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adventurous
dark
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Clicking the 'read' button on this app for this book was the most satisfying thing I've done in a long while oh my GOD
The Inheritance Cycle will always be a book series close to my heart. I read Eragon as a tween and continued the rest of the series throughout my teenage years. Whilst I never expected to return to the world of Alagaësia, I'm so thankful I did.
Despite being nearly 700 pages long, and so chunky I affectionately nicknamed it the brick on my nightstand, there was action and plot so thrilling I hated putting it down. I almost wished the book was shorter, not because it was boring but rather the opposite - I was so engrossed it annoyed me that I had to wait to see what happened!
Murtagh as a protagonist is also a very refreshing change to the optimistic Eragon. I daresay he makes for a better main character. Whilst he never gripped my attention in the original series, his morals and character development within this book was some of the best plot in the entire series. The plot itself however isn't lacking either - whilst sometimes a little slow at times (which is the only reason this book is at 4.5 rather than 5 stars), it was consistent, and there was always something happening. It never strayed too far from the main plot either, which is a feat and a half for a book of this size!
I'm almost glad it took me this long to complete it - it means I have less time to wait for Paolini's continuation, which I eagerly await!
The Inheritance Cycle will always be a book series close to my heart. I read Eragon as a tween and continued the rest of the series throughout my teenage years. Whilst I never expected to return to the world of Alagaësia, I'm so thankful I did.
Despite being nearly 700 pages long, and so chunky I affectionately nicknamed it the brick on my nightstand, there was action and plot so thrilling I hated putting it down. I almost wished the book was shorter, not because it was boring but rather the opposite - I was so engrossed it annoyed me that I had to wait to see what happened!
Murtagh as a protagonist is also a very refreshing change to the optimistic Eragon. I daresay he makes for a better main character. Whilst he never gripped my attention in the original series, his morals and character development within this book was some of the best plot in the entire series. The plot itself however isn't lacking either - whilst sometimes a little slow at times (which is the only reason this book is at 4.5 rather than 5 stars), it was consistent, and there was always something happening. It never strayed too far from the main plot either, which is a feat and a half for a book of this size!
I'm almost glad it took me this long to complete it - it means I have less time to wait for Paolini's continuation, which I eagerly await!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Torture, Violence, Blood, Religious bigotry, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Slavery, Trafficking, Death of parent
Minor: Animal death, War
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I always loved Murtagh as a character from the Inheritance Cycle, and this book from his perspective gave great insight into the character.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Gore, Torture
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
As with the previous Inheritance books, 'Murtagh' starts sloooowww, it took me a while to get into it (I actually paused the book several months), and I read it in fits and starts, but boooy did it deliver a story.
It made me realize Murtagh is my favorite character in the series, I love Eragon dearly, but Murtagh is so complicated and haunted in a different way, and I just want him to be safe and happy. It was very interesting to see into Murtagh's head, and the flashbacks we got of things he told Eragon about in 'Eragon' and also that ocurred to him after the battle of Farthen Dur, and to see his relationship with Thorn (and compare it with Eragon and Saphira's).
Also it was heartbreaking comparing his situation to Eragon's, and the couple times Murtagh thinks about his familial relationship with himand when he wonders about his worth bc Selena tried to save Eragon??? Absolutely depressed . Honestly, every time I think about Eragon and Murtagh I get sad.
I liked the ending, so idk how to feel about Christopher's news that there will be a sequel to this (Let my man rest!!! Also Roran is going to be in it? siiiighs), specially considering the plot of this book.Honestly, it might be on me bc I always equated Book V with an EragonxArya endgame (what? I read the series when I was 12), but it is only now that I stop and think that ofc Christopher would have needed a new plot point for a new book, this is a fantasy, not a romance, and of course Azlagur makes sense, but it does me make worried about where the story is going, bc 'Murtagh' states that Azlagur is way more poweful than Galbatorix, and they barely defeated Galbatorix, and they dont have any new Riders yet either so...idkk, we shall see I guess
It made me realize Murtagh is my favorite character in the series, I love Eragon dearly, but Murtagh is so complicated and haunted in a different way, and I just want him to be safe and happy. It was very interesting to see into Murtagh's head, and the flashbacks we got of things he told Eragon about in 'Eragon' and also that ocurred to him after the battle of Farthen Dur, and to see his relationship with Thorn (and compare it with Eragon and Saphira's).
