Unlike most of Raymond E. Feist's books, this particular one lacked the typical fantasy element. It's important to note that this is a standalone sidebar to the Riftwar Saga, another series by the same author. While there were elves, dark elves, and some references to rifts, the book was predominantly pure fiction and action.

Fans of the Riftwar Saga might be disappointed as they won't see their favorite heroes in action. Instead, they'll find themselves immersed in an action-packed, fast-paced war fiction similar to the novels of Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe series. The author had explicitly stated that he tried to mimic Bernard Cornwell, and having read the Sharpe series, I would say he did a passable job. Due to the story plot, magic or spellcasting was non-existent as the majority of the Midkemian forces fought without its aid during the Riftwar.

Dennis Hartraft, the main protagonist, and his mercenaries were in the thick of a war against the Tsurani invaders when they suddenly found themselves facing a third party. Caught between divided loyalties and war-hatred, Dennis had to make a crucial decision to ensure the survival of his mercenaries.

In this book, fans of E. Feist will gain more insights into the Returning. It's a fantastic read on its own and the best book in the Legends of Riftwar series. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to war fiction fans.

I truly loved this story to an extraordinary extent. It was written in a brilliantly captivating manner.

The way the author crafted the plot, developed the characters, and painted the vivid scenes was simply remarkable.

I find myself strongly inclined to believe that this might very well be my absolute favourite among all the works, not just of the original trilogies.

Every page seemed to draw me deeper into the enchanting world that the author had created, making it difficult for me to put the book down.

The story had a unique charm and a certain allure that set it apart from others, leaving a lasting impression on my mind and heart.

I would highly recommend this story to anyone who has a passion for reading and a love for engaging and well-written tales.

It is a literary gem that is sure to bring joy and excitement to all those who have the pleasure of experiencing it.

Took me by complete surprise.

I'm 17 books in and reading my favourite book in the Riftwar Saga.

It's truly astonishing how this particular book has managed to stand out among the others. The story is so captivating, the characters so vivid and engaging.

As I turn each page, I find myself completely immersed in this fantastical world that the author has created.

The Riftwar Saga has been a journey like no other, and this book is the pinnacle of that experience.

I can't help but be in awe of the author's imagination and storytelling prowess.

It's moments like these that make reading such a wonderful and fulfilling activity.

I'm eager to see what lies ahead in the remaining pages of this amazing book.

This book leans less towards fantasy elements and focuses more on military grinding and survival.

It does have all the flaws that one might expect. However, despite these imperfections, I still found the reading journey enjoyable.

There's nothing particularly profound or unexpected in its pages. At times, having more of the same can be acceptable.

The story likely follows a somewhat predictable path of the characters facing various military challenges and learning to survive in a harsh environment.

Perhaps it lacks the excitement and innovation that some readers might crave, but it still manages to hold one's attention with its straightforward narrative.

In the end, it's not a masterpiece, but it's a solid read that offers a certain level of entertainment.

Overall, I'd rate it a 3.5 out of 5.

Encore un très très bon tome. It is truly an excellent volume. I have really appreciated the new characters unveiled by the author. The special mention goes to Dennis and Richard who have sincerely moved me. Their stories and personalities are so vivid and engaging that they have left a deep impression on me.

Malheureusement je regrette que ce tome se suffise à lui même. Unfortunately, I regret that this volume is self-contained. I am not accustomed to this approach. I am more used to a continuous storyline that builds and develops over multiple volumes. This way, I can become more invested in the characters and their adventures.

Je regrette ce choix. I regret this choice. However, I still have to admit that the author has done a great job in creating this volume. The writing is excellent, the plot is interesting, and the characters are well-developed. I just hope that in the future, the author will consider using a more continuous approach to tell the story.

I must say that I am truly impressed with these co-written Riftwar books, and this particular one is no exception!

It is evident that a great deal of effort and thought has gone into crafting this story, which is of high quality and not just a haphazard attempt to extend the Riftwar series.

In my opinion, it can even stand on its own. You don't necessarily have to have read any of Feist's other (truly fantastic) books to enjoy this one.

The plot is engaging, the characters are well-developed, and the world-building is top-notch.

It takes you on an exciting adventure filled with action, magic, and mystery.

I would strongly recommend this book to both fans of the Riftwar series and those who are new to Feist's work.

It's a great addition to any fantasy lover's bookshelf.

The enemy of my enemy is my temporary ally, and that is the truly original theme of this book.

It is well-written in itself and achieves its goal: demonstrating the madness that war is.

However, it is by no means a page-turner.

The story unfolds at a rather slow pace, perhaps deliberately so to make the readers fully absorb the essence of the theme.

