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The Inheritance Cycle #guide
Eragon's Guide to Alagaësia
From the creators of the bestselling books Dragonology, Egyptology, Piratelogy, and others, this is a never-before-seen glimpse into the world of Christopher Paolini’s Inheritance cycle. Alagaësia comes alive in a lush and detailed look at an unforgettable magical land. From elves, dwarves, Urgals, humans, and dragons, to the natural landscape and the magic it contains, Eragon himself offers the reader an unsurpassed tour. This oversized, full-color book provides 15 spreads chock full of spectacular artwork, engaging novelty elements, and fascinating insights into Eragon’s home. With gorgeous jewels adorning the cover and pages filled with envelopes, gatefolds, samples of dragon skin, and more, Eragon’s Guide to Alagaësia is sure to appeal to the legions of fans of Christopher Paolini’s bestselling Inheritance cycle.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published November 3, 2009
28 people are currently reading
4867 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Paolini
112 books42.7k followersChristopher 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.
Visit Paolini.net and Fractalverse.net for the latest news about this project and follow Christopher on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
December 6, 2009
Three words; fun, fun & fun.
I'm not really sure what to say about this book, except that it's AWESOME! I wish I could get an insiders look like this with some of my other favorite novels. This is a must have for fans of this series. The book itself is beautiful! The pages are wonderfully detailed, there is so much that I never even thought about, such a thorough exploration of the world. I am truly impressed.
I was always a fan of pop-up books when I was younger, one of my favorites (that I still own) is the Christmas Postman! Love that book! The Guide to Alagaesia reminds me of that book in many ways with all the extra additions, open flaps, dragon scales, textures, colors, it's fantastic! It's just fun!
It could also be a great introduction to the series, there are a few things that you don't discover until later novels that are present in the book, but I think that's pretty minimal.
Such a great book, I feel like I discover something new every time I open the pages!
I'm not really sure what to say about this book, except that it's AWESOME! I wish I could get an insiders look like this with some of my other favorite novels. This is a must have for fans of this series. The book itself is beautiful! The pages are wonderfully detailed, there is so much that I never even thought about, such a thorough exploration of the world. I am truly impressed.
I was always a fan of pop-up books when I was younger, one of my favorites (that I still own) is the Christmas Postman! Love that book! The Guide to Alagaesia reminds me of that book in many ways with all the extra additions, open flaps, dragon scales, textures, colors, it's fantastic! It's just fun!
It could also be a great introduction to the series, there are a few things that you don't discover until later novels that are present in the book, but I think that's pretty minimal.
Such a great book, I feel like I discover something new every time I open the pages!
January 2, 2021
Preciosa edición que resume muy bien las bases de la historia.
February 18, 2024
Quick but detailed guide to Christopher Paolini's series.
It contains a few pretty illustration of his world, and even some tactile material, along with tokens.
🌟 Rating ⭐⭐⭐
It contains a few pretty illustration of his world, and even some tactile material, along with tokens.
🌟 Rating ⭐⭐⭐
September 3, 2012
I got this book given to me along with Inheritance,
It is a really great read and really makes the whole Alagaesia experience feel that much more real!
There's so much to keep you engaged, letters from Eragon, Saphira and accounts of personal experiences, aswell as the scales of a dragon and the hair of the beasts of the Beor Mountains and so much more!
Overall though, there's not much to review about this book because words cannot ruly describe the feeling it gives you.
I know only that I always go back to it whenever I'm feeling deprived of the Inheritance cycle and the world of Alagaesia.
So I recommend this book, strongly, to everyone who has even the tiniest bit of fondness for the Inheritance cycle, along with Eragon & Saphira.
It is a really great read and really makes the whole Alagaesia experience feel that much more real!
There's so much to keep you engaged, letters from Eragon, Saphira and accounts of personal experiences, aswell as the scales of a dragon and the hair of the beasts of the Beor Mountains and so much more!
Overall though, there's not much to review about this book because words cannot ruly describe the feeling it gives you.
I know only that I always go back to it whenever I'm feeling deprived of the Inheritance cycle and the world of Alagaesia.
So I recommend this book, strongly, to everyone who has even the tiniest bit of fondness for the Inheritance cycle, along with Eragon & Saphira.
