In many ways, this book truly felt like an extended epilogue to the Serpentwar Saga. It was a work that shone a light on the loose ends that might have otherwise remained unresolved in what could have been a trilogy. However, it took those very loose ends and skillfully threaded them together to create a story that was satisfying in its own right.

I found great enjoyment in the shift of focus to different characters in the aftermath of the invasion that was detailed in the preceding books. Additionally, the way in which the arcs of other characters were wrapped up was quite engaging.

Shards of a Broken Crown did an excellent job of bringing the world back to a state that resembled its former status quo, albeit with some significant changes. For the most part, things felt neatly concluded.

That being said, there were certain points in the story where I couldn't help but wonder why it was still progressing. This was especially true when another evil force was introduced, considering we had been led to believe that the main evil had already been defeated.

Nevertheless, I did enjoy the book. It presented a great deal of intrigue and unexpected twists. I particularly liked the fact that no character felt completely safe, with the exception of the magic wielders, who for some reason always seemed to be protected.

Fortunately, a good explanation was provided for why Pug doesn't simply solve every problem himself, which I truly appreciated. After all, the majority of the events in this book could have been avoided if he had intervened earlier, as he did towards the end.

Overall, I still thoroughly enjoyed the book, and it served as a satisfying conclusion to the saga, despite not being perfect. There were definitely some aspects that I wish had been handled better, but there was more than enough to outweigh those minor flaws and keep me fully engaged throughout the entire reading experience.

A truly remarkable book awaits within its pages, filled with outstanding characters and a captivating plot that simply hooks the reader from the very beginning. This is yet another offering from Feist, and as has become the norm, the writing itself may not be on par with the highest standards of prose. However, when faced with the dilemma of choosing between a great plot and great prose, there is no hesitation for me. I would unwaveringly pick the plot every single day of the week.

The characters in this book are so well-developed that they seem to leap off the pages and into the reader's imagination. Their personalities, motives, and growth throughout the story are engaging and make the reader truly care about their fates.

The plot, on the other hand, is a masterclass in storytelling. It weaves together various threads and subplots, creating a complex and immersive world that the reader can easily get lost in. The pacing is excellent, with just the right amount of action, suspense, and mystery to keep the reader on the edge of their seat.

Despite the somewhat lackluster writing, this book is still a must-read for anyone who loves a great story. The combination of great characters and a compelling plot more than makes up for any shortcomings in the prose. It is a testament to the power of a good story that it can still engage and delight readers even without the most beautiful writing.

Concludes the Serpent War


I was initially quite engaged as the plot was unfolding in a rather interesting manner. It seemed to be building up to something truly exciting. However, to my great disappointment, it was suddenly resolved by Pug simply saying "I've had enough." This felt like a cop-out to me. I had been following the story with anticipation, eager to see how the conflict would be truly resolved and what would happen next. But this abrupt end left me with a sense of dissatisfaction. It was as if all the build-up had been for nothing. I really felt cheated by this turn of events. I had expected a more detailed and satisfying conclusion, rather than this hasty and somewhat unconvincing resolution. It made me question the overall quality of the story and left me with a less than favorable impression.

The shadow of the Riftwar Saga looms large over this series. I was unable to form a comprehensive judgment on the series until I completed Shards of a Broken Crown. Now that I have, a creeping suspicion has emerged in my mind that Feist's ghostwriter might have had a significant hand in penning this final, fourth volume of the saga. After all, there must be a reason for the vast chasm in quality between the Riftwar Saga and this cycle of books.

There are three major flaws with this book, all of which Feist, a proven great writer in the Riftwar Saga, is fully capable of rectifying and avoiding. I will address these issues later in this review. If you don't want spoilers, click away!

