Q&As with Christopher: The Most Popular Questions of 2016

Aurora Borealis, Iceland, popular questions of 2016
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In collaboration with Alex Vivaut of Eragons.com in Spain, we asked Christopher the most popular questions of 2016! Curious about if there will be another movie? Want to know the current status of Book Five and the new science fiction novel? Will your favorite Inheritance Cycle love affairs end with a happily ever after? Find out below.

Is there going to be a new Eragon movie?

I hope so! Hollywood is a strange and unpredictable place, which means it’s hard to know for certain what projects may actually see the light of day, but I’m pushing hard for a remake of Eragon. It would be wonderful to see a faithful adaptation of the story up on the big screen.

Are you going to write any other book based in Alagaësia?

Of course! I’ve plotted out a whole bunch of new stories set in Alagaësia, including Book Five! First, though, I have to finish my current novel (a big science-fiction epic). I’m writing as fast as possible.

When is the fifth book of Inheritance going to release?

I really can’t say, but I can’t wait to share these stories with you. (Plus, just wait until you see what happens with Angela!)

Is the plot of the fifth book about Eragon, Saphira, and Arya?

Yes? . . . Ha! I can’t really answer that question in any greater detail without spoiling the story. However, I can say that it takes place after “Inheritance” and that we’ll see many of our favorite characters along with a whole bunch of new ones. It’s exciting stuff.

How is your new science fiction book going?

This project has taken way longer than I expected: over a year to research the science and create a new universe for my characters; several months to write short stories that helped me find the voice for this new setting (it’s most definitely not fantasy!); and then a couple more years to plot and write the first draft. My relief at finally reaching the end last spring was tempered when I read the beast from beginning to end and realized that the characters needed more development and the plot some clarification. Creating a good story takes a lot of work! So here we are at the end of 2016. My rewrite is progressing extremely well, and I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Here’s a teaser: the story has a female protagonist, aliens, space battles . . . and a cat. I can’t wait for you to read it!

When will your new science fiction book be published?

As soon as possible! Once I finish this rewrite, I’ll share the manuscript with my agent, and the official process of finding a publisher will proceed.

Who is Angela the herbalist?

She’s a trickster and an enigma and a question wrapped up in an answer. You can be sure that we’ll be seeing much more of her in Book Five. Not only that, I have another book planned that’s centered just on her.

Are Eragon and Arya going to be together?

You’ll have to read Book Five to find out! Their story is far from over, though.

Are Murtagh and Nasuada going to be together?

Again, I can’t say without spoiling future events, but neither of them is the sort to give up on something (or someone) they care about.

Will Eragon come back to the land of Alagaësia?

No comment. 🙂

Closing comments?

As always, thank you to all of my fans for reading the Inheritance Cycle! It’s humbling to know that people all around the world enjoy the series. I appreciate your support as I work to bring you new stories. Exciting things are coming!

As Eragon himself would say, “Sé onr sverdar sitja hvass!” May your swords stay sharp.

Christopher Paolini

Can’t get enough? Check out our Q&A archive and FAQ page. Still want more? Submit your questions and follow the latest on Christopher’s Twitter and Facebook page.

Immanuela Meijer

Immanuela is the Paolinis' webmaster, archivist, and all around "make-things-go" Renaissance woman.