Tag: Pug

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Silverthorn- Raymond E Feist

Silverthorn by Raymond E Feist is the second instalment of the Riftwar Saga Trilogy. All the folk we came to know in Magician are back. Instead of focusing on the exploits of Pug and Tomas, this time the stars of the show are the newly crowned Prince of Krondor, Arutha and Jimmy the Hand– talented thief on the Mockers.

Where Magician combines heroic battle scenes with interdimensional travel. Silverthorn is focused mostly on the cornerstone of all fantasy fiction– the quest. In some ways, although I enjoyed this book, it was not as satisfying. While the first book could well have been read as a stand-alone novel with rich characters that were allowed to develop and grow, with this one all the way along it is clear that it will be necessary to read the final book to resolve anything in this story. New characters are little more than sketches without any of the depth that was in the first book.

But, having said all that Silverthorn  is a good read, and I’m looking forward to the next installment.

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Magician- Raymond E Feist

   Magician is the first book in the ‘Riftwar Saga‘ by Raymond E Feist. It begins with two boys, Pug and Tomas, from the castle keep of a frontier city in the mythical land of Midkemia. We follow the exploits of the boys as the grow into men during a long war with a strange ‘alien’ invasion.

Magician is much-loved by readers since it was first published 25 years ago. It doesn’t take long to see why. it has elements that will be familiar to any Fantasy fiction fan.  We have a quest, we have magic, and feats of bravery on the medieval style battle field. Kings, queens and the politics and intrigue of the medieval court are also present. Throw in a touch of inter-dimensional warfare, and you have a sci-fi/fantasy classic.

But it’s not just about mythical, fantastic characters and feats. Like any good sci-fi/ fantasy novel, it also delves into issues that are universal across genres. Everything from the corrupting influence of power to the injustice of a culture built upon slavery.

One thing though, that sets Magician apart from other books of this genre, although it is a part of a series of books, it can also be read as a stand alone novel. The major issues are resolved, without any annoying ‘cliff-hanger’ to force you to read the next book.

Overall, Magician  is excellent. I recommend this to anyone who is already a fan of the genre, or else it is a good place to begin for a new comer.

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