Rating: Summary: A good book, but... Review: Krondor:Assassins is a continuation of the "Betrayal" storyline, in case you didn't know. Unfortunately for Feist's readers, this book really is pointless. No important new characters are introduced, nothing important happens... the book isn't one I'd reread. The mere fact that this is a prequel limits the book's development. If new characters are introduced, he would have to allude to them in the Serpentwar saga, which is kind of difficult, as they've already been written. Same with no important events. Another problem would be that if the new guys or events were alluded to in Serpentwar, nobody really knows who they are or what event Feist is talking about(i.e. the Crawler incident mentioned in the Serpentwar). Please stop writing about the same characters. I could probably write Pug's biography if I had to. Time for a new batch of heroes. Maybe write some more about Great Kesh (not a prequel to the Riftwar or something). I sincerely hope "Tear of the Gods" will be better... I'll finally know what Feist was talking about when he mentioned it back in Serpentwar. If "Tear" isn't any good, goodBYE. "Magician" and the other Riftwar books were absolute classics... but you're pushing your luck now.
Rating: Summary: Whatever happened to Raymond Feist? Review: During the Riftwar Saga, no one did it better than Feist. A brilliantly crafted world, vivid mature characters and crackling dialogue added up to one of the best series in modern fantasy. The series that ended with ...Sethanon was one for the century, putting the Jordans and Eddings to shame. We were treated to a few more lovely novels in the series, but after Rise of a Merchant Prince, the quality just went downhill. Characters grew less vivid, actions seemed repetitive, and the underlying story of a greater evil underneath the ones we already knew only served to minimize the impact of the earlier books. The 'Krondor Books' are simply the worst things he's ever written, and an embarassment to the series. They read more like, well, like adaptations of computer games than the mastery Feist used to show. It's almost as if he's working with a colloborator (and one who does most of the work) and that unknown just isn't up to snuff. Maybe it's time for Mr. Feist to leave the world of Midkemia and strike out for fresher pastures. But as much as I love Jimmy, Cousin Willy and Arutha (who quite frankly is unrecognizable in this book), it's time to say goodbye before things get even worse.
Rating: Summary: Overall an excellent book. Review: I personally thought that this book was an excellent read in a way that it had an intriguing plot which kept you just turning the pages. In this book, you see the link from other of Feist's books, the later Serpentwar Saga and the in between books. Had he wrote his books all in order, completing this before the Serpentwar Saga, etc, it would have been more suspenseful. As a result, you lose some of that suspense and know that they'll live. I'm a little disappointed but impressed with this 'linking' book, knowing that the next book will simply be another game based book of Return to Krondor. But still a very good book.
Rating: Summary: A nice read, but not very deep Review: While veteran readers know all about Jimmy the Hand, Arutha and William, I thought the characterization of the secondary characters was thin. You don't get the opportunites to understand their motives and the reasons for their actions like you do in the other series'. I also was disappointed in the second half of the book which I felt could have been much deeper and involved than it turned out to be. It is a solid story and a good read, but not Feist's best work.
Rating: Summary: Not too great, this one Review: I find these prequels are far inferior to other books Feist has written. Every single book up until Shards was magnificant. However, Krondor: The Betrayal covers nothing which the game didn't and the Assasins really...has not point. We know William, James, and Arutha are going to live because they are alive in later books. Nothing earth-shattering can happen and whatever happens has to be something which isn't significant enough for the characters to mention in future books. It is a very easy read, but is on the same level as The Betrayal which is far below Feist's previous works. I hear he is planning on doing more of these prequels. I hope I am not hearing correctly.
Rating: Summary: Fluffy bunny Review: I love Raymond Feist but he has a tendancy to call it in once every 3-4 books. This book is enjoyable but not worthy of mention in comparison to other Feist novels. Read Magician or Silverthorn over before picking this up in hardcover.
Rating: Summary: Feist Plays Hookey in his own World Review: I gave this fluff a four - which it really doesn't deserve but...Jimmy and Arutha are my favorite characters in the Midkemia world...and Assassins is head and shoulders above Betrayal. And even though we are clearly set up for books 3, 4 etc., I'd rather have mediocre Feist than no Feist at all. Feist makes Assassins a stronger book by concentrating its limited plot line on Squire James and his Prince. Betrayal had a 'Whoo! Where did that come from.' quality that...well...betrayed the reader. Assassins is much more tightly plotted. I can see how this novel is structured after a video game: fighting in the Nighthawks underground fortress is clearly level x...but it doesn't wack you in the head with it. And, for the most part, I didn't feel I was reading something written for computer geeks who want a further game fix. So I guess I'll be waiting for book 3... Krondor, the Misdemeanor?
Rating: Summary: Debunking the rest Review: In some of the reviews of this book I have read, I see that people are comparing this one to feist's earlier works. I think these people are in error. Feist is currently doing the "franchise" work, meaning he's working on developing the Computer Role Playing Games, and is CONTRACTED to do 3 books on the story line of the franchise. The only problem here is that some people, like me, do not like the franchise nearly as much as the main stream literature he has written. So,in the meantime, I'll get this book, simply because it IS feist, and therefore, worth the money and time.
Rating: Summary: Brilliant Review: There arent words to describe the vivid story telling ability of the greatest author in history, but i will surmise Assassins in one word- brilliant.
Rating: Summary: The Decline of a Master Review: Feist is churning out book after book and each saga seems to be loosing the magic of his earlier one's. This was an average book but paled in comparisson to his previous tales. I don't know why he decided to move back to this point in the history of Midkemia instead of finnishing off where he left off at the end of Shards of A Broken Crown. I am trully dissapointed althoug he remains my number 1 author. All said, this book is still worth reading!
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