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The Inheritance Cycle Books In Order (Full List)

The Inheritance Cycle is a series of 5 books by Christopher Paolini. The first book published in the series is Eragon in 2002. Here is a complete list of The Inheritance Cycle books in order.

Last update: October 18, 2026

1. Eragon (2002)

Eragon book cover

When Eragon finds a polished blue stone in the forest, he thinks it is the lucky discovery of a poor farm boy; perhaps it will buy his family meat for the winter.

  • 📇 528 Pages
  • 📝 132,000 - 158,400 Word Count
  • ⏱️ 18 Hours Reading Time

2. Eldest (2005)

Eldest book cover

Eragon may not escape with even his life. Darkness falls…despair abounds…evil reigns…Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, have just saved the rebel state from destruction by the mighty forces of King Galbatorix, cruel ruler of the Empire.

  • 📇 704 Pages
  • 📝 176,000 - 211,200 Word Count
  • ⏱️ 23 Hours Reading Time

3. Brisingr (2008)

Brisingr book cover

There, they rescue Roran's betrothed, Katrina, held prisoner there, and kill one of the Ra'zac. Eragon then travels back to the Varden, after reuniting with Arya, who had come in search of him.

  • 📇 784 Pages
  • 📝 196,000 - 235,200 Word Count
  • ⏱️ 26 Hours Reading Time

4. Inheritance (2011)

Inheritance book cover

Not so long ago, Eragon -- Shadeslayer, Dragon Rider -- was nothing more than a poor farm boy, and his dragon, Saphira, only a blue stone in the forest. Now the fate of an entire civilization rests on their shoulders.

  • 📇 849 Pages
  • 📝 212,250 - 254,700 Word Count
  • ⏱️ 28 Hours Reading Time

5. Murtagh (2023)

Murtagh book cover

The world is no longer safe for the Dragon Rider Murtagh and his dragon, Thorn. Now they are hated and alone, exiled to the outskirts of society.

  • 📇 696 Pages
  • 📝 174,000 - 208,800 Word Count
  • ⏱️ 23 Hours Reading Time