At the conclusion of the third book, the demon king Jakan was defeated (lacking any drama or tension) by Pug, Tomas, Miranda, and the irritating Nakor. Although this was an abrupt and disappointing end to an otherwise engaging fantasy tale, it did at least answer the question of who was behind the chaos in Midkemia. For some reason, Feist chose to extend the story to one more book, which was presumably intended to be a lengthy denouement to the Serpentwar, dealing with the political, military, and personal aftermath of the demon horde's destructive path through the Kingdom of the Isles.

Shards of a Broken Crown is a book that hints at so much but fails to deliver on most of those promises. Even the title implies high political drama and a strong military narrative. It is time for a story about the King of the Isles, the Prince of Krondor, and the devious antics of Rupert Avery, our hero from the second book. However, what we get instead is an inconsistent, disjointed narrative that jumps from one part of the world to another, lacking any strong connections until the very end, when all the stories are clumsily pieced together. Somehow, I wouldn't be surprised if Feist didn't write this. On the other hand, in the mid-90s when he was churning out multiple parallel series, it is far more believable that he wrote this last volume too quickly and rushed it to the publisher as soon as he met their minimum word count requirement. What other explanation could there be for the strange, hasty ending? What other explanation for the numerous errors in typesetting and basic grammar? This book is poorly edited and disorganized. In short, this entire thing could have been condensed into a single chapter of epilogue at the end of Demon King, which, despite its flaws, was a much better story than this.

The first annoyance for me is the perpetually mysterious Nakor, who masks every true mystery and pleasure in the book with cryptic phrases and silly smiles. Feist keeps telling us how much Nakor knows, but never has him say anything of substance! It is one of the most frustrating things I've ever had to read, and it was already pretty bad in the third volume. In this book, I simply skipped the vast majority of pages that contained Nakor's dialogue, as it was such a waste of time. Secondly, the hero of Magician, Pug, devolves into a caricature of a proper wizard-hero. He is underutilized throughout the entire series (apart from being blown up in a ridiculous attack in the last book) until the very end of this volume, when he suddenly brings the war to a screeching halt with his magical abilities and vanishes in a cheesy puff of smoke. Feist has concluded his four-volume saga with the most contrived and unbelievable deus ex machina of all time, surpassing even the one in Beowulf! You can't have ordinary people fighting for their lives and the ones they love, undergoing character arcs, and enduring hundreds of pages of warfare only to have it all resolved with the snap of a magician's fingers. Sorry, but that's just cheap. Very poorly done, and you lose two stars right there. Thank goodness I skipped so much of this book. Thirdly and finally, Feist completely abandons his characters at every turn. Rupert is given short shrift in this volume. Erik virtually disappears after his usefulness to the narrative expires. Dash becomes the leader of the Mockers (yeah, right). Jimmy wanders off somewhere. Throughout this debacle, major figures in the Kingdom are killed in poorly written sequences, only to be forgotten ten pages later. It's a travesty, all of it. Why bother writing a saga if you're not going to follow through?

This is worse than the famous flameout of Wheel of Time. At least Jordan was striving for some semblance of cohesion at the end of his last book. Feist doesn't even attempt an honest conclusion here. He has no intention of doing right by his readers.

Don't waste your time on this book. It earns a one-star rating, and it ruins the entire series. Save your time for something better.

This one was a bit slow in starting,

unlike the other two. At the beginning, it seemed to progress at a rather leisurely pace,

perhaps causing a momentary lull in anticipation. However, as the story or event unfolds,

it gradually picks up well towards the middle. The pace quickens,

and the elements start to come together more cohesively.

It builds momentum steadily,

leading to a crescendo as expected.

The anticipation that had been building throughout reaches its peak,

creating a thrilling and engaging experience.

Despite the slow start,

the end result is a satisfying and exciting conclusion that makes up for the initial slowness.

Overall, it shows that sometimes, a slower beginning can set the stage for a more powerful and impactful finale.

I rather enjoyed this book.

Yes, it is true that Feist sometimes recycles some themes and stories. However, this does not overshadow the fact that I really have a deep affection for Midkemia and most of his characters.

