By Title: Murtagh
Author: Christopher Paolini
Publication Date: 2023
Publishing House: Alfred A. Knopf
I grew up reading the Eragon books or the Inheritance Cycle. The last book in the original portion of the series was published in 2011. Returning after so many years is a bit like a bittersweet homecoming.
The world is no longer safe for the Dragon Rider Murtagh and his dragon, Thorn. An evil king has been toppled, and they are left to face the consequences of the reluctant role they played in his reign of terror. Now they are hated and alone, exiled to the outskirts of society.
Throughout the land, hushed voices whisper of brittle ground and a faint scent of brimstone in the air—and Murtagh senses that something wicked lurks in the shadows of Alagaësia. So begins an epic journey into lands both familiar and untraveled, where Murtagh and Thorn must use every weapon in their arsenal, from brains to brawn, to find and outwit a mysterious witch. A witch who is much more than she seems.
In this gripping novel starring one of the most popular characters from Christopher Paolini’s blockbuster Inheritance Cycle, a Dragon Rider must discover what he stands for in a world that has abandoned him. Murtagh is the perfect book to enter the World of Eragon for the first time . . . or to joyfully return.
Spoilers beyond!
At the end of Inheritance, Murtagh and Thorn fly off alone after Galbatorix’s death to discover who they are as dragon and rider away from the everyone else. They are hated by most for the crimes they were forced to commit under Galbatorix rule.
This book sees both Torn and Murtagh work to understand who they are and what they are capable of on their own while simultaneously working through the series trauma that they gained while under Galbatorix’s thumb. This is not a happy book, Roran’s story line in the original series has more laughter but it is a needed step into this world now that the bounds have been reset. This book also gives a misunderstood villain a chance to speak.
Trigger warning: This book is bloody and dark and so painful. I want more from Murtaugh’s point of view now. I do suggest this book for fans of the original series, for fans of fantasy, and for those looking for adventure.
McGee Travel Tales 
Omg there is a book on Murtagh!!!! It’s been more than a decade since I read the series but he was always my favourite. But this means I need to go reread the series to refresh my memory! I am so glad I saw your post. This made me so happy to know there is a new book focused on him!!!!
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I also had to reread the series before reading Murtagh. It’s a great book to walk back into this world as an adult.
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