Rating: 
Summary: Exceedingly well-written.
Review: The dust jacket of the hardcover book immediately causes you to wonder if this is perhaps a children's book instead of yet another gloriously well-written fantasy from Feist. It seems that the covers have gone from incredible (in the preceeding series) to "blah" in this one. However, as is said, one cannot judge a book by its cover (though sometimes it makes for pleasant viewing), so I ignored the rather bland artwork and dug right into the novel. Having read the previous two books, I was more-or-less expecting many of the sub-stories that made up the plot, but I was in no way prepared for the almost wholesale loss of most of my favorite characters from the previous series. However, I try to keep firmly in mind the adage that death doesn't matter as long as the character died for a reason and died well. And, my stars, Feist does write a fabulous death scene. So after shoving aside the poor artwork of the jacket and the loss of some favorite characters, I began to look at the story as a whole and how it related to the previous two books. For the most part, everything had a resolution of some sort. There were very few loose threads left undone, but since there is yet another book coming out, I'm sure those small points will be addressed. The first book in this series (Shadow Of A Dark Queen) focused intensely on Erik von Darkmoor and Rupert Avery and how they related to their group. There were a few side stories, but the reader's attention was primarily focused on those two. In the second book (Rise Of A Merchant Prince), the attention focused mostly on Rupery Avery and the side stories were a bit stronger so as to make up for the gaps. In this book, the focus is mainly Erik von Darkmoor with even stronger side-stories making for an entertaining novel. Though Erik is given considerably more attention, the other characters of this series command our full attention when they are thrust into the spotlight during their chapters. Still, with all of this wonderful writing and entertaining characterization, the book does have some weak points that need to be addressed. It seemed, at times, like Feist had planned this book out years and years ago and then lost the outline until recently. Hundreds of words are taken up by backpedaling. That is to say, Feist was constantly having a character point out plot and character flaws while having another character explain it away. Case-in-point: Macros The Black. In the fourth book of the earlier series (A Darkness At Sethanon), we are treated to a rather entertaining and complete story of the background of this previously mysterious character. Suddenly in this book, we find out that the entire story was one big lie. We find out that Macros is not immortal, not of another world, unable to see the future, etc. etc. ad infitum. It seemed as if Feist needed this character rather badly and then in the middle of writing this book, said "Oops" and had to explain away all of the inconsistancies. There are a number of other similar "Oops" incongruities that detract a bit from the enjoyment of the whole. If you have never read the other series, then you won't miss anything, but having read all of his books, I found myself at points saying "Wait, this doesn't make sense according to..." However, despite these tiny "boo-boo's," the book is very well done and a certain enjoyment to fans and even non-fans of Raymond Feist. I recommend it heartily.
Rating: 
Summary: I'm Totally confused
Review: After reading ROADK, I'm totally confused with the characters. Like Macross is now only about 500 years old. But in Magician, Master, during Pug's final testing, from what Pug sees in the tower, Macross is the one who turns the "stranger" away, which in the book says was thousands of years ago. I wonder if Macross time travelled or something. Compare to Darkness at Sethanon, a lot of characters are de-powered, like Pug, Macross, and Thomas. I think ROADK have throw away all the consistancy of the book since Magician, Apprentice.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent sequel to the prior books in the series.
Review: Feist does it again. Combines sorcery, warcraft and love all in one gripping story that stands on its own or serves to expand your knowledge of his prior installations.
Rating:
Summary: One of Feist's greatest works yet
Review: I have long been a fan of Raymond Feist's works, following the triumphs and travails of his characters both upon Midkemia and Kelewan since their inception. This most recent installment rivalled that of my 2 favorites, Silverthorn and A Darkness at Sethanon. My one fault I have ever had with Feist as a writer, and perhaps unjustly so, was the cold shoulder sometimes turned when main characters are so easily killed off, without so much as a hint of regret. Here, in this book, series old characters do not die ignominiously, but the way I wish he would dispell most of his important characters. Vaji and Praja were swept aside like hewn wheat in Rise of A Merchant Prince while only one main character of the many to fall in this tale died so inocuously. So as not spoil it for any who have not read the book so far I will not identify this character, but will only say it is the only drawback of this fantastic novel. Pug and Macros are again at the forefront as is Tomas, who has long been in the shadows since Sethanon. I can only imagine how even more incredible and entrancing the final installment of this saga will be. This is a definite must read for any Feist lover and his series, starting with Magician:Apprentice, should be a must read of any fantasy or sci-fi aficionado. I give props to Raymond E. Feist once again for a thrilling and heartwrenching tale of the lives of those on that distant land of Midkemia.
Rating: 
Summary: Caught in a Love/Hate Relationship
Review: I must admit that I read this book over 2 or 3 days every chance I got, but was really disappointed by what some may argue is most important about the Riftwar and Serpentwar sagas--magic. The magic storyline seemed forced and was too detailed. I found myself beyond tired of magical explainations by the end. Perhaps the answer to the magic storyline is diversity. Except for gender and ethnicity, the magicians are all about the same. The battles were great. I could visualize the trees and rocks, smell the scents, and hear the sounds of battle. The fighting was vivid to say the least. I'm ready to see Erik and some other soliders and leaders develop more and, perhaps, make it through another book. The magic needs a little freshening up, but I truly enjoyed the book. Feist wrote a complex and compelling story. I look forward to the next one. I have got to know how this turns out...