What I particularly liked about this book was the way the characters were always self-aware of never being as "great" as their forebears. They were constantly grappling with this realization and yet, they were all trying to find their own unique paths in life.

This aspect made the story extremely interesting to follow. It was like watching a group of individuals navigate through the uncertainties and challenges of life, each one striving to make their mark and define themselves.

Given my enjoyment of this book, I will most definitely continue to read more of Feist's novels. I am eager to see what other adventures and character developments he has in store for us in the world of Midkemia.

Jimmy and Dash are the key figures who play major roles in the ultimate defeat of the Emerald Queen.

Throughout the story, there is an abundance of betrayal and subterfuge. The two heroes have to endure grinding physical trials and heartbreak.

Despite facing seemingly insurmountable odds, they manage to turn the tide and snatch victory from the jaws of sure defeat.

Their journey is filled with challenges that test their strength, courage, and determination.

Along the way, they also encounter various obstacles and setbacks that force them to think creatively and adapt to changing circumstances.

In the end, their hard work and perseverance pay off, and they emerge victorious.

The story of Jimmy and Dash is a thrilling adventure that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.

Feist's stories offer a unique blend that caters to a specific audience.

For those who desire the rich world building of Tolkien, complete with a deep mythology and diverse races, Feist's works deliver.

However, he takes it a step further by incorporating elements such as time travel and otherworldly settings.

Unlike the more graphic and often brutal nature of "Game of Thrones" intrigue, Feist's stories allow important characters to have a longer lifespan.

This gives readers the opportunity to develop a deeper connection with the characters and become more invested in their journeys.

Feist's ability to combine these different elements creates a captivating and immersive reading experience that keeps readers coming back for more.

Whether you're a fan of fantasy, science fiction, or just a good story, Feist's works are definitely worth checking out.

The last book of the series is a real disappointment in terms of writing quality.

The world comes and goes just to justify its existence in the book and fill the pages. The plot has essentially ended since the third volume, but despite the fact that the "evil demons" have been eliminated with the tragic tricks of Pug, people continue to kill each other.

Of course, while the entire kingdom is given over to wars and is pressured from all sides, Pug, the most powerful living wizard, takes breaks somewhere with his just renovated commode, Miranda, the daughter of his mentor, as well as all those who lounge on golden thrones in foreign lands, etc.

Of course, although there is a dragon available, no one thinks to use it for help. Simply, people continue to die. Until the last chapters, when they remember that the world is dying and that they have a dragon in the pantry of the comedian, behind the clips for pressure and the glasses of presbyopia.

Of course, there is still a demon and (when it becomes perceptible because a student of the founder of a new religion is floating a little above the ground, whatever you read, I didn't inspire it) then only Pug becomes active. And of course, he cleans, whitens, purifies, seals cracks and throws the key into the chimney, installs a harness, registers the property in the land registry, before going to scold the "irresponsible people".

I won't go into detailed descriptions, but the book is full of useless descriptions and actions, endlessly going back and forth that confuse and tire, it has no central axis (not that it is generally necessary, but in this mess it would have been needed) and the worst of all is the didacticism and the admonitions of Pug towards the end.

I'll just tell you the worst: When the battle has reached the (third) wing and the two armies are ready to eliminate each other outside of Krondor, everything ends because Pug appears out of nowhere, floating a few meters above everyone in the air, clapping his hands and shouting "LET'S FINISH!". Literally. Again, it's good that he didn't turn around to say to the Keshians "softies, the pole now".

Does the book have any good points? It does, but they are suffocated among the clichés, the endless pointless and causeless entanglements and "missions", the strange feeling that only the enemy has good management and is always sharp and ready for everything - while the good ones face one problem after another, the mediocrity and the mess of the plot, the characters who seem to have stuck between one and two dimensions and, of course, the wagging of Pug's finger at the Prince in a tone of "listen and see, I am a super mage and I have the whole world to protect, I won't sit and wait for every misbehaving one, so I learn that you broke even a cup and odorless without asking for forgiveness, black snake who ate you" or something like that.

