Prince of the Blood

Many times when an author continues a story and 'drops' out characters that they start with - the books are not as interesting, as if losig the original charaters destroyed the author's ability to pen a good tale, but not so with Feist. Many years have past since the last book - and this book is introducing the reader to Arutha's twin sons - and all the antics they provide. But this is not just a fun loving book about thier antics... They are needed to do more important things for there father - and thier Uncle, the King. Even the new sub characters are wonderfully fleshed out - and , I know I was, wishing for Feist to continue with them all as he progresses in the next book. The political intrige and 'whodunit' feel in this book is great - and never once was I bored while reading it.. and never felt a point that I needed to push myself to the next point ... it took me there itself. I certainly recommend it, but must point out that anyone starting out on Feist should make sure and look to Magician:Apprentice

Prince of the Blood by Raymond Feist, continues on the story told in the Rift War saga. However, there are some new characters to be introduced as it is 20 years after that event Prince Arutha now has twin boys and this story follows them. This story is a departure from Feist's earlier books in this series as there is very little magic in it. In Prince of the Blood the main driving force of the book is politics and intrigue, it almost has the feel of a who-done-it type plot. Normally I don't like the who-done-it books but Feist was able to pull this off with a well developed setting, great characters, and a plot that seemed to always keep you guessing. The characters development in this is again very good, as can be expected with Feist. Since I have started reading Feist's books I have been rather impressed by how well thought-out his characters are. There seems to be very little that is done just for the sake of doing. Each character remains consistent throughout the story, and more impressively, throughout the series. This book centers on the development of two characters, those being the sons of the prince. Each faces different challenges and pitfalls along the way. Each is faced with a different set of circumstances that force them to make decisions. These decisions go a long way in there development. With all of the Feist books I have read thus far, he has a knack for letting his characters show flaws. They are not these all powerful people that some authors have as their characters. The characters in this book get hurt, have doubts, and one goes through a lot by the end of the book. At the start of this book I thought the plot was going to be rather straight forward and almost boring. Yet, the more I read the more complex the plot became. By the last 100 pages of this book the plot is so involved you are not even sure who to believe or at time exactly what even happened (or is going to happen). By the end of the book however, everything is brought to a nice close and it all makes sense. I think a great benefit for this plot is the setting which is richly described and used to its fullest to get the greatest effect. Feist is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors for his ability to weave a good story with good characters. It seems all too often most authors have one or the other and expect it to carry the book - while that can certainly be done - it's much more interesting when both elements are present. If you are a fan of the fantasy genre and have yet to read this book (or any other Feist books) you really should take the time and do so. Remember, to start at the beginning with Magician: Apprentice and follow it through. I think if one were to read this book first you may be a little confused, but not overly much so. All-in-all I highly recommend this. I think it's a must for any fan of the genre

In this sequel to A Darkness at Sethanon, author Raymond Feist takes us back to his magical world of Midkemia. Arutha's sons, Borric and Erland, are growing up to be wild; given to drinking, gambling and wenching. However, Borric is destined to be King of the Isles, with Erland being a mere step away from the throne. And so, the boys are packed off to the Empire of Great Kesh, to represent the Kingdom at the Empress's Diamond Jubilee. However, there is a conspiracy at work in Kesh, and one of its goals is the death of Borric conDoin! The twins are going to have to grow up, and quick, if they are to stay alive!This book is a decided step away from the Elves and Wizards theme that dominated Mr. Feist's early works. Instead, this book places the (non-magical) main characters in a situation where they must use their wits and abilities to succeed - a theme that dominates the rest of his Midkemia books. Overall, I must say that I loved this book! I really enjoyed the exotic setting, with the author mixing in familiar Earth cultures in an entirely unfamiliar arrangement. Also, even though I do like wizard characters, I thought that Mr. Feist still did a good job of using magic as an integral part of the story, even if it is not the central part. So, I would say that I liked the setting, I liked the characters (a very nice selection of different sorts, but working together in an entirely believable way), and I liked the story. As a matter of fact, I would say that if this is not my favorite Midkemia story, it is one of my top 2! I really enjoyed this book, and highly recommend it to all fans of Fantasy literature!

As said before by another reviewer, this book is a little more mystery than the usual Feist fantasy, but that didn't make it any less adventuresome or captivating. It started out a little slow, but once it picks up it's hard to put down.Feist is a phenomenal author. He weaves intricate tales of adventure, mystery, and magic into a complex, rich geographical background. He also holds true to established history and fits in nostalgic anecdotes for old fans. I read Prince of the Blood in two days. Couldn't put it down.This is my second time reading Feist's Riftwar and Serpentwar sagas.I recommend reading this series from the beginning, starting with Magician, to get the full effect of the books that follow.

This is one of best, most captivating novels in the land of Midkemia. If you have read the great riftwar saga, and would like to read more Feist, The Prince of the Blood is an excellent choice. The kingdom has enjoyed twenty years of peace since the final battle at Sethanon, and now Arutha's twin sons' Borric and Erland are coming into their manhood. Arutha, in an effort to turn his fun-loving boys into the wise rulers they will have to become, sends them to the exotic empire of Keshp on a diplomatic mission. In Kesh, the brothers encounter adventures they, and you, will remember for a lifetime. In a land vastly greater and more powerful than the one their uncle rules, with every step they take, they face assassins that are trying to kill them for reasons they can't begin to understand. This is an excellent addition to Feist's collection of Riftwar-related novels and should not be overlooked by anyone who is even mildly interested in fantasy!