Returning to Alagaësia: Why Murtagh Is the Sequel We’ve All Been Waiting For
Buy Murtagh by Chrisopher Paolini on Amazon
I never expected to be this excited about a book focused on Murtagh, but here we are. A year after Inheritance, we’re back in Alagaësia, and it feels both nostalgic and new. Several reviewers have called it heartwarming, heartbreaking, and everything in between—and honestly, I agree. Even though it’s not a direct “Book 5,” it still sets up a larger story that will delight old fans and might just convert newcomers (though knowing the original series definitely helps).
Post-war Alagaësia is teeming with possibilities. Murtagh and Thorn, now free from Galbatorix’s clutches, wander from city to city, confronting magical threats and grappling with a world that fears them. One reviewer highlighted how this book shines a light on elements only hinted at before, like the Soothsayer and hidden lairs where unspeakable things happened. The lore is richer for it, and you can practically feel Christopher Paolini’s longtime passion for building out every nook and cranny of this universe.
The emotional core of Murtagh’s journey also stands out. He might not have been your favorite character in Eragon’s story, but here, he’s more than a brooding antihero—he’s a deeply scarred individual wrestling with guilt, responsibility, and the weight of everything he was forced to do. Thorn shares in that trauma, battling claustrophobia and flashbacks of how Galbatorix twisted their bond. Another reviewer mentioned how these two are freer than they’ve ever been, yet still shackled by their past. It’s heartbreaking, but also strangely hopeful, especially when new allies—like Uvek, an Urgal shaman—offer glimpses of redemption.
Many fans love the continuity between this novel and Inheritance. We get updates on the land (including new dangers cropping up) and satisfying revelations about Galbatorix’s hidden cruelty. Those who’ve read the earlier books will appreciate the finer details: references to the Hall of the Soothsayer, the moral toll of Eragon’s war, and the distinction between Murtagh’s forced servitude versus Eragon’s free-spirited learning. One reviewer said you can jump in without reading the original series, but it’s far more meaningful if you already know about Nasuada, old battles like Burning Planes, and the uneasy alliance between dragons and riders.
A few people have pointed out small quirks. Some side quests might feel like drawn-out D&D campaigns, and there are occasional moments where the magical rules bend conveniently. Yet these hiccups didn’t ruin their overall enjoyment. One reader even said that while it’s not “perfect,” it still earned a solid 10/10 from them—proof that heartfelt storytelling can outweigh any minor plot detours.
Paolini’s trademark depth is everywhere. Murtagh dabbles in poetry, recites true names with Thorn, and faces scenarios that test his moral limits. The relationship between rider and dragon was always a highlight in the original series, and here it’s arguably at its most poignant. Murtagh and Thorn share enough love to keep each other going, but the scars run deep. You can sense the author’s respect for their trauma, yet he’s careful to leave room for growth (and possibly more books).
It’s also refreshing to see that Murtagh dives into the aftermath of war. Where Eragon’s arc carried the weight of a grand rebellion, Murtagh deals with the fallout of old battles and tortured alliances. One reviewer described how this book breaks your heart with revelations of what Murtagh and Thorn endured—how many innocents died in conflicts they didn’t choose. The guilt is palpable, but it never feels gratuitous. Instead, it underscores a larger theme of facing consequences and finding your place in a land still riddled with darkness.
If you loved the Inheritance Cycle for its epic scope and emotional depth, this installment is well worth your time. Yes, some reviewers wished for a deeper glimpse into Alagaësia’s political landscape or more cameos from familiar faces like Nasuada, but what we do get is tantalizing. The seeds are planted for more: new threats, unresolved secrets, and plenty of side characters who could reappear later. Everyone agrees there’s a sense of “buildup,” making it clear Paolini isn’t finished with this universe.
In the end, Murtagh feels like a triumphant return to a beloved world, carrying just enough nods to the past while paving the way for future adventures. It’s darker, more introspective, and unapologetically emotional—perfect for readers who want to see Alagaësia through the eyes of its most tormented Dragon Rider. Even if Murtagh was never your favorite, this book might change your mind. It’s a story about healing, second chances, and forging a new path when all seems lost.
If that doesn’t sound like a worthy follow-up to the Inheritance Cycle, I’m not sure what else could.
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