    One of the biggest things left open-ended in the book that I wish CP had talked more about was Angela. Throughout all the prior three books, she played an increasingly important role, and in the fourth book had her biggest appearance yet, with parts of the plot like her joining Ayra, Eragon and Wyrden in the tunnels beneath Dras-Leona occuring. However CP brings even more mystery to Angela, and in the end the reader is ultimately left with much, much more questions than answers about Angela…

    • Cory Knoll

      There was never any intention to bring disclosure to Angela, RVg. He even says that she will always be a mystery in the acknowledgments because it’s only her mystery that makes her interesting, and he’s right. Give up now on trying to even come close to figuring her out and you will be much happier. Besides, there were much more important gaps and questions to worry about than Angela by the end of the book.

  • dragonlover

    I don’t understand. I just finished and the ending is so cryptic. Also, Eragon’s “epic romance” failed. 🙁

    • Ali

      I know, it can hardly be called an “epic romance” when it barely formed into a romance at all… I’m so sad Arya and Eragon didn’t end up together!

  • Savannah Lewia

    Your books are awsome. I’m on the third one, Brisinger and can’t wait to get to the next! I read alot, but in all the books ive read I haven’t read a better series! I LOVE YOUR BOOKS! Please write more Inheretance books!

    • dragonlover

      Inheritance ends badly. sorry

    • jc

      just stop reading. Eragon goes away forever. He never finds love. Murtagh leaves. Nasuada wants to have everyone that has anything to do with magic swear an oath to her in the ancient language. The last book is bad. 

    • Rockinrupert

      don’t get your hopes up book 4 ends so badly… sorry

    • Chopin’s doppleganger

      In my honest opinion,

      Loved the book. . . I thought the ending was terrific.

  • THEJOKER

    Sorry people, TheJoke is truly quite insane, I unfortunately know him in real life.

  • TheJoke

    AND CHICKEN

  • TheJoke

    AND HAM

  • TheJoke

    AND FISH

  • TheJoke

    AND BIRDS

  • TheJoke

    AND CATS

  • TheJoke

    I LUV DOGS

  • TheJoke

    JARNUNVOSK NEEDZ TO DYE, PANEFULLEY, I LOVE TURKEY PASTRAMI

  • Jarnunvosk

    JARNUNVOSK LIVES.

    • Jarnunvosk

      Your move, Emperking Palpatorix.

  • TheJoke

    I LUVZ THE BOOKZ, I WANTZ MORE INHERITANCE CYCLE!

  • Book five please

    I demand a book five! This ending was so emotional and sad, it was a great ending for like a “Next to last book” in the series, not the last book!
    I need a book five which focus on eragon, saphira, arya, little about alagesia and the new dragon riders.

  • Anonymous

    Ok Here is my 2 cents.

    After the initial shock of actually finishing the book, and subsequently posting my opinion. I thought about the book a lot more and a lot deeper… To be honest maybe I wasn’t as happy with the conclusion of the book as I thought I would be but oh well! CP gave us what he believed was the most fitting ending for an amazing series and he, being the writer, holds creative liberties to shape the book and plot line to fit his idea of the book. If every author wrote their books to try to please the fans than they would not be writing the story that they believe in.

    All things aside though there were a couple things that I just do not understand about the book and being a logical person I was a little upset about this.

    First, it was said directly that Brom’s last words were going to be addressed in this book and unless I missed them, they were not. Second, Tenga never came back and was talked about, which I also thought was said would happen… And lastly and definitely the most important. How is it that Islanzadi is dead? In “Eragon’s Guide to Alagaesia” Islanzadi is discussed in the section about the elves as if she is still alive. It is said “Queen Islanzadi: Queen of the elves and daughter to Arya, is as beautiful as an autumn sunset…” The guide directly says “IS” as in the present tense, not the past tense as the Guide is supposed to take place after the events in Inheritance. To me this is the biggest flaw in the book and unless I missed an explanation or I am looking at this wrong this is a HUGE mistake.

    Sorry for the long post but I just wanted to say all of the things that I wanted to. Also if anyone has an explanation for anything that I talked about please tell me because I really want to know!

    • Dom_modmod

      did it say daughter TO Arya… or Arya is her daughter.. or something along those lines. (i  don’t have the book). Cause if it is daughter TO arya…that means that arya had a daughter, named her the same as her mother (islanzadi) and then her daughter became queen….but that is only if it said daughter TO arya. If you could, would you be able to double check this. it would make a LOT more sense if it did

      • Dom_modmod

        someone double check this…please!?

      • Anonymous

         It said that Islandzadi is mother to Arya,

      • Anonymous

        sorry for the typo in the quote it should say “mother to arya”

    • TheJoke

      Because chis couldn’t confirm she had croaked at that time

    • Fp

      I have mentioned the Islanazadi issue multiple times, but just get blown off with “CP can do whatever he wants.  It’s his world and if he wants to change something he can.”  I agree with you that it is a pretty bad contradiction, but it generally doesn’t bother most.  This is actually why I kept saying making the guide to begin with was a huge mistake in case something like this happens, and everyone else just told me to shut up and that CP would never make such a mistake anyway.

      • TheJoke

        YOURZ OPINION IZN’T CORREKT, THAT’Z WHY YOU GETZ BLOWN OFF

        • Fp

          Care to explain how it isn’t correct without using all caps?  Just because you say something is wrong doesn’t prove it actually is. Give a case for it.  If you can’t do that then please refrain from yelling pointless statements at me.

          • TheJoke

            NO THANKZ, ITZ KNOT MY JOB TWO MAKE SENCE

          • TheJoke

            O YAH, ALSO – I LIKE BEEF JERKY 

          • Fp

            Why don’t people like this get banned?  These are actually trolls.

          • TheJoke

            I IZ KNOT A TROL

          • Dom_modmod

            power by volume..

          • TheJoke

            ? WAT DOO YOO MEEN?

    • Mr-x

      Yeah well look at it like this if had said “WAS” it would have gave it away that islanzadi was going to die.

      • Anonymous

        I agree, but I think that it should have just been left out of the guide if it was gonna be that big of a contradiction.

    • RichIan

      You are perfectly correct. I brought a copy of the guide too and I went over it a dozen times before Inheritance was released and it always addressed her in the present. And if CP went along with this line of Islandazi not being killed then Arya would not be the queen and she could have perfectly well left with Eragon and we would not be spared the agonizing and heart-breaking ending.

  • Anonymous

    I thought the last battle was epic. It was like Triple H vs. the Undertaker all over again.

  • it.was.awesome.

    The book was epic. First of all putting aside the first 3 chapters which kinda sucked, I can’t disagree with anything else the book satisfied my needs and i enjoyed it! Some may say it was predictable but who the hell cares!! its in my opinion the best fantasy non fiction series out there! I began reading the series from Eragon when i was about 9 and now having read the whole series I can’t really describe my feelings, i feel like i parted with an old friend; happy; but sad that i wont be able to read about my favourite characters adventures, truly a bittersweet moment. it has (and forever will be) basically been the core for my imagination while i fantasied about life in alagaesia and as a rider and what not as a little kid, its a great book even though i cried at the ending but its a perfectly fitting ending. All in all, Thank you Christopher Paoilini for sharing your fantastic world!! 🙂

    • Chopin’s doppleganger

      Sounds like I wrote this. That’s esactly the way I feel. It couldn’t have ended any other way sad as it is.

      (I started reading Eragon when I was 9 too.)

      I can’t thank CP enough. What a great journey. . . can’t wait for whatever he has next.

      • TheJoke

        I LUV TATERZ

        • Chopin’s doppleganger

          . . . . good to know.

          • TheJoke

            I LUV GARLICKY ONIONS!

          • TheJoke

            AND CHOCOLATE AND CHEEZE

          • TheJoke

            AND EGG ROLLZ

          • TheJoke

            AND PIZZA

          • TheJoke

            BUT I HATE GUACAMOLE

          • TheJoke

            AND I DESPISE PICKLED PIGS FEET

          • TheJoke

            BUT I LUV TRIPLE DECKER HAM AND TURKEY PASTRAMI CLUB SANDWICHES

          • TheJoke

            AND PRETZELS

          • TheJoke

            AND KING CRAB

          • TheJoke

            AND STEAK

          • TheJoke

            AND TACOS

          • JohnnyBravo

            Holy cow! What has this guy been breathing? Or drinking for thet matter.

          • JohnnyBravo

            By the way, I am not the same Johnny as in the profile! I’m completely different, but seriously, WHAT ON EARTH HAS THAT GUY BEEN EXPOSED TO?

          • JohnnyBravo

            not the same profile

          • Chopin’s doppleganger

              . . . . . . ummmmmmm Mike, something is wrong with this guy.

          • TheJoke

            I  LUV CHEEZE CURLZ

    • Bear

      perfectly fitting ending my ass… it sucked

      • Ali

        Agreed, I’m so depressed

  • … Hmm

    I give the book 4/5. Some disappointments. With a better ending for eragon and arya i would have give it a 5/5 the end really leaved a mark..

    • Benjamin

      I agree with you, I kinda wish it had ended a little differently. I cried at the end… But overall a good book 4/5

    • RichIan

      True true! The ending definitely left a mark with all of us fans. I still cant keep the image of Eragon leaving Arya and Roran out of my mind and not feel a great emotion pulling at me from my heart. Bitttttter. If the ending were a happy one with at least eragon leaving with Arya I would have been content to my belly and could sleep at peace for eternity. But now I cant stop thinking about it the ending in my dreams…

  • E/A <3 :/

    I liked the book. there were some disappointments like eragon and murtaghs fight, i thought it was badly written it was ok but not something special. I thought Angela would tell us a little about herself and tenga was not in the books at all. I would have liked to have an air battle outside over IIiera instead of an inside battle. The ending was heartbreaking i almost started to cry when eragon. Said goodbye to all the chearacters but the most heartbreaking moment was with eragon and arya. When they didn’t end up together at the end of the book i started to cry. It was a big disappointment but it also was amazingly beautiful written but non the less devastating. I would like to belive that they will eventully end up togheter i’m pretty positive about that. They will meet again no question about that and they can also talk with the mirrors.

    In My opinion a better ending would be something like this: After arya and eragon tell eachother their true names and eragon Ask her to come with her and she says no and they both starts to cry. (was perfect except one thing) the storie continue exactly as in the book but at the end arya dosen’t travel Along with eragon and after the goodbyes with orik and roran (beutifully done) she and firen shows up and tell eragon and saphira that they will follow them because “you know why” (loved it) and togheter the leave alagesia. Or something like that.

    • RichIan

      Wonderfully worded out! Just what I had in mind too. But more that that I wished that Arya did not become the queen (she hated the job too, she is a rider and she also felt she was an outcast among the elves) and so could have left with eragon without any remorse.

  • David S

    Setting aside the contents of it all for one second…This has truly been emotional. I was a small child when Eragon came out, I’ve anticipated every book release, and i’ve spent hours day dreaming of Eragons adventures. And reading the words “The End” on the final page….it was like a blow to the gut. it was emotionally jarring, and saddening. No matter what else is written about it. This tale, this fantastic wondrous tale has…well, come to a close. 

  • Miriam Kunin

    I like an ending with a twist; an ending that makes you think. It’s just that a desperately sad end to Eragon would make me feel that the characters hadn’t finished yet….they have so much more to give. what I look forward to in the ending is a sense that the characters have grown but stayed true to themselves… it’s beautiful when a book makes you feel that way.

    • TheJoke

      I guess.

  • TheJoke

    I LUV TATERZ

  • Miriam Kunin

    I haven’tgot my hands on the book yet because my twin brother snatched it first. Now I have to wait while he trawls through all 9hundred pages athis snails pace of reading! oh yeah and comb this site to find out WHAT HAPPENED so I’LL KNOW BEFORE HE DOES. could someone bullet point it for me so that I don’t give my brother the satisfaction of revealing the plot to me? that way when I read it the plot you all seem disappointed in will be less painfull.

    • Anonymous

      Come on, don’t ruin it for yourself. 🙂
      And don’t let your brother tell you either.
      Just read it and decide if you like it for yourself.  The internet’s opinion is notoriously fickle.

      • Miriam Kunin

        oh all right… but my pacience grows short and I’ll continue to trawl these pages for clues.. I’ll treat them like the hints CP used to give away in interwiews
        I now know that Arya is the green rider which I find kinda boring and predictable I mean of all the things that could have happened! I’ll be consoled if Elva, Murtagh, Thorn and Shruikan have nice long juicy parts. The inheritance cycle needs characters with a bitter side.

        • MurtaghFan

          WARNING: SPOILER ALERT: READ AT OWN RISK:
          dude the book is pretty good, basically Roran almost dies a lot but ends up fine, and Eragon goes to the rock of kuthian on vroengard and finds his true name and enters the vault of souls with saphire and glaedr… then the find like a shit ton of eldunari in there and like 200+ dragon eggs… anyways in the meantime Murtagh captures Nasuada.. galbatorix tortures her… murtagh loves nasuada… murtagh swears to free nasuada. When eragon, arya, and elva enter Galbatorixes domain (with shruikan behind him) after getting through extreme magical traps, Murtagh appears and galbatorix forces Eragon to duel Murtagh without eldunari or other magic. Turns out Galbatorix knows the true name of the ancient language so he can do whatever the hell he wants with magic and nobody stands a chance. But then Murtagh screams “The Word”, and everyone attacks galbatorix and his eldunari with their minds while thorn and saphira jump on shruikan (who is freaking HUGE). Eragon uses energy from the eldunari to conjure this huge spell (by the way, nobody can speak to use magic because Galbatorix controls the language) so Eragon uses this spell from his mind, without words. (this is why Elva couldnt kill Galbatorix, he makes her mute). Eragon uses a spell to make Galbatorix understand the wrongs of his actions… so then Galbatorix comes to duel Eragon with his sword, Eragon kicks his ass because he is part elf and just a flat out better swordsman, he stabs Galbatorix in the heart. WOo. Nasuada is freed. She becomes Queen of Alagaesia, while King Orrin gets to rule Surda and a few other cities. Islanzadi dies, making Arya the Queen. Oh by the Way Shruikan is killed by Arya with a Dauthdart (a dragon killing spear made by the elves mentioned in the first chapter of the book) while saphira and thorn held shruikan down, ayra stabbed him. Anyways  Arya goes to ellesmera for a while and the green egg hatches for her, she names it Firnen.. Firnen and Saphira love each other but Eragon knows he must leave Alagaesia and raise the dragon eggs with 20 other elves and start the new riders. He gives a dragon egg to the Urgralgra and Dwarves. He makes a spell so that these races can become riders along with humans and elves. In the final scene Arya says that she cannot come with Eragon. He gets on a boat and sails down the stream. he cries… and that’s it. 

    • Chopin’s doppleganger

      Noooooo . . . You have to read it yourself. If you want to tease your brother with a spoiler talk about snails and Tinkledeath.

  • Samy boi!

    will thier be a book about eragon after this inheritance series

    • TheJoke

      who knows.

  • Dom_modmod

    what happened to spoilers and spoiler warning 2.0…. It won’t let me view anything on it

  • Arselona

    Hey guys,I just realized that CP may have hinted that Arya would one day join or atleast see Eragon again.
    Just before Eragon leaves for Vroengrad he sees that Arya wants to come along,but he tells her not to because Saphira would be slowed by the extra weight.Arya agrees but says “I have always wanted to visit the home of the Riders”.”Someday”,replied Eragon.”Someday”,she agreed…The home of the Riders isn’t going to be Vroengrad anymore so I guess that someday she’s going to the NEW home for a visit.

    • Chopin’s doppleganger

       . . yes and that would keep Angela’s fortune true (that he would no longer set foot in Alagaesia)

      Whoa, just now, I thought of something,

      With the Word . . . the Name of Names . . . I wonder if Eragon could . . . go against? what Angela said. Because the knucklebones work with magic, and he could overide . . . ( I’m terrible at phrasing my thoughts) . . . overide it. His fortune.

      Any thoughts? . . . . or is this impossible?

      • Arselona

        That’s a nice thought as well,but can the Word change fate as well?That would be scary 😮

        • Mr-x

          Haha yeah very plus I’m pretty sure his gonna visit or arya will visit him especially if saphira is pregnant and Firnen being the daddy may just want to visit his children haha

          • Chopin’s doppleganger

             . . . . . haha yes.

            Except the more I think about it, the words in the AL was to see his fate . . . but change, I’m not sure anymore. We will just have to wait and see.

            Get writing CP!!

  • The End?

    First of all i love the Inheritance cycle, CP has done a wonderful job. Really looked forward to Book 4. At the begining of book 4 i was sure this would be the masterpiece we had all waited for. Many scenes i felt were simply epic. However, after Galby went atomic bomb, I felt that the things began to fall apart, writing wise as well as character consistentcy. Arya taking the throne, Eragon flat out rejecting Nasuada’s request for him to stay and essentially breaking his oath of fealty, these things did not sound like the characters i have come to know. I happen to have listened to all these books (Gerard Doyle is amazing!) in their audio formats. One great thing is after the book ended there was an interview with Michelle Frey (CP’s Editor) and CP himself. In the interview he admitted that he had a personal problem which caused a writer’s block, only being able to write maybe a page a day. He got over the block but this left him very behind deadlines. He said the the last few chapters were very rushed and under a big deadline from random house, he even said that Michelle had to help him with Arya’s character several times during this period. This makes sense to me now, why would the book be great until the last few chapters and then turn into a disjointed, malaise felt ending? Because CP had to rush it and the editor I’m sure pushed to keep him on schedule. Still love the Cycle but sure was left feeling hurt about the ending. Still CP can write some amazing things!

    • That is very interesting – thanks for sharing that. It sheds a bit of light on why many people are saying that it was disjointed. However, hasn’t CP always known how the book was going to end? Still, very interesting… and thanks again!

      • The End?

        He also mentioned that she had to help keep Arya’s character consistent, meaning the decisions she made, this may mean that some of the decisions he had envisioned may have changed because of her input and his looming deadlines. Just a thought. 

    • Fp

      That’s pretty interesting actually and does explain some things.  I think it does show that the book was not quite the finished project it was intended to be which actually gives some credence to those who disliked it saying it didn’t evolve naturally. 

    • Hyorinmaru0o

      Wow… this explains a lot… 🙁

    • Ally

      …It really makes sense. After the ‘atom bomb’, it just goes flat. He loses his soul. I hope that he at least tries again in future to give his fans a thorough ending… one that doesn’t leave us despairing – face it, if you’re reading the book properly, you engage with the ups and the downs, and Eragon’s final ‘down’ just crushed his soul, and our souls’ too, as readers… if you catch my drift. 

      NEVERTHELESS: CP = magic. Somebody get him a frickin dragon! He damn sure deserves it! :p

  • Yankee6644

    I liked the book for the most part. It was parts after Galbatorix’s death that really made me disapointed. Most of us had guessed that Arya would be the green dragons rider but her becoming queen only added to the problems that the victorious Varden was making. And the fact that Nasuada was going to ‘register’ all the magicians greatlly angered me. Magic is a tool, no more, no less. It like stating that everyone must register with the government to own a baseball ball simplly because you could beat some on to death with it. No, I agree that Eragon did the logical and right thing to leave with the dragons, but Paolini did in the most depressing way possible. How can he end it with the original goal accompished yet eveyone misrible? He simply needs to give us more.

    I can accept not learning everything, because really, when in life is all your questions answered, but learning the seven words Brom taught him or what the Menoa Tree took would have made me, at lest, alot happier with the book.  