As a prologue to a new saga (trilogy, tetralogy, everything is killed, everything is slashed by Feist), Dass takes the place of his grandfather's brother, renouncing the privileges of his position and his title and enlisting (as leader, of course, of course) among the jesters, to keep a promise he made to a dead typist whom he had... loved twice. I mention this because it has no meaning in the development of the tetralogy that ends with this book. The other characters are either dead, or unfortunate, or still have to deal with a cartload of problems, except for Erik who goes to find his wife and Rou, who, when did he really have a problem? And, of course, the high-ranking valerous, foreign and mages who come out of their cave only when the whole world has burned, return to their homes happy and carefree. Etc.

In conclusion and generally for the tetralogy: I have the feeling that the greater part of Feist's talent was exhausted in the Riftwar series. Now, all he manages to do is produce two decent books and two miseries full of clichés, to the point where you think you are reading a transcription of an AD&D game, with mages, clerics and a paladin for a tank to make a party against demons, while the cosmologist is being killed and they are collecting xp. It's a pity, because often the quality that made Riftwar an excellent series emerges within the work, but it has neither continuity nor coherence. Scorpion islands of good writing within a disorganized mess with easy solutions and tiresome give-and-take. If you were hoping to learn more about the very interesting journey between the worlds, you lost, here there are mainly poisonings, fruitless loves, badly rendered battles that -as I am informed from the control- are interrupted "so that we can fly elsewhere to find out if a secondary character has stones in his kidneys after all, thank you, he doesn't, we go to commercials and return in a few minutes to the excitement of the battle".

Since in my rating half is in favor of the reader, I will give a total of two stars to the series and I will forget it soon. Cheap, easy writing, many indifferent pages that simply tire and, I don't know, maybe it should be characterized as young-adult fantasy, these scribbles are not for adults.

This is an amazing book that I truly loved.

From the moment I started reading, I was completely engrossed in the story and the characters.

The writing style of Raymond E Feist is simply captivating, and it has left me eager to explore more of his works.

Each page turned brought new surprises and adventures, and I found myself unable to put the book down.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy or adventure novels.

It is a must-read for fans of the genre, and I am confident that you will also fall in love with it as I did.

Now that I have finished this book, I am excited to discover what other wonderful stories Raymond E Feist has in store for us.

I can't wait to pick up my next Feist novel and embark on another thrilling journey.

The book was easy to read, but unfortunately, the writing was rather pedestrian.

There was a distinct lack of character development throughout the story. In fact, for a significant portion of the book, I found myself wondering why Feist decided to pen this fourth installment in the series.

I just couldn't seem to understand the motivation behind it.

Overall, my experience with this book was quite disappointing.

It failed to engage me on a deeper level, and I was left with a sense of dissatisfaction.

I had hoped for more from this series, especially with the addition of this fourth book, but it simply didn't deliver.

Perhaps Feist could have put more effort into improving the writing and developing the characters to make the story more compelling.

As it stands, this book is a missed opportunity.

When I first read this book many years ago, it was my least favorite within this particular quartet. I had a fondness for the brothers, Jimmy and Dash, yet I simply couldn't fully engage with "the brothers' tale."

However, upon rereading it now, I was pleasantly surprised by the story. The reason being the same as why I relish Feist's other narratives. I took great delight in witnessing the rebirth of Krondor, as if it were a phoenix rising from the ashes. I also enjoyed observing Jimmy and Dash grow into their own and seeing the men from Novindus embrace the idea of a nation.

Nonetheless, I did find myself longing for this particular saga to be a quintet. I had a genuine desire to know what occurs next in Dash's life. While the stories of the other characters may be straightforward enough, Dash's story seemed particularly intriguing.

It should be noted that Feist never crafts uninteresting stories. His works always manage to captivate and engage the reader.