The chapter began with a short sentence.

Following that was an epilogue of the previous book which stretched over more than 400 long and dull pages.

After that, there finally came some action, but this was not enough to save the book.

It was a disappointing end to a disappointing tetralogy.

The emphasis was placed too much on uninteresting figures and military aspects, while the magical element that should have taken the lead was overshadowed.

What a pity.

This book had so much potential with its magical premise, but it failed to deliver.

The characters could have been more developed and engaging, and the military details could have been toned down to make room for more magical adventures.

Perhaps if the author had focused more on the magical element and less on the other aspects, this tetralogy would have been a success.

As it stands, it is a missed opportunity.

Really good as like an extended epilogue.

It truly feels like a wonderful addition that extends the story in a meaningful way.

There are some really great elements within it.

The details and the way it unfolds add depth and a sense of closure to the overall narrative.

It's as if it ties up loose ends and gives the readers a chance to further explore the world and the characters.

However, it also brings a tinge of sadness as it makes one realize that this will be the end of this particular crew.

They have been such an integral part of the story, and their presence will be missed.

Their adventures, their growth, and their relationships have all been a joy to follow.

But all good things must come to an end, and this extended epilogue serves as a fitting goodbye.

It allows us to cherish the memories and look back on the journey with a sense of gratitude and appreciation.

Pre-reading:

I read this book during my high school days. It was recommended to me by my older brother, and his suggestions are typically spot-on. However, to be completely honest, I truly couldn't recall a single thing about the plot of this novel. At times, certain events would trigger a vague itch in my brain, but for the most part, it was a complete blank.

Warnings:

Violence; although most of it wasn't overly graphic.

The novel:

I really appreciate the concept of witnessing the consequences of war, much like in Tolkien's "Return of the King". With the demise of numerous nobles and enemies encroaching from all directions, the Kingdom found itself in a perilous state, and there were significant gaps in the administration that demanded immediate attention. While the eastern part of the kingdom remained relatively stable, the west was in utter chaos and under the control of Prince Patrick, who, at his best, behaved like a petulant child. It didn't look promising at all. Personally, I had the urge to give Patrick a few slaps. The book centered around Dash and Jimmy, two characters I liked but wasn't as intrigued by as Erik and Roo. I'm glad that the novel still alternated between other characters, allowing my old favorites some screen time. Speaking of old favorites, Feist really did Greylock a disservice - I understand that not every hero can survive, but seriously, what a lousy way to die. I was angry for several days after that. My lack of interest in Jimmy and Dash made the reading progress rather slowly. I liked them as supporting characters, but I didn't find them captivating enough as the main protagonists. Mostly, I just felt sorry for them. And why is there always a zombie element!? I have such a strong aversion to the undead. Besides my rather lukewarm feelings towards the brothers, I also grew frustrated with the repetitive storyline. A book with enemies threatening from all sides could have been interesting on its own. I don't understand why it had to resort to yet another power-hungry character being manipulated by evil forces. It was as if they were squeezing the original storyline of the series into the final quarter of one book. The world doesn't have to end every single time - sometimes, bad humans can simply be bad humans. I found that quite disappointing. Nevertheless, the book ended with a solid foundation for the Conclave of Shadows and a glimmer of hope for the reconstruction of the Kingdom of Isles.

Also,

I absolutely loved it when Pug finally lost his temper with Patrick. What an arrogant little brat. I hope he behaves better when he becomes king.

This is an outstanding instalment within a vast and expansive universe. The action sequences are truly satisfying, keeping the reader on the edge of their seats. The characters are well-developed and engaging, each with their own unique personalities and motives. However, when compared to the first three books in the series, there isn't a great deal that is entirely new. Nevertheless, this doesn't detract from the overall enjoyment of the story. In fact, I would highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys science fiction or adventure novels. The audio version of this book was also very well done, with a talented narrator bringing the story to life.

Whether you choose to read the book or listen to the audio, you are sure to have a great experience. The world-building is detailed and immersive, and the plot is full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end. So, if you're looking for a thrilling and entertaining read, look no further than this series.

This saga was truly an exciting and excellent one, serving as a great ending to a 4-book series.

Each book in the series had its own charm and contributed to the overall narrative, building up to this thrilling conclusion.

The characters were well-developed and their stories intertwined in a way that kept the reader on the edge of their seat.

The plot was full of twists and turns, making it impossible to predict what would happen next.

The author's writing style was engaging and immersive, drawing the reader into the world of the saga.

Overall, this was a must-read series for any fan of the genre, and the final book did not disappoint.

It was a satisfying conclusion that tied up all the loose ends and left the reader with a sense of closure.

