Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
35(35%)
4 stars
33(33%)
3 stars
32(32%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
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Toliko has written a book that simply has to recycle, and that is himself. But hey, at least he recycles one of the best :D :D :D. Besides the recycling itself, this book also brings some new elements to the great battle of good and evil. The epilogue is eagerly awaited in the next few series. The new characters are well thought out, introduced into the story, and they are there to replace the dear heroes because of whom we loved the Riftwar series.

The map is expanding, the stage is getting bigger and no world or nation is safe from the touch of the evil that has been banished. The personifications of evil do not respect boundaries, and this brings us readers a lot more information about the previously mentioned but poorly explored parts of the Midkemian world. Feist is full of self-confidence and eager writing. Feist enjoys what he does.
July 15,2025
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This book presents a rather good story.

Although I wasn't overly impressed, I did enjoy reuniting with all the familiar old characters.

The narrative remained quite fast-paced, with only minimal instances when Pug and Nakor delve into philosophical discussions about magic.

Regrettably, the stories are starting to show a hint of repetition.

They aren't entirely identical, but one can discern the pattern.

Consequently, you can anticipate the direction in which the story is headed, and thus, you aren't as astonished as you perhaps ought to be.

Being a fan of Midkemia, I don't feel my time spent with this book was wasted.

However, for someone entirely new to Feist's work, I would suggest the older series.

This way, they can experience the full breadth and depth of his imaginative world-building and storytelling without being influenced by the potential repetitiveness that may have crept into the later installments.

Overall, while this book has its merits, it also has its drawbacks, and it's up to the individual reader to decide whether it meets their expectations.

July 15,2025
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Recycling almost bit-for-bit whichever book was the story about the ConDoin twins stranded in Kesh. The narrative seems to follow a similar pattern, with nearly exactly the same climax. There is a significant amount of repetition in the storytelling, constantly reminding the reader of what has happened both in the previous book and throughout the series so far. However, the quick pacing in this book is a redeeming factor. It made me read it at a much faster pace than I would usually do. This is partially because one can easily skim through all those repetitive and well-established plot points.


Caleb's story, in particular, is definitely the most interesting part. It adds a new layer of depth and intrigue to the overall narrative. His character development and the challenges he faces keep the reader engaged and eager to find out what will happen next. While the repetitive elements may be a bit tiresome at times, Caleb's story manages to hold the reader's attention and make the book worth reading.

July 15,2025
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Book 24 in Raymond E. Feist's Riftwar Cycle series is also the first book in the Darkwar Saga.

Here, a mundane hero guy falls in love with a woman in a village and agrees to take her two teenage boys to the city for apprenticeships. However, their cart is ambushed during the journey, and the mundane hero guy is severely wounded. The boys manage to get him to a village where an old friend stabilizes his wounds and contacts his family, who are a group of extremely powerful wizards living on Sorcerer's Isle.

They are then teleported there, and the mundane hero guy is patched up. After that, they are sent on a mission to the city of KESH. Along the way, they get caught up in a plot by a band of elite assassins called The Night Hawks to kill the Emperor.

The Night Hawks are presented as an absurdly competent assassins guild, with each member being the best of the best and able to dispatch any target in multiple ways.

Surprisingly, before you know it, these two teenage boys, along with a fat Australian-analogue kid, are killing the elite assassins in large numbers with next to no training.

It turns out that the person behind the assassination plot is an evil wizard, a long-time nemesis of the super Wizard club. He has a history of being killed only to appear in another body. Despite extensive discussions about how his soul always manages to escape death and find a new host, and much debate over how to prevent this, no effort is made to do so. They simply kill his body, and he disappears, only to return in another book.

This story is full of tropes, terrible decisions by the main characters, and is overall very dull.
July 15,2025
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Carrying on from the end of the last series, the story unfolds with great momentum.

The pace remains brisk, and the action-packed scenes continue to unfold, gradually building up to a huge confrontation.

However, as the story progresses, the size of the problems seems to keep growing larger and more complex.

Despite this, the book is still an enjoyable read. The author's writing style is engaging, and the characters are well-developed and interesting.

The plot twists and turns, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat and eager to find out what happens next.

Overall, it is a great addition to the series and definitely worth reading.
July 15,2025
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I quite like this one, though it does feel a bit rushed at times.

We spend a significant amount of time with Caleb (Pug's son) and his adopted sons Tad and Zane. They are engaged in the task of investigating the doings of Leso Varen in Kesh. After the fall of Olasko, Leso Varen has gone into hiding in Kesh.

Additionally, we are introduced to Ralan Bek. He is one of the more interesting characters and also a rather important one. His introduction nicely sets the stage for the next few books, stepping up the narrative and adding an extra layer of intrigue and complexity.

Overall, while there are some aspects that feel a bit hasty, the story has its moments and the new characters and plot developments hold promise for what is to come.
July 15,2025
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3 1/2 stars.