    • Rk0324419

      you know you’re right at the end I felt really concerned that Nasuada wanted all the magicians to register it made me question her and i worried 
      yeah the ending felt depressing and i think most of us hated us 

  • Saphira+Eragon Forever

    Cried so much in the last book. However it was amazing and well written and I alongside CP felt things needed to happen to prevent the predictable. Also he obviously planned everything from the beginning so if you hated this book then why not the others in the series?
    I loathed Murtaugh and Nasusda not getting together and same with Eragon and Ayra. I did feel at least one pair should be together and after everything Eragon felt and did for Ayra he should deserve better that being unloved (apart from the dragons, Saphira namely) for the rest of eternity.
    Overall this book is my favorite in the series and I want to remind you that the people on this site is only a small fraction of the fans and all those around me feel the same towards this book.

    • Nik

      “i want to remind you that the people on this site is only a small fraction of the fans and all those around me feel the same towards this book.”
      but ‘all those around you’ is still an even smaller fraction compared to the fans on this site. Not really a logical argument is it? 😀

      • Arselona

        Haha,not to mention that the people on this site are here because we ARE fans of his book,and thus we reserve the right to criticize what we don’t like. This “vocal minority”,”small fraction” thing is really bugging me,stop being insecure “Inheritance” lovers,consider our criticism of a flawed book as us KNOWING that CP could have done better,because he is an amazing writer with talent far beyond what is reflected in Book 4.

  • Anonymous

    Ok. Here were the things that I wanted most out of the book that were not there/what CP said would be in the book that was not there(not in any particular order):
    1. Find out what the Menoa Tree took from Eragon
    2. Find out what the Vault of Souls was in a not dissapointing manner
    3.Talk about Eragon 1 and Bid’duam
    4. Talk about Brom’s last words
    5. Angela to be involved in the plot with a shade

    None of these things were there and I was extremely dissapointed about the Vault of souls because it was literally the simplest thing that could have been done. It fit with the story but I wish it could have been more creative… Lastly I wish that Arya had not become Queen because she has been against becoming Queen for like FOREVER. I just cant decide with this book. There are some good things and some bad things… but ohwell. It s over and done. And to everybody getting so worked up about this book… I understand that this is an important part of your live (as it was for me too) but it is just a book…

    • Bigboaratm

      I agree for the most part with this. However I was completely surprised by the dragon eggs in the vault. Regarding arya becoming queen, not only because she hinted that she was against it, but that throughout the whole series CP hammers the importance of a rider being as independent and unattached to any particular race as possible, yet he now has arya, a rider, becoming queen of the elves? seems contradicting to me. Also i was really looking forward to Seeing eragon 1 and Bid’duam and was sorely disappointed when they did not appear. Overall the series was amazing and this book was very good until Galby dies and i will continue to follow CP’s work in the future

      • I think it was a good idea to have dragon eggs in the VoS. However, I think the number (200+? Can’t be sure at the moment – loaned the book to a friend) was a bit too many. I mean, sure, maybe ten or twenty is fine, but to have that number of eggs, and to have Galbatorix not notice that so many eggs are missing seems rather odd.

        • TheJoke

          I agree

    • Mr-x

      3 and 4 i strongly agree with 1 she didn’t take anything but his word it was a pinch of unease when he came back to her he fulfilled his promise that he would give her what ever she wanted she wanted to have faith in men again obviously in that he came back he fulfilled his debt (My Opinion Pretty sure what CP would say considering Linea was a man hater because of what the young elf done to her)

  • TheJoke

    I like chocolate!

    • THEJOKER

      What kind?

      • TheJoke

        Extra dark!

        • Chopin’s doppleganger

           . . . . I like dark chocolate too, but what does this have to do with Inheritance?

          I mean, I could understand if you were talking about wild hamsters, earwigs, ferrets, roasted cabbage, red eyed rabbits . . . but chocolate?

          • Sean

            Completely agree. chocolate is just a weird topic.

          • TheJoke

            I LOVE CABBAGE!

          • THEJOKER

            Good grief! I know this guy in real life, he’s even worse offline! He also likes “taters”, chickens, and beef barley soup.

          • TheJoke

            It’s true!

          • Chopin’s doppleganger

            Of course you do.

          • TheJoke

            I LUV BRUSSEL SPROUTS

  • Orik

    Did CP’s twitter account get deleted? 

    • No. It’s twitter that has a problem : http://tinyurl.com/cj3uvxy
      “Users may currently be experiencing some site issues; our engineers are working on resolving this issue.”

      • Orik

        Oh ok, thanks! It works now.

  • Sorry for the double post Mike, but I wanted as many people as possible to see this message.

    For all of you haters out there, please takethe time to read this :

    I have compiled the statistics taken from Amazon.com and Goodreads.com concerning the rating people gave Inheritance.

    On Goodreads, there are about about 1174 people who gave it a rating between 1 and 5 stars (this includeds the score given in the 333 reviews)

    Of those 1174 people :
    642 gave it 5 stars (55%)
    288 gave it 4 stars (24%)
    140 gave it 3 stars (12%)
    58 gave it 2 stars (4%)
    38 gave it 1 star. (3%)

    This gives an average of 4,23.

    The people rating these books all have an account on Goodreads.com, thus preventing spamming.

    Then compare this to the 191 reviews on Amazon.com.
    43 gave it 5 stars (23%)
    22 gave it 4 stars (12%)
    45 gave it 3 stars (24%)
    38 gave it 2 stars (20%)
    43 gave it 1 star. (21%)

    This gives an average rating of 2,91.

    I think that the data sample is more representative of the general population on the Goodreads website, because there are more ratings there. I am in no way a statistician, but this is the thing that makes the most sense.

    Now let’s consider that the two websites are equal (and not taking into account the fact that one might have reviewed it both on Goodreads and Amazon).

    Mixing the reviews gives a total of 1365 ratings.
    Of those 1365 people :
    685 gave it 5 stars (50%)
    310 gave it 4 stars (23%)
    185 gave it 3 stars (14%)
    96 gave it 2 stars (7%)
    81 gave it 1 star. (6%)

    This gives an average rating of 4,02.

    So no matter how you look at it, Inheritance was liked by a majority of people seeing as 73% gave it 4 stars or more !

    I hope this will silence all of you haters out there saying you represent the majority of people.
    You don’t. You may not like it, but the numbers don’t lie.

    Also, I’d like to point out the fact that you, haters, are the only ones insulting and hreatening people. So I’d ask you to please refrain yourselves from doing so.

    You are entitled to your opinion, and the fact that you don’t represent the majority doesn’t necessarily make your points invalid.

    However, expressing yourselves in a proper manner might help getting your point across more effectively.

    • jc

      okay heres the facts of CP….

      He promised to deliver on his promises. Didn’t do it. 

      If he wants to end the book that way then that’s his problem. I feel that a lot of people were disappointed. 

      No matter how many surveys you look at, it still isn’t even a fraction to the amount of people that read and bought the book. Nor does it account for the amount of people who’ve read the whole series. Nor does it account for those who didn’t cast a vote. Some people were so upset, they did not care to give it a rating. 

      Luckily you aren’t a “statistician” other wise you would be out of a job. You have to understand that those ratings don’t take into account a lot of different variables. Furthermore if you can’t see that on this thread that most of us are

      DISAPPOINTED then you are blind. If you aren’t then you are quite strange. How could you not be if promises were not fulfilled. And there are so many contradictory events in the book against all the foreshadowing of the previous. 

      So no matter how you look at it, anyone who reads the book will see that CP does not fulfill his promises or foreshadowing!

      I hope this will silence you saying that those minuscule amounts of ratings are the majority of the many more books that sold.

      I would also like to ask you to refrain from ever posting such invalid evidence that represent what you would perceive as the “majority”. 

      However, getting a pair of reading glasses, or finding legitimate evidence to support your claim in a proper manner might help getting your point across more intelligently. 

      • Feisty-fitz

        Couldn’t have said it better.

        I have actually visited this goodreads site and a lot of the reviews were made before the book came out or before people actually read it.

        • If you look closely, most of them have been updated since.
          Also, ratings are taken into account only if the person has declared the book “read” in his/her profile.

      • “He promised to deliver on his promises. Didn’t do it.”
        Firstly, he delivered on some of them, but maybe not in the way you wanted him to.
        Secondly, he never promised anything. There were no Bibles or contracts involved. Also, as Mike has said many times, the Big Twenty articles were in no way written by Mr. Paolini. Anything you’ve read in them were Mike’s own assumptions.
        Thirdly, maybe he included more of the material he “promised to deliver”, but it had to be cut out during the editing process.

        “No matter how many surveys you look at, it still isn’t even a fraction to the amount of people that read and bought the book”
        Technically, it is a fraction, but I agree it is not a big one. Maybe about 0.25% (based on the 500’000 books sold on the first day)

        “Nor does it account for the amount of people who’ve read the whole series.”
        Usually, when someone reads the last book in a series, he has read the whole serie. I’m not saying it’s never done, simply that it is rare. I don’t know anyone who’s just read Harry Potter 7, for example.

        “Nor does it account for those who didn’t cast a vote. Some people were so upset, they did not care to give it a rating.”
        When you are upset about something, the usual human reaction is to complain about it. Make yourself heard. You don’t curl around in a corner. Also, no survey represents 100% of the population. Even during elections, we are lucky to get a participation of 70%.
        Also, I’m sure there were as much people that were happy about the book that did not care to give it a rating either.

        “You have to understand that those ratings don’t take into account a lot of different variables.”
        What other variables are there in a rating besides the rating itself ?

        “Furthermore if you can’t see that on this thread that most of us are DISAPPOINTED then you are blind.”
        What I see is the same 50-100 people commenting again and again about how they disliked the book.

        “How could you not be [disappointed] if promises were not fulfilled.”
        You are starting to repeat yourself.

        “And there are so many contradictory events in the book against all the foreshadowing of the previous.”
        Pray tell, what are these contradictory events ?

        “I hope this will silence you saying that those minuscule amounts of ratings are the majority of the many more books that sold.”
        You do know what surveys are, do you ? It’s taking a random sample of a population (usually no more than 1%) and extrapolating results from there. The same goes for ratings.

        “I would also like to ask you to refrain from ever posting such invalid
        evidence that represent what you would perceive as the “majority”. ”
        I would also like to ask you to refrain from posting ever again because there are no facts in what you just said. The only thing persistent throughout your comment is your own opinion.

        “However, getting a pair of reading glasses, or finding legitimate
        evidence to support your claim in a proper manner might help getting
        your point across more intelligently.”
        I just did. It’s called numbers.

        • Jeremy

          So true…the op twisted the statistics

          • Jeremy

            @yahoo-4EPCF5EK3FGXNL7OJUSUKJAVF4:disqus 

    • Fp

      I have a little trouble understanding why the “haters” get blasted for the same thing over and over again (Something not all of us do) yet direct copy and past quotes from people on the other side don;t even get a small rebuke.  No offense to you alexandre.  I didn’t think this post was bad I mentioned to you in the other thread, just repetitive.  It feels a little cheap when others go against “the rules” that they demand we follow.  I noticed how this post wasn’t edited the way you did the other one though?

      • What do you mean by “direct copy and past quotes from people on the other side don;t even get a small rebuke.” ?
        Are you talking about my reply to JC below ? I simply wanted to answer his affirmations point by point (thus the quotes) so people would know what I was answering.

        Also, I’ve checked, and this one was edited the same way as the other one on “Spoilers and Spoiling 2.0”

    • Hyorinmaru0o

      Just on a side note I gave my rating as I bought the book, not after reading it. My rating was more representative of the excitement I felt and of the series so far overall, In which case I though it definitely deserved a 5. If I went back now my rating would be changed to a 3. I don’t know how many, if any would also have done this but I think it shows that there are several variables that you are unable to consider as per these ratings. For example several people could have given their rating based on the majority of the book, and not their opinions of the ending (i’m more selfish that that but heck). I don’t mean any disrespect and i’m not saying that you’re wrong. I’m just saying that you’re not necessarily 100% correct…:P

  • Anonymous

    Awesome book!! i can’t wait till Christopher writes more!!! And Mike, my sympathy goes out to you for having to read all the hate comments. Also, im looking for a new book series to read. Any suggestions? 

    • Jamie McCulloch

      Game of Thrones

      • David Bromsson

        my friend just gave me this one, gonna start it now!

        • Jamie McCulloch

          Give the HBO series on book 1 a look in too David – quality. 

    • Anonymous

      The Sword of Truth

    • The Mistborn trilogy, by Brandon Sanderson.

      The Kingkiller Chronicle, by Patrick Rothfuss.

    • Dom_modmod

      the secrets of the immortal nicholas flamel…the one that is being advertised here ( for a good reason too, i might add)

  • Congratulations!!

    Writing-wise, this was CP at his brilliant best. Descriptions… Plot (except for one point)… dialogue, almost flawless. Brilliant read.
    However, the last page is heartbreaking, and in my opinion, unnecessary. I wish CP would go with the cliché this time, it does not seem right or fair to end the novel as he did. It leaves me with a bitter opinion of the cycle, which is not fair because I loved everything else about the books.

    • joe bob

      I agree

    • Hyorinmaru0o

      Agree 100%. One sentence is all it would have taken to change this ending from depressing to wonderful, if cliche. If Chris truly cares for his fans I can only think he means to rectify this at some point in the future.

  • VMIFerrari

    Mike better not ban me for posting this but I think it deserves a look. This is just incredible. I took the liberty of writing down the titles of the TOP 50 customer reviews of Inheritance on http://www.amazon.com. Please note that I did NOT attempt to just focus on the negative reviews; all I did was start on Page 1 and scroll down. The reviews are on a 5-star rating scale and are organized by MOST HELPFUL REVIEWS FIRST.

    This is what the FANS of the series are saying about the book:
    1. Good, but not great ****2. Inheritance – for those who haven’t read the book ***3. Bitter Taste *4. Some good points, but ultimately unsatisfying ***5. A more bitter than sweet conclusion ***6. Is this the end!? **7. It could have been great **8. Severely disappointing *9. Needs direction, trimming **10. Can I have my money back please? *11. Very poorly written book *12. All these years only to have more questions than answers ***13. Bored out of my damn mind *14. Good beginning, bad ending *15. Epic? Not so much **16. Good but not great ****17. Beyond disappointed. Not the ending fans deserved *18. Wow – what a complete waste of time *19. Unsatisfying *20. He wrote better when he was 15 *21. What were you thinking *22. Mostly lackluster **23. This ending broke my heart ***24. Mediocre ending to a great story line ***25. Some epic moments, but an overall failure ***26. Leaves me with mixed emotions ***27. Disappointed ***28. Like a delicate souffle, rises to an epic climax before collapsing into a tasteless pile of goop ***29. Sad, empty **30. Unncessary book #4 *31. This is our long awaited conclusion? ***32. Big Let down *33. Angela = Soothsayer ***34. Unfulfilled expectations *35. Not a great book by any means **36. Christopher you have to redeem yourself!!!!!! **37. This is the end? Really? ***38. Not the payoff we deserve **39. 3 stars, maybe 3.5 ***40. Filling yet bloated ***41. What a disappointing book *42. Kind of good, but not very good ***43. Terrible close to a great series *44. Horrible, just horrible *45. Horrible end to an amazing story *46. Boring, too many long descriptive battle scenes, lack of character growth *47. A big disappointment *48. Buy books 1-4, then burn #4 *49. What a disappointment *50. A Terrible end to an otherwise outstanding series ***

    And there you have it…your thoughts?

    • Feisty-fitz

      I think that says it all really.

    • Hyorinmaru0o

      Agree with feisty. A great series that I have been reading for many years but what a horrible ending. I kid you not that when I read “The End” I searched the rest of the pages looking for a “Just Kidding” or something.What a droll, depressing and somewhat cliche ending. To me it seemed like a mix of The Lord Of The Rings and Philip Pullmans Dark Materials Trilogy (Which is my favorite series ever, but I’ve only ever read the ending once). I really hope that Chris pays heed to his fans and does something to rectify this or I will forevermore have to think of this series as great, but ultimately a fail. Every time I think about that last scene, it makes me feel horrible 🙁

      • Depressed

        I know, it’s like Lord of the Rings, except I didn’t care that Frodo left in that. Eragon is different, there is still so much for him in Alagaesia and leaving made no sense. Why couldn’t he use the name of the ancient language to make Vroengard habitable again?

        The thing I have most wanted in the Cycle was Eragon and Arya to end up together, but I didn’t want it to be rushed and unrealistic. I was incredibly upset when they didn’t end up together at the end, I cried so much.

        “Epic romance”? Hardly. All I can hope for is that CP will write another book set some years later when Eragon and Arya end up together, that way things are as they should and the epic romance can then well and truly occur.

  • Chopin’s doppleganger

    I finished the book wednesday afternoon, and I completly choke up just thinking about anything to do with it. I am part of the 2% that actually liked the book and felt the ending perfectly fit. sad, yes. However it had to be. So why have I wept the past 5 days? I cannot sum up my emotions about the book at the moment it was so epic, so beautiful, so noble, so pure . . . why did it have to end?? It’s over . . more than have my life’s been spent with all the characters . . even CP in this joruney. It’s overwhelming to have it end. At least my mind can still ponder the loose ends.

    Thank you Christopher Paolini for an incredible, breathtaking joruney . . my goodness my eyes are watering as I type this.  

    • Eklavya

      ^Same. I have wept much and many times since the ending of the book. it’s overwhelming to have it end.

      Farewell Eragon Shadeslayer and Saphira Brightscales!

    • jc

      How did the ending fit the book?

      Nasuada wants everyone that can control any form of magic (including those who can feel other minds) to swear an oath to her in the ancient language using the Word.

      Ya that makes a lot of sense seeing as that she wants to do the same thing as “Galby”.
      It was not an epic ending. 
      They fought the last battle indoors. 

      It was ill thought out, and a waste of time. The only tears of crying I would do would to say that I waited so long for this book to come out. 

      • Chopin’s doppleganger

        No that’s okay. I totally see your point of view. Some people wanted it to end with rainbows, ponies, fireworks, and the theory they came up with.

         Nasuada “wants” to control everyone for the safety of the people. She didn’t quite do it yet . . . that was still left that open . . and Eragon left without telling her the Word, which only Arya and Murtagh know.
         
         Wow! Look at that, the battle was indoors . . in Galby’s throne room . .  ON HIS TURF! <(I'd like to say that he kinda had the upper hand.) 

         . . . aaand do you forget that Eragon cast a spell to make Galby understand and feel all the pain and what-not he caused in his bloody reign? I thought it was neat that he couldn't handle it and he killed himself.

        and so again,

        Thank you Christopher Paolini! Thank you for the journey, the hope, the 'epic battle' . . . let me rephrase my self, the many epic battles!!!

        • IAmEragonBromsSon

          “Nasuada “wants” to control everyone for the safety of the people.” That is exactly what Galbatorix wanted to do..Which is why he made it so that no one could cast spells without his permission or whatever.

          “…aaand do you forget that Eragon cast a spell to make Galby understand and feel all the pain and what-not he caused in his bloody reign?” Yeah despite the fact that Galbatorix had in effect the fact that no one could cast a spell without his permission OR saying the name of the AL like Murtagh did when he attacked Galbatorix. Lack of consistency?

          Not to mention the fact that Arya becoming queen totally goes against her mindset about the position since Eldest, further strengthened in Brisingr, and again in Inheritance where she flat out says that she would not want the title and would prefer to be the egg courier. I guess it’s possible to just have your entire character changed in the manner of a few pages. Great writing CP.

