I think if it had been a true anthology, with firm breaks between stories, it would have gone a long way toward solving the problem. But for me, the point where the book falls down is the links between the stories. Independent of the others, each story is cohesive and well constructed, if lacking in emotional power. The writing itself is along the same lines as we've come to expect from Paolini (so, not amazing, but nothing to complain about without getting nitpicky). Hence, we end up hearing about a magical fork (my favorite story by far, even though it is the shortest of the bunch), a witch (term used very loosely, as it's pertaining to Angela and 'special' girl Eragon basically created), and a wyrm. We're basically seeing a day in Eragon's life in which three different people are relating stories to him. Well, first you need to understand that this is a frame story.

Relish the incomparable imagination of Christopher Paolini in this thrilling new collection of stories based in the world of the Inheritance Cycle. Included is an excerpt from the memoir of the unforgettable witch and fortune-teller Angela the herbalist.penned by Angela Paolini, the inspiration for the character herself! This volume features three original stories set in Alagaësia, interspersed with scenes from Eragon's own unfolding adventure. Then a vision from the Eldunarí, unexpected visitors, and an exciting Urgal legend offer a much-needed distraction and a new perspective. 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.

It's been a year since Eragon departed Alagaësia in search of the perfect home to train a new generation of Dragon Riders. The internationally best-selling fantasy sensation is back with brand-new stories set in the world of Eragon and the Inheritance Cycle!Ī wanderer and a cursed child.

The fork the witch and the worm