It took me about four days to get through "Brisingr," the latest volume in young Christopher Paolini's "Inheritance" quadrilogy. Paolini made a splash several years ago with the first volume, "Eragon," written when he was only 16.

Now Paolini is 24 and his writing has improved. The first book was well done -- likely a result of a lot of polish over a number of years before it received widespread popularity. The second installment, "Eldest," was uneven and at points I was exasperated as Paolini chose to  tell  me things rather than show me things.

I was a little disappointed as I reached the book's end and it became apparent that the story was not going to be wrapped up. Instead a fourth book is coming.

"Brisingr" continues the story of Eragon, his dragon Saphira, and their battle against the evil Galbatorix an insane and evil dragon rider who rules the Alglaesia. Galbatorix is aided, unwillingly, by Murtagh, Eragon's brother. Murtagh was captured and turned by Galbatorix in "Eldest." In "Brisingr," Eragon's goal is to discover how Galbatorix and Murtagh have managed to amass their unnatural magical powers while at the same time keeping the disparate parts of the Varden -- the military coalition attempting to end Galbatorix's reign -- an allied, unified fighting force.

This isn't as good as the Harry Potter books, nor much of Terry Brooks' Shannara books, but it is fun and it is accessible to younger kids. It's fun.

I look forward to the next, and final, installment.