The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm: Eragon (Tales from Alagaësia #1; The Inheritance Cycle World) by Christopher Paolini

The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm: Eragon (Tales from Alagaësia #1; The Inheritance Cycle World) Reviews

• 
  Miranda Reads

  
  
  The tales contained in this volume are all true, and every one is false. I leave it to the discerning reader to untangle the contrary strands of history...

  Oh. My. God. I can't breathe.
  
  My prayers have been answered.
  
  I am an absolutely massive long-time fan of Paolini's work and have spent the last seven years of my life pining over this series.
  
  But that is all in the past - because his new book came out. A NEW BOOK!!!! (*cue the hyperventilating*)
  
  I just...whew...getting a bit dizzy from the excitement. Without further ado, let's dive into the three brand-new short stories from the dazzling world of Alagaësia:
  
  The Fork

  Restoring the race of dragons, leading the Riders and protecting the Eldunarí were all responsibilities he wanted, welcomed...And yet...Eragon never expected that he would spend so much of his life doing this.

  Eragon - strongest Dragon Rider in a century, Shadeslayer, defeater of kings - has had his life reduced to an endless stream of petty squabbles and paperwork.
  
  Sure, restoring the dragon race seemed like an exciting job but in real life...not quite so much.
  
  The Eldunarí, essentially dragon souls, decide to show Eragon how they passed centuries underground and the young Dragon Rider is soon swept into an entirely unexpected story.
  
  This one was interesting, but it took me entirely too long to figure out the real identity "Tornac" - I am extraordinarily dense sometimes (most times). So I spent much of this story going, interesting...but why is this one included??
  
  Of course, once everything is revealed, I did have an AHA moment and enjoyed the story significantly more.
  
  However, this one definitely felt like a side story and I wish it would have had a bit more weight (and would have impacted the main plot of the Eragon series more).
  
  The Witch

  As he stopped in front of Elva, she looked p at him with her violet eyes and smiled, wide and sharp-toothed, like a cat before a mouse. "Greetings, Eragon," she said.

  Angela, the mischievous and mayhem-inclined herbalist, was last seen walking off into the distance with young Elva.
  
  Elva, a cursed child, must suffer with whatever pains those around her feel. If they're lonely, she feels lonely. If they're hurt, she feels hurt.
  
  Due to Eragon's incomplete and incompetent curse-removal skills, Elva still feels all human suffering but now is able to wield it as a weapon, making her service highly sought after.
  
  Angela spirited the girl away and sought to raise her without attempted kidnappers and murderers surrounding her.
  
  However, Angela does not intend to raise the child in complete isolation and pays a visit to Eragon.

  "Amiss?" The herbalist laughed, bright and merry. "No, nothing amiss. You have an overly suspicious mind, Shadeslayer."

  And, much to Eragon's amusement, Angela brings with her an incomplete and highly dubious autobiography for his perusal.
  
  I did enjoy this one significantly more than the first - after all, what's not to love when Angela's in the scene?!
  
  However, Paolini did such an excellent job of making Elva sullen, surly and unlikable in the main series that I struggled to disconnect myself from that initial impression.
  
  It's very difficult to turn around a character's personality, and infinitely moreso in a short story.
  
  I did have a better understanding of Elva by the end...but honestly, part of me wish this entire story consisted of Angela running around wielding her battle ax.
  
  Also, just as a cool fact, the real-life Angela (aka Christopher Paolini's sister) wrote part of this one - isn't that the coolest?
  
  The Worm

  She did not understand magic. She put her trust in bone and muscle, not words and potions.

  Ilgra, a young urgal, witnessed the utter destruction of home at the claws of one, terrible wild dragon.

  ...she saw the dragon ravage their farms with fire and claw and the sweep of his jagged tail.

  Vèrmund, the dragon, sees little difference between friend and foe, between life and death, between Urgal and cattle. And, with barely any effort, he decimates Ilgra's family.

  He could life staggering amounts of stone with a word, but he couldn't turn aside death. No one could.

  Upon the death of her father, Ilgra swears revenge. And she spends years, and years, working her way towards that goal.
  
  The rest of the clan may have forgotten, some have even forgiven, but not Ilgra. Never.
  
  She will kill that dragon or die trying. But when push comes to shove, she begins to realize the truth of an old adage, the enemy of my enemy is my friend...
  
  This one was honestly my favorite - and it doesn't focus on any of the originals (go figure!).
  
  I think the characters are extremely well done, the plot was unique and it had a really polished feel to it - almost like an old legend passed down from the ages.
  
  Overall
  
  I'm just OVER the mother-flipping MOON that Paolini has published another book. Really, truly.
  
  Fingers crossed that this is the start of a new era for him!
  
  
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• 
  Kai Spellmeier

  "Does the eagle worry about the length of the day? Does the bear or the deer or the fish in the sea? No. So why should you?"
  
  This new instalment from the world of Eragon and Saphira was more than I hoped it would be. Initially, I had my doubts that a few short stories would do the trick – that they would be able to transport me back into this world. But to my great surprise, it was the perfect book for several reasons. Of course, it’s wonderful to see what happens to Eragon and his people – and dragon – after he left Alagaësia. We get smaller and bigger glimpses of familiar characters; sometimes they are only mentioned in a sentence or two, but some of them even appear in one of the stories. The best thing about this book, however, is one very special and intriguing novella…
  
  The book is divided up into three parts as the title suggests. Each part contains three chapters. Chapters one and three are always told from Eragon’s point of view and serve as frames for chapter two. The Witch, Part II, chapter two was written by Christopher Paolini’s sister Angela who was the inspiration for the character with the same name that also happens to be at the centre of said chapter. I must admit that it was my least favourite story out of the three. It did not really catch my interest. I loved the story in Part I, though, but my favourite remains the one from Part III, The Worm of Kulkaras. I don’t think that I have ever absorbed one of Paolini’s stories quite like this.
  I utterly forgot about my surroundings, and for a few moments, the events from the book became more real than reality itself. It was a powerful story about revenge, empowerment, and the nature of things. It is told from the point of view of an Urgal woman who swears to kill the dragon that killed her father and destroyed her village. The more I think about it, the more genius it becomes. But I don’t want to take away too much, so you should make sure to read it yourself.
  
