SpineOrder

Inheritance Cycle Book Order

Christopher PaoliniOngoing6 books

Inheritance Cycle is best read in publication order: all 6 Inheritance Cycle books so far, from Eragon (2002) to Murtagh (2023). Open Eragon and keep going. Four Cycle novels, then optional Fork, then Murtagh.

Updated August 2026

Best read in publication order

  1. Inheritance Cycle
  2. Cover of Eragon

    Eragon

    2002

    A farm boy discovers a dragon egg and is thrust into the legacy of the Dragon Riders.

    Bookshop.org

  3. Cover of Eldest

    Eldest

    2005

    Eragon trains in the elven forests while the Varden prepare for a major offensive.

    Bookshop.org

  4. Cover of Brisingr

    Brisingr

    2008

    Eragon confronts his heritage and the empire strikes back against the rebellion.

    Bookshop.org

  5. Cover of Inheritance

    Inheritance

    2011

    The final war for Alagaësia reaches its climax and lingering mysteries are resolved.

    Bookshop.org

  6. After the Cycle
  7. Cover of The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm

    The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm

    2018

    Optional short-story collection set after Inheritance.

    Bookshop.org

  8. Cover of Murtagh

    Murtagh

    2023

    Sequel novel continuing Murtagh and Thorn's story. Preferably after Fork.

    Bookshop.org

How Inheritance Cycle is structured

Before you start

The Inheritance Cycle is Christopher Paolini's four-book story (2002–2011): farm boy Eragon finds a dragon egg, bonds with Saphira, and gets pulled into a rebellion against a tyrant king. Scope grows from one valley to a continent-wide war. The Cycle closed in 2011; Murtagh (2023) continues with Murtagh and Thorn.

The four main novels in order are the Cycle. Eragon first appeared self-published in 2002, then revised for the 2003 Knopf edition. Either printing is fine as book one. The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm is optional shorts after Inheritance. Murtagh is a sequel novel; Fork first is smoother but Murtagh works without it.

Read Eragon, Eldest, Brisingr, Inheritance. It is linear; each book picks up where the last left off. Then optional Fork and Murtagh if you want more Alagaësia. No alternate order for newcomers. Come for the dragon bond and the rebellion road; stay if you like watching a young rider grow into the weight of that choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Inheritance Cycle books are there?

Four in the Cycle. Plus optional Fork and sequel novel Murtagh if counting all Alagaësia.

Where does Murtagh fit?

After Inheritance; preferably after Fork. Not a fifth Cycle novel in the original branding.

Is the Inheritance Cycle finished?

The four-book Cycle is finished. Murtagh continues the world.

Is The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm required?

No. Optional shorts after the main series. The four novels stand alone.

Where should I start with Inheritance Cycle?

Eragon. Protagonist, Saphira, and the conflict all start there.

Related Series