January 4, 2019
This is honestly the perfect companion to the Inheritance Cycle. It may seem fairly juvenile, but it contains some helpful information and insight into Alagaesia and the people that call it home. Of course, most of the information can be found while reading the four Inheritance Cycle books, but it was fun to read it again in this short and fun compilation. If you’re a fan of Christopher Paolini’s series then I definitely recommend you pick this up. Even if you’ve read the Inheritance Cycle multiple times, like I have, you’ll find this book enjoyable and informative!
April 28, 2016
Τι θυμήθηκα τώρα!Εραγκον και Σαφιρα! Πολύ αγάπημενη σειρά βιβλίων κι αυτή!Δράκοι,δρακοκαβαλαρηδες, ξωτικά,νάνοι! Λατρεύω τα pop-up βιβλία!!
October 10, 2011
I know some people complained that the info given in the book is already known if you have read the series. Some complained about the illustrations. Some complained about the quality of the materials used. BUT I loved the book! It was smart, and very personal. I really felt like i was Rider. An enjoyable read!
April 21, 2022
I LOVE INTERACTIVE BOOKS!!!!
August 5, 2014
Awesome book!! It taught and reminded me of lots from the Eragon's world!! This is probably just me being hopeful but if you read it carefully it almost sounds like there could be the possibly of another Inheritance Cycle book! That would be awesome!!
October 23, 2015
Adquiri este livro na minha primeira e única experiência com o AwesomeBooks, foi a única porque todos os livros vinham em mau estado e este foi o único que até dava para remediar com um bocadinho de fita-cola. O livro é lindíssimo, em capa dura e cheio de pormenores fascinantes para descobrir. É uma autêntica obra-prima em termos de arte e apresentação. Perfeito para os fãs da série, que começou por ser Trilogia, da Herança.
O autor brinda-nos com um mundo inteiro que ele criou na sua imaginação e que nos é revelado neste livro como se fosse o próprio Eragon a contar-nos. Tem pormenores fascinantes sobre as criaturas e locais deste mundo fantástico. Integra-nos perfeitamente noutra realidade.
Recomendo apenas aos fãs da série e que já tenham lido todos os livros. Se és um FÃ como eu, compra e lê este livro! É absolutamente delicioso e magnificamente bem feito! LINDO!
O autor brinda-nos com um mundo inteiro que ele criou na sua imaginação e que nos é revelado neste livro como se fosse o próprio Eragon a contar-nos. Tem pormenores fascinantes sobre as criaturas e locais deste mundo fantástico. Integra-nos perfeitamente noutra realidade.
Recomendo apenas aos fãs da série e que já tenham lido todos os livros. Se és um FÃ como eu, compra e lê este livro! É absolutamente delicioso e magnificamente bem feito! LINDO!
January 2, 2016
This book is a fantastic companion to The Inheritance Cycle, containing numerous pages of beautiful illustrations and extra bits of information about Alagaësia and the people that Eragon meets. I am a huge fan of ‘interactive’ books, and, with all the pull out extra items, miniature books and different materials throughout the book, it certainly doesn’t disappoint in that area either. Of course, I’m a little too old to believe that a piece of glittery card is actually a dragon wing, but I can certainly appreciate how a child would view this book. There isn’t much to read, and at points I do wish that there was more information about Eragon’s world. However, despite that, it does give a wonderful insight.
full review here
full review here
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March 6, 2017good but do not read before the other books.
April 29, 2020
27pgs
It's so much fun, so interactive, like a pop-up book for adults. There are envelopes to open and letters to pull out, flaps to lift up, fur to touch, a dragon wing to feel, a little mirror-like object over a handprint to mimic the Rider mark. I had so much fun with this. It's so unique and I marveled at how they were able to make all these textures and papers and designs and images. A real piece of art.
I was surprised to find the letter was written from Eragon and speaks to the reader as if we are a new Dragon Rider being taken into the fold and receiving his help to learn all we can.
It's been so long since I've read the books that I didn't remember much about his journeys and didn't really know what he was talking about when he referred to things happening or experienced he'd gone through.
Such charming details as fireweed helping a dragon's digestion and every rider should keep a supply on hand.
I love the reputation of the werecats, but it's not at all what I pictured of Angela's Solembum. I definitely didn't imagine that red-eyed monstrous beast with long claws. They were often the companions of kings and queens and they're involved in the most important events. They rarely offer help but when they do it's folly and dangerous to ignore.
I was astounded to see a yoga pose in here, could not believe it! The elves do a series of poses to help them.
