Fifteen-year-old Eragon believes that he is merely a poor farm boy--until his destiny as a Dragon Rider is revealed. Gifted with only an ancient sword, a loyal dragon, and sage advice from an old storyteller, Eragon is soon swept into a dangerous tapestry of magic, glory, and power. Now his choices could save--or destroy--the Empire. "An authentic work of great talent."--"The New York Times Book Review" "Christopher Paolini make[s] literary magic with his precocious debut."--"People" "Unusual, powerful, fresh, and fluid."--"Booklist," Starred "An auspicious beginning to both career and series."--"Publishers Weekly" A New York Times Bestseller A USA Today Bestseller A Wall Street Journal Bestseller A Book Sense Bestseller "From the Hardcover edition."