Murtagh

November 1, 2023
Grades 7-10 A year after the fall of the wicked conqueror Galbatorix (and 12 years since the conclusion of Paolini's Inheritance Cycle), Eragon's half brother, Murtagh, also a Dragon Rider, is on the run. An antihero in the original series, Murtagh was first one of Galbatorix's men, but he changed sides with Eragon's help. Now, he seeks to steer clear of danger, but danger finds him nonetheless, whether through the sword of a greedy trader or rumors of an evil witch. He rides his dragon companion, Thorn, across Alaga�sia in search of answers as he also reckons with his past as a villain and wonders how to use his magic to help, rather than harm. Much of the story surrounds Murtagh's relationship with Thorn, and previous Dragon Riders are name-checked but do not appear. Still, familiarity with the original series and characters is a must. Two decades after the debut of Eragon, Paolini shows that there are still fresh tales to be told in this world.

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November 15, 2023
Murtagh and Thorn must defend Alaga�sia from a shadowy new threat in this sequel to Inheritance (2011). In an Alaga�sia that's at last free from tyrannical King Galbatorix, Murtagh and his dragon, Thorn, cannot free themselves from the stain of association. As the pair hide their identities, Murtagh works to uncover the mystery behind a cryptic warning from Umaroth. Defending himself against an attack by informant Sarros, Murtagh is horrified to learn that a witch named Bachel has created an amulet that protects against even the Name of all Names. Seeking Bachel, Murtagh returns to Gil'ead, where he risks discovery by those who knew him from Galbatorix's court. Werecat Carabel promises information about Bachel and her Dreamers if Murtagh rescues kidnapped werecat children. Murtagh and Thorn must confront the scars left by their enslavement by Galbatorix if they hope to succeed. Murtagh's point of view is kept vividly distinct, and it contains a visceral anger over injustices that are expressed at a new level of intensity. He's particularly protective of children in a way that wasn't displayed by previous series protagonists. The psychological scars from both Murtagh's enslavement and his childhood abuse are well portrayed and shape his characterization in meaningful ways. In a welcome change, Thorn is no longer merely a plot vehicle; with the intimate rider-dragon bond on display, a terrified, confused young dragon still learning who he is shares center stage. A much-needed follow-up centering a beloved character. (map, names and languages) (Fantasy. 12-18)

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