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The AR Booklist
Murtagh book cover

Murtagh

The brand new fantasy from the bestselling author of Eragon

by Christopher Paolini

Random House 2023

Book 5 of The Inheritance Cycle

Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade

Reading level 6.7 (6th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+

Book 5 in a series — earlier books first

6th grade English Young Adult Fiction
432
Pages
34
AR Points
22h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Fantasy

Themes

  • redemption
  • identity and self-acceptance
  • loyalty and trust
  • power and corruption
  • prejudice and exile
  • courage
  • found family
  • good vs. evil

About this book

Set a year after the Inheritance Cycle, Murtagh follows the exiled Dragon Rider and his dragon, Thorn, as they navigate a world that blames them for an evil king’s reign. Hunted and mistrusted, they uncover signs of a new, unsettling darkness spreading across Alagaësia. The story blends intense adventure with a deep look at guilt, loyalty, and the struggle to define one’s own path. Ideal for teens who love epic quests, complex characters, and rich worldbuilding.

Setting: Alagaësia, one year after the fall of Galbatorix—remote villages, wild frontiers, and ancient ruins

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Murtagh right for my child?

It depends — here's what to consider for Murtagh. The reading level is AR 6.7, which is typical for 6th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include redemption, identity and self-acceptance, loyalty and trust. Note: this is book 5 in a series — your child should read the earlier books first.

How long does it take to read Murtagh?

At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Murtagh takes around 22h to finish. The book has 230,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Murtagh have an AR quiz?

Yes — Murtagh has an AR quiz available, worth 34 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.

What grade level is Murtagh?

Murtagh has an AR reading level of 6.7, which places it at a 6th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.