Rating:
Summary: Uhh... Give away a little much?
Review: I liked this book, I really did, but Feist destroyed his world at the wrong time. The world of Midkemia as we know it was not ready to be rocked quite so incredibly, nor was it rocked by the appropriate beings. I mean, I've read all of Feist's works since Magician, and I think all people will agree with me when I say that a great deal went into developing Midkemia and all her charms. In ROADK, however, Feist just tears it all down too fast and when it's not ripe. Oh, and revealing the identity of The Upright Man is the greatest crime Feist could have committed. C'mon, Mr. Feist... We know characters must die and cities must blow up, but is nothing sacred?
Rating:
Summary: Great novel and a recommended read for all fantasy lovers!
Review: I am shocked by some of the negative reviews this book got by other people on this site. (Look around, most are positive!) Some of the things they hated are the best points of this book. The story has become ever broader and far reaching, with greater forces thrown into the battle. Yes, some characters we have grown to love die, but I think this is because Feist has realized that it is time for the series to move on. (Don't worry, there are plenty of old favorites who make it!) Another complaint I read was that too many mysteries were revealed. Again, this is one of the greatest points in this book. After learning, we realize how much we really didn't know about Midkemia and how much there is still to discover. For those of you that have never read Feist ... DO! He is, in my opinion, the BEST fantasy author there is. (And that's the truth!) Start at the beginning of his great stories, though, with Magician: Apprentice (of the Riftwar Saga). This will help you to understand this detailed world and learn about many of the characters. That is the greatest thing about Feist's books, the characters. After reading his books, you feel for the characters and truely understand what they are experiencing, both their losses and joys. I highly recommend this book!
Rating:
Summary: Much plot -- pure exposition limits depth
Review: In ROADK, Feist weaves together a surprisingly large number of characters and plot lines. Unlike many fantasy books of this type, the reader does not have to slog through chapters of dull storylines until the story gets back to the interesting one--Feist dives into each quickly and tends not to leave the reader hanging. This is the good news. Unfortunately, Feist has chosen to write ROADK as pure exposition, which creates a distance between the reader and the story. We never really feel what the characters do, never see where they are. Despite the book's 500+ pages, his writing often seems rushed and abbreviated, and Feist seems to have tired of the work of describing setting, character, and writing dialogue. Truly, these have never been his strong suits--with the exception of the Empire series that Janny Wurts coauthored, which had a depth of character, plot development, and dialogue unmatched in Feist's other work. Read the book for plot--as for story, ROADK is like trying to watch a play or perhaps a rugby match from a great distance. The broad gestures are there, but the details are lacking, the dialogue sounds flat, and the characters have begun to blend together. ROADK is good basic fantasy, but has lost the sense of wonder, intricacy, and presence that were at their best in the Empire series, and which seemed to be growing though Rise of a Merchant Prince. Let's hope that in his next book (which I still eagerly await), Feist remembers that sheer volume of action and plot cannot replace bringing the reader closer to the story, and letting the reader get to know and care about the characters and events. They should be part and parcel of the same thing. Not only that, but they will reinforce each other, leading to a stronger whole.
Rating:
Summary: Climax is not up to Feist Standards
Review: A fair fiction story by general comparison but a real letdown compared to Feist's other books, better to have left Pug out of it than depict him the way he did. Sexual adventures of Roo became monotonous, as did his name. Of course Feist has his work cut out for him after having written THE BEST SF/FANTASY CLIMAXES I HAVE EVER READ!!! But where are they in this series -- NOWHERE???
Rating:
Summary: A dissapointing but thoroughly readable book
Review: How can a book be thoroughly readable and yet disappointing? Well let me explain... Feist has been writing Midkemia books for several years and has produced some fantastic characters that he has always allowed to develop, adding constant new threads and removing old weave. It has been the case that the characters are secondary to the theology and political structure of the world and the universe in general. For these reasons, the characters are more cherished, because they suffer the same frailties that we must also suffer. At any time they can be removed from the picture and we feel each loss as our own. This, in my opinion, was what made the Feist books great.
In Rage of a Demon King, I felt that the storyline was being forced. Like many authors, Feist seems to have fallen into the trap of involving ever more powerful foes to challenge his main characters in the magical realm. It is somewhat of a mystery as his non-magical main characters in the book, such as Roo, Eric, Kitty and Jimmy, have more than enough on their plate to keep them occupied. This makes it all the more disappointing when the magical characters, with their much vaunted powers, can be blasted around and still recover.
One particular scene that sticks in my mind is the way Pug is persuaded to face the Demon that has forced the invasion of the Kingdom in order to get to the Lifestone at Sethanon. He faces the demon and blasts it with a huge fireball, which is rebounded from the demon who strips Pug of his defenses and almost destroys him.....Why? Why would and archmage of Pugs skill use such a stupid attack form and be so easily caughyt out in a magical trap? It makes no sense, and frankly is insulting readers who have followed the character development through every Midkemia book written. Although I thoroughly enjoyed the book as a 'good read', the sense of disappointment caused by such scenes was awesome.
The bottom line is this:- If you have read mist of the earlier books you will find this disappointing, but if you are an occasional reader then you will find this an excellent piece of fantasy fiction, if a little open ended. I look forward to Shards of a Broken Crown, due out this year, and hope that Feist can get it together.
|