  Since this is only Volume I, I expect that one or two more books with novellas will follow. I expect that the next one will be told from Arya’s POV, but I might have to sit and wait patiently to find out. After reading this book, though, this might be easier said than done.
  
  Thank you to EDPR for providing me with a free copy in return for an honest review.
  
  
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• 
  Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥ Martin

  Bring on the babies!
  
  Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
• 
  Yamna

  I have come home.
  
  Just look at this beauty:
  
  
  
  What a blast of fresh air this has been; I had forgotten what it felt like to devour a book so pure in its storytelling that you lose track of time. I feel like a reader again, if that is even possible.
  I read Eragon back in high school. I remember that time clearly. We had chatted about Saphira, Brom, Nasuada, Galbatorix in between classes, a discussion filled with starry-eyed wonder for our new favorite series after Harry Potter. And what a joy it is to relive those moments through a book that doesn’t disappoint, as most sequels do. I have never been gladder to be a reader, to be a lover of books, as I do now, because what is life without delving into tales of dragons and magic?
  
  The first thing I would like to mention is that do not hesitate to read the book after seeing it’s a compilation of short stories – truth be told, I did have my inhibitions because after all, Paolini’s customary 500+ paged books are why we have grown to love the author. But where the small book could have left my thirst unquenched, I find myself simply wanting more, having grown more fond, rather than less, of the characters I first started loving in Eragon.
  Tales from Alagaesia is split into three stories. We start with a prologue detailing Eragon’s work since he has left for the island housing the many dragon eggs. The valley has undergone extreme construction, and Eragon realizes there is much work to be done still, although that has him in low spirits owing to his thirst for knowing and attaining everything at once. Underlining his concerns is the still open wound from having left everything, including the woman he loved, behind to serve the greater purpose, as he sees it.
  
  The Fork
  Straight up a nod to one of the main characters from The Inheritance Cycle (and whom everyone either pities or hates, depending on how they see him – I for one grew to love him because he did go through a lot of shit) The Fork is about Murtagh’s encounter with foes in a drab inn in a small town. There he meets Essie, a small girl considering leaving her town for good following bullying at the hands of the town’s more privileged kids. Told from the perspective of the Eldunari to cheer up Eragon’s spirits, the story serves to teach a few lessons, not least of which is one we all must remember:
  
  Sometimes you have to stand and fight. Sometimes running away is not an option.
  
  Although the story doesn’t offer many details about Murtagh’s life following the great war with Galbatorix, it is evident he is still an outcast and would need to overcome a lot of his fears in the coming years to find true happiness.
  
  The Witch
  A first, I think, in Paolini’s works as this one was written by his sister, Angela, the woman after whom our beloved witch Angela is named in the books. Eragon and Saphira are visited by Angela and Solembum (ah, how I missed that cat), accompanied, unexpectedly by Elva, the child Eragon “blessed”. We discover Angela has been writing a biography, and she asks Eragon to read the handful of chapters she has completed, some of which detail how Elva came to be with the witch, having previously been housed [or imprisoned, depends on how you see it] in Nasuada’s castle. The story sure made me hope Paolini actually writes a biography for Angela as I would love to know what quests she had gone on before meeting Eragon in the first book.
  
  The Worm
  Much longer than the other two stories, this one turned out to be my favorite. A normal day in the valley ends disastrously following a grave tragedy. Everyone, the elves, the urgals, the dwarves and Eragon and Saphira, are overcome with despair. Amidst the melancholic gathering, Eragon asks the Urgal leader to tell him a tale to cheer him up. And we find ourselves in a land centuries old, where an Urgal clan is attacked by Vermund, a great, black worm of a dragon who wreaks havoc on an entire village. Ilgra, a young female Urgal, watched the creature devour her father, a mighty leader. Thereupon she vows revenge and bids her time as following a lengthy feast, the dragon perches itself atop the highest mountain and falls into a deep slumber, till when it will get hungry again and return to hunt and scrounge for food. Ilgra embarks on a mission to train herself, so as to become strong enough to defeat the mighty beast. We see her first becoming one of the Anointed (Kull – as mentioned in The Inheritance Cycle) then trying to attack the dragon herself then challenging a shaman to teach her magic so she could fight the dragon using unseen forces. As each of her efforts wears her down, she refuses to lose hope, using her deceased father’s horn as a source of motivation. The story’s ending was the book’s peak for me, as we learn how not every quest can go as you planned. To see how Ilgra fared in her self-imposed mission to singlehandedly fight a dragon, I leave you the task to read the book yourself.
  As the story ended, I found myself once again inspired by the unique way Paolini draws his characters. Who knew an Urgal, a beast of a race we learned to hate in the first few books, could be a source of inspiration?
  
  But there were still things in life he could not overcome – things that no one could. It was a sobering thought. When Eragon was younger, the knowledge would have bothered him. now, though, he understood the wisdom of acceptance.
  
  As the story drew to an end, Eragon wondered anew why he put so much pressure on himself to always win. And just then his companions delivered a piece of happy news, a note on which the novel ends, leaving you hoping Paolini would pick up his pen soon.
  
  To conclude, I didn’t know I needed the warmth of Saphira’s character, the strength from the Urgal’s way of living, the resilience with which Eragon has persevered, the quirkiness of Angela and the might yet beauty of all dragons until I picked up this book. I sorely craved the happiness one gets from reading a satisfying novel. I have always been, and I always will be, a true fan of Paolini’s works and I hope to heaven we get a series based on Eragon’s story (not the garbage movie they churned out years ago) to sate my hunger at least a bit until Paolini releases another book.
  
  “Books should go where they will be most appreciated, and not sit unread, gathering dust on a forgotten shelf, don't you agree?”
  ― Christopher Paolini
  
• 
  AziaMinor

  My ONLY complaint of this book - To. Damn. Short.
  
  Overall Rating : A-
  
  
  
  
  I needed about 500+ MORE pages to satisfy myself and was cut short - literally. And it was like taking a cap-full of water when you haven't drank anything in days. It left me yearning for more and Paolini better be on the ball here with more cause I NEED IT!!!!!!!
• 
  Elizabeth Sagan

  Cute, but don't get too hyped. It's not Eragon level.
• 
  Sad Sunday (Books? Me?!? NEVER!!!)

