Tomes of Spellcasting

Welcome to the land of mystery, where the impossible is possible, and the improbable the reality. Join me as I investigate worlds filled with magic and meet the souls that wield this wondrous powers.

W A R N I N G !

This review does not represent the opinions of the general public. It reflects my personal thoughts and opinions on the book.

That said, on to the review!

Title: Prince of the Blood
Author: Raymond E. Feist
Publisher: Bantam Spectra
Format: Paperback
Copyright Date: 1989

The Riftwar is long over, and the immediate threat of the Valheru finally at an end. Years have passed and Arutha's twin sons, Borric and Erland, have grown to manhood. Now, however, they must step into the responsibilities of their ranks, and one of these includes journeying across the continent to the capital of Great Kesh, the empire that dominates the lands to the south of the hotly contested Vale of Dreams. Kesh, however, is a dangerous place with murky and often deadly politics. What's more, there are those determined to take over the rulership of Kesh, and they aren't shy about involving innocent bystanders. And Borric and Erland, being the heirs apparent to a neighboring kingdom, are anything but innocent! Now it's up to the two of them to winnow their way through plots and schemes galore to save their lives and the lives of everyone in their future domain. Because if something happens in Kesh, you can bet that it won't be good news for the Kingdom of the Isles!

Prince of the Blood is a mostly stand-alone book that draws only slightly upon events from the Riftwar. It provides a good summary of what's happened to the heroes of the Riftwar and what paths their lives have taken. For example, we get to learn how things are going at the academy at Stardock, and what has happened to disrupt Pug the magician's family since the Riftwar. We also get to find out--and this is important--what's happened with Squire James of Krondor and his companion, Squire Locklear.

The best part of the novel and to my mind the most touching is the relationship that develops between Borric and the young thief/beggar, Suli Abul. Maybe it's because of the parallel that it draws with Arutha and Jimmy's relationship, but there's something else there that bears noticing. Maybe it's because of the comparison this relationship draws with the one between Borric and his younger brother, Nicholas. Namely, that there is a stark difference. By the end of the book, though, the culminations of both relationships will move you to tears. I practically guarantee it.

Prince of the Blood provides a welcome glimpse into a land that has loomed vastly over the Kingdom of Isles throughout the Riftwar, and this glimpse into is inner workings is certainly enjoyable. My only regret is that it closed itself up so quickly!

Rating: Thumbs up! Being the heir to a kingdom has many responsibilities, but who'd ever think being a hostage was one of them?

Buy this book in paperback or visit the Cosmic Tomes Bazaar for other titles.

Looking for something that's no longer here? Check in the Archive to search for it.

Comments? Suggestions? Just click here to send me e-mail. Also, if this review prompted you to read the book, then let me know. I appreciate knowing I made a difference in somebody's life.

You are the th visitor to this page since December 16, 1999.

Back Home Back to Starfire Reviews

| Tomes of Spellcasting | Tomes of Shadowstalking | Tomes of Starhopping |
| Tomes of Other Realms | Tomes of Costumed Adventurers | Tomes of Miscellany |
| Starfire Review Archive |

This page hosted by Get your own Free Home Page
1