The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY DEC 10, 2018

In a collection of three short pieces, Paolini returns to the world of his bestselling Eragon series for the first time since 2011's Inheritance, picking up not long after that installment's conclusion. A framing sequence sees dragon rider Eragon chafing at his newfound responsibilities in developing the next generation of riders, and he finds a measure of both distraction and inspiration in others' exploits, which are conveyed through visions and storytelling. In "The Fork," a rambunctious innkeeper's daughter encounters a mysterious traveler whose attempt to broker a deal goes sour. In "The Witch," cowritten by Paolini's sister, Angela Paolini, Eragon gains new insights into the mysterious origins of an herbalist, also named Angela. And in "The Worm," one of the monstrous Urgals seeks to defeat an ancient dragon that slew her father and periodically terrorizes her village. Though very little occurs in these stories, established fans may enjoy checking in on favorite characters and a world they enjoy. Ages 12 up.