I would highly recommend this series to anyone looking for an exciting and entertaining read.

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Fiest at his best

Fiest is a remarkable individual who always manages to shine in every situation. When he is at his best, he展现出 an extraordinary level of talent and determination. His skills are truly outstanding, whether it be in his work, hobbies, or personal life.

At his peak, Fiest is a force to be reckoned with. He approaches every task with enthusiasm and a positive attitude, which allows him to overcome any obstacle that comes his way. His creativity knows no bounds, and he is constantly coming up with new and innovative ideas.

People are drawn to Fiest when he is at his best because of his charm and charisma. He has a way of making those around him feel special and valued. His confidence is contagious, and it inspires others to believe in themselves and reach for their own goals.

In conclusion, Fiest at his best is a sight to behold. He is a true inspiration, and his achievements serve as a testament to his hard work and dedication. We can all learn from his example and strive to be the best version of ourselves.

You've read 1, 2, and 3, so obviously Saga 4 is next.

It's a great end to this series. Thankfully, it's not the end of the world that Feist created.

The story in Saga 4 continues to unfold with excitement and adventure. The characters face new challenges and obstacles that test their strength and determination.

Feist's writing is as engaging as ever, drawing readers in and keeping them on the edge of their seats.

As the series comes to a close, fans will be sad to see it go, but they can look forward to the next adventure that Feist has in store for them.

Overall, Saga 4 is a must-read for fans of the series and anyone who enjoys a good fantasy adventure.

The book that I recently read was not as interesting as the previous books.

It seemed to lack the excitement and charm that the earlier ones had. The story didn't grip me from the start, and I found myself struggling to stay engaged.

The characters weren't as well-developed, and their actions and decisions felt a bit flat. The plot also didn't have the same twists and turns that made the previous books so captivating.

While it wasn't a terrible book, it just didn't live up to my expectations. I was hoping for something more thrilling and memorable, but unfortunately, it fell short.

Maybe it was because I had such high standards from the previous books, but this one just didn't measure up. I'll still keep reading other books in the hope of finding that next great read.

The series reaches a truly satisfactory end.

We are presented with a vivid and intense narrative that employs 4 - 5 points of view.

Across the western realm, there is constant warfare, with battles raging on every front.

The forces of darkness, armed with powerful dark magic, pose a significant threat.

Two young princes find themselves at the center of this chaos, fighting not only for their cities but also for their very lives.

Their struggles and sacrifices lead to major changes that reverberate throughout the land.

The end of the series is a culmination of all these elements, bringing a sense of closure and resolution while also leaving room for the imagination to explore the new possibilities that have emerged.

It is a masterful conclusion that will leave readers both satisfied and eager to explore more of this rich and captivating world.

I am currently engaged in a re-read marathon. So far, everything I have read in 2022 has been by Raymond E Feist. I am absolutely loving every single page of every single book.

This particular book is where Pug establishes the Conclave of Shadows and becomes the black sorcerer. I find myself loving Eric more and more with each passing page. Nakor, on the other hand, is a force that is beyond anyone's understanding.

Raymond was truly brilliant in creating some characters who live far beyond the normal lifespan. This means that even though we come to love the new characters, we still get to keep all the beloved ones. It's just a pity that Arutha and Jimmy were not immortal. However, Dash is proving to be a sort of Jimmy the Hand in a what-if scenario, since Dash is the next upright man and all.

I simply adore Raymond's fantasy. It is just amazing!!! For me, he is the best fantasy writer ever. His ability to create such rich and detailed worlds, along with unforgettable characters, is truly a gift. I can't wait to see what other adventures he has in store for us in his future works.

Where to start? This book, the final installment of the 4-book Serpentwar Saga, has much to offer.

Finally, we witness Pug and Tomas entering a real war at the opportune moment and actually fighting side by side, sort of. We have two brothers, the grandsons of Jimmy the Hand, who have finally developed into two very likable and well-rounded characters with different values and distinct personalities. Nakor features more prominently, which is usually a good thing, but his annoying trait of allowing himself to be used as a lexical plot progression device reemerges. This occurs frequently in the latter part of the book when it seems clear that the writer has no other way to convey certain information, perhaps mainly because the topics are often so abstract and outlandish that no one would have a way of knowing the information for sure, unless they were some odd mystic character who doubles as a convenient conduit for information.

However, putting that aside, the building of tension regarding the plight of Krondor is really well done. The betrayals and counter-betrayals add to this. The fact that the reader loses sight of General Fadawah in this book while carrying some knowledge of his intentions from Book 3 helps. One truly has as little idea of the enemy's real design as the heroes do. Erik is still brilliant, but you can tell he's reached his peak from a storytelling aspect, and Roo has become a peripheral character. These two, who were so engaging from the outset, have become characters that I sense the author has grown a little tired of. Trina's character is very good, and the influence he has on Dash's path in life is interesting to read.

