Inheritance or the Vault of Souls

by Christopher Paolini

Inheritance by Paolini, Christopher. Published by Knopf,2011, Hardcover

Genres: Fantasy, Dragons, Young Adult, Fiction, High Fantasy, Magic, Childrens

Hardcover

Published January 1, 2011

About the author

Christopher Paolini was born in Southern California and has lived most of his life in Paradise Valley, Montana. He published his first novel, Eragon, in 2003 at the age of nineteen, and quickly became a publishing phenomenon. His Inheritance Cycle—Eragon and its three sequels—have sold nearly 40 million copies worldwide. To Sleep in a Sea of Stars was his first adult novel.

Visit Paolini.net and Fractalverse.net for the latest news about this project and follow Christopher on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.

Reviews

[Evan Snider]

Longest series I’ve ever read. Eldest was my least favorite. I think the story could have been condensed. Also the fact that E + A didn’t happen made me so sad at the end.

Rank:
1) Eragon
2) Brisingr
3) Inheritance
4) Eldest
I learned a lot from this series.

My favorite quote: “…the purpose of life is not to do what we want but to do what needs to be done. That is what fate demands of us.”

[Wonderchimmy]

I must say, I fall in love with these books! I have to admit that I liked this 4th book the most out of all of them. The characters grew close to my heart and it was hard for me to say goodbye to them. The book also had some "boring" parts, but at the same time they were very important. A lot of people are unhappy with the ending of the book, but I liked it! The whole series has a rich and well-thought-out plot and therefore it is not at all shallow. It's a shame that the book doesn't have a Good movie adaptation. There is one but it is not great.

[Corinne Wallace]

Reading this series was a fun way to start the year!

[Sofía Velasquez]

**⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5**

Es un libro preciosooo. Sin duda, *La saga Eragon se convirtió en mi segunda saga favorita, una historia que amé desde el principio hasta el final.*

Lo que más disfruté fue ver la evolución de Eragon. En cada libro madura un poco más, hasta que deja de ser aquel niño de 15 años, asustado y huyendo simplemente por haber encontrado un huevo de dragón. Ver ese crecimiento fue muy satisfactorio y creo que es una de las mayores fortalezas de la saga.

Otro personaje que me sorprendió muchísimo fue Roran. Al principio odiaba los capítulos donde aparecía porque solo quería seguir leyendo sobre Eragon, pero poco a poco terminé esperando con emoción sus escenas. Su evolución fue increíble, y por eso me encantó que Nasuada le diera esa gran recompensa al final. Después de todo lo que hizo y de toda la valentía que demostró durante la guerra, se la tenía más que merecida.

La relación entre Arya y Eragon también me pareció preciosa. Ese equilibrio entre amistad y un amor que nunca termina de expresarse por completo está muy bien construido. Ambos se respetan profundamente, confían el uno en el otro y siempre buscan el bienestar del otro antes que el propio. **¡SPOILER!** Aunque me hubiera encantado que al menos se dieran un beso, ese final fue suficiente para dejarme satisfecha... aunque también con un poquito de tristeza.

También amé quién terminó siendo el tercer Jinete. De verdad siento que se lo merecía. Y hablando de jinetes, me dio muchísimo pesar el destino de Murtagh y Espina. A pesar de todo lo que sufrieron, ambos demostraron una fortaleza impresionante. Incluso Espina, que nunca tuvo un crecimiento natural como Saphira, logró convertirse en un dragón admirable.

Ya que hablamos de dragones, sí sentí que la relación entre Fírnen y Saphira fue un poco forzada. Me hubiera encantado que Fírnen hubiera participado mucho más en la historia para desarrollar mejor ese vínculo.

En cuanto al enfrentamiento final con Galbatorix, debo admitir que me pareció un poco flojo comparado con todo el *hype* que se venía construyendo durante la saga. Sin embargo, después lo pensé mejor: ¿cómo derrotas a un loco ultra mega poderoso sin que el final se sienta poco creíble? Al final comprendí la decisión que tomó Christopher Paolini y creo que fue una solución coherente con el mundo que había construido.

