In an interview, he talked about a potential "book five", a prequel centering on Brom, and said that he has planned "around seven more stories set in Alagaësia—and one of those is in fact a series.

Having spent so long thinking about the series as a trilogy, it was difficult for me to realize that, in order to be true to my characters and to address all of the plot points and unanswered questions Eragon and Eldest raised, I needed to split the end of the series into two books.On March 23, 2011, Random House announced the title, cover artwork, and release date of Inheritance.

Eragon, Arya, Angela, the werecat Solembum, and an elf named Wyrden enter this sewer system, to sneak into the city and open the gates.

Eragon struggles under the weight of command, and recalls Solembum's previous advice, instructing him to journey to the Rock of Kuthian and open the Vault of Souls.

During the conversation, Solembum appears to be possessed, helping Eragon discover that the Rock is located on Vroengard Island, and protected by magic which causes everyone, barring himself and Saphira, to forget about it upon hearing of it.

On the island, Eragon and Saphira find the Rock and learn that they must speak their true names to enter the Vault of Souls.

Their combined forces attack Urû'baen while Eragon, Saphira, Arya, Elva, and elven spellcasters break into Galbatorix's citadel.

Murtagh, who had developed feelings for Nasuada in her captivity, has his true name changed, and turns on Galbatorix, using the Word to strip him of his wards.

With the Eldunarí, Eragon casts a spell to make Galbatorix experience the pain and suffering that he has caused, while Arya kills Shruikan with the Dauthdaert.

1 on the USA Today's "Best-Selling Books" list, selling nearly half a million copies on the first day in the United States.

However, Hill criticized the plot for being overly reliant on magic and the ending as being too similar to the final three chapters of The Lord of the Rings.

[6] The Washington Post's Yvonne Zipp noted that, although the book is marketed to young adults, certain content may be too violent for younger readers, such as the scenes in which Nasuada is tortured and Arya's hand is degloved while trying to escape from shackles.

Shelby Scoffield of Deseret News called the book "a sophisticated novel" and "a sense of closure to a truly great series", but criticized Paolini's use of "long and boring details".