          And about the last battle being indoors..Fail. It didn’t even feel like two riders fighting. Galbatorix was monologuing half the time and Murtagh went Darth Vader on Galbatorix. Not to mention the fact that Shruikan was pretty much just sitting there. And please..Kamikaze Dragon Riders?

    • Anonymous

      Don’t let the internet fool you.  More people liked it than not.  This is a small sample of a comparatively small population.  It’s not to be taken as representative of the whole.

      • 1234

        Everyone I spoke to about it was disappointed or downright upset about the ending. I’m so depressed about it.

        • Anonymous

          And everyone I know loved it.  Your group of friends and acquaintances prove nothing.

    • bromandsaphira

      I totally agree with you!

  • Guest

    I wonder if the total Sales added up the audio book. I bought it and thougt Gerard Doyle did a wonderfull job telling the story as always. He made the story tons better by moving the slow parts along and bringing the action to life. If you did not like Inheritance I would recomend listening to it and then re-thinking your opinion, or you can still hate it it doesn’t matter to me. I thought it was great. Congradlations to CP and all other who made this book posible.

  • Eklavya

    I felt tears coming up in the last two pages. How Roran howls. How Arya comes to the last curve of the river shown on the map. I was on the verge many times but I refrained. After I read “The End”, I got up, went to the bathroom, locked myself in, alone, and wept till I couldn’t anymore. It was better that way. I was sad of two reasons. One to see Eragon and Saphira go. Not going away from Alageasia but the whole series finishing. No more Eragon and Saphira and Arya. Again. It’s another book which I have read since I was kid which has been finished. Over. Another ‘childhood’s end’. The second reason was obviously because Arya and Eragon don’t get together. I had a feeling they wouldn’t but I thought maybe, just somehow, at least might have a kiss or *something* together. Now I keep thinking about how Eragon will basically end up being a virgin hermit for all his life…

    • Anonymous

      I too was very disappointed that Eragon and Arya didn’t end up together, from the beginning I was so sure that they would. I even made a bet with my friend for $1 because I was so sure. ” I felt tears coming up in the last two pages” well, I felt tears coming in the last 50 pages. Now I’m $1 poorer 🙁

    • Sigh

      I sobbed so badly at the end. It’s just so unfair that Arya and Eragon can’t end up together and the reasons don’t make sense. Why can’t Eragon use the Word to fix Vroengard? Why is Arya choosing to be Queen? Hopefully there will be another book set later on when they get together, I have to hope for that.

  • Eklavya

    Why was the book titled Inheritance? I mean, the actual word is mentioned only a few times by Galby when he thinks that’s Eragon is Morzan’s son and therefore he ‘deserves’ his heritage. Anyone?

    • …

      My honest answer?  Because CP thought it sounded cool.

    • The Green Dragon

      it because Eragon inherits the Title of The last eragon sort of. Nasuada inherits the throne. roran inherits palancar valley. Orik Inherits the title of king of the dwarves. Arya inherits the throne also. its just showing kids growing up and inheriting what their parents are i think.

      • Eklavya1994

        I guess that’s it then…

  • …

    The final chapter should have a sticker on it: ‘Henceforth you are reading a fanfic of Return of the King.’

    • Hey

      Haha yeah. But I like the ending in Lord of the Rings because I couldn’t care less where Frodo goes and he has nothing tying him down. But Eragon is leaving everything behind for insufficent reasons. I don’t think I have ever felt so crushed reading an ending and I am still sad when I think about it.

  • hoke

    over 11,000 likes!

  • Emiliaicci

    Great book but the end let me sad and empty

  • Jamie McCulloch

    First
    of all, just want to clarify that I’m a big fan of the world Chris has
    constructed and rate it on a level of book series such as Lord of the Rings
    (LOTR) and Game of Thrones (GOT) within the fantasy genre. 

     

    Criticism is therapeutic and beneficial
    to both reader and writer and is an element of the book world that is essential
    so bore off to individuals against it. Chris is a big boy and I’m sure he wants
    to hear the readers pro’s and con’s so he can develop and keep in touch with
    his reader basis. 

     

    I enjoyed this book but was staggered
    at the amount of cliff hangers he littered throughout the book which is either
    his way of trying to stimulate our imagination and speculate ourselves or he
    hopes to further the development of the world in which he’s spent the majority
    of his career creating (I hope the latter). I did find the scene of him and the
    elves leaving on a ship to far off lands to the East strangely familiar with
    the ending scene (LOTR) with Frodo/Gandalf and the elves venturing off to far
    off lands. 

     

    Perhaps Chris could open up the
    mysteries of the lands extending out of Alagaesia as George R. R. Martin did
    with the GOT series which would provide a bit more room for growth. However, he
    could be sick and tired of this world and want to move on to something
    different which is understandable as he might want a new challenge. Though why
    throw away the opportunity to progress on a world of immense complexity which
    so many authors struggle to create. 

     

    My reasoning is selfish but there is a
    lot of logic in him developing what he has made- the potential is frightening
    and I hope he doesn’t scrap it and move onto something else which I doubt will
    be able to measure up to this series and its immense complexity. Do yourself Justice
    Chris and persist. 

  • Bully91

    Okay Chris stop kidding around. When does the real book come out?

  • The Green dragon

    all the people who want their money back, you bought the chance to read it. You didnt have to like it. So stop saying you want your money back it gets really tiring after a thousand comments saying the same things.

  • Scotty

    I knew it would smash every other book for first day ratings. Nice work CP.

  • Jordan25631

    Man CP is sure working hard I thought he would at least rest alittle after writing a 900pg book but no as soon as its released his already in action having book signings like every other day for the next 6 weeks at least I hope he enjoys himself on the tour. He needs a break he deserves it! I just wish he would have picked more states instead of going to like 6 places in texas come to oklahoma lol….But best of luck to him

    • Anonymous

      I know, right?  Poor ignored SC.  Of course, none of the B&N’s anywhere near me had midnight release parties, so clearly this area is not so…literate as to warrant a visit from an author. 🙁

    • Just to clarify: Christopher doesn’t actually choose where he goes on tour. That’s up to Random House, his publisher.

      • Anonymous

        Yeah, I figured.  Gotta go where the money’s at.  As a publisher, I’d do the same thing.

  • Brianstheguy

    to bad over 50% of the people who bought it want their money back!

    • I think you forgot some zeros there. What you meant to write was more 0.0050%

      • Anonymous

        Isn’t it cool how suddenly everyone who didn’t like the book is a statistician?

        • Dom_modmod

          is that even a word

          • Anonymous

            I presume you have the same access to dictionaries as I do…

        • Fp

          Honestly, both sides have been doing that pretty equally from what I have seen.  One of the worst cases I saw was an individual who said more people liked the book than others because all of his friends really liked it.  Both sides really need to stop playing the majority/minority card because it goes nowhere. 

    • Yeah I love people who make up statistics too.

      Did you know that 95% of people named Brian have dumbo ears?

  • :(

    please write a epilogue with Eragon and Arya together!!!!

    • Mouse Bug

      Who do not look forward to this (if ever done by CP himself!). I would love him, if he did. In the meantime I would rather enjoy reading fanfiction of the story to see a bit more of a happy ending (have a certain preference at this point of how I want it to end (only a theme preference!)). Hope to see some more tales from The Land Of Alagäesia from CP in the future

      (CP on twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/InheritanceCP, try and write to him)

      • Miriam Kunin

        it doesn’t matter how WE want it to end, it’s what the characters decide.. it breaks my heart to say this but Christopher Paolini understands the characters better than anyone else (he created them after all) so it’s his choice how they end the book 

    • Grace

      I agree, I will love you forever if you do CP!

  • jjerzey

    maybe he did not leave plot holes for future books maybe he just left holes… He is a great writer but maybe he just wanted it over so he can move on. the book finished the story what we all have been waiting for just because your theories were wrong or your imagined ending didnt match up doesn’t take away from a great book.

    • Dom_modmod

      He did say that he purposely left some plot-holes open for future books

  • Dom_modmod

    Who would’ve known. Eragon was originally going to be called Kevin and he was going to meet a Unicorn!! 
    http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/11/13/2501253/fantasy-reality-and-unexpected.html

    • Oh gods, can you imagine a series about unicorn riders? The horror…

    • Kevin

      Haha, Kevin doesn’t have quite the same dramatic ring to it as Eragon. Imagine, a book simply called Kevin. Kevin Shadeslayer. Haha

  • Ok, y’all…I’m all up for posting opinions, but don’t keep copy and pasting the same thing over and over.  One comment will suffice, thanks.

    • I am so glad you finally finished the book so that you can suffer the copy/paste complaining with me

    • The Green Dragon

      hey ive seen mikes opinion a while back but whats your opinion on the book?

  • Crezeration

    All i have to say is that this book was written differently than the others. ( as in a different style of writing)

  • Here’s a comment from the Confirmed Facts about book 4 page from a commenter called bullseye:

    monoa tree will tell him to leave alagaesia and never return. i hate this theory but its all i got     

    I looks like someone may have preidicted it

  • LOL, what?
    A Random house plant? I can assure you that I am not. I liked the book and the ending wasn’t what I WANTED. But I accept it and don’t whine about it. This is coming from a big Eragon and Arya fan who defended the pairing for years and have been drawing them as well. Just because you hated the ending doesn’t mean that everyone does. It’s called an opinion.

    • jc

      it still sucked…….

  • OHAITHURR!

    Not sure what you guys are gonna think of this, but I have an idea for a sequel series.

    So it’s around 40 years after the events of Inheritance. The main
    character of the series would be the daughter of Eragon and Arya (so
    they did eventually get together). She’s around 17 years old or so.

    Anyways, when Eragon’s daughter turns 17, Alagaesia is invaded by a
    powerful army. This army is led by a shade dragon rider. Eragon hears
    this, and returns to Alagaesia. He and Arya go to confront the army, but
    are killed by the shade. All the other riders are killed, with the
    exception of Murtagh. Glaedr’s eldunari survives as well.

    Eragon’s daughter is devastated and seeks revenge, but has no hope of
    defeating the powerful army now sweeping through Alagaesia. However, a
    dragon egg hatches for her, and she sets out to find a teacher so she
    can destroy the shade rider and his army.

    Eventually, Eragon’s daughter finds Murtagh, Thorn, and Glaedr, and is
    educated in magic and the art of being a rider. Murtagh is surprised at
    how powerful she is and how fast she learns (this is partly because she
    is an elf child). She then leads a powerful attack on the shade and his
    army, and after a series of battles, drives them out of Alagaesia.

    I was thinking that maybe Roran and Nasuada could be involved in the storyline too somehow.

    • CP_FTW

      i like this idea a lot. Especially the part where Murtagh teaches Eragon’s daughter; i would like to see him return in book 5.

    • Decimator

      Great idea and all but i thought Angela foretold him having a long life?

      • Decimator

        By him I meant eragon

    • A very sad reader

      My main question is: Why would Murtaugh not just lay out a fat @$$-whoopin’ on the invaders? He’s proven himself to be more-than-competent. No. If the plot continues it will most likely be stories of both the past and future (<- perhaps, but unlikely. Most likely just the past). There is much to be unraveled and discovered about the secrets of Magic in Alagaesia as well as the order of Arcaena. Angela will be a large figure seeing as she is revered by all races within the book and known by even more (high priest at helgaurd for example).

      • OHAITHURR!

        K i should have made this more clear – Murtagh would fight with them. However, he is not powerful enough to defeat the shade rider, only Eragon’s daughter is because she is still a child and her power is amplified.

        • Bob1234455656

           ? Why is my name showing up as <3 Saphira …

          • OHAITHURR!

            oh… Sorry I guess i must have accidentally changed my name or something. The above two comments are me (OHAITHURR).

    • John

       Good Job! Definitely would be a very interesting storyline.

    • <3 Saphira

       Kinda reminds me of Harry Potter, but other than the part with Eragon and Arya  dying it seems pretty interesting and original

    • The Green dragon

      hmm good idea but how would anyone know the spell to say over a dragon egg? So then there couldnt be a shade rider, but there could be just a shade. Very good idea though again i did like it.

  • A very sad reader

    I just don’t understand why he didn’t stay and try to rebuild the Dragon Rider’s society from Vroengaurd.

    I think Paolini let his own personality conflict and change the true personality of Eragon that had existed so far in the series when he made Eragon leave Alagaesia. It truly made me sad to see Eragon depart from Arya and Roran as he did and the hopeful twist at the end of the book did nothing to change that. Some are saying that it is for the best and agreeing with the book/author that Eragon should have left because of the power struggle that would have occurred if he stayed in Alagaesia. But if you look at how Umaril had given Murtaugh so many precautions and warnings about places NOT to go in Alagaesia then don’t you also think that the series could go on to deal with that? At the end of the novel and in the afterward Paolini says however that he will not leave the Universe of Eragon and Alagaesia forever and promises to tell of Angela and other facets of the lore in the world that Eragon resides in but it’s not enough. Angela’s tales and stories may be amazing and wondrous but there is a reason the first book is named “Eragon” and not Angela and the third book is named “Brisingr” not “Tinkledeath”.

    Before you all tear me to shreds and chastise me, know that I am a deep, DEEP, fan of Paolini’s work in the Eragon series but it simply doesn’t change the fact that Eragon should not have left. Perhaps I am wrong, if someone could greatly justify his leaving I would be eternally thankful for it would alleviate the sorrow I feel for Eragon/Paolini’s mistake at the end.

    And one last note/rant: Throughout nearly the entire book, we watch Eragon’s love for Arya grow and grow and grow even further than we would have expected…but all that is washed away in a few lines as all they do is speak eachother’s true names, give their farwells (even though Eragon’s is incomplete) and she departs. And then within five seconds Eragon is perfectly fine again and at peace with himself?! No. That is both unreasonable and unrealistic.

    • disappointed reader

      Totally agree, especially with the last paragraph. Its just too out of character., i mean the whole series is fantasy but you still expect some fidelity to the world, characters personalities, and the general story that has been laid down. The ending is too random, and unrealistic. 

    • SaxNinj

      I also am greatly saddened by the last chapter. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely LOVED the book and all the conclusions that were made. I agree that not everything should have been tied up in a nice bow for the readers though, there’s definitely more coming from CP about Alagaesia. 🙂

      In terms of the Arya/Eragon predicament, that was the one thing that drove me over the edge. I wanted them together SOOOO badly, but it just didn’t happen. The only comfort I draw out of what DID happen was the realization that as they spoke each other’s true names, that likely brought them to a level of closeness as strong as if they were in a relationship. Think about it for a second. A relationship is really a sharing of the self with another is it not? And if both Arya and Eragon shared their essence with each other through their true names, I’d say that’s as good as a relationship. It just pains me that they can’t be together and grow old in each other’s company after all that they’ve done together. Perhaps in time after all the rebuilding that needs to be done they’ll be able to be with each other… I sure hope so. 😀

    • Same

      I agree with you, I am a massive fan but I cannot bring myself to say I liked the book because of the way the Arya/Eragon relationship worked out. Epic romance? I wouldn’t say so. Maybe there will be another book and they get together later. Other than that I liked the book, it’s just that the Arya/Eragon relationship was my personal favourite part of the Cycle and I feel so upset by the ending.

  • Jacob Music

    Also I thought the book was awesome. Even though the ending depressed me. Then again I always feel sad when a really good series ends.

  • Rk0324419

    can someone explain to me why eragon has to leave algaesia for good?
    why can’t he visit?
    also was the green dragon for the cover the best choice considering he was mentioned so late… 
    should the dragon have relationships at his small age … wasn’t he like 6 months 
    but okay whatever there is so much good in this book as well
    reading this I remembering being inspired to be a better person
    the way eragon defeats galbatorix was brillant though very short
    love the story between murtagh and nasuada 
    I love how murtagh says “You know why”

    arya and eragon goodbye scene was also very touching 

    i love the mentioning about clearing your mind, it reminded me of mediation which i have started to practice
    CP writes epic battle scenes which I love personally love to see on the big screen though roran was kind of harsh in some of them 
    his books are interesting to read and you get lost in another world 
    i love how urgals and dwarves were added to the pact
    the fifth(stand alone) book will be the best!!!!

    • IAmEragonBromsSon

      Eragon has to leave for good because that’s what happens at the end of LOTR.

  • Jacob Music

    All you people keep saying the book was bad. Honestly I don’t see what was that bad about it, although i guess that’s just opinion. But, if you didn’t like the book, keep it to yourself instead of trashing what took half of one man’s life to accomplish. I don’t want to argue with any of you. Just please leave the man at peace instead of trying to make him fix the book to how you want it to be.

    • I personally don’t think they should keep it to themselves. One of the reasons I like the site is because I can hear other peoples opinions about the book. They do need to keep it calm and respectful. If they can’t do that, then, yes, they should just keep it to themselves

      • The Green dragon

        i agree with you there. but what i hate is the same people posting the same thingss over and over again and being mean/rude about it. Like we need to know that someone didnt like the ending 20 times.

        • And I agree with that. They need to be respectful, and, that’s a good point, they don’t need to say the same thing over and over again

        • Fp

          I agree with you that disrespect is frustrating, but please keep in mind that you telling others they just need to go away and not share their opinion is pretty disrespectful too.  Sometimes people repeat their points because others ask for their reasons for disliking the book.  Rather than tel the individual to go back 20 pages to find out, we answer then and there.  Also many of the points never get addressed and thus keep coming back up I think.

    • Wisdom

      Its not trashing, it’s criticism. It’s healthy: both for the reader to vent their feelings and the author to grow as writer. Don’t you want the rest of the man’s life to accomplish something ever greater?

  • Anonymous

    I don’t know why I thought it would be a good idea to see what the internet thought.  Wishing I’d never logged on…

    • Now imagine having to be me, who HAS to sift through all of this and read those garbage conspiracy posts about how I’m somehow a plant (which type of plant am I? a tomato plant? a sunflower?) and how I delete any negative feedback (a quick glance shows that’s incredibly false). 😛

      • Anonymous

        You crack me up Mike. 🙂
        I’m sorry you have to listen to all this garbage.  I, at least, can just choose not to read it.
        You’re an inspiration man.

      • The Green Dragon

        I see you as a genectiaclly enhanced venus fly trap.

  • Karenky

    I don’t hate this book the way some other people do, but the ending did leave me sad and empty. I initially picked up this series as a 5th grader because Eragon represented the hopes and dreams of an optimistic child with a carefree imagination.  In my head, as I read through the pages, I supported him and imagined that I was a friend who watched as this young man befriended a dragon, partied with the dwarves, and danced among the elves. So, it disappointed me greatly to read the last pages and find this friend reluctantly having to leave all his friends and family behind.

    As someone posted earlier, George RR Martin once said “We read fantasy to find the colors again. To taste strong
    spices and hear the songs the sirens sang. There is something old and
    true in fantasy that speaks to something deep within us, to the child
    who dreamt that one day he would hunt the forests of the night, and
    feast beneath the hollow hills, and find a love to last forever
    somewhere south of Oz and north of Shangri-La.” It is It is understandable that Paolini was trying to show growth and development. I still wonder, though, if he may have lost sight of that 15-year
    old boy who first knelt trembling next to a blue stone in the Spine.
         

