18 fantasy and science fiction books to read in November 2023
By Daniel Roman
MURTAGH by Christopher Paolini (The Inheritance Cycle #6) — November 7
Speaking of returns to beloved fantastical worlds, November is an exciting time for fans of Christopher Paolini’s The Inheritance Cycle. This series about dragonriders going on a quest to defeat an evil emperor is seeing not one, but two new releases this month. The first is Murtagh, a standalone novel which follows the titular character and his dragon Thorn as they try to navigate the new society that blossomed in the wake of the original series.
We won’t delve too deeply into who Murtagh is and why it’s so exciting that he’s getting his own book; if you know you know, and if you don’t know then maybe you should read The Inheritance Cycle so we don’t need to spoil it for you! Suffice it to say that he’s the perfect character to lead an Inheritance sequel. It’s time to go back to Alagaësia!
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.
Throughout the land, hushed voices whisper of brittle ground and a faint scent of brimstone in the air—and Murtagh senses that something wicked lurks in the shadows of Alagaësia. So begins an epic journey into lands both familiar and untraveled, where Murtagh 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.
In this gripping novel starring one of the most popular characters from Christopher Paolini’s blockbuster Inheritance Cycle, a Dragon Rider must discover what he stands for in a world that has abandoned him. Murtagh is the perfect book to enter the World of Eragon for the first time . . . or to joyfully return.
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Eragon: The Illustrated Edition by Christopher Paolini — November 7
In addition to the brand new Inheritance Cycle adventure Murtagh, Paolini is also celebrating the 20th anniversary of the original Eragon book. He’s releasing Eragon: The Illustrated Edition, which is exactly what it sounds like. This is a gorgeous oversized hardcover book with tons of beautiful illustrations that make the world of Alagaësia pop off the page.
Eragon is a story about a young boy who discovers a dragon egg and is drawn into a war to overthrow an empire. Whether you’ve read the original novel or not, the illustrated edition sounds like a great new way to experience the tale.
Prepare for the flight of a lifetime with Eragon as you’ve never seen him before in this dazzling edition with brand-new full-color illustrations throughout. This is the perfect must-have gift for both new and longtime Inheritance fans.
Soar high above the ground with Eragon on Saphira’s majestic back. Experience narrow escapes from the gruesome Ra’zac. See the wonders of the dwarves’ city-mountain, Tronjheim. Rich detail and painterly strokes make each piece by accomplished fantasy artist Sidharth Chaturvedi feel as if it’s actually moving.
Fifteen-year-old Eragon believes that he is merely a poor farm boy—until his destiny as a Dragon Rider is revealed. Gifted with only an ancient sword, a loyal dragon, and sage advice from an old storyteller, Eragon is soon swept into a dangerous tapestry of magic, glory, and power. Now his choices could save—or destroy—the Empire.
In this extraordinary work of art, Paolini’s fantasy masterpiece Eragon is brought to life in an entirely new way through SidharthChaturvedi’s brilliant illustrations that accompany the complete original text. This is the ideal book to return to the World of Eragon. Experience the thrill and exhilaration of becoming a Dragon Rider all over again!