Eragon's Guide to Alagaesia (The Inheritance Cycle)
Grade 5–9—Designed in the style of such books as Ernest Drake'sDragonology(Candlewick, 2003), this large, colorful, well-illustrated volume has many foldouts and removable pieces. It is an attractive browsing item, although it may not hold up well in long-term circulation. The cover, which looks as if it were bound in the scaly blue skin of Eragon's dragon, Saphira, adds a slightly creepy touch. The drawings, while not spectacular, are nicely done and appealing. TheGuide's contents, presented as if written by Eragon, introduce readers to the peoples and creatures of the realm—elves, humans, Urgals, Dwarves, and Dragons—along with quick overviews of the series' history and culture. While not necessary for fiction collections, the book will be popular wherever the "Inheritance" series (Knopf) is in demand.—Walter Minkel, Austin Public Library, TXCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.