    • Honestly, I think that may have been prat of the point. It wasn’t so much that he lost sight fo that boy, just that the 15 year old boy didn’t exist anymore, and was, in a way, one of the causualties of the war

  • Argetlam Tre

    K guys im kind of getting sick of all of the ignorant comments… Especially those regarding:
    What the Menoa Tree took
    The 7 words
    Eragon and Arya
    The ending
    Murtagh
    Nasuada
    The “wasted” pages
    The New riders
    The belt
    How short the battle with galby was
    How much of rorans fighting was in the book
    What purpose angela played and why we didn’t learn about her

    And in general, people saying it was a let down.  He purposely left the plot lines open for future books! I mean come on, the seven words might not have even been very important.  He put in parts of the book that gave us a change of pace, like flying through the storm and making the mud ball with orik.  It shows eragon’s personality and how he interacts and builds our opinion of how he interacts with others and his relationship with people.  Obviously there are other books… These questions just help him set up how his furure books will go.  If you didn’t like the book, think about it from an author’s standpoint.  He can’t please everyone, and the ending wasn’t cliche like i expected, so that’s a definate plus.

    Ever think he left these open so you would keep thinking about his book…? Don’t flame… Just try and consider his motives and if you don’t like them, you don’t need to read it.

    I for one, am going to follow CP still.  He’s my favorite author, and that won’t change because he made a unique, non cliche ending.

    Come on, really? lol 

    • Guest

      It’s not ignorant to expect the words “the end” to actually end a series and answer questions.

      • “The End” marks the end of the Inheritance Cycle, but maybe, if we’re lucky, the beginning of a new one.

        • Anonymous

          I’m at a loss as to why people don’t understand that simple point.

      • Anonymous

        In fact, it is.  A prime example can be found in Star Wars, though the precedent is present in many more series.  The Emperor is dead and we threw a party with some teddy bears.  Sweet.  So what about the rest of the Empire?  What about the Jedi?  What about a thousand other things?
        Expecting all the answers to be given is ridiculous.  This is a small story within a gigantic universe.

    • Bazza14293

      LOL what you mean really? its suppose to be the ending of the series you know when everything is wrapped up that’s the whole point behind the last book in a series. There is not enough story to warrant a 5th book in this same series. Maybe one with new  characters that either takes place in the past or in the future.

      What I trying to get at he had characters written in ways that did not go with their characters. For example eargon was eating meat this whole book but in the last book he said he was giving it up because he could feel them die and blah blah and how he would only eat it if he had to. There was quite a few pages that went over it but in this book it is just eating away with eat at every turn.

      There was also huge chucks in the book that where just uncalled for that gave appositely nothing to the book at all. The green dragon was one what was CP thing with him and saphira. It was like hey its a male dragon now lets go mate. There was not getting to know each other no nothing no interaction much to speak of. It was pointless and really boring to read. Plus the book cover is a green dragon but the green dragon did nothing in the book.

      As for the epic romance that eargon was suppose to have if that was suppose to be Arya and him I would not use epic. That was one of the big things I was looking to be resolved but nope all we got was them holding hands and saying goodbye all that build up and wasted space in the book for nothing. Dont have a prophecy about an epic romance that will outlast empires if there is not one at all.  

      • Bazza14293

        Argetlam Tre I am just going to state this but if the majority of people think the book was bad then it probably was and i see more post about how people disliked the book then how good it was.

        • The Green dragon

          look down to what mike posted…

      • I cannot think of any series that when it wrapped up did not leave some loose ends. And that’s okay, IMHO. It leaves something to our imaginations where we can fill in the blanks. It’s one of the joys of being a reader when the author doesn’t answer every questions, and does leaves some blanks

    • Satisfied

      I thourghly enjoy the loose ends . . . without a complete sense of closure it seems as though everything still lives on in my brain.

    • Fp

      I think ignorant is a bad word.  Even Mike has said that some people who disliked the book have brought up some good points.   Your post essentially says, “If you disliked anything about the book you are ignorant and therefore do not matter and need to grow up.”  Thus good sir I say if you ever dislike anything then you are ignorant and need to grow up.  Just give it time and it will grow on you.

  • Satisfied

    I’m very satisfied with Inheritance. Instead of closure and just setting it on my self, it constantly plays in my head thanks to the loose ends . . . and I like that! I really do!! I loved it thank you Christopher Paolini!!!!

    • Satisfied

      *shelf . . . not self.

  • Bazza14293

    Mike I hope you are reading these post and all the other forms talking about this book as far as i can see the majority of them agree that this was a terrible book. Yes it did have its moments and have good parts but the amount of time he had to write the entire forth book  and what he published is just bad. He let down all of us fans and I have read many fans post that stated they dont want to buy any more book’s published by CP. He is a great writer don’t get me wrong but for all the build up that book 4 had and the whole point from extending it from a trilogy to a cycle was to fully answer all the questions which he did not or when he did was just plain bad.

    • How come Mike (and others) can’t agree with this supposed majority? I don’t think it even exisits, for the most part, I just see a group of people posting over and over and over again, racking up the total posts against the book, but not the size of the group that hate it

  • Barricks

    I’m Sad.  I would like the memory clearing words for just book 4 so I could reread it fresh.  I will add I hope there is a book 5.  I really want to hear how Eragon and the Kids are getting along.  Raising baby dragons would be a trip.

    • Dom_modmod

      obliviate…??

      • The Green dragon

        be careful. make sure not to use ron’s wand when casting…

  • I actually really enjoyed the book. Was I disappointed in the ending? Yes, but it wasn’t an “OMFG WTF IS WRONG WITH YOU CHRISTOPHER?!?!??!” It was more like an “aww Eragon and Arya didn’t get together and everyone is all sad-ish. :(” I understand why he wrote it that way though. Could he have made it a happy ending with everyone all blissfully in love? Yeah, but not everything has a perfect happy ending. Galbatorix is gone and the world can move on, I think that’s a happy ending enough. I’m still sad that the ending didn’t go the way I wanted, but if Chris wrote it that way then it was meant to be and I accept that and still love the book. I also understand why he had Galby die the way he did. If there was a super epic fight Eragon would’ve lost, no doubt. The way Chris wrote it makes sense to me. I don’t think it was anti-climatic at all. Plus the fight between Murtaugh and Eragon was pretty awesome. 🙂 And as for all the plot holes and stuff Chris promise to write in but didn’t… eh I don’t think it’s that big of a deal. Stuff like that is bound to happen. I didn’t even really notice.

    • I mean, with regard to Eragon and Arya not getting together and everyone sort of sad, that’s life. Never does *everything* work out. Some things do, and others don’t. It’s called being realistic

      • Which is why I’m warming up to the ending. It takes balls to end a series the way he did, unlike others who made everyone all super happy and perfectly in love and stuff.

  • Leasa60

    I had a lot of unanswered questions.  Is the belt just gone forever?  Will someone find it someday?  What about Angela?  He hinted several times in the book that we might find out who she is and how she is so powerful but it never happens.  Who was the lady with the scars and two children who helped Roran in the last battle? There are more but I can’t think of them right now.

    • Leasa60

      I also agree that there were a few too many pages of Roran’s fighting adventures.

    • The Green dragon

      i asume they were the people eragon blessed

  • Anonymous

    i saw CP in miami today, he was a lot of fun to see, he has a lot of energy. someone asked him about the seven words and he said that eragon actually said one of them in brisinger, that it was one of the death words and he felt that he couldnt find a place in the story to add them in, so he left them out

    • Bazza14293

      You cant just put something in a book like that then decide hey I don’t know what to do with it so lets hope no one remembers and leave it out. That’s just down right lazy. I feel kind of cheated out of my money the way this book was written.

      • Okay, dude, there are always things that an author referenses, and plans to use later on in the series, but as that point gets around, the series has changed, and they don’t fit any more

        • IAmEragonBromsSon

          Yeah such as the gedwey ignasia tingling whenever danger was nearby like spidey sense. He totally forgets about it for 2 books then features it prominently in the last one like 4 or 5 times. Felt fake.

    • Arya<3

      I knew it was the death words haha. It made sense because there were exactly 7. 🙂

  • Bazza14293

    What in the world possessed CP to write the 4th book as he did. He certainly had enough time to write a great 4th book. We had all this build up to a awesome battle with Galbatorix but they did not even really fight half the time they just talked and then eargon cast a spell without words on Galbatorix and poof it is over.

    The next thing I hated was where in the world did Broms’s 7 words go it seems he just forgot all about it. Another thing is why in the world would you make the cover of the book a green dragon when the green dragon did not even appear until the very end and placed no role in the story what so ever. Anothing thing what about menoa tree it just seems CP forgot about it then at the end he said oh I forgot that so let me just put to lines in there and be done with it.

    The thing that really got to me was Eargon and Arya story they had all this build up and hints that Arya liked Eargon and at the very end it was just dumb. Though the book was way to long they had parts in the book that was not needed there was like 50 pages on talking about that baby with a cleft lip what was that all about? It gave nothing to the story just a waste of my time to read.

    CP is a great writer but this whole book needs to be redone and if not I think I wont ever read another one of his books if this is the type of quilty we can expect for the ending of the story.

    He had and entire decade to come up with the ending and this is the best he could come up with?     

    • Exdragonrider

      Cp has shown the way….hopefully soon we will read a series that excites us all as much and also successfully crosses the final hurdle. This isn’t the first book series to fall short at the end and certainly won’t be the last. I am just great foul we got 3 superb books out of it. I will chose to pretend the 4th book did not happen.

      Thanks cp for a great series. I WILL probably read his new series when he chooses to write it because I feel lessons learned here will help serve him in his next project.

      Was the last book a let down? Yes… But was that because the last 3 books were great and set a very high bar?….yes. Do I wish I didn’t read it and continued to make up my own far more satisfying ending? Absolutely!

      • I personally would go so far as to say that we got 3.75 great books. Most of the last book was great, except for the flaws that have been pointed out repetedly, and I would include the 600 or so pages that were great in there

        • IAmEragonBromsSon

          More like maybe 300 or so. And that’s pushing it. Roran’s chapters should have been taken out. Vault of Souls should have been better. I hate random plot holes that just show up and suddenly make everything better. Dauthdaert anyone? The chapter about healing the baby’s face should have been taken out. Would have much preferred a chapter about the 7 words or Angela.

    • Exdragonrider

      Cp has shown the way….hopefully soon we will read a series that excites us all as much and also successfully crosses the final hurdle. This isn’t the first book series to fall short at the end and certainly won’t be the last. I am just great foul we got 3 superb books out of it. I will chose to pretend the 4th book did not happen.

      Thanks cp for a great series. I WILL probably read his new series when he chooses to write it because I feel lessons learned here will help serve him in his next project.

      Was the last book a let down? Yes… But was that because the last 3 books were great and set a very high bar?….yes. Do I wish I didn’t read it and continued to make up my own far more satisfying ending? Absolutely!

    • Percy

      Exactly!  I couldn’t agree more!  Got it in a depressing nutshell.

    • William T

      If the book had been written in the fashion of which you have proposed, then surely it would have been what you were expecting? It might just be me, but I don’t want to read a book that goes exactly as I expected it to be. With all the speculation that there has been prior to the release of inheritance I’m not surprised Christopher to make the storyline less predictable in some areas. I’m also glad that he chose the obvious choices in other areas, such as the vault of souls containing elundari, and arya being the green rider. (even if it was late on) In my opinion christopher did a great job with the book, although like most people I was disappointed with the ending, but you can’t have everything.

  • War Rider

    Hey Mike, could you by chance ask Christopher to sometime stop by the inheritance forums in the book 4 discussion thread and see some of the main posts? He doesn’t have to do it ASAP, just sometime soon like in a few months.

    • Richard

      I believe Christopher has hinted he’s on here, if not regularly.

      • He’s hinted that his family and friends are on here, and report back to him, but he doesn’t have time to do it himself

  • Patrick Ruehle

    im glad to see that, at least as far as i have read, there are no more hate comments. Inheritance was a great book and im glad to see that it is getting the accolades it deserves.

    • Mr-x

      Agreed but if you go up a reply and 2 posts you’re hopes have been crushed ='(

  • Steliosk3

    what about greece guys????

  • Dom_modmod

    Will we follow CP’s Sci-fi novels too on this site??

    • Yes, Mike has said that shurtugal will become a site devoted to CP, not just the Inheritance Cycle

  • Dom_modmod

    Who’s to say that his next Alagaesia novel won’t be set just after Eragon leaves. CP never said he would leave them forever.

  • Madelyi

    When I went to buy my copy Tuesday, there was a stack of eight behind the counter, and that was all that was left… at 10:30 AM!

  • The Green dragon

    Camped out now in my Boks a million to get a tcike for CP’s event here on tuesday

  • The Green dragon

    hey in the new editionof eragon where it has the drawing of a sword, is that Zar’oc or Brisingr?

    • Mr-x

      Erm is it blue or red? if it has no color there are some tell tale signs to tell them apart Zar’roc is a short broad sword with a One handed hilt and a ruby set in the pommel where as Brisingr is a long hand a half sword with a long hilt and a saphire set in it’s hilt Being the first book it is most likely Zar’roc.

      • The Green dragon

        um i dont remember. i was looking at it while i was waiting for tickets for the CP’s book singing a couple of hours ago.

        • Jwelde

          It is Zar’roc, because CP said so, it looks the same as the one Shur’tugal commissioned for CP’s birthday, and the symbol matches Zar’roc’s in Eragon’s Guide to Alagaesia.

          • Firnen

            cool thank.

  • Jordantrogers

    tenga was mentioned when the eldunari dissappered into a small patch of space but cp could use him again for another book.  and the shadow that eragon searches for could be the last ra’zac because he never did find the egg.  and i thought that the ending was good but i think eragon will return i mean what would he do wherever  they are going i think that when there are like a thousand riders they will go back and restore utgard and all of the other places but whatever eragon finds will be like the new doru areba.

    • Mr-x

      Hey could you point me to the page where Tenga was mentioned please? I only remember seeing angela mention him if you can do this it would be great thanks =D

      • Jordantrogers

        I wasn’t sure if that was the question that tenga was trying to answer in Brisingr but it definetly was tenga i belive it was on page 567 when eragon asked who discovered it Umaroth answered ‘a HERMIT who lived on the northeren coast of alagaesia tweleve hundred years ago’. it was most likely tenga but cp probably left that plot open for another book.  i would really like for him to write another book about alagaesia before he writes something else.

    • I don’t think that it’s the ra’zac for one reason: another Rider could deal with them, and he could continue to stay away from the temptation of becoming the next Galbatorix

      • That said, I still don’t have any real ideas as to who or what the unnamed shadow is

  • sand

    What of Brom’s Last Words!! No mention of them ANYWHERE!!

    • Mr-x

      I just thought of something… Well when the Eludinari said they Interfered with Brom/helped him out/used him as a weapon what if his last words were a spell that would stop him from forgetting about the RoK and VoS? just a thought i mean that could easily worked in although i wouldn’t like it one bit

      • Jordantrogers

        or it could of just been a blessing or a true name of someone because you never know what the words were.  and cp said in an interview that the reason why he didn’t put anyones true name in writing was because he didn’t want the fans to be able to control his characters so it could of been broms maybe…

  • The Green dragon

    i cant wait for the next podcasts (if there is one) and listening to mike rant about the people on this site. and growing up (said meaning no offense)

    • Richard

      I think they’ll just say how not everyone was happy with the ending.

      I wasn’t happy about a couple of loose endings Christopher had promised to reveal in the fourth book. I think he might plan to deal with them in ten years or so when he returns to write some about Alagaesia but from another point of view 😉 Or I hope, at least.

      • Could you show me where he actually promised where anything would be cleared up, and not just hinted at it?

  • Saerina

    I FINALLY got Inheritance!!!!!!!!
    AH! I can’t read it since my gets to read it before me :[

    • Richard

      Not a good idea to go here reading all the spoilers, if you haven’t read it for yourself yet 😛

  • is christopher going to come to the uk at all does any body know cheers julie 

    • The Green dragon

      yeah i believe that he’s going nxet year 🙂

  • Arcaena Chronicler

    I admit that i was sad. Who wouldn’t be?  Think of how CP felt though; he did say that it was really difficult emotionally for him to finish and I wonder if it was in the main, due to Eragon and Arya being separated.  He has invested more into these books than any of those disgruntled readers, and should be commended for sticking to the ending he first envisioned in Eragon. 

  • Mr-x

    Hmm If you think about it his obviously going to return at some point because he has to deal with this unnamed shadow that is in The Guide. So Obviously he is still going to get to see everyone again He isn’t doomed to being alone I mean he has Blodgharm and the other elves who chose to come to help with the dragons I mean the elves might not be the most chatty people but they will eventually open up and eragon them and the dragons will be having a good old time who knows we might even see some lil elves running about if the elves choose to couple up also the wild eggs will be hatching all over the place and you’ll have Eragon and the elves running around and watching them grow so i can’t imagine eragon will be to unhappy neither will saphira TBH i think she might just end up having her own little eggs Greenie you’re a father so young haha >.> So i wouldn’t call it a sad ending.

    • Richard

      Eragon wouldn’t need to return to fight a shade. The order of Dragonriders will be restored, and they’ll deal with it.

      • Mr-x

        Shade? Unnamed shadow friend… and as it says in The Guide he is out on a matter of urgency to deal with an Unnamed shadow… Obviously he wouldn’t need to leave if it wasn’t an important matter plus Who knows how long it will be before the Dragon riders will be restored And even after a few dragons have been hatched and the riders have been sent to Eragon and the Eludinari for training Rider training takes years to master. Eragon Isn’t going to send a half trained rider to combat something that is proving difficult for Possibly Arya or murtagh to combat since it would take an incredibly powerful person for them to call for Eragon’s aide. And Obviously there aren’t any other riders otherwise they would be teaching this new young rider not a stack of pages and Glaedr’s Eludinari

  • Richard

    This is a rather happy ending, guys! I mean let’s look at it:

    The Dwarves and the Urgals were included in the pact between the dragons, therefore creating peace in Alagaesia. (As far as interracial wars are concerned)
    They found – and I quote – “Hundreds of dragon eggs” which means the race of dragons is going to be restored to its former glory.
    Murtagh was saved, although he left to be alone.
    Eragon and Arya did confess their love, as well as Saphira and (I forget Arya’s dragon’s name)
    I’m sure once Arya gets tired of being queen, she will too leave Alagaesia and join Eragon. Be it a hundred, or a thousand years passed.

    • Dragon Slayer

      it’s Firnen… I think… and I agree with you: eragon and arya did confess their love, i guess  sometimes you don’t need a kiss or ‘I love you’ to show someone you love them. Just the fact that they revealed their true names to each other was enough. Sweet and simple.

  • TheJoke

    I like cheese

    • The Green dragon

      whick kind? i prefer chedder.

      • TheJoke

        me too

        • The Green dragon

          yay we’re cheese buddies :p im gonna go get some right now cus you’ve sent me into a cheese crave 🙂

          • TheJoke

            ok… umm you do that, I’m going to find out about getting a bucket of cheddar bay biscuits from red lobster. Then i’ll hard boil some eggs and make cheddar and egg on cheddar-bay sandwiches. for dinner I’ll have cheese fondue, and dessert will be cheesecake.