  At first I was, like:
  
  
  And after, I was, like:
  
  
  As for many, it was very exciting that C.Paolini was releasing a new book. I've been a huge fan of Inheritance cycle and couldn't wait for more. And of course, even if I was promised just a "short glimpse", expectations were high. But I was so disappointed!
  
  Also, have you heard about "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe"?
  
  Even not all chapter were written by C. Paolini and half of it is even not about Eragon or any familiar character. It's said that he is working on a sci-fi novel, but 7 years, luv? 7 years to produce this, darling? All we get is this? He published his last book in 2011 and I wonder what else he was doing for 7 years. Yes, I get the fact that he was a teen writing prodigy, he "toured over 135 schools and libraries" (thank you Wikipedia) and writing a book is not an easy job, but 7 years? O_O Even GOT has 2-6 years "breaks" and I am sorry to say, the quality and magnitude is way different.
  
  The chapters have a weird time frame, it jumps from one character to another leaving weird cliffhangers or no hangers at all. Everything is so scattered, leaving me either uncaring or trying to make me wait another indefinite time frame for another book that explain everything but might come out or might not. I think I don't care that much. C.Paolini mentioned that he always wanted and had plans to use Alagaesia world for further stories, but in my opinion, it's not a worthy come-back.
  
  Also, I question the relevance of this book. For example, fans that were 12-16 when Inheritance cycle was at it's peak, now would be ~20-24, does it still interest them? They moved on to different authors and series. Is the book relevant to new readers who, in order to get acquainted with Alagaesia, would have to go through the three previous volumes? I think the "now" factor was lost big time. I always loved authors who write. I might not be a huge fan of their work, but consistency and publishing something every two-three years is a good thing. People don't forget about you. You stay relevant. You move forward. You find a way to talk to readers. You continue series or finish them and start something new. Now we get a half-baked book in hopes to still attract the readers. I think if C. Paolini would have asked "Go big or go home", he should have gone home.
  
  Or I just don't get it. That happens. Sometimes.
• 
  Charlotte May

  My copy arrived today! Planning to reread the series before picking this up 😊
  
  Love this world!
  
  *********************
  
  
  YES, YES AND MORE YES!!!
• 
  Maryam Rz.

  4 STARS! oh my precious, oh my heart ...
  
  

  Happiness, Eragon had decided, was a fleeting, futile thing to pursue. Contentment, on the other hand, was a far more worthwhile goal.

  
  The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm is a book Christopher Paolini had not intended to write.
  
  In fact, as he puts it himself in the Afterword, he wrote the first version of “The Worm of Kulkaras” a bit over two years ago as a means of clearing his head between sections of a larger sci-fi project (which I'm anticipating, achingly).
  
  “The Worm” by itself was too short to publish. Thus it sat on his computer, alone and abandoned, until the summer of 2018.
  
  Then a sudden urge to write a Murtaugh story, and his sister Angela's enthusiasm to write a vignette from her character's point of view, was the catalyst we all needed to spark the beginning of a quick and accelerated publishing schedule that very summer!
  And I, for one, am unbelievably grateful :))
  
  

  “Be careful of waiting too long, though, Argetlam. The future belongs to those who seize it.”

  
  The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm consists of three short stories intercepted with Eragon's own struggles—of an unknown yet familiar and dangerous stranger on the road (The Fork), a visit and a mystifying excerpt from the chaotic Angela's memoir (The Witch), and an Urgal tale that would steal you away and surprise you with its honesty (The Worm); it is a brief return to the world of The Inheritance Cycle series.
  
  You need to read the four books of TIC to be able to read this instalment in Alagaësia!
  
  

  “You can’t break something and mend it a moment later with pretty words. Broken things stay broken. Wounds heal into scars, not skin.”

  
  The Inheritance Cycle (check the end of review for its books) is one of those fantasy series that I believe every fantasy-loving teenager should read—with an exceptional magic system and diverse and detailed world building that only gets better as the series processes!
  
  

  “So you made it all up.”
  “No,” she said, giving him a serious look over her flashing needles. “I did not. Even if I had, there are often lessons worth learning in stories. Wouldn’t you agree?”

  
  I hope you savour its delicious flavour and precious aftertaste as much as I did and treasure every short second of it!
  
  
  Storyline
  
  The Fork:
  
  It’s been a year since Eragon—Shadeslayer, Argetlam, Dragon Rider, Kingslayer, and bearer of many more names—departed Alagaësia in search of the perfect home to train a new generation of Dragon Riders.
  
  From a war full of risky fights and unexpected twists, now he is struggling with an endless sea of tasks: constructing a vast dragonhold, wrangling with suppliers, guarding dragon eggs, and dealing with belligerent Urgals and haughty elves.
  
  

  Sometimes it was easier to fight a battle than to figure out how to deal with the more mundane details of life.

  
  And of course he finds himself unbelievably missing the action.
  To cure him of this restlessness and offer him a much-needed distraction and a new perspective, the Eldunarí show him a vision of someone he knew, now far in the northwest.
  “Images blossomed before him, and within them Eragon saw and felt far more than he’d expected…”
  
  

  “Or, and this is just a suggestion, you could try to fix the problem instead of running away.”

  
  I'm all feels! I've been waiting for a peak at what this “Tornac” (c’mon, we all know who he truly is; M—uhum, nope, not spoiling it) has been up to in the north! And I'm so glad he's got a purpose and has healed and changed so much *eyes shaped like two hearts the size of the biggest pizza on earth*
  This short story was so precious :))
  
  The Witch:
  
  We all know Angela the herbalist with a gift for chaos and mystery. And we all know Elva, the bitter cursed blessed child that despises Eragon and literally everyone.
  
  

  Many will advise you to dig for the truth, but you must never, never do that. I have dug. I have seen what lies below, and I would not wish that upon the worst of you.

  
  Now imagine these two at your doorstep. Yeah, not a pleasant surprise. You might suspect that something's amiss.
  Well, if you count the witch wanting to get rid of that hurricane of a child for a few days something amiss, then yes, something is.
  
  

  It is so obvious; how could it not be true? But the obvious is often an illusion.

  
  That fan favourite enigma of a witch—Angela of many names—brings with herself an excerpt from her memoir; written by Angela Paolini, Christopher's sister and the inspiration for the character!
  I loved this short look into her past and I can't wait for more *sighh*
  
  The Worm:
  
  Eragon—grief stricken and tired—is in need of a story to learn a lesson; that it is foolish to fight the inevitable.
  And an Urgal epic storyteller with an unforgettable legend of the past is the best thing he could possibly hope for!
  