Also it was heartbreaking comparing his situation to Eragon's, and the couple times Murtagh thinks about his familial relationship with him
I liked the ending, so idk how to feel about Christopher's news that there will be a sequel to this (Let my man rest!!! Also Roran is going to be in it? siiiighs), specially considering the plot of this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Self harm, Kidnapping, War
Minor: Cursing, Gore, Mental illness, Slavery, Excrement, Vomit, Death of parent, Sexual harassment, Classism
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I don't usually fall for the bad boy type, but I needed some Murtagh in my life! I chose Murtagh because I had read the rest of the Inheritance Cycle series by Christopher Paolini, and I wanted to know what was next, not to mention that I have a burning curiosity to know more about Murtagh.
The book picks up immediately after Inheritance and follows Murtagh as he decides what to do now that he is free from Galbatorix and the world is saved. It is immediately clear that Murtagh and Thorn are destined for danger and adventure as they encounter a mysterious and lethal group. Murtagh and Thorn decide to investigate on their own as the rest of Alagaesia's heroes are busy cleaning up after the war. Murtagh quickly realizes that there is something more sinister going on than they could ever anticipate, and the two of them face one of their biggest challenges yet.
I loved getting to know Murtagh and Thorn, including their complexities, sarcasm, and brooding mannerisms. The plot flows well, and the conflict builds appropriately throughout the story. The group they meet is so mysterious and dangerous that I have trouble predicting what the source of their power is, whether it is real, and who will prevail in the end. I felt tense as I worried about Murtagh and Thorn, not only from the outside forces, but also the conflicts in their minds and hearts.
I wish the final battle could have been more detailed, and I would have liked to have more information about how Murtagh's path will unfold moving forward, but I am delighted at the growth we see from both him and Thorn in the tale. I also was thirsting for some news of Eragon and Arya even if it was just a tidbit. I think Paolini could have woven in more details from previous characters and books without detracting from this story.
Overall, this is a must-read for Paolini fans. We need to encourage him to keep writing books on Alagaesia and its characters. If you are a fan of fantasy, adventure, danger, personal growth, dark characters, anti-heroes, and mystery, this is the book for you. It is a fast flowing read that will keep you intrigued until the end. Happy reading!
The book picks up immediately after Inheritance and follows Murtagh as he decides what to do now that he is free from Galbatorix and the world is saved. It is immediately clear that Murtagh and Thorn are destined for danger and adventure as they encounter a mysterious and lethal group. Murtagh and Thorn decide to investigate on their own as the rest of Alagaesia's heroes are busy cleaning up after the war. Murtagh quickly realizes that there is something more sinister going on than they could ever anticipate, and the two of them face one of their biggest challenges yet.
I loved getting to know Murtagh and Thorn, including their complexities, sarcasm, and brooding mannerisms. The plot flows well, and the conflict builds appropriately throughout the story. The group they meet is so mysterious and dangerous that I have trouble predicting what the source of their power is, whether it is real, and who will prevail in the end. I felt tense as I worried about Murtagh and Thorn, not only from the outside forces, but also the conflicts in their minds and hearts.
I wish the final battle could have been more detailed, and I would have liked to have more information about how Murtagh's path will unfold moving forward, but I am delighted at the growth we see from both him and Thorn in the tale. I also was thirsting for some news of Eragon and Arya even if it was just a tidbit. I think Paolini could have woven in more details from previous characters and books without detracting from this story.
