As I fleshed out the plot and delved ever deeper into Murtagh’s and Thorn’s characters, I found rich earth to work with. Indeed, the richness surprised me. My first conception of Murtagh was more in line with the sort of old-fashioned adventure novel that Edgar Rice Burroughs might have produced (and which I still very much enjoy).
But the more I thought, plotted, and wrote, the more I felt for Murtagh and Thorn, and the more I realized that this book provided a perfect opportunity to explore the issues they were dealing with following the events of the Inheritance Cycle, as well as those of Murtagh’s own tragic childhood.
The writing itself proceeded with pleasing swiftness. Having a clear plan makes all the difference. I started in October 2021, and the first draft was done by January 30, 2022. Not too bad, all things considered. Of course, there were tweaks and changes and edits to follow, but the major pieces were in place.
I quite enjoyed returning to Alagaësia with an extra twelve years of life and writing experience under my belt. And as with The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm, revisiting these characters felt like coming home after a long absence. It was good for the soul, is what I’m trying to say. To have this book released in the twentieth anniversary year of Eragon only sweetens the experience.
Now, there are two additional points that need addressing:
First, although Murtagh acts as a stand-alone entry into this world, you will have no doubt noticed that certain storylines are far from concluded. This is on purpose, and although I can’t reveal my exact plans at the moment, rest assured, I have much more to write in (and around) Alagaësia.
Second, although Murtagh is the fifth full-length novel I’ve written in this world, it’s not the Book V. Or rather, the book I’ve always thought of as Book V. That particular story takes place a bit further down the timeline, and I still have every intent of writing it.
So yes, lots more to come, both in Alagaësia and in the Fractalverse. I have stories to tell, folks!
As with every novel I write, Murtagh wouldn’t have been possible without the help of a great many people. Some of you have been here from the very beginning; others are new to the team. But together I owe thanks to:
At Home: My wife, Ash, for your love and support, and for giving me the time and space I needed to write, edit, and promote Murtagh. Thank you! I know it was a push. Also, our two children, who, though they didn’t understand what I was doing, provided so much joy every day.
My mom for your usual keen eye when it comes to editing, as well as for helping with business and family. And my father for keeping everything running, month after month, so I could stay head-down in the book.
My astoundingly competent assistants, Immanuela and Holly, for your own (very helpful) editorial comments, as well as all of your hard work on websites, social media, merch, and so much more. Couldn’t do it without you!
At Writers House: Simon Lipskar for being such a wonderful agent. Twenty years and counting! Here’s to twenty more. (I still owe you a sushi dinner for losing my bet that I could keep this book under the word count of Eragon.)
Also Simon’s assistant, Laura Katz, who does such an excellent job of facilitating this whole process. And, of course, much appreciation to Cecilia de la Campa and the whole rights team at Writers House for securing all of the many publishing deals for Murtagh around the world.
At Knopf/Random House Children’s Books: First and foremost, my amazing editor, Michelle Frey. Your intimate knowledge of Alagaësia and the characters who populate it helped me elevate this book beyond what I thought possible. I am forever in your debt. No author could ask for a better working relationship. Hard to believe we’re lucky enough to still be doing this after so long.
Also in Editoriaclass="underline" Knopf publishing director Melanie Nolan, Andriannie Santiago, and veteran reader Michele Burke.
Copyediting: The incomparable Artie Bennett, the dedicated and eagle-eyed Alison Kolani, Janet Renard, and Amy Schroeder (masters all of grammar, punctuation, and continuity).
Managing Editoriaclass="underline" Janet Foley and Jake Eldred, heroes in managing (and re-managing) all the moving parts required to keep the book on track.
Design: April Ward and Michelle Crowe (the book is beautiful, inside and out!).
Marketing: John Adamo, Kelly McGauley, Jules Kelly, Regina Andreoni, Katie Halata, Mike Rich—for masterminding a campaign that far exceeded the already sky-high bar you set with the Inheritance Cycle.
Production: Tim Terhune—sorry for cutting things so close to the wire. Just keeping you on your toes!
Publicity: The indefatigable Dominique Cimina and Josh Redlich for your enthusiasm and energy in getting the word out about Murtagh.
Publishing Office: RHCB publisher Barbara Marcus, longtime friend and advocate Judith Haut (what a journey from Luling!), Gillian Levinson, Erica Henegen, and Rich Romano for fine-tuning all the publishing logistics.
Sales: Amanda Close, Joe English, and the entire (and tireless) sales team. From the big stores to the little, and every venue in between, thank you for being my champions all these years. Murtagh and Thorn couldn’t be in better hands.
And there are many more people at RHCB who have worked on the Inheritance Cycle and the World of Eragon over the years, and who have contributed to Murtagh specifically. A veritable army, in fact. My heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you. I’m enormously grateful for your efforts. None of this would be possible without you!
Special Thanks: To Rebecca Waugh, Amanda D’Acierno, Orli Moscowitz, and Taro Meyer in Listening Library for your work on producing and recording the audiobook. And, of course, Gerard Doyle, who has returned to narrate Murtagh, even as he narrated all of the Inheritance Cycle. What a treat!
Music is to an audiobook what the maps and illustrations are to the print version, and Malte Wegmann did a wonderful job of bringing Alagaësia to life for the audiobook via his compositions (you can find the tracks online for free). That makes three books in a row, Malte!
John Jude Palencar for once again producing a stunning painting to grace the cover of my book. This makes the…tenth(?) painting he’s done for me over the years (there have been a lot of alternate covers and pieces of interior art). What a privilege.
And last but not least, Alex Lopez, Mike Macauley, Hellomynameis99, ibid-11962, and all of the other readers who have done so much for the Inheritance Cycle fandom. You’ve helped foster a lively, welcoming, and thriving community, and I appreciate it.
So. Once more we have come to the end of the road. A huge thanks to you, my faithful readers, for joining me on this journey. It’s been an honor and a pleasure. I hope life is treating you well and that you defeat whatever might bedevil you in the dark. Remember that you aren’t alone. We each have a light inside of ourselves, and it’s important to share that light with others.
Go forth, be awesome, and as always… Atra esterní ono thelduin.
Christopher Paolini
November 7, 2023