En conclusión, esta fue una saga que me hizo sentir de todo. Lloré, reí, me asusté, me angustié y viví una enorme cantidad de emociones junto a sus personajes. Me duele muchísimo terminar esta hermosa historia porque sentía que todavía quería seguir acompañándolos en nuevas aventuras. Pero, al igual que Eragon, creo que ha llegado el momento de dejarla ir dignamente. ♥

[mutti]

apart from the world building, the growth of each character from eragon to this last book was something that kept my lightning fast reading streak consistent the past month. I'd say 3/4 part of this book was highly unputdownable since there were so many interesting events that occurred, but the last 1/4 part was a little disappointing to me personally. I'm not sure if it was because I was expecting too much from the start or if the author did actually rush the ending specifically the final battle. while I love the idea of empathy as a way (might be the only one) to defeat galbatorix, the writing itself felt a bit rushed and I sort of felt like it could've been dragged a little longer until eragon eventually figured how to beat the king....? I even thought the varden's siege led by roran outside the walls of the throne room was more intriguing and worth the read than the showdown against the king in the throne room.
one of my favourite scenes was when eragon and saphira paid brom's grave a visit. when eragon saw brom's face inside the diamond tomb where his body was preserved from decay, and he felt as though brom would wake any time to continue their unfinished journey, it tore me apart no kiddingggg I cried bruhh.
in general this tetralogy was a great treat! the ending was inevitably bittersweet and I couldn't have thought of a better way to end it. I'm so looking forward to reading the two spin-off novels.

[Aryan Sonthalia]

hile the book did provide a fitting and reasonable conclusion to the story, the ending felt rushed and somewhat half-hearted. Even though it spans over 800 pages—a length I think is mostly justified—there are parts that drag and feel unnecessary. That said, my main issue lies with the final battle and the ending itself.

Galbatorix, who was built up throughout the series as an overwhelmingly powerful and complex villain, deserved a more elaborate and emotionally charged showdown. Instead, the final fight felt underwhelming. Eragon defeats him with a long incantation of magic during their first real confrontation, and just like that, it’s over. After all the buildup, the climax didn’t quite deliver the weight or depth it should have.

[Alaina McGregor]

This installment is rich in character development, revealing the growth of Eragon as a leader and a Dragon Rider. The intricate world-building, full of magic and myth, captivates the imagination, while the fast-paced plot keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Paolini's storytelling shines as he delves into themes of power, love, and the enduring struggle for freedom.

With its thrilling battles and emotional depth, "Inheritance" serves as a satisfying and powerful conclusion to the series, leaving readers with a sense of hope and wonder. A must-read for fans of fantasy, it beautifully ties together the journeys of beloved characters in an unforgettable adventure.

[Beatriz Baião]

A história não tem nada demais, não é original, falta cerca consistência na narrativa. De uma forma geral é um entretenimento, leitura fácil, prende atenção em alguns pontos. Deixa a desejar na construção de alguns personagens. Achei bem sem nexo o final da Arya, gostei dela virar uma cavaleira de dragão no final, talvez a personagem que mais merecesse isso. Contudo, ela ter se tornado rainha não se encaixa na história da personagem, sem mencionar a confusão política que seria uma rainha cavaleira de dragão do povo mais forte da Alagaesia logo após a queda do Galbatorix.

[Maddi J]

This series is what got me into reading. This series is my baby and I love it sm. I’ve forced multiple people to read it and EVERY single one of them LOVES IT. The depth of the plot and world and characters are AMAZING. I’ve re-read it 2-3 times and it’s amazing every time. Lowkey depressed for a while every time I finish it tho. The ending makes me sad but it’s what had to happen - also people hate on the ending with Arya and Eragon and respectfully no. I liked how that aspect on the book ended. OVERALL, AMAZING series. Would highly recommend.

[Anon Phil Morris]

Years of dwelling

The way the love interest was wrapped up was a crime. It’s kept me up at night. FOUR books of pursuit then it’s “We gotta go back to the island Jack” so they can never be together. No. I have thought about this since the book came out. Randomly popping into my head and there has never been an acceptable reason why. To further elaborate! You’re telling me we just spent four books overthrowing a rider king! Just for Arya to become rider queen! Come on now. Really? Riders cannot rule but just to keep the two apart Arya will?