  

  “Some things there are we cannot change. There is no glory in fighting the inevitable. Do you not understand?”

  
  Ilgra is a daughter of a respected Kull (the bigger and stronger of the Urgals) in their clan. That all changes when a dark and terrifying worm of a dragon descends upon them, slaughtering their friends and families, and choosing the mountain next to their valley as his lair.
  
  

  “Abandon your quest for vengeance ere it destroys you.”

  
  What enchanted me the most about this story was its detailed and logical look on epics, and cunning take of bravery with shocking twists!
  It reminded me of what I count as Paolini's ultimate masterpiece—The Epic of Carvahall (what I like to call Roran's chapters from
  Eldest).
  
  

  None were exempt: not bear nor wolf nor cat nor even the most fearsome of hunters. All fell prey in time. It was not a question of if but when.

  
  It was also a testament to how much I love this species and their unique existence! There was another Urgal tale I loved before that was among the deleted scenes of
  Brisingr.
  The Worm is definitely my favourite story of the book!
  
  
  Storytelling
  
  

  Worrying about the time is exactly what you need curing of. Does the eagle worry about the length of the day? Does the bear or the deer or the fish in the sea? No. So why should you? Chew what you can and leave the rest for tomorrow.

  
  Christopher Paolini: he manages to constantly amaze me with his apt writing and moving prose. I don't know what it is about it; it's fantastically magical, powerful, and enchanting in a classic way.
  To phrase it perfectly, reading Paolini is like sitting around the fire and listening to that epic storyteller who spins a tale and sucks you in thoroughly!
  
  I mean, look at this:
  Billows of smoke fouled the air, and ash fell thick as snow until a false twilight blanketed the valley, a dark shroud of destruction heavy with grief, bitter with anger.
  
  Angela Paolini: as the inspiration for the character Angela, she used to provide the herbalist's dialogues in the original four books (yes, our favourite chitchats and mysterious witty remarks from the witch were greatly provided by Christopher's fabulous sister!) And now, for the first time, she's picked up the pen and blessed us with her prose :)
  
  

  All matter in the universe is in motion;
  all motion is relative.

  
  Chapter V: On the Nature of Stars (which is an excerpt from the witch's memoir written by Angela) is uniquely written, sounding completely like the chaos lover she is.
  It both furthers the character's mystery and serves to give us a peak at the science and science fiction woven into the fantasy world of Alagaësia—masterfully showing us how they would perceive our known and unknown facts; with the promise of more!
  
  
  Characterization and Relationships
  
  Eragon: our powerful and wise boy is ever the delight to read! I will never deny the fact that I've repeatedly fangirled over him—cause it's not something I'm ashamed of :)
  He is seriously one of the best and most real epic heroes!
  
  

  I know there are many, many things I can’t control. Eragon allowed himself a brief, grim smile. But knowing and doing are two different things.

  
  Did I say that he's wise? Oh I did—but whatever I'll say it again. He is dedicated and devoted to his job and wishes to only focus on the tremendous task at hand. And Saphira is ever the balance he's needed!
  I think they'll be the best teachers ever when the time comes.
  
  Murtaugh: *swoons* I was actually screaming when he thought about going back!! And that FIGHT. Thank you Christopher!
  
  

  “A scar is something to admire."
  “You’re wrong, it just means you’re broken.”
  “But sometimes, if you work very hard, you can mend a break so that it’s stronger than before.”

  
  He has healed beautifully in his solitude. I loved his interactions with the little girl. And the brief look at his grown bond with Thorn was something I appreciated! *Sighhh* Where is Book Five and more Murtaugh??
  
  Angela: do I even need to declare my utter obsession or is it an established fact by now? I'm in awe of Christopher's ability to come up with such memorable characters *heart eyes, sheepish grin*
  
  

  Strive for wisdom! Or at least a decrease in idiocy.

  
  I need an Angela in my life—accompanied by a Solembum if possible? Her curiosity, nosiness, love for mayhem, different perception of order, questioning of beliefs, and her ideas are only some of the things I adore about her!
  
  Elva: the tortured, selfish, spoiled child who is in need of steadfast love and attention perhaps more than anyone!
  
  

  “People are fragile—poke them here or there and watch them crumble.”

  
  She is yet again on the offensive, and hurts without a second thought. But she's still a child that didn't have time to grow naturally. I'm happy about where Christopher is now leading her with this book, the path he put her on :) The character development is on point!
  
  Ilgra: an unexpected favourite of mine, I'd say. She's a new character of the past, a legend among the Urgals, whose inspiring tale makes up the largest parts of The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm.
  
  

  “I do fear,” said Ilgra. “But it does not stop me.”

  
  Daring, smart, cunning, brave but not foolishly so, proud but not illogical so, she's yet another embodiment of epic yet unique and rational awesomeness.
  
  
  Worldbuilding
  
  

  The span and depth of existence is far greater than anyone can know—not even the oldest dragon or the wisest elf. I have seen more than most, but even that is less than a particle of dust, smaller than the smallest thing, and then smaller still.

  
  My general reaction towards Alagaësia's magic system, rules, and interwoven fabric of fantasy leading to sci-fi and borrowing from science theories is infatuation and adoration at first, then contemplation, and in the end more breathless wow's...
  
  I find the criticism that it's not original because there are elves and dwarves, with mostly the popular characteristics related to elves and dwarves in fantasy (like LoTR) to be not relevant.
  Because he is borrowing from the existing mythology and contributing his own spectacular reasoning to it. It's actually a great and precious form of art, and one that I relish!
  
  Not to even discuss the amazing nature of the dragons, the unmatched Urgals, the history of humans, or the impressive attention to languages and their twists and interactions in names!
  
  
  I'm glad that Christopher Paolini took the unexpected and sudden chance to provide us desperate people with a brief visit back to his fan favourite world.
  
  

  “No matter your chosen path, you have my blessing. May the gods grant you good fortune, and may you always be of sharp mind and clear conscience.”

  
  And I can't wait for his Sci-Fi novel and later his Inheritance Book Five and other prequels/sequels to come out into the world!
  