Obviously, not everything is perfect here. Prince Patrick, who always had an impetuous and pompous side, has now apparently taken some very powerful medication in the space of a year. Then there's Malar. Spoiler! He's a baddy, one of the most obvious baddies there is. That he will betray Krondor is so foreseeable that I actually got a little angry at Jimmy for being so naïve.

My main issue with Shards, though, is the lack of epic proportions. The enormity that Feist was able to convey so well in Book 3, albeit with a somewhat loose grasp of the physics of time, is simply absent here. The western army's march north to face Fadawah's southern flank ends up feeling like two men engaged in a thumb war on a narrow coastal path. There is no sense of the sprawling slaughter of warfare as conveyed in Book 3.

And the end... it just seems haphazardly put together. It all stumbles off the page in a confused rush. The vision of the world is lost in the magic flight Pug and his friends take north to face Fadawah. The whole book has portrayed a stagnant and rather narrow battle line and a war of attrition, and suddenly Pug swoops north and fights the 'end of level baddy'. I don't have a problem with this in principle; I think earlier books suffer because the almighty Milamber doesn't do this enough. The problem is that, because the reader has never been behind the enemy lines, we don't have a mental picture of the region. And the plot section in which we discover this region is so fast-paced that there's no time to dwell on details, unless it's stammered out details explaining random philosophical points of interest that need to be revealed at that moment because the ending of the book requires it. It's just a lack of attention to detail, illustrated perfectly in a passage where Pug is overcome by touching a mind so alien that it brings him to his knees, and then brings him to his knees again in the very next paragraph. Poor editing? Possibly. But I think this is symptomatic of the possibility that the enormity of the project seems to have eluded Feist; and I don't mean the breadth of it, I mean the multi-layered ethereal depth. We're starting to deal with planes of existence, levels of hell, and all sorts of things. It gets a bit overwhelming, especially when you're also trying to tell the story of a siege.

This story of the siege of Krondor promised so much! When Jimmy realizes what's happening and turns his forces north, when Erik sends the bulk of his force back to the western capital, and when Dash discovers sappers in the city waiting to open the gate from within... that's all really brilliant! I loved it! And then the Keshians arrive and it's on! Let's have it! We have 10% of the book left, let's make this epic! And then Pug's stupid fight with a caterpillar happens, and other stuff, and it's all just... lost. By the time we get back to Krondor and the fight is about to begin, Pug arrives and, in a fit of pique that can only be seen as a temper tantrum, he flies around shouting "This ends now" over and over. And it does. People just drop their swords and walk home. And then Pug gives Prince Patrick and the enemy general a scolding that I've heard from my sister-in-law when telling her twin boys off. "You sit over there, and you sit over there! I want to hear no more, do you understand?" "Yes mum."

And that's it. The whole book makes great promises and builds up great tension, but then doesn't really deliver. The finale tries to deliver on two fronts and achieves neither. Trying to do this has perhaps thinned out the ending a bit. I don't know; perhaps if Fadawah had been dealt with earlier and then Erik, Tomas, Pug, etc. had arrived at a besieged Krondor in time to save the day after the fight had really begun, then perhaps that might have worked.

I'm just left feeling a bit disappointed by the end. It's been a long and arduous read through these four books, which really could have been presented as a trilogy. And yet, that sense of epicness (I know it's not a word!) is somehow lost in the story. It was there in parts but unravels and dissipates in the end. It was a relief to finish it in the end, and that's not the feeling one wants, right? I'm disappointed that a stronger editorial hand didn't take control of this series, perhaps. Maybe. Who knows.

Next is the Krondor trilogy - three Feist books that I've actually never read! It might be interesting. Let's see.

This saga truly went from strength to strength.

It presented a fantastic array of characters, each with an appropriate level of development and growth.

The world building not only continued but also expanded on the previous sagas, with a build-up and conclusion similar to that of Avengers Infinity War.

Although it was hard to say goodbye to old friends and get used to new ones, I believe this saga struck the right balance.

The biggest letdown, however, was the map at the front of the book. It really needed to be bigger and show all the lands from the book.

Usually, I take a break with series and read something different between books, but I just couldn't stop this one and ended up reading all 4 books one after the other.

It was that engaging and captivating, keeping me hooked from start to finish.

The storylines were well-crafted, the characters were relatable, and the world was rich and immersive.

I can't wait to see what the future holds for this saga and the characters within it.