Tomes of Spellcasting--A Darkness at Sethanon

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: A Darkness at Sethanon
Author: Raymond E. Feist
Publisher: Bantam Spectra
Format: Paperback
Copyright Date: 1986

Lulled into a sense of security by Arutha's success in saving Anita's life, the West has forgotten the threat posed by the moredhel amassing in the northern lands. But then word comes to Squire Jimmy--formerly Jimmy "the Hand" of the Mockers--that the Nighthawks, assassins who served the moredhel leader Murmandamus, have returned to Krondor. What's more, something strange is happening in the north, and circumstances force Arutha into an alliance with a black enemy from his past against a common foe. Meanwhile, Pug--a.k.a. Milamber of the Assembly--has returned to Midkemia strengthened by his time with the eldar on Kelewan, and he brings word that their true foe is something more than simply a powerful moredhel sorceror. Dragging his childhood friend Tomas--who was once in danger of becoming the Valheru Ashen-Shugar--along with him, Pug travels through time and space itself to search out the key to the dark mysteries that are gathering the players in this cosmic drama to a small fortress town called Sethanon.

A Darkness at Sethanon is the tremendous conclusion to one of the best fantasy sagas I've ever read. It has everything you could wish for, from ancient cities abandoned by their unknown builders to terrific battles of mystical might and magical mayhem. It has previously unidentified races and civilizations suddenly coming to light in the midst of horrendous battles against undying warriors. It has journeys through time and space to beyond time and space itself. Whatever you're looking for in a fantasy novel, it is most definitely here.

I loved the hardships that plagued all the characters, whether it was the assassins infiltrating Krondor or the moredhel and demihumans dogging Arutha's footsteps. But what was perhaps the most impressive aspect of this entire novel was the mystery that overshadowed the beginning of the novel. Seeing Jimmy so definitely moved by his love for Arutha was a terrific addition to this story, but seeing Jimmy putting clues together to come out with an impossible answer and finding the truth was immeasurably inspired. I'm not even going to give away a hunt about the mystery, you're just going to have to read it yourself.

A Darkness at Sethanon draws the Riftwar Saga to a close. It certainly isn't the end to the adventures that center so pointendly on Midkemia, but it is the ending of this chapter in tha world's existence. This book--like Silverthorn--could probably stand alone with little background necessary, but you'd miss out on all the excitement of getting here!

Rating: Thumbs up! Forces of chaos long banished from the world are back, but who's strong enough to stop them?

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