It was so cool to be given this private info straight from Eragon, to get a beginner's education in the cultures and history and things that we would encounter in this world. There were some elven and dwarfish words. And I liked the tidbit about taking care to not even think of the Eldunari so no one gleans the information from our mind because it's such a guarded secret.
I loved the inclusion of Glaedr's heart of hearts and how the plastic jewel was set into the back of the book. I loved that envelope with the wax sealed letter from Eragon about guarding the heart of heart in his absence.
Of course when you're reading a library book, pieces are going to be missing. An envelope was torn out and I didn't get my elven token so I was pissed about that. Careless readers who don't even have the decency to take the pieces to the librarian and have them fix it always ruin everything.
Most of the text is tiny and hard to read. The font was difficult to decipher at many places and I wouldn't even know what word it was because I couldn't read it. At one point he mentioned when "she" hatches like dragons are always female which is wrong because the dragon could be male. I was glad I had read the series because this would have spoiled some things majorly, like the identity of Eragon's dad and what enemies he's killed. It needs to come with a warning to read once you're done with the series.
It's so much fun, so interactive, like a pop-up book for adults. There are envelopes to open and letters to pull out, flaps to lift up, fur to touch, a dragon wing to feel, a little mirror-like object over a handprint to mimic the Rider mark. I had so much fun with this. It's so unique and I marveled at how they were able to make all these textures and papers and designs and images. A real piece of art.
I was surprised to find the letter was written from Eragon and speaks to the reader as if we are a new Dragon Rider being taken into the fold and receiving his help to learn all we can.
It's been so long since I've read the books that I didn't remember much about his journeys and didn't really know what he was talking about when he referred to things happening or experienced he'd gone through.
Such charming details as fireweed helping a dragon's digestion and every rider should keep a supply on hand.
I love the reputation of the werecats, but it's not at all what I pictured of Angela's Solembum. I definitely didn't imagine that red-eyed monstrous beast with long claws. They were often the companions of kings and queens and they're involved in the most important events. They rarely offer help but when they do it's folly and dangerous to ignore.
I was astounded to see a yoga pose in here, could not believe it! The elves do a series of poses to help them.
It was so cool to be given this private info straight from Eragon, to get a beginner's education in the cultures and history and things that we would encounter in this world. There were some elven and dwarfish words. And I liked the tidbit about taking care to not even think of the Eldunari so no one gleans the information from our mind because it's such a guarded secret.
I loved the inclusion of Glaedr's heart of hearts and how the plastic jewel was set into the back of the book. I loved that envelope with the wax sealed letter from Eragon about guarding the heart of heart in his absence.
Of course when you're reading a library book, pieces are going to be missing. An envelope was torn out and I didn't get my elven token so I was pissed about that. Careless readers who don't even have the decency to take the pieces to the librarian and have them fix it always ruin everything.
Most of the text is tiny and hard to read. The font was difficult to decipher at many places and I wouldn't even know what word it was because I couldn't read it. At one point he mentioned when "she" hatches like dragons are always female which is wrong because the dragon could be male. I was glad I had read the series because this would have spoiled some things majorly, like the identity of Eragon's dad and what enemies he's killed. It needs to come with a warning to read once you're done with the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2022
This was really cute and awesome to experience. The amount of fold out pieces, secret notes, and other little bits and bobs (like texture pieces for effects) is so freaking awesome! Think the old Egyptology book (I was obsessed with this as a kid and is the reason I’m such a nerd about Ancient Egypt) and the other ones from that series.
Aside from how cool it is and how much your inner kid loses it over the extra stuff, this was a great way of dipping back into the Eragon world. This was the perfect reminder of everything I needed before going into reading The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm - especially seeing as it’s been a few years since I was in the world of Alegaësia.
A solid addition to my collection and some of the artwork in this is just breathtaking.
Aside from how cool it is and how much your inner kid loses it over the extra stuff, this was a great way of dipping back into the Eragon world. This was the perfect reminder of everything I needed before going into reading The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm - especially seeing as it’s been a few years since I was in the world of Alegaësia.
A solid addition to my collection and some of the artwork in this is just breathtaking.
April 19, 2020
This was such a cool, immersive, interactive book. I loved the pop-ups, envelopes & letters, and the textured elements. I've never read a book like this before. It was an actual experience reading this, because it wasn't just reading letters on a page. There were pictures to look at, things to open, and things to touch.
As usual with a library book, there were some things that were missing from the envelopes. Go figure. One of the symbols was gone from one of the envelopes, and the Elven token envelope was annoyingly empty. I really wanted to see what was in there.
