Queen of Storms

Feist wrote one of my favourite books (Magician), so to write anything other than a rave review of his work breaks my heart. Yet here it is. It starts by failing to catch the reader up with anything or anyone. Fine if you happen to be reading the books together. Not so clever if they are 18 months apart. Not so much as a nudge.Moving on, or rather not moving on, the first 200 pages (hardback) achieve precisely nothing other than pointless world-building and characters wondering they are good enough for each other. Well-written, but self-indulgent in the extreme. After which we follow about five different split screens, most of which feel like fillers, with Hava’s story dominating proceedings and Hatu, rather than being on a voyage of self-discovery, being on a voyage to start his voyage of self-discovery. Fine for book 1, but not a good sign in book 2. Perhaps he will start to learn his heritage in book 3, but at this rate it will be book 10 before we see any form of conclusion.Feist has an easily readable style, but this languorous stroll is frustrating. These two lengthy tomes could so easily have been reduced to one enormously enjoyable book and the whole thing kept to a trilogy. As it is, this is starting to feel like the beginning of a slow-moving epic series (I should have paid more attention to the word ‘saga’), and whether it is Feist or Modesitt, such series inevitably have whole book’s-worth of filler. I should be looking forward to the third in the series, but I cannot say that I am.

I’ve been looking forward to volume two of the Firemane Saga, and have to say, I wasn’t disappointed.*******Hatushaly and his young wife Hava have arrived in the prosperous trading town of Beran’s Hill to restore and reopen the fire-damaged Inn of the Three Stars. They are also preparing for the popular midsummer festival, where their friends Declan and Gwen will be wed.But Hatu and Hava are not the ordinary loving couple they appear to be. They are assassins from the mysterious island of Coaltachin, home to the powerful and lethal Nocusara, the fearsome “Hidden Warriors.” Posing as innkeepers, they are awaiting instructions from their masters in the Kingdom of Night.Hatu conceals an even more dangerous secret. He is the last remaining member of the legendary Firemanes, the ruling family of Ithrace. Known as the Kingdom of Flames, Ithrace was one of the five greatest realms of Tembria, ruled by Hatu’s father, Stervern Langene, until he and his people were betrayed. His heir, Hatu—then a baby—was hidden among the Nocusara, who raised him to become a deadly spy.Hatu works hard to hide his true identity from all who would seek to use or to destroy him, as fate has other plans for the noble warrior. Unexpected calamity forces him to make choices he could not have dreamed awaited him.A series of horrific events shatters the peace of Beran’s Hill, bringing death and devastation and unleashing monstrous forces. Once more, the Greater Realms of Tembria are threatened—and nothing will ever be the same again.*******The story itself adopts a clever balance. It reveals more about Hatu, Hava and Declan; their evolving personalities; their relationship with each other and those around them; the true motivating factors in their lives – which seem to be changing as time goes on. And it also expands on the hints we received in the first book of a much larger picture: Was Lodavico acting out of pure narcissism when he betrayed the Firemane’s and tried to end their line, or were other players involved? Who is the real driving force behind the Church of the One? Exactly where do the foreign invaders come from and what is their actual agenda?And how on earth are the ancient guardians of the Firemane’s, the Flame Guard, going to counter this growing threat. I mean . . . can they?Yes, there’s a lot going on in the world of Garn – and beyond – it seems. But once again, Raymond E. Feist demonstrates why he’s an international bestseller of epic fantasy. The Queen of Storms is a masterclass in taking your time to fully introduce your characters, and how to gradually introduce the threads that will bind your story arc together in a way that keeps everything tight. The pace is steady throughout; our protagonists and antagonists as complex and engaging as ever; and the attention to detail is superb.And the tease?That’s as subtle as always. Feist creates an atmosphere of intrigue and growing tension that builds and builds . . . and keeps building, so that you’re always eager to keep the pages turning.A most excellent sequel and a taste of even better things to come.

As always Raymond E Feist's books are a fantastic read. No wonder he has been given the title of the second Tolken. I have read every single novel he has ever written and they are books you cannot put down. His latest two (King of Ashes and Queen of Storms are his latest book and they don't disappoint. Thank you sir and I can't wait to read the next book in the new series.

Over the years I have had an ON / OFF love of Mr. Feists writing. Since the days of Magician he started so strong and blew everyone one away and the stories with Janny were also brilliant. However recently (last few books) his writing deteriorated dramatically and I thought he has just burnt out. However this book seems to be testimony that he still has an awesome still for storytelling and visualisation. Really love this. Real page turner. I waited a Looong time for this to come out and it was worth the wait. I'd definitely recommend you grab this and see what you think if you are a Feist fan.

Regardless of this review, mr Feistremains my favourite author to do date.This installmant was a bit of a let down, to be honest. As other reviews have poi ted out, there seems to be too much coincidental meeting up that just so happens to be the right person at the right time.You wait years for a book to be published and to have it be just 'meh' is a very disappointing and a little unworthy of the authors capabilities.