  
  Companions
  
  Related books:
  •
  Eragon (The Inheritance Cycle, #1)
  •
  Eldest (The Inheritance Cycle, #2)
  •
  Brisingr (The Inheritance Cycle, #3)
  •
  Inheritance (The Inheritance Cycle, #4)
  
  Book playlist:
  • “I Could Use a Love Song” by Maren Morris (the beginning)
  • “Dear Hate” by Maren Morris ft. Vince Gill (The Fork)
  • “Daydream” by Wallace Collection (The Fork)
  • “Planetarium” by Justin Hurwitz [Instrumental] (The Witch)
  • “Way Down We Go” by Kaleo (The Worm)
  • “Broken Bones” by Kaleo (The Worm)
  • “Last Day Alive” by The Chainsmokers ft. Florida Georgia Line (the end)
• 
  William Gwynne

  I now have a YouTube channel that I run with my brother, called 'The Brothers Gwynne'. Check it out -
  The Brothers Gwynne
  
  
  "The day the dragon arrived was a day of death".
  
  The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm continues a year after the end of the Inheritance Cycle with a few interlinked short stories. It consists of many characters from the series and addresses the trials they have faced since the aftermath. It is essentially the compiling of a few short stories, some set in the present, some retelling myths, and some about the past. In all, it was an interesting amalgamation of themes and stories that was engaging and interesting to read.
  
  I shall not name any characters that were in the Inheritance Cycle to avoid spoilers, so will focus on what was completely new.
  
  The final third of the book was the reciting of an old legend about revenge. A dragon destroys a village and one victim seeks vengeance for her fathers death. She will do anything to accomplish her mission, and dedicates all her time to this purpose. It was a well told story that was exciting and unpredictable, with a moral message that most tales do have.
  
  "Strive for wisdom! Or at least a decrease in idiocy"
  
  The prose was very smooth and easy to read, with a poetical edge to it that was sophisticated and consistently clear. This has been a piece of Paolini's writing I have always liked and that was no different here.
  
  "A new beginning had dawned for the dragons"
  
  This book was a fun return to this world and leaves much hope for a future series, as many hints are placed with stories untold and possible dangers referenced too. I hope this does bear fruit and that Paolini does write a new series, especially after the intriguing events within this book.
  
  4/5 stars
• 
  Jerecho

  Ang tinidor, ang mangkukulam at ang uod.... (The Fork, The Witch And the Worm)
  
  Based on the title it has three parts. It's nice to be back in the world of Eragon. I had the book since January of 2019 but because of too many TBR books I'm lacking behind reading.
  
  Anyway, The Fork is about the fork 😊😋 (not really). Based on Eragon POV it's nice to see Murtagh in a heroic ways that I just saw in him on the first book. And the fork, was it big and strong enough? Just lace it with words from the ancient tongue...
  
  The Witch is about the herbalist named Angela who is writing an autho biography. Don't want to expound because it is the story. ✌️✌️✌️
  
  The Worm, this is quite the story. If you remove the first two parts it merits ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. Paolini brought me to a world that let me forget for awhile what's happening in the real world and let me dwelt in a world of adventure.
  
  The Fork - ⭐⭐⭐
  The Witch - ⭐⭐
  The Worm - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  Average - 3.33⭐
• 
  ✨ A ✨

  INHERITANCE SPIN-OFF WHAAAAAAAAAT!!!
  
  
  
  WE ARE FINALLY GETTING MORE PAOLINI AND I STILL HAVEN'T READ THE LAST BOOK I'M THE WORST
  
  
  
  NOTE TO CHRISTOPHER PAOLINI: Not happy with this cover man. It's not going to look nice on my shelf but I'll buy it anyway.😴🙋
• 
  Reyna~I've gotta be on my own~

  Christopher Paolini. I did not even read this book when it came out I read it in 2011 and I've been waiting for 5 YEARS. IMAGINE THE POOR PEOPLE WHO'VE BEEN WAITING SINCE IT CANE OUT PLEASE WRITE FASTER I NEED THIS.
• 
  Jananie (thisstoryaintover)

  absolutely LOVED returning to the world of Alagaesia. forgot how much the inheritance cycle meant to me when i was younger and how much I considered the characters my friends. happy to see more stories with them and NEED MORE from the world of Eragon ASAP because i have SO MANY unanswered questions!!
• 
  Phoenix2

  Tales from Alagaesia #1 was a trip down memory lane. Well known and beloved characters appeared, but this installment was not something that added much to the story of Eragon and the new empire that was enstablished after the final book of the tetralogy. However, it created some questions about what's next. Will there be another book? Hopefully yes.
  
  As for this short stories from Alagaesia, of course a tetralogy like Eragon could not not have an extra under 200 pages! The first tale was pretty great, deeping the reader straight into the world of dragons and dragonriders. It also left some new mysteries unsolved, so I'm looking forward to the continuation of the series.
  
  The second story was just okay, a bit more playful and mysterious, but nothing special. And, as for the third one, it was a bit boring, to be honest.
  
  So, overall, I almost enjoyed this book, but it did make me want to re read the series. So, two out of five stars.
• 
  ~Bellegirl91~

  Once Upon a time back in 2006 when I was 15 and being in my sophomore year of High School, I had to take a reading test that was required for all Sophomores for the English classes and if we passed a certain grade level, then we didn't have to take this reading class that lasted one semester. Well, I got a 3rd grade reading level and I HAD to take this class and drop one other. I did used to love reading considering I was born in '91 so which means Junie B. Jones, Magic Treehouse (the originals), Adventures of Bailey's School Kids, Illustrated classics. And one time I just lost it all my years in Junior high school.
  
  
  So what does Eragon have to do with all of this? Well, not only did this class have some program that Scholastic had, but after those of us in this class was done in the computer lab with this program, we had to have a book to read for the duration of the class and since I didn't like reading anymore at the time and lost the love of it, I NEEDED a book bad. So I asked some friends what book I should read and didn't care what it was. The majority said Eragon.
  
  
  I wasn't a fan of dragons or anything but I knew it was something. So I think I was either borrowing it from a friend or using the school's library copy--I can't remember--I was bored for a while. Up until one moment I can't remember what it was, but it sparked something and from then I couldn't put it down. So here's the thing: I didn't like the whole dragons, high fantasy, made up language etc, BUT I LOVED this story, I loved the characters and I did love the world and the rest is history.
  
