Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers Publishing Director Nancy Hinkel announced the title of the third book in Christopher Paolini‘s Inheritance cycle: Brisingr. The title is an Old Norse word for fire, and is “familiar to fans of the cycle as the first word in the ancient language that Eragon hears.” The cover is by John Jude Palencar, who illustrated Eragon and Eldest, the first two books.
Explaining the choice, Paolini said “Brisingr is one of the first words I thought of for this title, and it’s always felt right to me. As the first ancient-language word that Eragon learns, it has held particular significance for his legacy as a Dragon Rider. In this new book, it will be revealed to be even more meaningful than even Eragon could have known.”
Knopf has announced a first printing of 2.5 million copies, which is the “largest initial run ever for a Random House Children’s Books title.”
The book had originally been scheduled for publication on 23 September 2008, they’ve changed it to 12:01AM on Saturday 20 September. The reason, Hinkel said, was that “after the initial announcement of Book Three’s release, we received an outpouring of requests from booksellers hoping to host midnight launch parties. We have responded to their enthusiasm by advancing the date, and we know fans will welcome the opportunity to celebrate the publication together.” The book will be published simultaneously as an audiobook by Random House’s Listening Library division.