Christopher Paolini's book of short stories set for year-end release

New Delhi: Christopher Paolini's new book will hit bookstands this year-end and will include never-before-seen original art by the popular American author and three short stories set in the world of Alagaesia.

‘The Fork, The Witch, and The Worm’ will be released by Penguin Random House in the UK on January 1, 2019, and by Alfred A Knopf Books for Young Readers in the US on December 31, 2018.

The announcement was made by Penguin Random House Children's MD Francesca Dow and Barbara Marcus, president and publisher, Random House Children's Books US.

Paolini is the author of the ‘Inheritance Cycle’ (Eragon, Eldest, Brisingr, Inheritance).

‘Eragon’, the first book in the series, was published when Paolini was only 19 years old.

Set in Paolini's well-known world of Alagaesia, which has captivated over 35 million readers worldwide, "The Fork, The Witch, and The Worm" includes three all-new, original stories, interspersed with scenes from Eragon's own unfolding adventure.

The book includes four pieces of original art by Paolini and memoir pages from Angela the herbalist, penned by his sister Angela Paolini, the inspiration for the character, herself.

The first story begins a year after Eragon has departed Alagaesia to train a new generation of Dragon Riders.

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.

A vision from the Eldunarí, unexpected visitors, and an exciting Urgal legend offer a much-needed distraction and a new perspective.

Paolini says about his book, "After so many years spent working on other projects, it was an enormous pleasure to return to the world of Alagaesia with 'The Fork, The Witch, and The Worm'.

"Writing about Eragon and Saphira again felt like arriving home after a long journey. These stories mean a great deal to me, and they are but the first taste of many more to come. Prepare yourselves, Dragon Riders. Things are not always what they seem..."

Angela Paolini adds: "It was an honour and a delight to give words to the character Angela the herbalist, who bears my name.

In this story we glimpse a few key moments from the enigmatic witch's extraordinary life and get a hint at her future plans." Dow says for the millions of fans around the globe, this return to Paolini's "rich and captivating world of Eragon is a long-awaited delight, and we know that any lover of fantasy will be enthralled by this collection and the four incredible Inheritance Cycle novels they can then also go on to discover."