"Murtagh" - Part 1: CEUNON (I-IV) - My Thoughts

Likely SPOILERS!!!

Chapters Read:

Part 1: CEUNON

• I. Maddentide
• II. The Fulsome Feast
• III. Fork and Blade
• IV. Conclave

After several months I am returning to 'The World of Eragon' and I am THRILLED to do so!

'The Inheritance Cycle' was seriously outstanding to re-read and the stories in 'The Fork, The Witch, and The Worm' were an absolute treat.

Diving into 'Murtagh' I had no idea what to expect and so far so.... GREAT!!!

It's been so great to re-explore the main series and then dive into this new tale featuring Eragon's half brother Murtagh. Truly magical.

Murtagh is one of the most intriguing characters in this entire series/world/realm and I saw that way more in my recent re-read, so having an entire book with just Murtagh and his dragon Thorn is so exciting.

So far the writing in 'Murtagh' is so smooth and effortless. I feel like I'm really with Murtagh and Thorn.

This book feels a lot more mature and tough right off the bat. Murtagh is not only older than Eragon but time has also passed since the conclusion of 'The Inheritance Cycle'.

In general Murtagh has had to be pretty independent throughout his life and he feels in general a bit tougher than Eragon. Eragon is tough in his own way don't get me wrong but it's a different type of toughness I suppose. Murtagh feels like a more realistic person personality wise, and I find myself relating to him a bit more as a character as I read so far.

Thorn is also quite interesting. He seems both rather funny and pretty intense. It's interesting to read about a male dragon instead of Saphira who was female.

The opening chapters have been excellent and mysterious. A respectable portion of this was actually covered in 'The Fork, the Witch, and The Worm' but of course from Murtagh's perspective this time.

Murtagh and Thorn feel genuinely alone in the world and it's again, rather relatable. Adulthood is pretty much like this for the most part.

Just being around Ceunon and this norhern area of Alagaësia has been cool. I love geography in general and when it's combined into a fantasy book like this, it's just such a fun time. Reading about the ocean/waterway, and referencing Du Weldenvarden in the distance in early winter is just a joy to imagine. Snow and winter vibes always feels magical. Having such a rich backstory while Murtagh and Thorn travel about adds so much depth!

I'm absolutely intrigued by everything in this book so far, I think I'm going to love this. The unique artwork featured in this book is soooooo cool. The map of Alagaësia being portrayed differently than in 'The Inheritance Cycle' is beautiful, and even seeing how the table of contents/chapter structure are different is just a few clever visual ways that Paolini established Murtagh so it gives the reader the understanding that yes, this may be in the World of Eragon, but Murtagh is not just some copycat of Eragon. If that makes sense.

Murtagh and Thorn are really quite powerful and it's wild how the world has no idea how pivotal they were in overthrowing Galbatorix. Pretty tragic.

So far this series feels mildly grittier and mildly more mature.

I'm curious about this mysterious rock Murtagh has discovered, I'm curious about new characters of all sorts (new riders maybe?!?!) and I'm also intrigued to see if we'll see Arya and Fírnen!

So many questions!!! I am honored and excited to experience such a cool adventure and I'm barely into the book!!!

I can't wait to continue. These books bring me such peace and joy in a messed up world.

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On a random side note, there was a smidge of news regarding the 'Inheritance Cycle' Disney+ series! Apparently they've decided on show runners and an executive producer!!

The show has reportedly been in development for awhile but there's been a lot of crickets in the past few years. I'm so glad that there's some news!

Perhaps if the series is successful they'll one day make Murtagh a series! I have high hopes.

The Harry Potter series is coming out next year I'm pretty sure, Eragon is getting its own series, not bad! Not bad at all!! They just need to do Cirque Du Freak justice one day. That movie was so embarrassing.