[Elijah Lee]

Definitely my favorite book of the series and the profanity was toned down especially considering the first. Needless to say: I LOVED IT!!!

One warning though to the cautious parent or reader, Magic is used heavily. Thankfully the magic is more of simply using nature to get what you want and not using real life spells or entities to do it.

Overall, an exceptional book. It just kind of hit me when Eragon flew away from Alagaesia that I had finished this huge series. Almost cried.

[Mary Evans]

A breathtaking conclusion to the Inheritance Cycle! Paolini ties together so many threads with heart, intensity, and plenty of surprises. The battles are epic, the emotions run deep, and the “Vault of Souls” reveal was everything I hoped for and more. Eragon and Saphira’s journey feels both satisfying and bittersweet, leaving me both fulfilled and nostalgic. If you’ve followed the series from the start, this finale is a must-read.

[Lavanya Jakka]

Well written book, the level of detail of people’s emotions is greatly displayed in the scenes. There was a portion of book that was slow and hard to continue when some main characters get captured. But the ending is great, very meaningful to each character. I listened to the audiobook and slowed down on the last few hours to not have the book end. It is sad but beautiful ending!

[Katie Pitts]

Of the Inheritance cycle, I thought this was the best book. However, I do think the series still feels lacking. There’s an incompleteness to it that’s hard to put into words. The characters can be unpredictable, and not in a fun character way but in a “that doesn’t make any sense” way. Overall I can’t say I’d read these again. However the stories were engaging.

[TheChapterGoblin | Marie Ann]

The ending of this book leaves you feeling so, so sad for Eragon. It was a fantastic book but it’s hard not to feel your heart break for this character who you are with as they grow up and change and struggle to be better.

In the end he just ends up all alone. It’s just so profoundly heartbreaking.

[Morgan Henderson]

Great conclusion to the series. Wrapped up nicely! However, I’m disappointed in Aria & Eragon’s ending. This girl needed them to have a happy ending together. At least an epic kiss scene. Like c’mon!!

[Dane]

There are no words. A masterpiece of writing, an effervescent spirit of an author's skill that effuses an aura of pure joy while reading. Even with such loquacious words as these, I still have no words. It is simply too great.

[Linsey Beebe]

Loved this series! The writing style was captivating, the characters were authentic, and the plot development intriguing. I listened to this as an audio book and I was throughly impressed by Gerard Doyle’s performance. I’m happy I finally crossed this series off my bucket list. Highly recommend.

[Mackenzie Fudge]

An absolutely beautiful and bittersweet conclusion to their stories for now. This book is such a lovely nod towards Tolkein as well. I will admit that I needed a good hour after I finished to process, and spent a good part of that hour trying not to cry. Im looking forward to Murtagh

[Jonathan Clark]

Great end to a great fantasy series. This one was a step up from the other three books which were already good enough. This whole series is a lot darker than I thought it was going to be. Lot of harsh moments to read.

[Serena]

I have read this book days after it had come out and had finished it in one day. I wanted to know what would happen in the last book of the series and was happy with how it ended. Years later, I still think the same way.

[Levi Hamilton]

Amazing end to the series, and so so well written.

[Kyra]

È stato l'ultimo di 4 libro che mi hanno portata a diventare una persona diversa, migliore, più matura, ma vi avviso di stare attenti, perché la fine potrebbe devastarvi.

[Clarissa Fortune]

Great ending to the series! Stayed true to all the foreshadowing from the previous books. And was a satisfactory ending tying up things on most every front.

[Christa Schafer]

Moral of this book: you cant make the world a better place and be happy at the same time

[Mitchell Proctor]

BIG SPOILER: Eragon defeats Galbatorix with the power of empathy. Doesn’t get the girl. Murtagh has a good arc however, and I look forward to reading his standalone novel.

[Joseph Escher]

phenomenal storytelling especially from a Young author

[Henry Amato]

YEAHHHHHHHH

[Bec Irby]

The ending was surprising, but the last quarter of the book after the big fight does drag on a bit with no direction.

[FELICIA JACKSON]

This was so entertaining. So full of drama, uncertainty, emotions, what to dos, adventures and more. Taking the time to understand why your enemy is your enemy and to see if it can be changed.