Thursday, April 11, 2024

Murtagh by Christopher Paolini - HIGH

Murtagh
by Christopher Paolini
, 690 Young Adult, Adult Fiction Knopf (Random House), 2023. $30 

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; R (graphic killings, torture, cults, possession) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS, ADULT - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Murtagh and his dragon, Thorn, are outcasts following the toppling of Galbatorix and their forced role in his reign of terror. There are whispers of evil in the brittle ground and brimstone in the air. Sensing an unknown danger, Murtagh and Thorn risk their lives as they face down a witch and those who follow her. 

 Murtagh is a complex character and a dark hero that you will end up rooting for. Both he and Thorn have to overcome the fears and trauma faced in their formative years. If you haven't read Eragon for awhile, there is just enough recapping to understand this book without having to reread the first series, but a more recent read through would make this book more compelling. The action is fast paced and well written. There are definitely dark moments, but fans of Eragon will eat this up. While the book concludes well enough, a second book is surely lurking, just like the danger that would overthrow Alagaesia. There are many cultures and races in the book as befits a fantasy novel 

Michelle in the Middle 

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