It is always an absolute delight to visit this world with both old friends and new. Feist truly stands out as one of the best in the business when it comes to creating a plethora of multi-dimensional characters.

Of course, the fact that he allows these characters to develop over multiple books is a great boon. This enables a rich and detailed exploration of their personalities and growth.

However, this also has its drawbacks. If you haven't read all the books of the multiple mini-series, as is the case with me, it is quite easy to mix up some of the characters.

Feist is also renowned for his epic fantasies, and this latest installment continues that remarkable trend. It ventures into new territory while also following up on threads from previous series.

Once again, we see two young men coming of age in tumultuous times, and upon their shoulders, among others, rests the fate of Midkemia. I thoroughly enjoyed the ride, and I'm sure you will too.
July 15,2025
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I'm not entirely certain if I'm perusing a distinct book compared to other readers. However, I discovered this one to be as captivating as the finest of Feist's works!

There was a wonderful blend of both old and new characters in Flight of the Nighthawks. Although the Nighthawks themselves seem more like a rumor than a reality for a significant portion of the storyline, the plot was just as convoluted as I've relished in most of Feist's previous books.

It was pleasant to read about how the younger generation has fared as well.

In this initial installment of the Darkwar trilogy, the Conclave of Shadows is still fulfilling its role, striving to rid the world of Leso Varen and his malevolent plotting!

Primarily set in Kesh this time, the Conclave has a challenging task ahead. They are attempting to locate both Leso and his soul jar so that they can eliminate him once and for all, while simultaneously trying to solve the mystery of the various deaths of members of the Imperial family in Kesh!

Meanwhile, Pug, Miranda, and Nakor are still researching the magical army they had uncovered previously, while also endeavoring to determine how the tiny rifts that keep emerging have been created. And then, things become even more intriguing...
July 15,2025
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This book represents a significant point within the series, specifically the juncture where the quality of the story begins to experience a substantial and dramatic decline.

To be fair, it still manages to hold a certain degree of enjoyability. However, the overarching questions that have been posed throughout the entire Riftwar Saga persist in becoming increasingly more perplexing.

Regrettably, within the pages of this particular installment, there is a distinct lack of any meaningful answers to these pressing questions.

As a result, readers are left feeling somewhat frustrated and adrift, longing for the clarity and resolution that seems to be constantly eluding them.

It is a disappointment to see a once-promising series take such a downward turn in terms of narrative coherence and satisfaction.

Nonetheless, fans of the Riftwar Saga may still find themselves compelled to continue reading in the hopes that future books will offer the much-needed answers and redemption.

July 15,2025
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It has been a considerable number of years since I last had the opportunity to spend time with Pug and the group.

Consequently, it took me a little while to recall who each individual was.

This specific book does not represent a brilliant exemplar of the fantasy genre, nor does it emerge as a remarkable standout within the Magician series.

Nevertheless, it is a familiar, fast-paced, and enjoyable narrative all the same.

Despite not reaching the heights of some other works in the genre or series, it still manages to engage the reader with its well-known characters and exciting plot developments.

The story unfolds at a brisk pace, keeping the reader's attention firmly fixed on the events as they unfold.

Overall, while it may not be a masterpiece, it is a worthwhile read for fans of the series and those who enjoy a good fantasy story.

July 15,2025
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Leso Varen - Sidi - the mysterious forest - is emerging once again. However, no one knows where and how it will appear. The Conclave is moving to Velke Keshe because that's where the trails of magic and nocturnal predators lead.

Introduced into the story are Tad and Zane, the adopted sons of Pug's son Caleb. Through this, they enter the service of the Conclave and are properly trained. This entire group, along with the Spear, Kaspar, Amaffi, and Pask, sets out into the "Indo-China," into the highest imperial circles.

Their journey is filled with unknowns and challenges. They must rely on their training and each other to navigate through the dangerous landscapes and encounter the various forces that lurk within.

As they venture deeper into the heart of the mystery, they will discover secrets that could change the course of their lives and the fate of the world. Will they be able to overcome the obstacles in their path and fulfill their mission? Only time will tell.
July 15,2025
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This first book of the trilogy builds upon the foundation laid by the previous trilogy.

If you haven't read that one, you'll likely find yourself lost in this installment. However, Feist once again showcases his talent by introducing new characters that we rapidly come to value and care deeply about.

He skillfully weaves a new and engaging story around these characters, drawing the reader in and keeping them on the edge of their seats.

I thoroughly enjoyed how the tension of the series is steadily building, creating a sense of anticipation that something truly epic is即将来临.

The conclusion of this book does not disappoint. It ties up the loose ends of the current story while simultaneously hinting at "more to come," leaving the reader eager to pick up the next book in the trilogy.

Overall, this is a great start to a new trilogy that fans of Feist's work are sure to love.
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