          • I’ll just settle for those Cheddar Bay biscuits nothing else

          • THEJOKER

            I agree

  • Jshore1296

    Ok here’s my view.  In America, novels are always happy.  Always.  It’s never in QUESTION if the hero is going to win or not.  It honestly kills the suspense.  I’m tired of the ending of books always being retardedly predictable.  Even Harry Potter was.  The epilogue was an example of society being wrapped up in a tiny bow.  I love that series as well, but predictability kills me.  Now, what cp did.  I get the feeling that most of the people who “don’t like” the book are simply upset that, for the first time ever, their society hasn’t been wrapped up in Christmas paper.  Life ISNT perfect, and this is the first novel to actually treat that as a concept.  I thought it was phenomenal.  It’s the first series ever that actually had me sad to see it end and still hoping for a sequel.  Life is full of questions that never get answered…. and it’s nice to see a book reflect this for once.

    • THEJOKER

      I agree, even if Americans are not all like you describe us. I look forward to UNHAPPY ENDINGS. I like it when things end sadly, or at the very least, not completely lovey-dovey!

      • AnDlat

        well, i look forward to unhappy endings when i haven’t come to know and love the characters(and the books).

        • Jwelde

          I just don’t understand why Eragon couldn’t come back to Alagaesia later 🙁 I know he’s to powerful and all but Arya know the Name and she is staying…. 🙁 I hope that Arya steps down as queen when she is old and wise and goes to Eragon. I still approve of the ending it’s just sad, which I guess is good because it keeps you thinking about it.
          I loved this series so much. I still do. This story was also great because I felt like Eragon grew up with me.

        • THEJOKER

          I wrote a story about some sorcerers (not inheritance-esque) I loved the characters. To show my undying love for them, I massacred them. Killed ’em off, destroyed everyone. Complete Armageddon. Loving something means letting it go. Paolini let Eragon and Arya and Nasuada and Orrin and all the others (except Izzy, Wyrden, and those other deadies) go without killing them. He can’t write Inheritance cycle forever, it had to end somewhere. This was how he ended it, no matter how much you people whine and complain – he’s not going to change the ending just because the minority of his “fan’s” disagree with the whole ‘leaving alagaesia FOREVER’ thing! Please do us all a favor and check out this wonderful website designed for you malcontents – Anti-Shurtugal.com 

          • THEJOKER

            look it up, don’t hit the link.

    • XxxX

      I was really proud of this..until I figured out your username was Jshore 😛

      • Jshore1296

        Which is actually from my real life name, not the retarded tv show 😀

        • The Green dragon

          awesome! i watched that show for exactly five minutes one time and one time only and after i got up and started yelling about how completely stupid it was.

    • Rk0324419

      no the ending was too tolkien 
      seriously it  kept reminiding me of frodo 
      love the books and love the story between murtagh and nasuada 
      but it you think about how many pages were dedicted to roran fighting and then the main battle was only a chapter long … it ‘s kind of weird
      a lot the characters did not have real closure and it seemed like eragon was being punished strange considering they won 
      i think the readers will be satisfied with the fifth book which is supposed to be a stand alone and will help answer things better
      eragon and arya would not make sense right now but both will live for many more years and it will better in future and that way we will know their love is true 

      • Percy

        Um… how did it remind you of Frodo?  For all of CP’s Tolkienesqueness in the first 3 books, the 4th book was the one with the least amount of Tolkien in it.

        • love

          Frodo left Middle Earth forever, Eragon left Alagaesia forever. Both left their loved ones behind after completing whatever they had to do.

          • Rk0324419

            haha thank you 
            seriously Percy that was kind of obvious

    • Fp

      What I would say is that it actually wasn’t that sad of a book.  People one both sides keep talking about how sad it was.  I didn’t really get that vibe.  There weren’t really even any heartbreaking deaths which I was a little bumbed to see.

      On a side not, I would encourage you to refrain from using the word “retarded” to describe something stupid.  COnsidering there are actually people who are mentally handicapped and suffer from mental retardation, by using that word in that context you are speaking pretty harshly about those who suffer from that.  You wouldn’t call someone like that stupid would you?  Then why use that word to describe something as stupid?  Sorry for that rabbit trail.  That is just something that really bothers me.

  • Ka-Ching

     Okay, I wanted a happy ending too and I could’ve done without the 80 straight pages of Roran at the beginning or making that stone thing with Orik (yawn) or the chapter where they fly through the storm (did anyone actually think they would die?)…but…I don’t think it’s fair to say CP did this because he wanted more money.  He has pretty much divided his fanbase with this book.  Amazon is one of the biggest booksellers in the world and the customer reviews will probably only discourage people from buying the book.  In addition to that, people who didn’t like the book will tell their many friends not to bother reading the books because of the ending.   And that doesn’t even include the number of people who may return the book for a refund.  So yes, he may make money from future books, but not as much as he could have if he had written a happy ending. 

  • BarmyBob

    Just finished it around 15 minutes ago… it was amazing, to say the least! However there are quite a few unanswered questions, I might have missed this because I was reading quickly, but did the words the Brom told Eragon before he died every come into play? I don’t think that they did, then again it might have been deliberate. I quite like how he’s left the plot line open for other possible stories. All in all, an amazing read… definitely a well deserved ending to an enthralling and beautiful series.

  • He deliberately left plot lines open for future books, and left some questions unanswered because he’s mean! ;P

    • IAmEragonBromsSon

      More like a majority of the plot lines open. I don’t consider those 1 paragraph explanations a fitting end to some of the plot lines. Like with the Menoa Tree. 1 paragraph and all we get is a “go away”. And I would say that CP answered maybe 1/5 of the questions that he should have and opened many more in the last book.

  • Possum

    Wow, I’ve just finished In Inheritance this morning, and I have some pretty mixed feelings about it, but they’re mostly good. I’ve got a question, I hope you guys could answer it.
    What DID the Menoa Tree end up taking from Eragon? I never really got that. Did he even say?
    Anyway, thank you Christopher for such an amazing series and such an amazing final book. My favourite parts of Inheritance was definitely the parts with Nasuada and Murtagh. Murtagh has always been one of my favourite characters, and I really hope they will end up together. Also, Galbotorix’s parts were written so well! One minute I’d hate him, the next I’d half agree with what he was saying.
    Thank You Christopher!
    Ash.

    • Clarez1704

      It Didn’t, that’s the point, he tried to give it something in return but it wouldn’t take it, I assume because he used the metal underneath it to make a sword then killed galbatorix with it, so it didn’t feel like it needed anything in return : ) 

      • Arcaena Chronicler

        Maybe.. or maybe the tree did do something.  Think about it; Eragon stood at the tree and basically said tell me what you want.  The tree then repeats its words from Brisingr telling Eragon to go.  It may be that it was just a request telling him to leave Alagaesia, but since he had that “twinge” in Brisingr, I’m inclined to believe the tree gave him an unconscious impulse to leave Alagaesia.  That would explain many things, and the tree definitely got its way.  Also, Eragon would not be aware of the impulse and would not think to use the “Word of Power” to strip himself of that enchantment.

    • The Green dragon

      i think it told eragon to go, and thats why maybe it seemed to him thatvthe only thing he could do was leave.

  • Mycael101

    I absolutely love this series.  I do agree with some ppl that the book spent too much time on insignificant paths such as cat lip, and not enough on certain story lines  … like where does Tenga fit in to all of this?  However, I disagree with those who don’t like the ending.  I too wish that Arya and Eragon would have left together.  For that is what I expected from his first dream in “Eragon” about the two hooded figures boarding the boat together.  Although, Arya is now a rider, and Eragon is going to setup a “school” for riders.  She can easily fly to him whenever she wants to and the ending left it up to our imagination to decide what happens.  So I BELIEVE they do end up together.  Remember, they both will live forever, possibly. 

    Now the best series would be about that school that Eragon is building.  A seven or eight book series like Harry Potter.  Then have a character that comes to the school and becomes the most powerful Rider ever (by his own strength and not with the aid of so many others) and this rider then vanquishes some great evil in Alagaesia.  He could bring Eragon, Arya and a host of other characters back … including Angela 😀  Who knows, maybe that GREAT EVIL could be Tenga!

    • I think the cat lip section was important. Eragon had to grow past his demons in order to confront Galbatorix. That was Eragon’s shot at redemption after messing up so badly with Elva.

      • Rk0324419

        good point never thought about that way he didn’t kind of ruin elva’s life

      • bromandsaphira

        I liked when he reprimanded Elva as well after Wryden died. it really showed how much he has grown…and I LOVED the cat lip section, it was interesting to see how some people distrust elves…liked that little mention. and arya, mad and trying to work with people who don’t trust her-CP handled that brilliantly. 
        no one is mentioning Sloan. that was awesome…

      • Burroughsbenexdragonrider

        I agree it was a good way to earn redemption and to convey how eragon has matured not only with his magical abilities but also has not become afraid to help others in fear of an elva situation reoccurring. I just feel that given the more interesting and compelling plot points available to build on and explain we could have done.

        • Exdragonrider

          Done without. (iPad typos )

      • Fp

        I agree Mike.  To many people were to annoyed at the cat lip scene.  I did feel it could have been shortened some though.

      • Laughter

        I agree as well, there was nothing wrong with the cat lip scene

    • The Green dragon

      i think it does mention tenga as the hermit who came up with spell to hide the eggs or whatever in a fixed spot behind you.

      • Mycael101

        well it said a hermit from the north 1400 years ago or something close to that.  Tenga was from the south, but i guess it could be him :p

  • :troll:

  • Hrmm, just realised, if the hermit that used the Eldunari-transporting technique WAS Tenga, then we can almost certainly tell that he is not human. The spell was invented twelve hundred years ago, and looking at the ‘Eragon’s Guide to Alagaesia’ that was sent with my copy of Inheritance, that is approximately three hundred years before the first signs of humans started to show up. I also imagine that Angela is in the same mystical boat as Tenga, so who knows?

    I would also love it if CP one day returned to Alagaesia, and wrote a tale on one of the following:

    1) Brom’s tale, right from being chosen as a Rider right through to his battle with Morzan, and maybe even up until his death.
    2) Angela’s tale of being instructed by Tenga, or a couple short stories following Angela’s wild adventures (how Angela and Solembum meet?)
    3) Detailed histories on the many weapons the elves and other races have created – in Inheritance, one of the elves remarks that each of their weapons have a unique history to go with it, and I would love to see those histories to be written out.
    4) A tale of Galbatorix’s rise to power, maybe even from his point of view.
    5) MAYBE a tale of a rider in future Alagaesia, but I’m not sure about this one…

    No matter what he does, however, I’m sure that it will turn out epic. 😀

    • I really want Brom’s tale, but to write it right up to his death would be redundant. We already know the events leading up to his death, and also much of his time before Saphira hatched was just spent in Carvahall being a storyteller, so not much there

  • Eric Hanson

    Where was all the things he promised us would be in this last book such as Broms seven words? I loved this book, it was one of my favorite of all time. Yet I feel like he left a lot of things out and I was saddened by the ending, why not end it on a happier note. Why have the last page of the book contain Eragon weeping? Great job Christopher I loved this series, but why didn’t you use another 100 pages and finish it right so we could have closed that last page of this book with a smile on our faces.

  • jc

    That ending was unbearable. His promises mean zero to me. HIs writing means nil.

  • Dom_modmod

    he did say that his next alagaesia book would have characters new and old…

    • Rk0324419

      can’t wait for the fifth one

  • Leebrav123

    Can you make another book I just feel slightly cheated about the ending even better instead of making a whole book you could release a shurtigal newsletter that could be an alternative ending to inheritance

    • Why would he write an alternative ending? This is how he wanted it to end — hence why he wrote it that way.

      • bromandsaphira

        this was how the inheritance cycle was always meant to end, guys. go check out fan fiction if you want another ending…but this was how it is supposed to be. 

  • Die4cel

    This was an amazing book..it felt rushed,i feel he cp could have drug this book out for well over a thousand more pages. easily making this story btr,but over all it was amazing,i shed tears of joy and sadness.he shouldnt stop,theres a future here,a future for the riders.

  • BlazingAngel665

    My life is over. I have lost all meaning. I have no reason to continue. The high point of my life was 5:12 AM Nov. 8 I finished in 5 hours! Now I have nothing left. Amazing book CP worth every tear cried for over eight years. Farewell alagaesia! May the stars watch over you and peace live in you heart.

    • Arya<3

      Yeah I felt like this book was my life, and the rest of the world was fantasy…. I regret that  I did that know because I am torn at the ending 🙁

    • Dom_modmod

      alagaesia isn’t going away forever remember. he intends to return to it later on

    • TheFirstUrgalRider

      Aww you poor dear!!! Would you like some candy?

      • The Green dragon

        would an urgal really say that? dragon rider or no?

    • The Green dragon

      five hours? (said with eyebrows raised)

    • Caity

      I feel your pain

  • Exdragonrider

    I have to express my complete dissatisfaction with how the book wrapped up.

    It’s almost like cp attempted to shock and surprise us by throwing us various curve balls to the detriment of the story line. Many of the characters seemed to have personality changes compared to e previous books.

    I am not a writer and I respect anyone who is especially cp who has given us a great cycle of books, but I can’t help but feel there were quite a few moments in the book that needn’t have happened (cat lip for example). It seemed to take up lots of pages that could have been used to explain more of the questions we had and concentrate on better plot points.

    For me the book seemed rushed and as many of us agree the ending just seemed to make not much sense. Leavi alagaisia because there is nowhere dragons cold live happily on a gamble that a better breeding ground for riders will be found in the unknown? Arya becoming queen?

    • Exdragonrider

      Apologies for typos.

      • IAmEragonBromsSon

        Be careful. MM might ban you from posting comments for having an opinion. Hell, he’ll probably ban me too for even saying that. Anyways, despite this book having a huge opening, if you could return books for your full money back, I feel as if this book would set the record for the most money lost. I for one know that I would be returning my copy without a doubt.

        • Grow up.

        • bromandsaphira

          whoa…calm down. Mike was banning people who were being insulting and not using appropriate language. he has every right to ban people-this is his site. so don’t be bitter. you can state your opinion, just don’t be insulting. that’s all he ever asked for. 

    • Sungjai Hyun

      I totally agree with this. If you read each book at least twice, you would be surprised by the sudden personality changes in the characters. And despite the years it took to write it , its gives you the impression that it was rushed and cp was just trying to fit in the pieces so it would fit in with the predictions that angela and Solembum made.

       Also too many new terms come out in the book depsite being the last. I mean.. a sword designed to kill dragons?Angela with the sharpest sword ? I mean… give us a break. An amateur might have wrote this . And all he has to say is “Oh his training was so inefficient that we can put in new swords, magic tricks, creatres etc….”
      I mean… the sudden creation of the term “Eldunari”was hard enough to swallow… but then ! a hundred dragon eggs and a sack of Eldunari! LoL..
      I mean seriously… this book reminds me of a report I wrote last month. I forgot about it until the  hand in day , and I ended up writing a noncohesive piece of…. 

      Any way I was really disappointed wth this book compared to the years I spent waiting for this.

    • eragonarya :'(

      The book does day that the eldunari knew that there was vast plains with little to no intelligent life to the east so he wasn’t just gambling, the odds were more than in his favour. I just think that Arya should have come with him, that’s all

  • Anonymous

     whats up with the background not being inheritance related. are jumping ship to a new book series?

    • The Green dragon

      It’s paid advertisements cus the cost of running Shurtugal has been very high lately.

    • What “The Green dragon” said — it’s a paid advertisement/sponsor (coincidentally for another one of my favorite book series). Shur’tugal costs more money than what I pay for rent due to the tens of thousands of visitors and this helps us make sure we can keep the site online. 🙂

      • Jordan25631

        lol do u want me to click on all advertisements for u mike? (dont u get the money for them when ppl click on them)

  • guest

    I thought all the notorious shurtugal trolls had disappeared during the last couple months (in fact, pretty much since Inheritance was announced). I guess they were just hibernating to store their strength for this epic assault of the comments board and will continue untill CP announces a new book, restarting the trolling cycle.

    • Anonymous

      They’ve hatched, and now another troll life-cycle begins…

    • Clarez1704

      Lol, too true…. but wait, in a few months, they’ll have to hibernate again and we’ll all be safe until CP’s next book comes out…….. 

    • And, if we’re really lucky, they’ll all grow up some day!

      Unlikely though.

      • darthstewie

        Unfortunatly trolls find it exceedingly difficult to breed, perhaps contributing even further to ther dissagreeable nature, and due to that their trolling is going to continually increase instead of decrease. We just have to hope for more troll slaying heros to come along and assist you.

    • Fp

      I think to imply that everyone who disliked the book was a troll (Maybe that’s not what you are doing?  If so please correct me.) is equally immature.  Some people, like myself, were real fans of the series who just really didn’t like the fourth book.  It actually bothers some of us who get called trolls just because we express our dislike about it.  That being said, I have no doubt that some from the dissenting side are trolls.  Try not to throw all of us into the same category though.

  • Ebrithl

    Are the forums down? I havn’t been able too get on them because it says that the server is down

    • They are working fine for me. Are you still seeing an issue?

      • DragonsAreAwesome

        For some reason I have never been able to use the forum and I have tried for months.  Evertime I click it I get a page that says Inheritance Forum and says

        [An Error Occurred
        Sorry, an error occurred. If you are unsure on how to use a feature, or don’t know why you got this error message, try looking through the help files for more information.
        [#2000] You are not allowed to visit this forum.]

        No matter what I click:  sign in, register, or help the message never changes; nothing changes.  When I click help I still get this same page.  Do you know why this is happening?

        • Anonymous

          you have been banned

          • DragonsAreAwesome

            But I’ve never been on it.

          • That’s not what you see when you’re banned. Even when you’re banned, you still see the forums you just can’t login.

      • Ebrithl

        Yes, both my iPod and computer won’t pull it up. I can’t figure it out, thanks though

      • Ebrithl

        It says “this server is not responding”. I don’t understand because it has been working fine sinse I joined over a year ago until last week

  • Austin Littley

    Has anyone else noticed that Bid’Daum, the name of Eragon 1’s dragon, is the reverse of Maud’Dib from the Dune series?

    • Austin Littley

      almost

    • Ebrithl

      That was where Christopher got it from

  • Anonymous

    A long winding, magical adventure comes to an end. Farewell Eragon Dragon Rider, Farewell Saphira Brightscales, Farewell Maiden of the forest Arya, Farwell Angela (my fav) the wise, Farwell Orik Mighty Kgnurlan, Farewell all of ALEGAISIA! and thanks for the story of a lifetime. You will be sorely missed, but forever remembered. 

    MANY THANKS TO CHRISTOPHER PAOLINI AND RANDOM HOUSE.

    • Anonymous

      Don’t worry, Alagaesia isn’t gone forever!  You don’t have to say goodbye yet! 🙂

    • TheFirstUrgalRider

      You forgot Mike Macauley 🙂

  • Master_Immortal

    I want to see Eragon with Arya together

    • Arya<3

      believe me.. almost everyone do.

      • IAmEragonBromsSon

        Yeh I’d say about 95% of the people that read the book do, and the other 5% are afraid to voice their displeasure. 

        • Riiiiiight

          • Rk0324419

            oh come on so there nothing you don’t like about the book? 
            with each book it’s okay to not like every single thing about it 
            seriously if you could change one thing about the inheritance cycle or say something critical about the book 
            come on man be honest

        • The Green dragon

          purdy sure they are not afraid to vocie their opinion.

  • Tabitha K.

    Congrats Christopher! I didn’t like everything (in fact, there was a great deal I didn’t like) in Inheritance, but that’s why I loved the book! Confused yet? I had many “Oh no!” moments, and a few “YES!” moments, and even some “Wooooooah” moments. By far the best of the cycle, and I’m still trying to digest and process it all!

