Oaths sworn... loyalties tested... forces collide.
It's  been only months since Eragon first uttered "brisingr", an ancient  language term for fire. Since then, he's not only learned to create  magic with words — he's been challenged to his very core. Following the  colossal battle against the Empires warriors on the Burning Plains,  Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, have narrowly escaped with their lives.  Still, there is more adventure at hand for the Rider and his dragon, as  Eragon finds himself bound by a tangle of promises he may not be able to  keep.
First is Eragon's oath to his cousin, Roran: to help  rescue Roran's beloved from King Galbatorix's clutches. But Eragon owes  his loyalty to others, too. The Varden are in desperate need of his  talents and strength — as are the elves and dwarves. When unrest claims  the rebels and danger strikes from every corner, Eragon must make  choices — choices that will take him across the Empire and beyond,  choices that may lead to unimagined sacrifice.
Eragon is the  greatest hope to rid the land of tyranny. Can this once simple farm boy  unite the rebel forces and defeat the king?