  
  So for me, it was actually Eragon that really got me back into the love of reading and although I haven't read or gotten much into high fantasy, Eragon is my BIGGEST exception for my excitement because after all like I said, it got me back into reading. So with this book I actually meant to drag this out and wait a few days to finish because it was going so quickly and I didn't want to leave. So dragging it was actually the best thing I did. And I'm still sad it's over *crying internally* BUT BOOK 5 AAAAHHH!!!! *heart eyes* And if I could this book would be rated infinite stars if I could.
  
  
  So my excitement to read these three short stories (now almost 28) or should I say set ups for an actual 5th book (*eek*) I LOVED them and I loved seeing familiar faces again. But most of all it felt good to be back "home" in Alagaesia with my favorite dragon rider and dragon. Oh and my favorite witch and herbalist Angela! :D
  
  
  If you get a chance READ THESE BOOKS and if you have read them then put THE FORK, THE WITCH AND THE WORM on your list ASAP and read it ASAP!
• 
  Isa Cantos (Crónicas de una Merodeadora)

  "But there were still things in life he could not overcome – things that no one could. It was a sobering thought. When Eragon was younger, the knowledge would have bothered him. Now, though, he understood the wisdom of acceptance".
  
  Cuando vi que Christopher Paolini anunciaba un nuevo libro en el mundo de Eragon casi me da un paro cardíaco. Creo que sus libros fueron los primeros de alta fantasía que leí y los que me enamoraron de las historias complejas, los dragones, las guerras, las diferentes razas, los sistemas de magia y los maravillosos idiomas inventados. Ahora, debo confesar que cuando supe que The Fork, The Witch And The Worm iba a ser un libro de relatos tuve un poco de miedo. Siento que a los autores de fantasía épica no se les da muy bien escribir historias cortas, sobre todo cuando sus libros normalmente tienen más de 600 páginas. Y eso fue un poco lo que sucedió aquí.
  
  Las tres historias que tiene este libro, si bien me parecieron interesantes y me gustó reencontrarme con personajes como Eragon, Saphira, Murtaugh, Angela y demás, no me llenaron por completo. De hecho, me habría gustado que se centraran mucho más en Eragon y Saphira y no en leyendas del pasado.
  
  Creo que mi historia favorita fue The Fork, pues una vez entendemos quién es realmente el protagonista del relato no podemos dejar de sonreír. Sí, es un personaje que u amas u odias, pero yo llegué a adorarlo en la saga principal, así que me gustó mucho leer sobre él. Además, esta historia nos permite ver qué fue de su vida después de que se acabó la guerra con Galbatorix y, sobre todo, nos deja entender que sigue teniendo muchos conflictos para encontrar un propósito claro ahora.
  
  El siguiente relato, The Witch, es el que Christopher Paolini escribió con su hermana Angela, que es la inspiración real para el personaje homónimo de la saga. Este fue, quizá, el que más lento se me hizo, pues si bien Angela es un personaje interesantísimo en la saga, aquí sus diálogos y divagaciones me sonaron un poco a relleno. Ahora, sí que me encantó ver de nuevo a Solembum y a Elva, la chica a la que Eragon intentó bendecir, pero falló.
  
  Y la última historia que tenemos aquí es The Worm y, díganme loca, pero esperaba que fuera un relato sobre alguno de los dragones que conocemos... pero no. Esta historia surge porque quieren enseñarle a Eragon una lección: a veces, por mucho que luches, hay cosas que son realmente inevitables y no puedes sentirte mal por fallar, pues el destino estaba decidido desde el principio. Lo curioso de esta historia es que la protagonista es una Urgal, una mujer de una raza que odiamos en la saga principal, que jura vengarse de un dragón que destrozó su aldea y a su familia.
  
  ¿Qué fue lo que más me gustó de todo? ¡El final! Madre mía, el final es lo más espectacular de todo este libro de relatos. Christopher Paolini termina el libro en una nota tan esperanzadora y que valida todo el trabajo que han hecho Eragon y Saphira después de la guerra y lejos de Alagaësia. Ese final hace que el alejarse de todo lo que conocen, incluso de las personas que más aman, haya valido la pena. Ahora, Paolini, lo único que te pido yo en la vida es que sigas escribiendo y lo próximo que publiques tenga, como poco, 700 páginas.
• 
  crίѕтίŋα•●Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ●•

  3.5 stars ✨🐉
  
  “Às vezes sonhava em embainhar a sua espada, Brisingr, pegar em Saphira e pôr-se a caminho à procura de uma aventura. Não passava contudo disso mesmo: um sonho. Não podia deixar os dragões News os Cavaleiros entregues à sua sorte.”
  *
  “At times he dreamed of strapping on his sword, Brisingr, getting on Saphira, and setting out to see what adventure they could find. It was just that, though: a dream. They couldn’t leave the dragons or the Riders to fend for themselves.”
  - Eragon
  
  * * *
  “Às vezes é preciso uma pessoa erguer-se e lutar. Às vezes fugir não é uma opção.”
  *
  “Sometimes, you have to stand and fight. Sometimes running away isn’t an option.”
  - Murtagh
  
  * * *
  “As estrelas traçam os seus caminhos noturnos por cima da terra. Movem-se. É tão evidente; como poderia não ser verdade? Mas, muitas vezes, o evidente é uma ilusão.”
  *
  “The stars trace their nightly paths over the land. They move. It is so obvious; how could it not be true? But the obvious is often an illusion.”
  - Angela of Many Names
  
  * * *
  “Ela Inspirou fundo o ar gelado e, ao exalar, libertou o seu tormento. Pronto. Uma coisa ficara clara: existiria sempre uma fonte à espreita e à espera de os devorar. Se não fosse Vêrmund, seriam os monstros. Se não fossem os monstros, uma outra criatura igualmente terrível. Era um facto básico da vida, tão verdadeiro para os Chifrudos como o era para qualquer outro ser. Ninguém estava livre disso: nem urso, nem lobo, nem felino, nem o mais intrépido dos caçadores. Com o tempo, todos se tornam presas. Não era uma questão de se, mas de quando.
  Vêrmund salvara-os dos monstros.”
  *
  “She breathed deep of the freezing air and, with her exhale, released her torment. So. One thing had become clear: there would always be a stalking hunger waiting to eat them. If not Vêrmund, then the monstrosities. If not the monstrosities, then some other, equally horrible creature. It was a basic fact of life, as true for the Horned as it was for every other being. None were exempt: not bear nor wolf nor cat nor even the most fearsome of hunters. All fell prey in time. It was not a question of if but when.
  Vêrmund had saved them from the monstrosities.”
  - Ilgra Nrech-Slayer
• 
  Claudia

  So good to be back in Alagaësia! Didn’t realized how much I missed this universe until I delved into the pages.
  