  • Get over your simple minds and stop moaning all of you. It happen’s in every single book, what you complain about. Give me one single book that doesn’t leave out important information??? Huh???? it was not a book for christopher to go on about describing intricate details when it would be impossible to fit all in just one novel! 

    That’s why the author’s have websites and blogs, so the can shed more information regarding events and details that weren’t in the book. 
    GREAT BOOK CHRIS! HAT’S OFF TO YOU.

  • jimmy browne

    This speaks to how good the books were BEFORE this one came out, not how good this book is. THIS book doesn’t deserve those numbers.

  • steven

    I must say I’ve just finished the 4th book and it was epic. Ups downs twists and turns, [email protected]!

  • While it is a great accomplishment I think it speaks to how great the series was previous to book 4 coming out. I wonder what the sales numbers would look like everyone one who disliked book 4 was able to return it and get their money back. Not trying to be rude, just an observation. 

    • Jarnunvosk

      What’s not to like about Inheritance? My favorite part was when Luke and Vader dueled in front of Palpatine in the throne room on board the Second Death Star. It was so emotional. 😉

    • You severely overestimate the number of displeased readers if you think there would be a dent. 😉 Shur’tugal’s traffic on its highest day represents only 1/10th of the books sold in the first 24 hours, and out of Shur’tugal’s traffic on its highest day, less than 25% (and that’s being WAY too generous) is displeased. Again, you wouldn’t see much of a dent at all.

      • There’s only about 50-100 people disliking the ending that posted in the comments. It’s just that they post a lot, making it appear as if they were legion.

        • The Green dragon

          Ha yea didn’t realize that! I just posted once or twice ( Probably more)about loving the book ( A lot more defending it). But yeah now that I think about it is just the same people posting over and over again how they disliked the books.

      • jimmy browne

        The people that visit the site can be assumed to have a biased opinion (including yourself) on how good the book is. Try comparing what he people who liked the book said with the people who didn’t like the book. The difference is astounding. “omg so amazing” versus “point a, point b, point c, etc.” Try looking at amazon or barnes and noble.

        • I think the problem is that many of us who enjoyed the book don’t care enough to come on here and whine about it/tell everyone how dumb they are for liking it. There’s a huge breakdown between the “like” and “dislike” camp, and a lot of it apparently has to do with maturity.

          • THEJOKER

            That’s exactly what I said earlier!

          • Fp

            I would agree with that for the most part Mike.  Though to be fair I have seen some equally intense immaturity on the other side too.  That being said, I think the dislike camp unfortunately holds the record on that.

      • IAmEragonBromsSon

        I think you severely underestimate the number of displeased readers. It baffles me to think that anyone would have enjoyed the book. Too many plot holes and filler chapters. Pointless dialogue and character introductions. 1/2 star out of 4 just for Angela’s parts in the story.

        • Clarez1704

          Like a gazillion people go on Shur’tugal… almost all of them are happy fans, it being a FAN site, so it baffles me to think that you seem to believe you’re part of the majority, when in actual fact…. you’re like fifty people out of however many people go on Shurt’ugal…. which only Mike knows the true number of…

          • Finally, a voice of reason!

          • Fp

            The numbers game feels to me a little pointless on both sides.  Neither can really make a true statement from numbers.  For instance, yes there are lots of people who come onto this site who loved the book.  However all of my friends who enjoyed the series do not come on this site, and none of them liked the last book.  In fact, most complained how it ruined the whole series for them.  I don’t think the numbers game can get anyone very far from what I have seen.

      • Jordan25631

        I think that most ppl are just mad because they didnt want it to end. There are a few spots  that I questioned but there were some in every book he wrote that I questioned and it wasnt because they were bad writing its just because its not how I would have wrote it and its not my series so why should I have the right to tell him how to write his books I mean hes the millionaire not me so Im guess hes a little better at it then the rest of us. But inheritance was my favorite book by far and I dont believe that the ending could have turned out any better. A perfect ending would have ruined the book in my opinion if u want a romance novel then read one because this wasnt intended to be one.

        CP if ur reading these I want another book plz!!!!!!!!!!!!

      • Exdragonrider

        Mike, come on! I think you underestimate e number of people who are not happy with the final book. I understand your need to defend the book, but being an avid fan that you seem to be I refuse to believe you have failed to see the serious lack of consistency compared to the others in the series.

        Unfortunately whilst maybe not being the majority, I think the divide with happy readers v sad are extremely close. Most people who are used to the style of writing from cp and the way the characters have developed can see the dramatic change. Almost like another author who wasn’t fully understanding whe the plot was supposed to go finished it off.

        • You forget that I am able to see substantial statistics on my end across all of my websites — including comments, forum posts, Twitter messages, Facebook posts, and feedback emails. I have a very good grasp on how the like vs. dislike breaks down. I don’t just pull this stuff out of thin air.

  • JMcE776

    Just finished the book…..and wow. Christopher blew every theory i had out of the water. Angela did indeed have some “crowning” moments, and the ending was so unexpected, and slightly bittersweet……..just shows how far hes come as an author. I expected nothing less. Just slightly sad we’ll never see Eragon or Saphira again.
    P.S Mike nice one scoring yourself a mention in the book,and everything CP said was totally true!

    • Jarnunvosk

      What exactly was unexpected about the ending? Have you never seen Return of the Jedi?

  • Anonymous

    A lot of people have been commenting and saying that Christopher Paolini is just in this for the profit and that he owes a lot to us fans.  I disagree.  Christopher Paolini does not owe his success to my, or anyone else’s, continued good graces.  He owes his success to his great writing skill and the quality of his story.  He owes the readers nothing.  Second, even if he is just in it for the profit, there’s nothing wrong with that.  I don’t work because I feel an obligation to those I work for, I work because I like money.  Of course, it’s more complicated than that even with me, and I imagine even more so with CP.  In any case, he has told his story, and to complain that it wasn’t your story is to say exactly nothing of value.

    • jimmy browne

      He may not owe the readers anything (not true), but he does owe George Lucas, Tolkien, Pullman, and others a good deal.

      • Anonymous

        And all of those people owe Homer a good deal. We’ve been telling the same story for millennia. It’s not the overall arc of the story or a few borrowed names that matter, it’s the details within those stories.

      • zweedish9

        And any vampire book owes Bram Stoker a great deal. Everyone draws inspiration from somewhere.

        • Jarnunvosk

          But the difference is that not every vampire book literally cuts and pastes entire scenes, themes, and plot points. The Inheritance Cycle draws its plot heavily from the original Star Wars trilogy. It would be unbearably shameful if Paolini weren’t such a good writer. 

      • Jarnunvosk

        Particularly Lucas. Especially after the whole confrontation with Galbatorix. 

        • DragonsAreAwesome

          I’ve read a lot of your comments saying that this book is like Star Wars.
          There are many differences if you just try to look for them. Yes there will be similarities between books; it is hard to find something that is completely different. A lot of the best books and stories are similar because they follow the tradition story of the hero. I hate it when everybody thinks authors copy from each other.
          And if you say what was different? Let me ask you this: Did Murtagh suddenly become Eragon’s father and defeat Galbatorix by throwing him over a ledge. Did Luke have the power of many previous Jedi as he struck down the Emperor and did an inexplicable usage of the force. Was Darth Vader forced into becoming the Emperor’s servant and then try to kill his son in hopes of saving a women and did this women help him to become a better person. Did Luke then leave the universe forever to train future Jedi and Darth Vader left to live alone on a far distant planet? And I have more where this came from.

          The same? I think not.

          • IAmEragonBromsSon

            I seriously hope you’re not that narrow minded. What you just wrote details how he pretty much plagiarized from Lucas. In both stories, a member of the opposing force becomes “good” and helps to take down the main villian. Which story came first? In both stories there is a body of peace keeping warriors that were overthrown, and then later on gets rebuilt. Which story came first? If you can’t see the similarities then I suggest you need to get over your love of CP because he’s just not that great. The true art of storytelling is taking an idea inspired by other writers and tweaking it enough to make it your own. That was not done here. He did not give a satisfactory ending to his story. He did not satisfy his fan base. He did not conclude the numerous plot lines introduced. He did not produce a work worth all the time that was invested into the reading and waiting done by his fan base.

          • Panther

            You need to grow up.

          • Fp

            Others are trying to make logic arguments against his view.  A statement like this doesn’t help the argument it only makes it more heated.  Insulting someone is never a good route to go.

          • DragonsAreAwesome

            I never said there were no similarities.  I said that that there are many differences too.  And I’m not being “narrow-minded,”  think about what you just said was similar in the two stories and I bet I could list dozens of books where there is a “body of peace keeping warriors that were overthrown and later are rebuilt.”  These are all part of the classical hero story.  It’s the details that matter, not the base plot.  Like, did you even read Inhertitance?  “The true art of storytelling is taking an idea…and tweaking it enough to make it your own.”  Like what the heck?  He “tweaked” it A LOT.  There are so many diferences, some which I have already listed.  Maybe you are being narrow-minded.  I don’t need to get over my “love for CP.”  Who are you to say who I should like as an author?  You don’t have to like him but don’t tell me to change my opinion.

    • Guest

      u seriously need to read books that are good

      • Anonymous

        You need to reply in a sensible and constructive manner.

      • bromandsaphira

        um…i DO read books that are good…and Inheritance is one of them. sorry you don’t feel that way

  • Super Fan!!

    Go Christopher!!  So far the book is totally amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

    • Christopher Paolini

      wait till you get to the end

  • okaythen

    Im excited for a post-book interview. When you do so, please ask why he decided to write such a terrible book that left so many loose ends that we were promised answers to.

  • GregB

    Hey mike, because of your podcast if I ever get a pug or other fitting dog his name will be HROTHGAR!!!

    • Tabitha K.

      Everytime I see his name name now I can just hear Mike….”Hrrrrrothgar!”

      • I am so glad I am responsible for leaving that word in your head.

  • Chewy175

    Out of context but in skyrim there is a place called High Hrothgar, where do you think they got the name from?

    • wogboy_raiden

      CP actually took the name hrothgar from the king in the folk tale beowulf. the name of Oromis’ sword, Naegling, was also taken from this

    • As mentioned below, King Hrothgar is a homage to one of Christopher’s favorites — Beowulf, the epic. 🙂

  • something1311

    finishing the book has left me immensely depressed, it was a great book, but the ending was disappointing. can anyone tell me if eragon plans to send future riders back to alagaesia, and where he will find the new riders

    • Jack

      I completely agree with you the ending of inheritance was TOO sad, I mean murtagh and thorn go to exile in who knows where for the rest of their lives and eragon and saphira leave alagasia to be alone forever (besides whatever 20 elves went with him who he doesn’t even really know)…I just think the ending really was TOO sad.

      • Arcaena Chronicler

        The last lines stated they were not alone.  They are rebuilding the riders.

  • Coleburg

    When you interview him, will you ask how he originally intended to end the series when it was supposed to be a trilogy? Before his “big shift” in thinking.

    • I do not remember him saying there was a “big shift in thinking”. Can you link me to a reference article/interview where he did?

      • Coleburg
        • Guest

          good one, cole! stop sucking to cp mike and face the facts

          • What does your comment accomplish? Mike asked for a specific quote.  He wasn’t saying Cole was wrong he was asking for reference.

        • Thanks! Didn’t remember this quote.

          Reading over it in context (which is important), it looks like Christopher was saying that moving from a trilogy to a cycle (four books) was a big shift in thinking, not that he had some massive epiphany which made him have a big shift in thinking plot-wise. At least, that’s how I interpret what was said there. We will ask him in an upcoming interview.

      • superbob_92

        I don’t remember him talking about a “big shift,” but he did say that he changed some things because the endings that he originally imagined for some characters no longer made sense.  I think that’s what’s being referred to.

  • I am going to write a fanfic called, “The Adventures of Arya and Firnen.” Anyone who wants to make suggestions please feel free. E-mail at [email protected] or reply to comments on Shurtugal.

  • Grimrr

    Look guys, I’m sure Christopher wasn’t rushed to finish the book.  He had three years to write it.  He knew how it was going to end when he began Eragon.  This is how he wanted it to end, and there will always be those who hate it, and those who love it.  You can’t please everybody. 

    • Mehukas

      actually cp has said in interview that Eragon^s, Arya^s and Islanzadi^s destinies were not the same they were when he began to write Eragon. Basicly i think that this means that when he began to write Eragon he was going to “let” Islanzadi live so Eragon and Arya would had end up together.

      • Guest

        it’s no use your thinking. they dont care a fuck what the fans think. cp should have stated it himself. but he was ever so cunning with his “no comment”s. pathetic. and where was the brains chapter

    • bromandsaphira

      well said 🙂

    • SAD

      CP said the elf children would have a big part, as well as Tenga. where were these promised facts?

      • Link me to the interview where he said they would play a “Big” part.

        • Guest

          is this what you cp suckers are gonna do to trick the readers now? “link us”

          • Yes, and we are also mature enough to not berate others, and we have enough tact not to hide behind anonymity. 

        • Jarnunvosk

          Even if Paolini didn’t promise a “big” part, the Big Twenty articles about Tenga and the Elf children were under the impression that these characters would at least appear. Tenga is mentioned in passing one time and the elf children are never mentioned. I’m pretty sure the Big Twenty articles have comments from Paolini posted on them. 

          • The “Big Twenty” was a concept created by the creators of this site and in no way reflects what Christopher was planning to do with the Novel.  It was a merely a place for fans to voice their opinions on subject matter that MAY have been in the last book.

          • Uhh… I wrote those Big Twenty articles, not Christopher. Those were all PURE SPECULATION based on MY PERSONAL THEORIES. Caps for emphasis. Christopher played no role in them, and if they had quotes from Christopher, it was stuff I pulled from interviews. Just because I speculated that the elves would play a role in Book 4 doesn’t mean Christopher ever said they would. In fact, when asked whether or not they would, Christopher always replied: “No comment.” That’s hardly promising a “big role”, eh?

  • CrimsonInferno

    Why were my comments removed? They were not hostile or threatening at all — as you said that’s all you removed.  The comments I made was my opinion on the final book and a reply on the comparison of CP’s IC to that of literature genius as Tolkien or Martin, in which no person would argue, especially if they were majoring in Literature or Linguistics. Seems really unfair to have removed the comments that disagree with the book’s ending and others’ opinions.

    • Sometimes, if a “thread starter” comment is removed for being offensive or abusive, some of the “children posts” (indented responses) are removed automatically. It’s the downside to our system, and if your comment was removed as a result of that, I do apologize. I try to move them when possible.

  • Yeah

    Great final book, a lot of battles and intense moments, Christopher really made you feel like oh crap this may not happen they may not win, and i personally think Galby was an awesome villan really mysterious and ridiculously powerful. It does seem like some things were rushed but we have to remember two things before criticizing this serious, 
    1.) He was rushed to finish by us complaining where is the book we’ve been waiting to long, im sure his publishers and agent wanted him to finish quickly to,
     2.) It’s his first serious guys! This is the FOURTH book he’s written. And he’s done amazingly with it. He has so much time to grow as an author but looking at what he’s done he doesn’t’ need to grow much. The ending is the ending, they didn’t hook up but giving each other their true names was more intimate. 
    And i’m sure once the riders are up and sprawling again and everything calmed down Arya will visit Eragon. As well as Roran and Katrina and Ismira. It’s not like he’s going to be alone forever, considering he’s going to live forever. Also theres been complaints that there weren’t enough Eragon Saphira moments but he spent the last three books building it did he really need to spend a fourth book building it as well. It was there in the background and when it came to the forefront it was awesome, and sweet and funny.
     You can’t really hate this book. You enjoyed the series thats why you bought the fourth book and you can complain all you want but you can’t say book 4 was bad. Cause it wasn’t. They only complain i really have is Orrin didn’t die cause he was a tool at the end. But i see why he was left alive cause there werent and heirs to the Surdan thrown and it wouldve caused more problems. But oh well. Good ending to the series I would really like to see another book but since Christopher said if he did return to Alagasia he would do a story that goes back in time not forward. 

    • XEldest

      I’m sorry but I completely disagree for most of Inheritance the characters completely lacked the depth and complexity that they previously had. It is a very poorly written book compared to the other three. The other three are the best books I have read but this one is just flat out bad. He had three years. I’ve honestly read two fan fics that were better done. 

      Yes toward the middle of Inheritance it was very good and creative but the begging and the middle seemed incredibly rushed, as if it was done in a week. The ending was a fail to wrap up. And Arya Eragon was disappointing.

      CP you are a much better writer than what Inheritance has shown. I know we would all like to see the book rewritten with the care that was put into the others or a new trilogy that picks up right were Inheritance left off

      • Yeah

        Well you are entitled to your opinion, but the majority of fans liked it. Maybe you should re-read it or something see if that changes your mind or gives you a new perspective. Or wait till Christopher returns to Alagasia and see if that book makes up.  

  • Really?

    Ok, you didn’t have to make it to where they would get together at the end but to make it to where there would never be a chance, come on! At least make it possible for them to possibly get together in the future say 50-100 years or something.  seriously, after so much time of you setting them up together in all the other books, the ending just killed this for me.

    • Guest

      InheritanceCP
      Christopher Paolini

      Also, yes, there may be a
      bit of an epilogue to the story in the deluxe edition of Inheritance. No
      promises though. Not entirely sure yet.

      9 Nov

    • You forget that while Eragon has pledged not to return to Alagaesia, Arya has left open the possibility of her joining Eragon in the future (even if just temporarily).

      • yukoi

        I think CP left the future of Eragon-Arya to the readers iamgination, He did not close the door. Sure, nothing could come of it by the end of Inheritance, but who knows about the further future.

        I loved the book, but the loose ends, (about 20 or so) do bother me.

  • Mrasiteren

    Why are our comments get deleted? Aren’t we allowed to express our satisfaction with the last book?

    • Sayeedasilver

      No. We are not allowed to have opinions that MM doesn;t approve of. He;s deleting negative comments even if they don’t contain profanity, and blocking many users who are speaking out about how they didn’t like the ending. What a joke.

      • The only comments I have removed have been abusive or threatening. I have left many “opposing” comments which were respectful and thoughtful.

        No one forces you to continue visiting if you disagree with my policy to remove abusive posts.

        • Mrasiteren

          yep  I won’t visit again fuck you and Inheritance 

      • CrimsonInferno

        My comments certainly did not have hostile or insulting or threatening messages in them. It was my opinion on the book and a reply on comparison…

      • DragonsAreAwesome

        Seriously, every page of comments I have read have had opposing view; they have not been deleted.  He is allowing a lot of discussion, as long as it is not offensive.  It annoys me when people use swear words or are abusive.  Sure, everyone is entitled to their opinion and no one is trying to change your opinion but you do not have to go out of your wayto offend people.  Remember, this is a fan website.  You can have discussions on why you don’t like it but when you are abusive that is just deliberatly trying to upset and offend fans who like it.  Go find a hate website for that kind of talk.  When I don’t like a book I don’t go out of my way to be mean to people who do like it.  People who like the book have opinions and feelings too.

        • It’s funny how they look past all of the opposing discussions I’ve allowed on here and get angry when I delete the ones where they cuss at or threaten myself or Christopher, isn’t it?

          • DragonsAreAwesome

            Exactly.

          • Welcome to being a celebrity Mike. That’s just the way things are. Not that that’s right, but…

          • TheFirstUrgalRider

            Don’t worry, some tech firms are exploring the possibility of “virtual bodyguards”. If they do become reality, I’ll be sure to inform you 🙂

    • You’re more than welcome to have thoughts and opinions, even when they differ with my own. People are NOT allowed to be hostile, offensive, or threatening in those opinions. There is a huge difference, and people who fall into those categories will continue to be removed.