The book opens with a letter from Eragon welcoming readers to the Dragon Riders. The reader is the newst Dragon Rider, and Eragon is welcoming us into that role. The book is a crash course into the world of Alagaesia and the people and creatures that inhabit it. I imagine this would be like receiving a Hogwarts letter.
I chuckled at the image of an elf appearing to do a King Dancer yoga pose.
The image of the elves' homes in the trees was particularly pretty.
At one point it said 'The bond that formed between you and your dragon when she hatched is what makes you a Dragon Rider' as if a dragon can't be male.
You wouldn't wanna read this before reading the Eragon series or it'll give some things away. It mentioned things I had forgotten about the series, and there's some definite spoilers, so I'd read this after the series.
I LOVED the letters written from Eragon, at the beginning and end of the book, and the jewel at the end that's supposed to be Glaedr's Eldunari. It was a nice element to the book.
Eragon fans should definitely check this out.
As usual with a library book, there were some things that were missing from the envelopes. Go figure. One of the symbols was gone from one of the envelopes, and the Elven token envelope was annoyingly empty. I really wanted to see what was in there.
The book opens with a letter from Eragon welcoming readers to the Dragon Riders. The reader is the newst Dragon Rider, and Eragon is welcoming us into that role. The book is a crash course into the world of Alagaesia and the people and creatures that inhabit it. I imagine this would be like receiving a Hogwarts letter.
I chuckled at the image of an elf appearing to do a King Dancer yoga pose.
The image of the elves' homes in the trees was particularly pretty.
At one point it said 'The bond that formed between you and your dragon when she hatched is what makes you a Dragon Rider' as if a dragon can't be male.
You wouldn't wanna read this before reading the Eragon series or it'll give some things away. It mentioned things I had forgotten about the series, and there's some definite spoilers, so I'd read this after the series.
I LOVED the letters written from Eragon, at the beginning and end of the book, and the jewel at the end that's supposed to be Glaedr's Eldunari. It was a nice element to the book.
Eragon fans should definitely check this out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2025
For only 32 pages, this guidebook is brimming with rich world-building details. Written as though Eragon himself is addressing us, the readers, as new dragon riders, it offers a truly immersive experience. The vibrant illustrations and interactive elements further bring Alagaësia to life, making it a must-have for fans of the Inheritance Cycle. It's concise yet packed with lore, perfect for those eager to dive deeper into the world of dragons and magic!
May 17, 2020
All of the facts, pictures and items in this book are amazing. Total fangirl status!
September 29, 2020
tht was adorable. and now i feel like rereading the books
February 28, 2017
coming soon
September 5, 2019
This is one of those fun, cute and easy reads. Albeit a little hard to lug around anywhere, hence the fact that it took me so long to actually read this. It’s only about half an hour of reading, but you actually need to be able to sit in a comfortable spot with a ginormous book for that period. With two dogs trying to climb all over me… that’s difficult.
I might be a grown woman, but I love interactive stories and pretty pictures as much as the next girl. They’re just fun. And all of the different textured pieces placed throughout were even more enjoyable. It bought back the enjoyment of my first books as a child. Before I was really able to read to any decent level.
I read this companion before Eldest, and I’m so grateful that there weren’t many spoilers throughout. I was expecting far more, but except for one tiny slip about Eragon’s father, there was nothing to hint at what was going to happen in the future of the series.
This was a really nice and easy read for the last few days when my head has been full of PhD work and event planning. And it just makes me want to pick up Eldest all the more… although maybe I should finish a few books that I’ve already started first…
I might be a grown woman, but I love interactive stories and pretty pictures as much as the next girl. They’re just fun. And all of the different textured pieces placed throughout were even more enjoyable. It bought back the enjoyment of my first books as a child. Before I was really able to read to any decent level.
I read this companion before Eldest, and I’m so grateful that there weren’t many spoilers throughout. I was expecting far more, but except for one tiny slip about Eragon’s father, there was nothing to hint at what was going to happen in the future of the series.
This was a really nice and easy read for the last few days when my head has been full of PhD work and event planning. And it just makes me want to pick up Eldest all the more… although maybe I should finish a few books that I’ve already started first…
June 8, 2016
Kvetha fricaya!
I really enjoyed this books because the Inheritance Cycle is my favorite book saga. There were many fun samples of things you could possibly find in Alagaësia, like Arya's favorite flower, dragon's knuckles (which you can use for telling your fortune) and many more. Each page is filled with information and beautiful illustrations of all the races and, of course, maps.