  There are three stories within, separate events but connected in between. The Fork is the lovely story of a little girl and how Tornac meaning Murtagh helped her, in The Witch we learn (or at least we think we do) some new things about Angela and Elva and The Worm is the legend of brave Ilgra and her quest against Vêrmund, the dragon of terror, legend told by one of the Urgals.
  
  The end brings a surprising news which I hope will be developed in a future tale.
  
  I’m so glad that there is much to tell from Alagaësia and that our heroes continue their stories. Had this little book would have been tenfold bigger, I wouldn’t have complained at all.
  
• 
  Guy Venturi

  This was a challenge by itself. The author is well versed in the world he created. He is no longer the young boy with big dreams that wants to write. He is now a grown author who wants to dream and write. He is well educated and technically correct in his cosmology and astrophysics science. His characters are real. But it take work and research to fully comprehend his mind and his world's. He writes on multiple levels, but it is best if you understand what is happening. Some thinks seem a bit confusing, but I think it was more me than him.
  
  Although I would like more in the Inheritance series, I am find if something happens to start a new series. He can continue to do some short stories, too. But I am would really like to see is a good movie series that replaces or fixes the first movie that did more harm than good, and then expands on the rest of the books. There is still much to learn about life and responsibility that needs to be told by showing.
• 
  Micheline Ryckman

  I was skeptical about this return to Alagaësia for about the first ten pages, but as it progressed my interest and admiration grew for Paolini's ability to write in very different voices. Each little tale within this book is enjoyably distinct, and I loved that.
• 
  Barbora

  I'm really struggling to give this book a rating. On the one hand I can't even describe what an emotional feeling it is to return to Alagaesia after all these years and be able to spend a few brief moments with the characters I've grown to love som much. To see how they are doing and find out about what they've been up to since after the end of Inheritance. On the other hand this being the first writing about Alagaesia since Inheritance came out years and years ago and the size and scope of the previous books I of course want to know EVERYTHING about EVERYONE - which this book sadly doesn't provide.
  
  The Fork, the Witch and the Worm feels more like a teaser than a proper book. We get to spend a few brief moments with some of the main characters from Inheritance although there's quite a few important ones that we don't get to see at all. Rather than giving lots of information and answers this book leaves you with questions and craving for more. Which I really hope will happen one day because the way it ended - there better be another one coming!
  
  A big chunk of this book is actually centered around new characters: one human girl and one Urgal young warrior. I have to say I absolutely loved the Urgal legend which was beautiful, interesting and captivating.
  
  I also savoured the precious moments between Eragon and Saphira and it was great to share in their special connection once again. And Murtagh <3
  
  That said I really, really need a proper book 5 please - a LONG one where I get to read about ALL the characters and find out about EVERYTHING that has happened since after Inheritance. Pretty please
• 
  lucius

  3.5 stars
  
  Not really what i expected
  Spoilery maybe
  
  Things i wanted:
  - murtagh and thorn (more)
  - rider elva
  - domestic eragon
  - the new riders living in vroengard
  - new riders just anyone honestly
  - angela being badass
  
  thoughts:
  - the fork: amazing yes murtagh my love
  - the witch: uh? i don't get it
  - the worm: way too long, could have told the same story in 40 pages
  
  I will be very honest when i say i like the post galbatorix new riders fanfic i wrote in 2015
• 
  Travis

  This is exactly what happens when a book just transports you to a new world and completely takes over you. I finished this book in less then a day (yes it is shorter then 300 pages but I have also been crazy busy). Being back in this world was such a treat and a joy. Christopher Paolini can write everything in the world of Alagaesia and I will throw money at him!! I needed this like I needed air. Not only was this little collection perfect it was also a great foundation for what will be the true continuation of the Inheritance Cycle. Paolini laid down some vague yet interesting plot threads and I am here for it.
  
  Was this a review or just an absolute gush, I don't care either way just know that this was everything my Eragon heart needed and I am waiting patiently for the next one!!
• 
  Leah (Jane Speare)

  Hmmm. Interesting novella, of a sort. Good narrator, and I think he’s the same as the Eragon books. A voice from my childhood.
  
  I will admit, I wasn’t paying the best attention, my mind drifted. Maybe because it’s been too long since I read the other books to really connect with the world, and especially for such a brief time? Interesting, but not great.
• 
  Helen

  This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2019 and so it's super exciting to me that this was the first book I finished this year! If you watched my
  announcement video for the book, you'll know that I was cautiously optimistic - and overall my feelings on this are pretty positive!
  
  The Inheritance Cycle is so, so important to me as a reader. Eragon has been a favourite of mine from an extremely young age; the series overall was highly formative in my years as an early reader, and I just adore these books. As a result, when The Fork, The Witch and The Worm was announced, I was a little concerned. Recently, several authors I adore and respect have added new material to series which were supposedly complete, and I've honestly been let down by some of these new additions. I'm pleased to say that this book did not continue that trend - I had my reservations about some aspects, but for the most part, I enjoyed it! I'm going to discuss each short story in its own merit, and then my feelings on the book overall.
  
  The Fork: (A Fork in The Road)
  
  I have to be honest that I wasn't totally sold on this one. The child narrator wasn't my favourite; the voice, whilst accurate, just wasn't my cup of tea. I'm not a huge fan of young characters like this - whilst I respect the technique that writers use to embody a child's speech and thought processes in this way, it's just something I don't personally enjoy. However, there were definitely aspects of this that I liked - the ending of this story was stellar. When "Tornac" actually turned out to be Murtagh - oof! That was unexpected and I loved it. Honestly the contrast between how much I enjoyed Murtagh's few pages of narration in comparison to Essie's was huge - which means that if we get a longer story from Murtagh's POV I am so here for it! Overall I found this to be personally a bit of a wobbly start but there were definitely parts of it that I enjoyed!
  
