Krondor the Betrayal - Hardcover

Feist, Raymond E.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 038097715X ISBN 13: 9780380977154

Publisher: Avon Books, 1998

Synopsis

Set in the time between the author's popular RiftWar novels A Darkness at Sethanon and Prince of the Blood, Krondor The Betrayal brings back some of Feist's most memorable characters--Squire James (a.k.a. master thief "Jimmy the Hand"), Prince Arutha, Pug the Magician, and others--and introduces readers to a slew of colorful, never-before-encountered heroes and villains. This is a sweeping and relentlessly exciting epic that tells the story of an invasion of Midkemia by a deadly army of trolls and renegade humans commanded by dark elves and an evil magical cabal--and chronicles the courage of a traitor elf who rejects the brutal plans of his warlike kind to cast his lot with the targets of their aggression. Master fantasist Feist works his singular magic once again, as he thrills us with the breathtaking exploits of daring defenders who stand firm and strong against the horrifying devastation aimed at the beating heart of their kingdom.

About this title

About the Author

Raymond E. Feist is the author of more than thirty previous books, including the internationally bestselling “Riftwar Cycle” of novels set in his signature world of Midkemia; the Empire trilogy co-authored with Janny Wurts; the stand-alone novel, Faerie Tale; and the epic fantasy series, the Firemane Saga. He lives in San Diego, California.

Reviews

Based on the award-winning Betrayal at Krondor computer game, this launch of a new series set in Feist's popular Riftwar world (Magician, etc.) lacks originality but offers plenty of action and enough familiar and new characters to keep loyal fans of Feist and that computer game happy. Squire Locklear has been sent to the Northlands after some trouble with a married man's wife. There, he captures Groath, a renegade Dark Elf who warns him that the Dark Elves are again rising up in a plot against the humans. The dream name "Murmandamus" has been revived and all manner of folk are flocking to his banner, even though those few in the know are aware that Murmandamus was simply a ruse in the last war, an illusion in which the Dark Elves were forced to believe and for which they were made to give their lives. Together, the Squire and the Elf travel to give this dire news to the Prince of Krondor, meeting along the way young Owyn, a magician with more desire than skill. Also joining in the deeds of derring-do are Jimmy the Hand, a former thief now promoted to King's Man, and Patrus, a field magician who was Owyn's first mentor. As disasters pile up, these valiant hunks struggle to foil the various evil plots that surround them before the Riftworld is embroiled in yet another messy interdimensional battle. Women barely make an appearance in this book, and the writing can be sloppy, but because in SF familiarity so often breeds content, those who played the game and now want to read the story may not care.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Feist's new Midkemia yarn is set between the Riftwar and the Serpentwar (both conflicts are subjects of multivolume sagas) and is based on a role-playing game set in Feist's fantasy universe. Despite that derivation, it is a rollicking tale featuring Squire James between his earlier stint as a thief and his later one as Duke of Krondor. Accompanied by another squire, a young wizard, a renegade dark elf, and an arch-magician, James faces two separate menaces. One is the threatened invasion of Krondor and its neighbors by the dark elves and their allies. The other is a cabal of magicians possessing an enormously powerful device, left over from the Riftwar, that must be destroyed. Craftsmanly writing and characterization are not Feist strengths, but here he shows some originality and wit in both. Meanwhile, his narrative skill, ingenuity at creating systems of magic, and eye for plausible military scenarios stand him in good stead. Feist's many fans, at least, will be pleased. Roland Green

Edition details

• Publisher: Avon Books
• Publication date: 1998
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 038097715X
• ISBN 13: 9780380977154
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 376