"The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm" - My Thoughts on 'The Witch'!

Spoiler Warning!!

So this book continues with the tale called 'The Witch' and it wasn't quite as good as 'The Fork' but it was still quite enjoyable.

It begins with Angela sitting in front of Eragon's desk for a visit and it's apparently fully snowing outside and in the middle of winter now. It's cool that a familiar face is straight up visiting Eragon. It's also quite nice that it's straight up snowing hard now, snow is an element that was rarely, if ever, seen throughout the main series. Up in Eragon's eyrie, the vibes just feel super cozy. I imagine had I read this when it came out in December of 2018, the vibes may have been even more magical. Still, no matter the time of year, this is still a joyful experience. It's getting chillier anyway. Apparently in the Eastern Reaches, the winter is quite cold.

The whole vibe is so intriguing and nice in this book so far. Eragon and Saphira are pretty much establishing their own life, and even territory in a way. People approach them on their terms, and it's just so fascinating and nice. They are in a whole new phase of their life.

Yes well, Angela is here along with Elva and Solembum. Solembum is mysterious as ever and he even has his own cryptic message about the shadows that walk. Pure 'Eragon' vibes. I am thinking this is something to maybe do with whatever Murtagh's series may be about? Not sure. But I like it.

But yeah it seems like Angela is visiting to share with Eragon more about herself and perhaps to seek assistance in regards to Elva. Elva is getting older and with her one of a kind powers and overall potential still unfolding, she presents evolving unpredictable challenges it seems.

Angela has written a rather loose, wacky bit of an autobiography and requests Eragon reads it. The story she shares is rather wildly abstract and unorthodox. While a bit perplexing and hard to actually read or understand at times, it is quite nice raw fantasy and very much on brand for Angela and her mysterious self. She is an undoubtedly very cool character full of mysterious power.

She also explains slightly where she took Elva when Angela took the child under her wing. The way she just took her out of the castle and into some mysterious beach at night was so cool. The drawing Paolini offers as like the cover of 'The Witch' is just so beautiful.

One of my favorite lines in 'The Witch' is when Angela says to Eragon after asking why she had him read this enigmatic tale:

'Perhaps because I think there are certain doors you need to walk through.'

Just a super thought provoking, super Angela type of line.

Also, I can't help but think that when Angela is said to be knitting a red and green wool cap in the middle of winter, that this could be a Christmas nod? Whatever the case, that's how I'll see it. If this is the case I believe it may just be a simple notion from Paolini to the reader. BUT a part of me wouldn't be shocked that Angela is some time traveler of some sort and actually knows about Christmas. That would be cool. Also, when it's said that Saphira is clearing snow with her fire, that's just so fun. What a hack that would be to have a dragon melt snow!

I'm just so intrigued by this book so far. I love how time is passing and Eragon and Saphira are mostly just at peace. It's like an interlude or even perhaps an outro with a purpose. So chill, just amazingly chill. I'm also surprised at how this is mostly from Eragon's perspective in a roundabout way, I didn't know what to expect necessarily so far.

I like how Paolini may be kind of spacing out these books after 'The Inheritance Cycle' by sheer time. I get a sense that he's still planning on exploring this world he's created. I mean the only proof I have is this book and the existence of 'Murtagh'. He's also said that 'Murtagh' will have a sequel and teased more stuff as well. It's nice that he's like letting each phase kinda stand on its own but be connected. He began this series so young and the potential to create a really richer and richer world as he grows and develops along side the actual reader is really a one of a kind opportunity.

Again, I'm not reading this in one day but, it's absolutely possible. I love that. This book just feels really special. The perfect installment.

On to 'The Worm'!