Murtagh by Christopher Paolini
At the end of last year, on the train home, I saw a staggering huge red poster at Hawthorn station for a new book. To my surprise, it was a follow-up to the Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini, a whole twelve years since the series ended. The new book, however, is from the point of view of Murtagh, a major antagonist from the series. As such, I was eager to see where this new perspective would go and what kind of concerns and challenges Murtagh would have after being labelled a traitor. I was pleasantly surprised by how mature this character was, and the style of writing reflected this.
A new threat has emerged in Alagaësia, and Murtagh is reluctant to warn the continent, seeing this as a chance for redemption and to protect Nasuada. He travels far on the back of his dragon, Thorn, and the journey he takes is interspersed with introspections. Through his dreams, the story of his past is revealed. This new perspective not only brings some sympathy to the character but also creates a very complex narrative.
I thought this book, being so large with over 600 pages, would be quite a long read. However, the writing is accessible and flows so naturally that I finished it in just a few days.
If you have read the Inheritance Cycle, it is well worth returning to the world of Alagaësia, and if not, this is a great stand-alone novel.
Find Murtagh by Christopher Paolini.
Blake
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