NEW YORK, NEW YORK – September 9, 2008 – Barnes & Noble, Inc. (NYSE: BKS), the world’s largest bookseller, today announced Christopher Paolini, bestselling author of Brisingr, the third book in the Inheritance cycle, will host the Brisingr book release party to be held at the Union Square Barnes & Noble (33 East 17th Street) in Manhattan on Friday, September 19.  Paolini will discuss his series with fans, take questions and sign copies of the books.  He will be joined by Gerard Doyle, narrator of the Inheritance cycle audio books.  The Union Square Barnes & Noble will remain open late Friday, September 19 and begin selling copies of Brisingr at the stroke of midnight.

The epic tales in Christopher Paolini’s bestselling Inheritance cycle have ignited both teen and adult readers, who have been captivated by this fresh voice in the genre of fantasy-adventure. Paolini began writing Eragon, the first book in the Inheritance cycle, followed by Eldest, at the age of 15. Barnes & Noble stores across the country will celebrate the September 20 release of Brisingr by hosting special in-store events throughout the weekend. Select stores will stay open late on Friday, September 19, and begin selling copies of Brisingr at the stroke of midnight. For information on all things related to the Inheritance cycle at Barnes & Noble, and for a listing of all Brisingr release parties, visit www.bn.com/inheritance. 

Leading up to the September 20 release date, Barnes & Noble.com (www.bn.com) will have exclusive Paolini content available.  From September 17-19, Christopher Paolini will host the Fantasy & Sci Fi Book Club (www.bn.com/bookclubs).  Fans will have the chance to chat with Paolini about the series and watch videos with the author.  Fans can also join a discussion of the Inheritance cycle series in the Barnes & Noble.com Teen Reads Book Club (www.bn.com/bookclubs).  And, the September 15 episode of Barnes & Noble Tagged! (www.bn.com/tagged) will feature special guest Michelle Frey, Paolini’s editor at Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers (an imprint of Random House Children’s Books).