cover image Eragon’s Guide to Alagasia

Eragon’s Guide to Alagasia

Christopher Paolini, , illus. by Fred Gambino, Larry McDougal, et al. . Knopf, $24.99 (32pp) ISBN 978-0-375-85823-9

This eye-catching interactive companion book to Paolini’s Inheritance Cycle is designed to provide newly elected Dragon Riders with background about the world of Alagaësia. A map and drawings of the natural terrain provide mise en scène, while flaps reveal mininarratives, and envelopes contain personal notes written by Eragon Shadeslayer. A time line of formative events, like the beginning of the Dragon War, and a taxonomy of Alagaësia inhabitants—humans, elves, dragons, and numerous species of animals—will intrigue enthusiasts. Ages 9–up. (Nov.)