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lordseregil's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
rbixby's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
Why Raymond E. Feist allows his name to be put on this pile is beyond me. The nicest thing I can say about it is, Joel Rosenberg is no Agatha Christie.
This could have been a really interesting read in the hands of a better writer. As it is, we get 4/5 of a story with verbose exposition that is repeated ad nauseam, inconsistent characterization of the three main characters, and thin, blink and you'll miss it, motivations for murder that doesn't happen until the last 30 or so pages of the book. The big sit down at the end was poorly written and stupid. The fact that none of the three could figure out the victims had to have been drugged before being murdered, until they drank said wine, just made me groan in frustration.
This was a plot-driven shitstorm of stupidity. So why did I finish it? Let's just say, I read it so you won't have to.
This could have been a really interesting read in the hands of a better writer. As it is, we get 4/5 of a story with verbose exposition that is repeated ad nauseam, inconsistent characterization of the three main characters, and thin, blink and you'll miss it, motivations for murder that doesn't happen until the last 30 or so pages of the book. The big sit down at the end was poorly written and stupid. The fact that none of the three could figure out the victims had to have been drugged before being murdered, until they drank said wine, just made me groan in frustration.
This was a plot-driven shitstorm of stupidity. So why did I finish it? Let's just say, I read it so you won't have to.
isaac_petherbridge's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Chronic illness, and Murder
ayla_derammelaere's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
virgildonatifan's review against another edition
1.0
Such a badly written book, and it really is a shame as I have enjoyed all of Feist's books so far. Every bad comment on this book is the truth and I would not recommend it to anyone
ferrisscottr's review against another edition
2.0
Sorry to say that this book was a slog.
It's essentially a murder/mystery centered around three mercenaries. Problem is - the murder doesn't happen until 80 pages from the end. Then there is about 30 pages looking into the murder and then the wrap up. The first 250 pages (book is only 325 pages) is the setup and even that was mind numbing in it's boredom.
I have this categorized under fantasy but it's really just a book about soldiers and nobles. Could be set in europe in the middle ages and be the same book.
I didn't give the book one star mainly because I like the world and I liked some of the characters (sad to say they weren't the main characters).
Feist co-wrote this with Joel Rosenberg so I entirely blame the Rosenberg influence since I really really enjoy Feist's writing. Pretty happy they only wrote this one book together (it is a stand alone novel)
It's essentially a murder/mystery centered around three mercenaries. Problem is - the murder doesn't happen until 80 pages from the end. Then there is about 30 pages looking into the murder and then the wrap up. The first 250 pages (book is only 325 pages) is the setup and even that was mind numbing in it's boredom.
I have this categorized under fantasy but it's really just a book about soldiers and nobles. Could be set in europe in the middle ages and be the same book.
I didn't give the book one star mainly because I like the world and I liked some of the characters (sad to say they weren't the main characters).
Feist co-wrote this with Joel Rosenberg so I entirely blame the Rosenberg influence since I really really enjoy Feist's writing. Pretty happy they only wrote this one book together (it is a stand alone novel)
angelahayes's review against another edition
4.0
I have been Buddy-Reading this series over the last couple of months with a ‘book-club’ friend who had not read Raymond E. Feist’s work before. As I have been a long-time fan of his work, I have compared it to The Lord of the Rings books but have actually enjoyed this series more. When I mentioned this to my friend, she immediately wanted to read the series, and convinced me to read them with her- not that it was a big ask 😊.
It is an epic fantasy saga- with wonderful world building and scene setting, and dynamic, vivid and detailed descriptions that will transport you right into the story.
Take some time to explore Mr. Feist’s work, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed- and the best part is that all the books are available now to read- no waiting for books to be released! #WINNING
candiecane333's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
2.0
ery uninteresting characters, unrelated to Riftwar saga characters & was slow murder mystery plot that was unresolved. The ending was very abrupt, but I was glad to be done with the book so it was fine
beth_piercex's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0