Murtagh (Inheritance Cycle, #5) by Christopher Paolini

Murtagh (Inheritance Cycle, #5) by Christopher Paolini-688 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐✩

This is set in the aftermath of the events of the first 4 books in the series, but with Murtagh as the main protagonist. He learns of a potential newly revealed threat to Alagaesia and sets out on a journey to learn the truth and confront this threat. Along the way, Murtagh struggles with his identity and his troubled past. He doesn't think he fits in anywhere or with anyone. He still cares for Nasuada, but he doesn't think she cares for him the same way. The journey changes Murtagh and Thorn (the dragon Murtagh is paired with/is Rider of) in unexpected ways. I enjoyed returning to Alagaesia and reading something from Murtagh's perspective. 

To Sleep in a Sea of Stars by Christopher Paolini

 (Fractalverse #1)

880 pages / 32 hrs, 30 mins

"Kira Navárez dreamed of life on new worlds. Now she's awakened a nightmare. During a routine survey mission on an uncolonized planet, Kira finds an alien relic. At first she's delighted, but elation turns to terror when the ancient dust around her begins to move.

"As war erupts among the stars, Kira is launched into a galaxy-spanning odyssey of discovery and transformation. First contact isn't at all what she imagined, and events push her to the very limits of what it means to be human.

"While Kira faces her own horrors, Earth and its colonies stand upon the brink of annihilation. Now, Kira might be humanity's greatest and final hope..."  --from the publisher

An interesting story that is well told. It dragged in a few spots with too many details for my taste, but it is clear that Paolini is brilliant! I stretched myself to read something different, and I'm glad I did. I give it four out of five stars.

 

To Sleep In A Sea Of Stars

by  Christopher Paolini

Xenobiologist Kira Navárez spent her whole life dreaming of discovering new worlds, and it was near perfect. Newly engaged with her life planned out, everything seems set. Then one day, she makes a huge discovery during a routine survey mission on an uncolonized planet: alien relics.

Delight turns into horror when the ancient dust around her begins to move and completely changes her life. Disaster upends everything she’s ever known, and Kira is thrust into a war that spans the entire galaxy. As Kira grapples with her humanity and these newfound responsibilities, knowing full well civilization’s survival may rest on her shoulders, she travels, fights, and soars across the stars. Kira may be humanity’s last hope, and she isn’t sure she can withstand her own personal horrors to live up to the task.

878 pages

The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm by Christopher Paolini

The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm by Christopher Paolini-281 pages

I really enjoyed reading the Inheritance Cycle by Paolini, so I immediately wanted to read this when I learned of its publishing. Paolini tells 3 different stories from the world of the Inheritance Cycle. One is about Murtagh, one about Angela the herbalist, and the other about an Urgal named Ilgra and her unyielding pursuit of a dragon named Vermund. It was fun to revisit the world of Alagaesia again and I would recommend this to anyone who has read the Inheritance Cycle and/or enjoys fantasy.

Eragon (Inheritance Cycle #1) by Christopher Paolini

Eragon (Inheritance Cycle #1) by Christopher Paolini-503 pages

I watched the movie and read Eldest, Brisingr, and Inheritance, but I have not yet read Eragon. I started reading it for last month's fantasy challenge, but didn't finish until today. I was reminded why I like this series while reading this. It starts off a bit slow, but really picks up near the middle. One can tell Paolini was inspired by many different authors, and it seems Tolkien is among them. I really enjoyed reading Eragon and almost want to read the rest of the Inheritance Series again now, but I want to move on to other books I have not yet read. I may read the rest of the series again someday, though.