      Keep in mind that this is a privately run fan website and fans are not entitled to be able to be abusive wherever they please. As long as people are respectful and civil, you’re more than welcome on here.

  • XEldest

    That book was immensely disappointing. It did not seem like CP’s work at all. We all just got ripped off. I want my money back and a trilogy sequel that follows the new order and Eragon.
    Subrtract 13.99 from your profit cp

  • Rscpplayer

    i just finished the series, and i gotta say it was a bittersweet moment. I just can’t believe it’s over. But alas, I’m not satisfied. We need a sequel series!!!

    • Satisfied

       . . . . . didn’t mean to hit ‘like’.

  • bromandsaphira

    congrats Christopher! you really deserved it. I can tell you really threw yourself into this book, it showed in the style of writing…your passion is obvious. amazing job. can’t wait to see where future books might take you, and I certainly hope to see more from Alagasia in the future!
    amazing job 🙂

  • Jessica Chisholm

    Christopher deserves it with all these years of hard work!

  • Mrasiteren

    The book sold so many only because the first 3 books were superb. But the last book IS Terrible.  There were parts I really enjoyed but there were too many flaws, there charachters were out of place. Eragon becoming cold hearted killer out of no where despite eragons and aryas relationship becoming much much more intimate throughout the Brisingr they grew apart in the last book. It was as though Eragon was suddenly a different person, secrew Arya and Eragon for all I care but it’s not logical.  Eragon leaving everything and everyone he cares about (except for Saphira) I mean COME ON no one can be THAT selfless. (Oh I won’t come back because the prophecy said so I don’t even believe in God but I’ve got full faith in this prophecy told by a witch) It was as though CP tried to send Eragon away because he had already written it in the 1st book at the age of 16. Orik suddenly has a drinking problem out of nowhere. Almost none of the confirmed facts were there. OH and ERAGON is SO POWERFUL now. Come on the only reason for his power were Eldunari and he could have slipt them or kept them in a safe place.  There were a myriad of alternative endings don’t tell me it was the only way!  I won’t list all the logic holes in the book now because a lot of people before me already listed them out. I’m not looking for a perfect happy ending, although it wouldn’t be a disaster if we had  happy ending. But there were a million other ways to make it sad and remain the true to the characters. Frodo left the middle earth too (big suprise)  but it felt true to the charachter and the book. Not eragon he had so much attached to Alagesia. NO EPIC ROMANCE. I had more epic romances in HIGH SCHOOL lol.

    • Kidris90

      Well said, MRasiteren, It’s a terrible ending to a great series. The problem with the ending is that it makes no logical sense. Eragon leaves the land because he’s become too powerful? Uh, hello? What about Arya? She’s a dragon rider, she knows the name of names, and she’s the queen of the elves. She’s also too powerful and not to mention biased towards one race above all others.

      • Me

        that wasn’t why he left, actually. He left to keep the new dragon eggs and the Eldunarya somewhere safer, away from people. I’m not saying the real reason was unavoidable either, but he didn’t leave because he was “too powerful.”

  • Kidris90

    Grateful to the fans? Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha. Give me a break. The ending proves that he only cares about money and doesn’t care about his fans at all. Rowlinf, Riordan, Meyer, etc- they all care about their fans and showed their gratefulness to the fans. CP did the reverse.

  • Arcaena Chronicler

    Congratulations CP, on writing a book that earned ~$15 million in its first day!

    • Kidris90

      What a shame that this con man is still making money off of us. He took our hard earned money, promising us one thing and giving us something compeltely different. He scammed us. He’s the Bernie Madoff of young adult literature.

    • Speaking as an author myself, that is very much not true. I have no desire to speculate about another individual’s income, as that is very low, but those books would have to be selling for much more than what they sell for now to earn that kind of cash!

      • Arcaena Chronicler

        I meant no disrespect, and I didn’t say that Chris got 15mil.  I just took the number of books sold and multiplied it by the list price on the back cover.  Its truly amazing in my opinion.  I am sure that Chris gets a percentage (whatever his contract is with the publisher), and so i didn’t state his income, since i don’t know the details of his contract.  It was a rounded number (actually -1.5 mil, so my bad) and i was congratulating him.  I think he earned every penny he made.

        • No worries, my reply wasn’t out of anger! I could tell you were just having fun — I just wanted to make sure I clarify as I’d hate to give any of the trolls on here more untrue fodder for them to throw around.

  • Yulerule

    I really liked Inheritance, I read for 11 and a half hours straight to finish reading it in time for the Union Square event. The next day, at one point, I had nothing to do, so I wrote out one and a half pages of questions ranging from why Terim decided become a city-state to whether dragons fly faster/further the bigger they grow (so a cross-Alagaesia commute becomes easier/faster)

    • THEJOKER

      weird, only took me 6 1/2 hours 🙂

      • Adilas73

        THEJOKER can you stop seeming like your better then everyone, i have read all of your comments and nearly all seem to be “Im faster at reading then you” or “i’ve read eragon 1290 times”. Just because your faster at reading does not mean you can go around and say “weird only took me 6 1/2 hours”. This is a site where fans disscuss the Inheritance cycle not how many times you have read the books or how you are  faster reader. Sorry Mike for this rant but this has just been buging me for quite a while.

        • THEJOKER

          What? Oh, sorry. I was busy looking at my reflection in the gold plated mirror shaped like my head with my name engraved in hearts on the back. Did you say something?

          • Adilas73

            No I actually typed something, if you misted it you can read it again. 

          • TheJoke

            Oh, well, I’m sure it wasn’t too important, after all – I didn’t write it, whatever it was

          • THEJOKER

            stop taking my lines TheJoke! Got it? GOOD!

          • Adilas73

            Stop stealing a copy writed name THEJOKER.

          • THEJOKER

            No one asked you, this is between me and TheJoke, also, I can choose whatever name I want. I don’t hear you complaining about others who have picked copywright names, you know – ‘Brom’. Anyway, TheJoke needs to stop mimicking me or stealing what I’m going to say. Anyway, I know him in real life, so this conversation is going out there. 

          • TheJoke

            That’s not true, you know my evil half-twin!

          • THEJOKER

            Oh, well then, I’m sure it wasn’t too important – after all, I didn’t write it.

    • Do me a favor — send that list of questions in to [email protected] 🙂

  • Emeraldofessence

    If he did write another book, I would really like for him to write a book on Angela. She is still super mysterious.

    • THEJOKER

      Yeah!

  • Alexis

    I bought the book on Wednesday the day after it released. Finished it on friday and did my honors project on Inheritance within an hour of reading the end. I really hope he explores Brom’s past and how he met Selena and mabe CP can end it when he comes to Carvahall and it could be a prequel.

  • Spazzy-magee

    would you guys agree that the first novel borrowed HEAVILY from star wars

    • Speedsk8

      that and the lord of the rings. the ending was practically the same. it also somehow reminds me of the legend of zelda: twilight princess.

      • Jessica Chisholm

        I agree with lord of te rings but i didn’t see star wars in it. next time i read it again i’ll think about that but thanks for that it gives me something to look for when reading it again!
         

  • TheFirstUrgalRider

    Breaking News : Right now, Christopher Paolini was spotted partying hard in Ibiza.

    Congrats Christopher, you deserve it. Please try not to pass out and then decide to name your next book The Hangover : Alagaesia Style

    • Anonymous

      not a place for christopher hahaha

    • He’s partying hard in Ibiza? Why was I not invited? 🙁

      • TheFirstUrgalRider

        Because Mike Macauley doesn’t go to a party alone. He brings with him, a hoard of devoted  fans from Shurtugal.com who helps him to rock the night away.  Cheers Mike, if not for you and the rest of Shurtugal staff, we would have just ignored the Inheritance Cycle like we have ignored a many good series by other authors.

  • Mr-x

    Oh yeah did anyone else like Cuaroc? willing to join Cult Following? yes? good just sign you’re soul over to me on the dotted line ………………. thank you. Ok but no seriously for some reason I’m hooked on Cuaroc.

  • Mr-x

    Mike no matter what… next time you see Christopher you got to ask him what happened to Brom’s 7 words and also Tell him i am very sad he didn’t mention Eragon 1 and Bid’daum. Ok now Greatest damn boom i have read maybe the greatest i will ever read only time will tell… favorite character Cuaroc why? i don’t know maybe because i always knew there would be some awesome guardian fulfilled my every aspect of a guardian. Also shade bunny Terrorizing the dwarves Dun Dun Dunnn No wonder i didn’t see any rabbits in farthen dur….. =D great book i will say that again and for many years to come i absolutely loved it only Eragon is the best book in the series… why? I’m not gonna say the original is the best only that it had Brom Enough said… =P

  • hoke

    Congrats Christopher!

  • Shangri La

    At first I disliked the book but… I don’t know. It grew on me, I guess.
    I mean, I’m still dissatisfied with some aspects, like the lack of development for a certain red dragon, but eh. Whatever. I don’t love the book, but I don’t hate it either.
    …
    at least it was better than Brisingr.

  • Melodia

    I just finished this book today and I really enjoyed it!
     Even though there were some parts that dissapointed me whichI think is unavoidalbe in every series.
    Can’t wait to meet CP in San Francisco!

  • kaylajoyce

    Loooved this book. Bought it right when Barnes&Noble opened 🙂

    • Meeeeeeeeee . . .

      at midnight:)

      • The Green dragon

        me too. i won trivia against this uber nerd and it looked like he was about to cry cus he was in his thirtys and im 16 🙂

        • Me

          Be nice to nerds 😛

        • Meeeeeeeeee . . .

          I won a signed poster for triva too. . . . I was the uber nerd there. Everyone thought I was cheating.

          I’ve just read the books more then A HUNDRED TIMES!! 🙂

  • Meeeeeeeeee . . .

    Finally some positive comments!! I love, love, loved it. The ending, lose ends and ‘epic romance’, I loved . . couldn’t have ended better I thought!!! I love Christopher Paolini . . . Ha! He makes me proud to be homeschooled from birth!!

    • Meeeeeeeeee . . .

      At midnight 🙂

    • Kidris90

      There was no epic romance that outlasts empires. It’s as CP completely forgot about it.

      • Meeeeeeeeee . . .

        . . . . . Eragon still has feelings for Ayra. I see the epic romance. And his story isn’t quite finished yet.

      • GregB

        Although you might not call it “epic” they did have feelings for each other, they themselves can outlast empires and therefore there feelings and Angela did say it could have turned out for the better or worse so interpret it how you will.

      • DragonsAreAwesome

        Epic romance does not mean the stereotypical love story.  I see the epic romance in that heir devotion for each other grew throughout the series despite the obstacles.  Eragon never changed his feelings even though he could have loved one of the many woman or elves he met through his adventures.  I see love as deeper than just some romance story with a lot of fairytale adventures and physical contact.  They still care for each other and we don’t know that in a few hundred years or Arya will no longer want to be queen and will join Eragon and help the riders.  That would outlast empires since they are immortal.  Anyways, Angela did say that she couldn’t see if the romance would end happily.  ALSO, Angela didn’t say that the romance would outlast empire, she said quote “STRONG ENOUGH TO OUTLAST EMPIRES” (Eragon pg. 205)  There is a difference.

    • THEJOKER

      Hooray, I’m SO tired of seeing all these gloomy haters saying that their opinion is the only possible correct one and that anyone who disagrees is an idiot!

      • Fp

         Truth be told that was one of the few things that I think was happening equally from both sides.

  • Meeeeeeeeee . . .

    Finally some positive comments!! I love, love, loved it. The ending, lose ends and ‘epic romance’, I loved . . couldn’t have ended better I thought!!! I love Christopher Paolini . . . Ha! He makes me proud to be homeschooled from birth!!

  • As well it should have! It was a great ending to a great series, no matter what other very vocal factions of the community may say. In all reality, there was no other way it could have ended at still worked at all. Once Eragon became as powerful as he did, he was a danger to peace and order, saw that, and acted accordingly. It was a shame that Arya couldn’t have gone with him, but sometimes life doesn’t work the way we want it to

    • Meeeeeee . . .

      Yes!! Exactly what I thought!!

    • Kidris90

      Yeah, life doesn’t end the way we want it to, and that’s why we have fantasy escapism. Fantasy escpaism is not supposed to be so depressing and anticlimatic. Eragon never coming back made zero sense. He can still come back from time to time just to see Arya so why does he leave forever? Why can’t he and Arya meet up once a year? Just too many illogical plot holes.

      • THEJOKER

        I think that what the Menoa tree took from him was his desire to remain in Alagaesia, I think she made it so that no matter how hard he tried – he would never be able to think of any other option than leaving Alagaesia for the dragons. He has lost his love for Alagaesia and thus (though he won’t admit it to even himself) Arya. That’s why he won’t return.

      • He never actually said it would be forever, and if I recall correctly, he even hinted that he would come back from time to time as his responsibilities allowed. I may be wrong about that however

  • Awry.

    I feel cheated that more about Angela wasn’t revealed. And the same with Tenga.

    • I look forward to an entire book dedicated to answer just that !

      • superbob_92

        There were so many stories opened up in this book!  I can’t wait to read them all!  One of these days, I want to know almost as much about Alagaesia as CP himself does. 🙂

  • Islingr

    It was a great book, but I would have liked to see Eragon and Arya together at the end. If Christopher Paolini does indeed make a fifth book, I hope to see them together in it.

    • Crazyjjvols

      I could not have said it better dude! But it made it sad and griping. But i hope they end up together too

  • Congrats Chris! The book was great and I extremely enjoyed it, even if the end was sad I understand why it was done and can’t see it ending any other way!

    • Kidris90

      LOL at all these Random house plants pretending that the ending wasn’t disgusting and illogical. Eragon and Arya not getting together was so out of left field and so cruel to the readers.

      • Me

        Yes. The happiness in my life often depends on the fate of book characters. 😛
        …Except not really. ;D 
        I just think cruelty is a strong word…

      • THEJOKER

        You sir, are a donkey. You claim that anyone that disagrees with you is a plant by the publisher. You assume that you are the only correct entity out there and that YOU alone know how a book should end. If you’re going to be so superior, go write a book so everyone can know how amazing and wonderful you are. I’ll read any book you write and then burn it! By the way, I sense that you are possibly a – socialist, communist, or liberal. I might be wrong, however – you’re putting up a good act of being one of the above.

        ALL HAIL THE DODO KING – Kidris90  

        • DragonsAreAwesome

          Thats pretty harsh.  I agree that the ending was very good and that it isn’t some “Random House plant” that it is good but try to be a bit more civil about it.

          • THEJOKER

            ok

      • Um, while it would be cool to be making money for Random House to say good things about the book, unfortunantly, that is not the case

      • LOL, what?
        A Random house plant? I can assure you that I am not. I
        liked the book and the ending wasn’t what I WANTED. But I accept it and
        don’t whine about it. This is coming from a big Eragon and Arya fan who
        defended the pairing for years and have been drawing them as well. Just
        because you hated the ending doesn’t mean that everyone does. It’s
        called an opinion.

  • sorryifIoffendedyou

    I want my money back.

    • I feel sad for you.

      P.S.: Never read any books made by George RR Martin, Brandon Sanderson, Patrick Rothfuss, Neil Gaiman or JRR Tolkien. You’ll just want your money back afterwards.

      • CrimsonInferno

        I would congratulate him if the book wasn’t so rushed and empty…The only good part was Murtagh’s part, and I guess I could congratulate him on that part. :/

        @ Alexandre’s comment about George R.R Martin. You couldn’t be more wrong. Martin’s books outclass The Inheritance Cycle, by far. The literacy genius behind his books, political power-play, characters and their development and the overall originality of the books, far out beats Inheritance and is just plain brilliant. Now the previous books of Inheritance were great books, don’t get me wrong, just not the last book. Let’s remind ourselves that Inheritance is a shred of every single book CP has ever picked up and combined into one. Like Brisingr lighting up in flames from Martin’s book. In which I will not mention who does it. Or like True Names. Do not ever compare Tolkien to that of CP’s work and do not compare the work of Neil Gaiman or George R.R Martin to CP. CP is a great author, but he has not even met up to their level yet. Disliking CP’s work does not = Tolkien’s work as being on the same rushed, empty story level and or written piece. CP needs to aged, like wine. 😉

  • The book was amazing! <3 Got the book the first day it came out 😀

    • Me too !
      But I didn’t start reading it before 8PM. I finished it the day after at 11PM (it took me longer than usual because I had school).

  • TheFirstUrgalRider

    Hey Mike, on the site of The Inheritance Almanac, there was something called Companion to the Companion. Is it a new book related to the Inheritance cycle and who will be the author of it?

  • Speedsk8

    anyone figure out what the unnamed shadow from Eragon’s guide to alagaesia is? I didn’t see anything, but I might of missed something

    • chimmychonga

      The Dragons tell Murtagh to stay away from charred ruins because an evil being dwells there, I am assuming that could be it. But then again they tell him a number of places to beware.

    • sorryifIoffendedyou

      I’d be more interested in why Islanzadi is still alive in “Guide..”

    • Meeeeeeeeee . . .

      Sundavrblaka . . . shadow birds . . . or even better Sundavrsnalgi!!!!!

    • I have a feeling that the unnamed shadow will turn out the be Elva, but, no I didn’t see anything in the book to confirm that

  • The Green dragon

    when i go to the Q&A at his stop hes going to i will ask about thebstuff we were promised to see but didnt. still best book ever.

    • We’ll be doing a series of interviews with CP in the coming months, so be on the look out for opportunities to submit questions for those.

      However, they likely won’t start happening for at least a few more weeks, as I need a break, Christopher needs to tour, and the holidays are approaching. Still, I’m HOPING (this is NOT a confirmation) to get to work on getting at least one interview out before Christmas.

      • Could you please ask if CP will make Arya and Eragon end up together in the end?

      • superbob_92

        Please tell CP that Ian loved the book.  It’s extremely important to me that he knows.  I know he’s probably very proud of his book and knows how good it is, but I would hate to think that some of the negativity is getting to him.  This book reached me on an emotional level and I enjoyed it immensely.

      • Mr-x

        I agree mike loved that the ending wasn’t rushed sure i would have waited another year to see another 300 pages on the end but meh it all turned out like it should have and if he had filled in every plot detail well… we would still be waiting for the next ten years unless we wanted them abated by simply chris writing and saying and this happened and then this then this… no thanks well done CP loved it

        • Another 300 pages?! With all due respect, Are you insane!! 😉 I think it was plenty long as it is

  • The Green dragon

    cool

  • sorryifIoffendedyou

    What is CP going to do when less and less people turn up for these things?  The last 5 pages were horrible IMO.

  • TorpeAlex

    Hehe… Christopher doesn’t browse the Shurtugal forums, does he?

  • satisfied

    I disagree it was a good ending for this series. It ended the way it should and at the same time opened up many more possible stories in the future. All things considered at least it didn’t end with( and the king fell to the ground dead the end) no instead there was still over a hundred pages before it concluded. I give it 5 stars out of 5. bravo CP bravo.

    • sorryifIoffendedyou

      What is your take on the A&E ‘epic romance that would outlast empires’ lad?  Last I looked Eragon was a human just like me, and I love epic romances!

    • I thought it was fantastic. Do not confuse the vocal minority with the majority. We’ve seen an overwhelming level of positive response and I personally thought the end was brilliant. Fans looking for ill-fitting fairytale endings can gladly join one of the many Twilight communities.