At one point in this book though, it is mentioned that Rhunön would forge you a sword which would not happen because she said (as it was in the book) that she would not make any more swords for the Riders.
Other than that, this book was simply perfect, I loved the style in which they gave you all the information you could possibly need as a Rider.
Atra esterní ono theludin, atra evarínya ono varda un atra mor'ranr lífa unin hjarta onr!
I really enjoyed this books because the Inheritance Cycle is my favorite book saga. There were many fun samples of things you could possibly find in Alagaësia, like Arya's favorite flower, dragon's knuckles (which you can use for telling your fortune) and many more. Each page is filled with information and beautiful illustrations of all the races and, of course, maps.
At one point in this book though, it is mentioned that Rhunön would forge you a sword which would not happen because she said (as it was in the book) that she would not make any more swords for the Riders.
Other than that, this book was simply perfect, I loved the style in which they gave you all the information you could possibly need as a Rider.
Atra esterní ono theludin, atra evarínya ono varda un atra mor'ranr lífa unin hjarta onr!
December 30, 2014
I bought this book for my daughter before she was able to read English on her own, and translated it for her as a gift (the Norwegian publishers have been exceptionally late with translating the series). I would not have bought this book for myself, though I have read the first three books of the Eragon series and quite enjoy them.
It's a nice enough companion book to the actual books, aimed at those who love the series, though a higher quality finish of the book would have made it a lot nicer.
Two stars because of the low quality of the book itself, and for not being an actual book of words and stories, more of a plaything.
It's a nice enough companion book to the actual books, aimed at those who love the series, though a higher quality finish of the book would have made it a lot nicer.
Two stars because of the low quality of the book itself, and for not being an actual book of words and stories, more of a plaything.
June 7, 2016
I read this book before I had finished the second book of the series and thus was exposed to some unfortunate spoilers. I didn't realize this at the time, so it was a learning lesson about how to read series and companion books.
This book was a good read though and was a fun little break from the thick detailed word and wold of Paolini's main core story.
It also helped to broaden and widen the knowledge of the world he created and the creatures that populate and live within it. I could better understand the history and the mannerisms and reasons for them of each race and species.
This book was a good read though and was a fun little break from the thick detailed word and wold of Paolini's main core story.
It also helped to broaden and widen the knowledge of the world he created and the creatures that populate and live within it. I could better understand the history and the mannerisms and reasons for them of each race and species.
July 25, 2022
4 stars.
This guide is a must have to any fan of the Inheritance Cycle seeking to know more about the land of Alagaësia. There are fantastic drawings, descriptions, maps, letters and more in this book. I love that it was written as if Eragon compiled all the notes and addressed it to you, a new dragon rider.
I think this could have been awarded five stars if there were pages dedicated to the main characters. I would of loved that, however, still a lovely guide to have, nonetheless.
This guide is a must have to any fan of the Inheritance Cycle seeking to know more about the land of Alagaësia. There are fantastic drawings, descriptions, maps, letters and more in this book. I love that it was written as if Eragon compiled all the notes and addressed it to you, a new dragon rider.
I think this could have been awarded five stars if there were pages dedicated to the main characters. I would of loved that, however, still a lovely guide to have, nonetheless.
August 31, 2016
"A dragon who is not free to do as he or she wishes is not a dragon at all."
Beautifully illustrated and in-depth, this guide to the world of Alagaësia, narrated and complete with notes by Eragon, is perfect for fans of The Inheritance Cycle. I only wish the length wasn't quite so short!
July 27, 2012
This is a great interactive book that I read every time I decide to reread the inheritance cycle. The illustrations are beautiful and the only one I cannot look at is an illustration of eragon himself(because I imagined him a little different).
February 22, 2013
OH MY GOD! When I saw this book at Barnes and nobles I almost fainted. I had to have that book. I love how it tells you the duties of dragon riders in Alagaësia and about the different races, places and useful items. If you are a fan of Eragon then you should definitely get this book.
February 19, 2015
I only read the first book in the series and that is Eragon, because it took me a long time to finish it and to get in the mind set of the book. But this book I really liked and it's really nice to see some of the places that are mentioned in the book
August 17, 2011
this is very interesting and detailed the only thing i dislike about it is the way the urgralgra are depicted
August 4, 2015
I really wanted to understand this world better, and this book helps with that in such a fun way. I can't get enough of this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews