New novel by The Inheritance Cycle author Paolini goes to PRH Children's

Murtagh, a new novel from Christopher Paolini, author of The Inheritance Cycle (Doubleday Children’s), has been announced by PRH Children’s imprint Penguin.

Kelly Hurst, editorial director of Penguin Random House Children’s, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights for Murtagh from Simon Lipskar, president of Writers House, in a six-figure deal. Set in the Eragon world, Murtagh will release simultaneously in the US and Canada and will be available in hardcover, e-book and audio on 7th November 2023. The book will also include seven pieces of original black-and-white art created by the author.

The publisher added that it would also be “kicking off this exciting year of Paolini publishing” with newly packaged paperback editions for the Inheritance Cycle – which includes the books Eragon, Eldest, Brisingr and Inheritance — on 4th May 2023, each of which will include an excerpt of Murtagh.

Murtagh is a full-length, standalone novel that picks up one year after the events of the Inheritance Cycle and builds on the story of the original series. The synopsis adds: “Murtagh is one of Paolini’s most popular characters, and this latest novel gives him a story of his own. Murtagh is a perfect entry point for readers looking to discover the next fantasy sensation or for anyone longing to return to Alagaësia and the World of Eragon.

“Murtagh transports readers into an electrifying adventure, with danger and intrigue around every corner. The world is no longer safe for the Dragon Rider Murtagh and his dragon, Thorn. An evil king  has been toppled, and they are left to face the consequences of the reluctant role they played in his reign of terror. Now they are hated and alone, exiled to the outskirts of society.

"But when Murtagh discovers something wicked lurking in the shadows of Alagaësia, so begins an epic journey into lands both familiar and untravelled, where he and Thorn must use every weapon in their arsenal, from brains to brawn, to find and outwit a mysterious witch. A witch who is much more than she seems…”

Paolini said: “Returning to the world of Eragon has been an absolute blast. Murtagh is the novel I’ve been waiting to write for over 13 years. It’s a deep dive into the life of our titular character and his dragon, Thorn. Here you’ll find mystery, magic and revelations as Murtagh attempts to answer some of the deepest questions in the land, as well as those of his own life. I’ve had a ridiculous amount of (sometimes devilish) fun writing Murtagh, and I can’t wait for readers to experience it for themselves. Welcome back to Alagaësia!”

Kelly Hurst, Paolini’s long-time editor at Penguin Random House Children’s, commented: “We are incredibly proud to have been the UK home of the Inheritance Cycle books for 20 years now, and we are beyond thrilled to bring readers a new story in the world of Eragon featuring this beloved character. We can’t wait for fans to re-enter this epic fantasy world that Christopher has so intricately created – or for new readers to discover it for the first time.”