      • Well said, Mike. I hear that they are currently discussing what dress Bella will wear during the wedding in the movie. Exactly what I want from a book/movie. Not!

        • Mrasiteren

          Oh really what are you a 6 year old?

          • Me

            That didn’t even make sense…??

      • superbob_92

        You just became my favorite person.

      • Feisty-fitz

        Hi Mike, i’m one of those in the vocal minority (apparently!). I’m just wondering how anyone can ignore what we were promised. We were told that we were going to get answers to a lot of things, and they never came.

        How can you be ok with that?

        • Loose

          I agree. I just don’t know how people who loved the book can ignore that a lot of the supposed “confirmed facts” didn’t actually happen.

          • I Loved this book, while I am a little dissapointed in some plot line being solved,  Sometimes authors do this to let us use our imaginations too figure out what happened.  Also Chris will probably write more books later and answer more of our question.

        • Not every question will be answered. I am fine with what happened in the books and am looking forward to discussing it with Christopher in future interviews. I’d invite many of you to contribute to that interview, but unfortunately those who have left threats and incredibly vulgar postings have had their posting rights permanently removed from the website. (Not you though)

          • bromandsaphira

            It’s just so sad that people can’t be happy with this amazing book…and realize that Christopher isn’t a machine. writing this book was probably pretty taxing, he was bound to leave out some little details…and anyway, he SAID he was going too, and that those loose ends were probably going to be adressed in later books

          • jimmy browne

            “Vulgar” posting as in those who don’t like the book

      • prometheus

        Odd that in this “non fairytale” story, we only had one “major” character die, if she could be considered that. We, the non-biased community, grow tired of your pretentious demeaning remarks.

        • Loose

          Since i didn’t feel anything after the death of Izlanzadi, i don’t think she can be called a major character. Plus, she wasn’t developed or anything, like half the characters in the story…

      • Mr-x

        Ahh sheet metal i commented on the wrong post take don’t take any notice of my reply on your other comment instead think of it as if it were here =D

      • mojo

        I have been reading through the comments and it looks as if there are a lot of people out there who are not very fond of this book for many reasons… don’t know if you can call them a “minority”… you could do a poll and find out.

        There are many reasons why the book has not taken to a lot of the fans… for me it was because of the lack of closure about topics that were promised to be addressed, the lackluster pacing, drastic and unexplained changes in some of the main character’s personalities and story points, large plot holes, and the reasoning behind why certain things happened the way they did.  This in no way is to be confused with those who are upset because the story or certain relationships therein did not progress in the way they wanted.  In a technical literary sense, the book was not up to CP’s standards, especially since it took him this long to produce it.

        I want to ask you to thank CP for creating an amazing world and populating it with an intriguing cast of characters and a gripping tale.  I wish him all of the best in his future endeavours and sincerely wish him much success and happiness in life.  Unfortunately, the last book in his cycle was subpar… he should know it so that he can build upon his incredible talent and produce more gripping finales in the future.  

        Lets not honey coat things here… let’s give honest and constructive critique to an excellent artist so that he can grow from here forward.  I would expect no less if I were in his shoes.

        • Panther

          I disagree, in terms of literary quality and pacing, it was the best. Even if, like many others, it could have been 200 pages shorter.

          The story was very good, and many like it, so yes you are a minority.

          However, there were a good twenty or so loose ends.

          And the ending was not fitting, it made more sense for them to be together. And Nasuada as queen is wronng.

          However, I still loved it, and many others did.  Technically it was much better than Brisingr, which was waffly and full of boring dwarven politics and pointless Roran raids. And better than eldest which lagged in the middle .Better than Eragon too, which from a literary perspective, was flawed and Star Wars-esque.

          • Me

            Nasuada as queen did seem wrong to me too.

          • mojo

            We each have our own opinions, and yes I am sure many liked it… but read the comments and you will see that many were very much disappointed.  The backlash is more than evident, and if you have been to this site for years as I have, you will notice that none of the other books have garnered so much negativity.  There is a reason for that.

            Just because there are many people liking the book does not mean that those that didn’t are minority… many people voted for John McCain, though he did not win the last American presidential election. If you want to find out for certain do a poll and put the issue to rest.  Otherwise, take a look at the comments and you can see that many are disappointed… it is quite evident.

          • Panther

            Are you kidding, mojo, Brisingr got as big a backlash.

            I;d say the majoirty enjoyed it.

            Many voted for JohnMcCain, but Obama won in a 60/40 split (more or less). Same here, a chunk of you are whingy about this/that/tother, but ultimately more liked it.

      • Arselona

        For a guy who started a whole website dedicated to this series,you sure can’t take any criticism of the books.Try and understand that sometimes the consumer feels just as involved in the book’s story as the actual writer.And please don’t just call us the vocal minority,what does that make you?The silent majority?Why are you all so silent?CP has got to take our criticism and opinions as well,negative feedback is just as important as your gushing praise.It isn’t that we all wanted “happy” endings,we just expected a lot more from the book.

        • Kidris90

          MM is basically a random house employee. It’s his job to slurp CP and that horrible ending. The vast majority liked the book but hated the ending. Many feel as if the ending ruined the entire series for them. MM and the other random house plants can’t keep us quiet forever.

          • The Green dragon

            hmmm nice conspiracy theory.

          • Kidris90

            Not a conspiracy theory. It’s fact. Mike basically works for random house, he needs their permission to run this website about their books. He has to say nice things about everything CP does otherwise there is no chance CP will ever grant him another interview. Use common sense. Go read books on PR. If Mike said anything negative about CP or his books, he would never get another exlcusive interview with CP again.

          • The Green dragon

            um first it was a joke. and second you dont hace to get random houses permission to do it. if i could code then i could go a make a inheritance website without their permission. and third i think that they are friends and if mike didnt like it thenCP would like to see why probably.

        • Me

          The silent people are silent because they didn’t care so much that they immediately rushed here to put angry comments. 
          And everyone probably had a few issues with it anyway. 

      • noko

        ther’s no guarantee that they will nevever be together.

        arya could always visit, or give her throne to a successor at a later date, and just because angela predicted he will leave forever, it odesn’t mean he won’t.

      • noko

        Mike, unfortunately, the disagreement over the Arya-Eragon thing will never be resolved. Some will like the end, some won’t, and everyone will predict a different future for them as CP left it open to the readers imagination.

        However, despite how good the book was, these loose ends bother me.

        1) What happened to Unbitr?
        2) What happened to Naegling?
        3) What happened to the Belt of Beloth the Wise?
        4) Why was there an egg fragment found in Eldest?
        5) What was the seven words spoken to Eragon by Brom, what were their significance?
        6) Arya-Eragon, what will happen in the future?
        7) Will there be Kull/Dwarven riders, or were they entered into the pact as a token gesture?
        8) What happened to that chapter called Brains?
        9) What did the Menoa Tree take?
        10) Who is bladesinger?
        11) Who is Wolf Eyes?
        12) Why is Angela so strange? What was her past?
        13) What is the future of the elven children?
        14) Where is Selena buried? We know she died, but couldn’t Eragon atleast found here grave somewhere?
        15) Where will Murtagh/Thorn go?
        16) Is Sloan doomed in his punishment forever?

        Plus many more.

        Also, as Eragon has the power of a god by the end, why didn’t he just un-poison Vroengard and live there like the riders of old?

        • noko

          17) Who is Tenga?

        • GregB

          1)&2)Lost, in Galbatorix’s collection, or found by a random person. I don’t think it matters.
          3)Stolen (I like to think Angela took it).
          4)The place was called the stone of broken eggs, it’s only logical there might still be egg fragments there.
          5)There significance was to show how much he cared for Eragon, using his last words to help him survive. As to what they were, not important, it was just a fan theory that didn’t happen.
          6) A lot of things can happen considering there lifespan but Arya chose duty over love.
          7)There should be Dwarven and Urgal riders.
          8)I assume renamed or cut out.
          9)In my opinion nothing. I thought it was funny how her request seemed to be to leave her alone.
          10)&11) Book 5 characters?
          12)Come on, he even said in the book that Angela should remain mysterious to which I wholeheartedly agree.
          13)Do they have to be important characters? Book 5?
          14) Morzan’s estate seems the logical answer.
          15)North to be alone.
          16)I think the spell will no longer hold him if his true name changes but I think they will forever be separated.
          17) Even though CP may have said Tenga would be seen again, I don’t see a place where he would fit in, I thought the hint that he was trying to find the secret of all energy from Angela’s actions sufficient.

          You guys need to lighten up a bit and use your imagination. CP isn’t going to, nor should he address every little curiosity throughout the series. 

          • Guest

            I think it is important where neagling went.  This would be an important thing for anyone who was close to oromis. Plus it had energy from YEARS of SEVERAL elves putting all their energy into its crystal…

      • Kidris90

        Mike, Ill fitting is when you force something down our throats for 4 years and then yank the rug out from underneath us. That’s what CP did. He dangled E/A infront of us for years and then tore out our hearts. It’s a young adult fantasy book for people who want escapism. It’s not game of thrones. E/A ending up together was the only logical ending after so much time spent shoving them on us. Stop trying to defend a depressing ending full of plot holes.
        The overwheliming level of positive response is because the book as a whole is good. The majorty of the people who liked the book also hated the ending. It was depressing, bitter, and illogical.

        • He dangled it? Really?? Because I remember, up through the very end of Brisingr, Arya constantly denying Eragon’s advances. CONSTANTLY. At every step of the way. So of course it would have been super realistic and true to the books for Arya to have just done a complete 180 and leave behind everything she’s worked hard for to go have an epic romance with someone 100 years younger than her.

          Right?

          • Dragonrider

            I agree with you. It would have been nice for them to end up together but nobody just out of the blue changes their mind about something like that. That would have been ridiculous.

          • kidris

            Why show them getting so close in the last two books? Why have them exchange their true names in a show of the utmost trust if you’re going to have them torn away from each other? It’s just a bad ending. Plain and simple.

          • TRUST. That is all is signified.  It is not a symbol of love.  It is a symbol of TRUST. I think Eragon leaving was the only proper choice to keep the Riders as neutral of a force as possible.  The Dwarves and Urgals resented the Riders for not being included, and are now given that chance.  Considering that, they would be equally as slighted if Eragon had chosen to base the Riders in any single Race’s Territory.  This was explained several times by several people in the book.

          • KIdris

            LOL. You can’t handle a differing opinion so you block me and force me to use another computer to respond. Nice. Very classy. So if you don’t love the book you will be blocked from commenting even if you didn’t use any foul language or anything?

            In book 3, Arya does a complete 180 and changes her behavior towards Eragon. CP made a point to show that they’re getting closer and that they’re both now shadeslayers, etc. This continued in book 4. They had great tender moments. Eragon’s true name even contains his love for Arya. And yet after all this teasing, CP gives us a horrible, depressing ending that ruins the whole series. There is no epic romance that outlasts empires as Angela predicated. CP just forgot about it. Stop ignoring the tons of plot holes.
            1- Eragon leaving the land because he’s too powerful. And yet he doesn’t mind Arya staying even though she’s now a rider and the queen and nows the name of names. Is she not powerful?
            2- Eragon never coming back to see his loved ones for no logical reason. He can easilly meet with Arya and Rora from time to time.
            3-Eragon and Arya not agreeing to meet each other half way from time to time… even though they’re both riders.
            4- Eragon ignoring how upset the other races will be that the only rider left that’s not in exile is the queen of the elves… the queen of a race they’re already insecure about.
            5- Arya agreeing to become the queen even though she says about a hundred times that she feels more at home traveling amongst other races and doing things, rather than being bored at home.
            Oh, as for the age difference thing. You obviously don’t know much about literature. Aragorn was hundreds of years younger than Arwen. Edward was over a hundred, Bella was 16. There are many other examples. Again, stop defending bad, lazy writing. CP spit in the face of is fans with that terrible, depressing ending. JK Rowling, a much better writer than CP, even had a happy ending for her fans, as do most YA writers.

            You not agreeing with me doesn’t give you the right to silence me. Ever heard of freedom of speech? I am not using any profanity. There was no reason to block me. Grow up. Opinions are a part of life. You can’t silence them if you don’t agree.

          • You are, by invitation, on a website privately owned. You play by our rules here, and those rules require you to not be abusive in your comments. You are not entitled to anything here (although you seem believe you are). Keep that in mind.

            I’ve clearly left MANY posts on here that I disagree with. A quick look through will show that. I remove the abusive ones.

            Grow up.

          • jimmy browne

            Censoring the “vocal minority” i like it

          • Fp

            Well stated.  It can be easy for things to get heated, but we need to try hard to go against that tendency.  It doesn’t do anyone any good.

          • bromandsaphira

            🙂 ha, so true mike! I think people sometimes get fanfiction confused with the actual books…
            I personally really enjoyed how Christopher handled the Eragon/Arya situation

          • Bethany Thomasson

            Why are people flaming this book? It was awesome! I too am an E/A fan…and I think the ending was very realistic (As long as CP writes a sequal in which E/A actually do get together) and after all….maybe in a thousand years or so, one hundred years won’t matter so much lol 😉 <3 Yay for Chistopher!!!!

          • Juan Mata

            Mike,

            I don’t think Arya should have left her station to be with Eragon. But Eragon’s situation is different. He had been forced to do x, y , and z throughout the entire series. As a Dragon Rider, who is free, he should have given into his personal desires and stayed in Alagaesia with Arya.

            Also, Eragon has the power of a god by the end pf inheritance, why didn’t he un-poision Vroengard and live there?

      • guest

        Better an ill-fitting fairytale ending than an ill-fitting -just plain shit- ending

      • Me

        Well said. I liked how it didn’t meet all the conventions we expected it to.
        Arya and Eragon getting together wouldn’t feel… *real* to me yet, since it’s only been a few months since she totally rejected him and all. I was always personally hoping that it would somehow end up with them NOT together… yet at least, but with the possibility. 
        That’s all. Anyway I liked most of the book. 🙂

      • bromandsaphira

        well said mike! 😀 I wish people who thought it was brilliant could post a bit more…I got very discoraged when I went to the comments right after I finished the book and people were ranting about it. I LOVED it! anyone have a fave quote??

        • THEJOKER

          from the book or the trolls.

          • THEJOKER

            typo, ? not .

      • Gizmo

        While I agree that most of the methods that have been sugested here would have been ill fiting I do wish that Arya and eragon had gone together. And there must have been ways that CP could have made it happen without it being a fairytail ending as you put it. The easist way would have been to not kill Islanzardi.

        Also no matter how simple and fairytail people may want the book even they do not deserve to be potential twilight fans. Thats just crawl.

      • jimmy browne

        Careful, your bias is showing

        • THEJOKER

          Careful, your thickness is showing, insulting Mike Macauley is like baiting a dragon. He’s the supreme master-troll-hunter of Shurtugal. If you trolls don’t stop pestering him, he’ll put you on his wall!

      • jimmy browne

        Repost (cause you deleted my last one), your bias is showing sir as it does in all of your posts. I think you’re panicking cause you’re piggybacking off a b writer’s success, and they made a great error. I seem to remember people complaining just as much as the “fairy tale” ending of twilight as the ending of Inheritance. Aka a lot. Don’t let the 11% unemployment rate scare you, there are other opportunities for people of no actual skill. I’m done with your 2 bit website and your militaristic attitude towards it. The book should have been so much better and you know it. You will receive no more ad revenue from me my friend, jump from this sinking ship while you can (or don’t I really don’t care).

        • Fp

          Not cool man.  I didn’t like the book, but have no complaints with Mike or anyone else liking it.  You make the rest of us look awful.  

  • fd

    Even so I still can’t stand the ending…… I wonder how many people will tell him that when they meet him.

    • TheFirstUrgalRider

      Its his book man, it doesn’t matter whether we like it or not, he finished it the way he wanted to and  he is not going to change it. Either way, we found out what happens after the events of Brisingr. Still, as he speculated a few months ago, there might be a book five.

      • Emily sasaki

        People write books for their own enjoyment AS WELL AS their readers. you don’t get publishing deals from a bad book… Not saying that it was a bad book, but just the ending. the reader’s opinions matter. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have a published Inheritance Cycle

        • sorryifIoffendedyou

          Sarcasm (I’m glad he writes books to feed his family)

        • TheFirstUrgalRider

          Take it out on the snails 😀

          • Dusk

            You take it out on the snails your te one obssesses with them

      • Joe Schmoe

        A book 5 about Eragon or a book 5 about new characters and a few pages for Eragon?  Cause that’s cruel if he ended it this way just so we’ll buy his new book.

        • TheFirstUrgalRider

          Look, the Inheritance Cycle is not just any other series you read and finally say that you are satisfied with the ending. Christopher created a whole universe and we might go on to say that it is the Lord of the Rings of the 21st century. He probably had bigger and better plans for the Inheritance cycle which is why he probably left some unanswered questions in the Cycle. So that is why we can safely assume that in some way or the other he will return
          to Alagaesia and fill in these gaps.

          If you are still frustrated about the ending, go bully some snails. It’s probably for the same reason that he devoted an chapter or two for the snails.

          • Loose

            What are you going on about? Inheritance is open to opinion just like any other series. And a LOT of fantasy books have alternate worlds.

            And you cannot compare CP to Tolkein. That’s just NOT DONE.

          • Me

            I like ’em both okay. But Tolkien can’t ever be beaten.

        • Book 5 will be a standalone story, not a continuation of the Cycle.

          • But he never said that Eragon would nowhere to be found, right?

          • Mouse But

            think you are right at that point, there was eragons letter to a new rider, where he was not around, if the rider came (if correctly remebered, it takes part a dozens of years after inheritance).

            But would enjoy a form of a standalone story in a book 5 or something along those lines. All the loose ends in book 4 bothers me a lot! like when there are few loose ends in a book, and you sit with the feeling “that was a great book, but sad now the book has ended” feeling, when done reading it! With book 4 here, I had a crying mind when done reading, because of the ending scene between eragon and arya, saphire and firnen.A more closed end would have been one of my preferences for the book (4), but you don’t always get what you might expect, and certainly not from CP, I will dare say here.! Hope to see more from him (like many else) in the future, which closes some of the biggest loose ends from book 4 in one way or another!

      • Kidris90

        What poor logic. The fans make the writers rich and famous. We give them all they have. Rowling, Riordan, Meyer, Dashner, these people are grateful to their fans for their support. CP proved that he is not grateful to his fans.

        • Uhhh, looking at all of the authors you just listed… they all received “backlash” for the endings to their novels. You can NEVER please everyone.

        • How in anyway shape or form is CP being ungrateful?  Just because he didn’t end the series the way his fans wanted does not make him ungrateful.  he has never been anything but appreciative and amazingly grateful for all of us.  If you are just going to sit here and flame both book and author repeatedly, go find another website to frequent.

    • noko

      I really enjoyed the book, found it to be best of the series. I only had 3 gripes..

      1) It could have been 200 pages shorter and said the same thing
      2) The ending was wrong
      3) There are still at least a dozen lose ends

      But these gripes are massively outweighed by the positives, well done CP for the series, well done shurtugal for being here.

      • 1) Absolutely, except maybe only 150 pages shorter. He would have needed some time to explain everything that happened afterwards
        2) I don’t think the ending was wrong, personally, I just think he didn’t get to it the right way. He needed to change some of the details towards the end to make it work right
        3) I think that was intentional. I believe that some of them he just wanted us to use our imaginations and fill in the blanks, but others I think might very well one day be tied up in another, standalone book