The characters are well-developed, but their actions and decisions sometimes lack the kind of urgency that would keep the readers on the edge of their seats.

Nonetheless, the book offers a unique perspective on war and the complex relationships that emerge during such tumultuous times.

It makes the readers think about the true nature of alliances and the lengths people will go to in order to achieve their goals.

Overall, while it may not be a thrilling read, it is a thought-provoking one that is worth the time and effort.

Felt slightly slow,

but still packed with everything we love about Feist.

There is political intrigue,

which keeps us on the edge of our seats,

wondering what will happen next in the complex web of power and manipulation.

The human experience is also explored,

showing the characters' joys, sorrows, and struggles,

making us empathize with them on a deep level.

Epic battles add excitement and drama,

with vivid descriptions that make us feel as if we are right there in the thick of the action.

And finally, there is heartwrenching emotion,

which tugs at our heartstrings and leaves us with a sense of both sadness and hope.

Overall, despite the slightly slow pace,

Feist's work still manages to captivate and engage us,

leaving us eager for more.

This is the first installment of my book reading journey where I've made a conscious choice to go back and read all of the works by Feist, Salvatore, and Weiss that I missed or skipped over the years. It's an active decision driven by my disillusionment with the current fantasy offerings being published. I yearn for authors who can spin a captivating tale, and these three fit the bill.

This particular book is a stand-alone novel within the Riftwar series. It's set nine years into the war with the Tsurani. Dennis Hartraft's garrison is located near a frontier outpost, and a Tsurani garrison is also present. One would expect a battle to ensue, but then enter the moredhel, the dark elves. The only hope for the humans and the Tsurani to survive long enough to fight each other is to form an alliance against the moredhel. Just imagine the myriad of complications, plot twists, and moral decisions that arise from this unlikely alliance.

It took approximately 50 - 75 pages for this book to transition from a military fantasy to a character-based one, which is precisely why I love Feist's works. This book is truly very good. The only factor preventing a five-star rating is the fact that it's a stand-alone novel and thus lacks the greater weight and significance within the overall Riftwar series. Nevertheless, I'm extremely glad I picked up Feist's work again. I wouldn't recommend reading this if you've never delved into other books in the series, but you don't necessarily have to read all 30 (or so) books to enjoy this particular one.

Xenophon is a well-known figure, and this article offers an interesting perspective on him. It also presents a decent standalone fantasy yarn that has its own charm.

While it may not reach the epic grandeur of Feist, it leans more towards the style of Gemmell. The plot is solid and somewhat predictable, but it still manages to have a few twists that keep the reader engaged. The ending is reasonable, tying up the loose ends in a satisfactory way.

I didn't find the departure from traditional fantasy elements to be a drawback. In fact, the story carried well enough to provide a pleasant and comforting read. It offers a different take on the genre, which can be refreshing for those looking for something a little bit different.

Overall, this is an enjoyable piece of work that combines an interesting look at Xenophon with a decent fantasy story. It may not be the most groundbreaking or innovative, but it does what it sets out to do well.

A truly terrific tale is set right in the middle of the riftwar. It meticulously unpicks the numerous challenges and mind-boggling complexities that arise within a rather shaky alliance. This alliance is formed between two groups of soldiers who原本 belong to warring armies. They find themselves temporarily teaming up against the Moredehl, also known as the dark elves. The story vividly shows the intense strains of leadership and the bitter resentment of hating an enemy. However, this hatred is gradually surpassed by a grudging respect and a sense of mateship that develops among them. This is an extremely well-written story that has the power to leave you craving for more. After reading it, you gain a much deeper appreciation of the Moredehl and the intricate web of emotions and circumstances that surround them in this fictional world.

This was a fast-paced and highly enjoyable read.

It presents a side plot of the Riftwar that unfolds as a non-fluff adventure, transporting us right back to the classic "Magician" which initiated this epic saga.

My personal favorite aspect was the further insight into Tsurani culture. Specifically, it explored their perspective on fighting in a war so distant from their home world of Kelewan and the ways in which the "Great Game of the Council" continues to exert its influence on them.

"Honoured Enemy" delivered the high-quality story that I have come to anticipate from Feist. I truly hope that you will enjoy it as much as I did.

It offers a captivating and engaging experience, filled with rich characters, exciting plot twists, and a vividly imagined world.

Whether you are a long-time fan of the Riftwar series or a newcomer, this book is sure to satisfy your appetite for adventure and fantasy.

So, pick up a copy and prepare to be immersed in the thrilling world of the Tsurani and their ongoing struggle.