Overall, this is a must-read for Paolini fans. We need to encourage him to keep writing books on Alagaesia and its characters. If you are a fan of fantasy, adventure, danger, personal growth, dark characters, anti-heroes, and mystery, this is the book for you. It is a fast flowing read that will keep you intrigued until the end. Happy reading!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Confinement, Panic attacks/disorders, Torture, Violence, Blood
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I was skeptical at first, with it being so long after the og books were released *cough*Mysterious Benedict Society*cough* , but I really enjoyed it. Murtagh was always an complex character I enjoyed and I'm glad to see more of his story
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Confinement, Death, Torture, Violence, Blood, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Physical abuse
Minor: War
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Torture, Violence, Murder
Moderate: Animal death, Confinement, Gore, Panic attacks/disorders, Blood, Grief, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Vomit, Death of parent, War
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book feels like a Dungeons and Dragons campaign in the best way possible
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Slavery
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Animal death, Slavery
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was difficult to rate because as a standalone, I'd give this at least 4 stars. Compared to the Eragon-saga however, I was a bit disappointed. I still love the world and enjoyed the glimpses you get of Alagaësia post-Galbatorix, but I'm not sure I enjoy the direction the plot is taking with an even bigger (literally), even more evil next villain for Murtagh to defeat. It felt a bit... cheap. The book also felt very slow, even if it was interesting throughout. Still, I'm invested now and will continue reading once the next book comes out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Torture, Violence
Moderate: Drug use, Panic attacks/disorders, Blood, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Animal death, Child death, Physical abuse, Slavery
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I love Murtagh as a character and I love this book. I honestly can’t think of anything I didn’t like about it. The writing, the pacing, the characters, the character growth, character relationships, the plot, everything was so so good. Obviously I’m biased as I already loved Murtagh as a character (like I already said) but I honestly believe that this is the best book of the Inheritance Cycle by far. It was also darker than any of the other books. I like darker, angsty things (which is another reason why I am biased towards this book) but pages 450-570 or so were rough even for me.
What a fantastic book. I’m super excited to see where the story goes from here. I hope that we continue to get Murtagh’s POV in future books.
What a fantastic book. I’m super excited to see where the story goes from here. I hope that we continue to get Murtagh’s POV in future books.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Confinement, Torture, Violence, Blood
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It took me many, many months to get through this, but my gosh it was a fantastic read. Murtagh has always been my favourite morally grey character and to have a whole 600+ page book dedicated to him and Thorn was everything I could have wanted (besides just being back in this world again).
Getting to learn more about Murtagh's character arc and see where life took him and Thorn after all the events that transpired throughout the Inheritance Cycle was fascinating. I felt as though we were really given a chance to get to know them as more than 'the vilains' and it was beautiful.
To see how their tortured past (especially with Galbatorix) triggers them still was heartbreaking and so realistic in a person. The empathy I felt was overwhelming at times - I just wanted to reach through the pages of the book and give them both a big hug. It warms my heart to know that they are least have comfort in each other.
The character growth from both of them in this novel was incredibly impressive, working through the torments of their memories and wanting and trying to get through the other side was so inspiring but what really drove that inspiration further was that it wasn't done overnight. With Thorn especially, we really got a deeper understanding of how his forced growth as a hatchling and cruel trials Galbatorix made him go through affected him still and how he struggled awfully with confined spaces because of that. It was was heartbreaking to see his frustration and fear, being stuck in the cruel moments of the past that brought the fear on.
A theme I really enjoyed in Murtagh was the significant role dreams played - I believe that was also a concept in TSIASOS, so I found it intriguing to see how differently Paolini explores that theme in his sci-fi and in his fantasy, respectively.
A little side note here, but I couldn't help but love the little notes of "mmm", or 'hrmph'.. It just felt so intrinsically human.
I loved getting to see more of the world and did get annoyed at Murtagh's endless curiosity always getting him into trouble, but the things we discovered about the goings on after what we hoped would be a long lasting peace was worrying and I'm so eager to find out what happens next!
What else is in store for Murtagh and Thorn?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Gore, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Xenophobia, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Religious bigotry, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, War, Injury/Injury detail