Eragon book gets midnight release

The third volume of Christopher Paolini’s “Inheritance” fantasy series, coming out this fall, will have a Harry Potter-like midnight opening.

Publisher Alfred A. Knopf will release “Brisingr” on Saturday, Sept. 20, with a first printing of 2.5 million. Nancy Hinkel, publishing director of Knopf’s Books for Young Readers, said Wednesday that the novel was originally scheduled for a traditional release, on Sept. 23, but was moved up in response to requests from booksellers.

The new book’s title refers to an old Norse word, meaning fire, that has special meaning for Eragon, the series’ young adventurer.

Paolini’s first two books, “Eragon” and “Eldest,” have sold more than 12 million copies worldwide. The series is expected to run for four books.