  The Witch
  
  The idea behind this section of the story - Angela telling pieces of her own story - was intriguing. Unfortunately I'm one of those people who quite likes unsolved mysteries. Fandom as a whole always seems rabid for more information on mysterious characters, whereas I'm happy to let certain unanswered questions just sit there. If you've ever heard my thoughts on the Saracen Rue debate in the Skulduggery Pleasant fandom, you'll find I have similar feelings towards Angela - the unknowable aspects of her character are what makes her charming. As such, I liked that this stayed in keeping with Angela's tendency to reveal little, because we didn't learn very much about her at all here. I also loved the discussion of Elva and the way she was described; that rang perfectly true with the Elva we all know and love (and hate, a little - but isn't that rather the point of her?) so there were definitely pieces of the story that I found interesting.
  
  Unfortunately, I didn't really connect with Angela Paolini's writing. I think it was largely to do with the fact that, although the character is based on her, at the end of the day book Angela is a figment of Christopher's imagination and, inevitably, real Angela is seeing her through a different lens. As such it didn't entirely capture the way I personally read Angela; to me, it felt like reading about a different character. There were definitely certain quotes that made me go 'yep, that's Angela' - which is in keeping with things Christopher has said previously about how he would get stuck and ask his sister what Angela would say, then put that in the book - but perhaps because we've really had so very little from her, it was strange to read quite a large amount of prose from her perspective. Overall I felt a little dissatisfied with this section of the book, but there were things in it that I found interesting.
  
  The Worm: (The Worm of Kulkuras)
  
  This was the story that did it for me. I am fascinated by the Urgals and going more in-depth, actually seeing from the POV of an Urgal is something I've wanted from this series for a long time. If Book 5 isn't about the first Urgal dragon rider then I will have things to say, let me tell you.
  
  This was apparently the first story Christopher wrote for this collection and it is, in my opinion, the best and most polished of all of them. It rings the most true, to me, with the original series; it feels heartfelt, sad and action-packed, and has some really interesting callbacks to certain aspects of the other books. Not sure if naming the dragon Vermund was supposed to remind us of the Grimstborith of Durgrimst Az Sweldn Rak Anhuin?? I swear his name was Vermund. Dragon!Vermund really reminded me of Shruikan, with his total apathy, which was sad. I lowkey wanted Ilgra to become his rider but I knew that wouldn't happen. It took me a little while to get into this one but suddenly I was hooked, and I enjoyed it so much. It was a wild ride; Ilgra was a great character and I really felt for her. (Can I just say I appreciate how female characters were at the forefront here? There sure were a lot of men in the original cycle and I like how many great women were given the spotlight in this book.) This was the story that made me finish the book nodding, with a warm glow in my stomach, thinking, "Yes. That's Eragon. That's the series I love." It was a fantastic note to end on and I'm very glad it was the final story in the book.
  
  All that's really left to comment on is the interlocking middle parts of the stories - the small snippets of what Eragon and Saphira were up to in between. I personally liked that these parts were kept concise. I sense that some will disagree, but with this kind of extra material I'm always torn between my desire for more and my fear that the new stuff will taint my perception of the original. As a result I'm very glad that the author erred on the side of 'less is more.'
  
  I felt that some of the scenes were a little bit weak, perhaps because there wasn't really much of a driving plot - they were very much filler material. However, they did their job well, and I felt that by the end, Christopher had hit his stride with the characters and they came alive again. I loved that we ended on a hopeful note and also that there were no huge plot points that altered the end of the series. We're still left with this optimistic idea of what happens next, rather than everything being upturned and changing the satisfying conclusion we had in Inheritance.
  
  In conclusion: I liked this book. I'm left with a sense of relief after reading. I'm not going to pretend it's settled in my heart the same way the original books have, and it's definitely not a new favourite - but it was a decent return to the world of the Inheritance cycle, and I feel a lot less nervous now about any future content that we might gain from this series.
  
  If you made it to the end of this monster review, I congratulate you, because phew. I can't believe I just wrote all of this in one sitting.
• 
  Denise

  Mit der Bewertung bin ich mir echt nicht sicher 😌.
  
  Als ich gehört habe, dass es eine Kurzgeschichtensammlung zu Eragon geben soll, habe ich mich zwar darüber gefreut, aber war auch skeptisch.
  Nachdem ich kein großer Fan von Kurzgeschichten bin, sind solche Bücher immer etwas schwierig zu bewerten 😅.
  Die hauptsächliche Frage, die ich mir allerdings gestellt habe war: Kann Christopher Paolini sich kurz fassen? 😂😂😂
  Ja, das kann er! In diesem Buch gibt es drei Kurzgeschichten, wobei mir die erste und die dritte wirklich gut gefallen haben 😊. Die zweite (über Angela) war nicht so ganz mein Fall 🤔.
  
  Natürlich kommen die Kurzgeschichten nicht an die eigentliche Hauptreihe ran, aber es ist schön nach so vielen Jahren mal wieder etwas über die Charaktere zu lesen 😊.
  
  Bevor ich angefangen habe zu lesen, hatte ich etwas Angst, dass ich zu viel von der eigentlichen Geschichte vergessen habe (ich auch definitiv so 🤣), aber für dieses Buch ist das nicht weiter schlimm 🤷🏻‍♀️. Vielleicht habe ich 2-3 Namen verpasst, die erwähnt wurden, aber alles wichtige habe ich ohne Probleme verstanden 😊.
  
  Irgendwann möchte ich alle 4 Bände der Eragon Reihe rereaden und vllt lese ich danach nochmal diese Kurzgeschichtensammlung 😝
• 
  Kyle

  It’s awful. But I read them as a kid and now have some sick need to be as informed as possible about every miserable syllable Captain Homeschool irks out of his MacBook. It’s like 260 pages. It’s basically just three short stories that have jack shit to do with each other that he glued together under the guise that “someone is telling Eragon these stories”. Eragon is as bland and undeveloped as ever, the third person narrator still has a massive junior high crush on Murtagh, and all the dialogue still sounds like it came straight out of a late 80s text-based RPG. It’s exactly what I knew it would be. I’m just reading it because I hate myself.
• 
  Olivier Delaye

  Short read but an amazing read. And the best part is that you don't even need to have read Eragon to enjoy this. But it sure helps!