Prince of the Blood (Krondor’s Sons #1)

While somewhat of a side-story to the main sequence of Feist’s Midkemia-based books, PRINCE OF THE BLOOD is nonetheless a great book, full of all the things that keep readers coming back to Feist time and again. Great characters lead the list, but this book also has an intriguing plot, lots of action, and a wonderful (and new) setting to explore. The book picks up 20 years after the close of

A Darkness at Sethanon

, with Arutha’s twin sons, Borric and Erland, having grown into typical adventure-seeking young men. As a diplomatic gesture, these future rulers of the realm are sent as envoys to the Empire of Kesh, where they are to participate in the ceremonies given for the 75th birthday of the Empress of Kesh herself. Needless to say, they quickly become entangled in Keshian politics and other serious matters, and soon learn to be careful what they wish for.

Besides Borric and Erland, who are both believable and fun to read about, this book is full of other great characters, both old and new. Jimmy the Hand and Gamina, from previous books play a significant role, and we meet Suli Abul, Nakor the Blue Rider, a mercenary named (?), and a few very exciting Keshian ladies. As usual for Feist novels, this one is really driven by the characters, as he does such a good job of developing them over time, but also of making them interesting and enjoyable to read about.

While more mundane than most of the Riftwar Saga (with very little magic and more politics), PRINCE OF THE BLOOD actually reminded me a little of

Magician: Apprentice

, as it is really a story about two young people coming of age. Instead of Pug and Tomas, we have Borric and Erland, who are great fun to read about as they mature through the course of this book. Exploring the land of Great Kesh is also lots of fun, as Feist continues to expand his cash-cow of a fantasy setting.

While less epic than some of his other works, this is still a very enjoyable book. Recommended.

While not Feist’s best writing, it wasn’t his worst either. Feist may not be the most eloquent writer on earth, but in my opinion, he is one of the most intriguing. Prince Arutha and his brothers are heros, and while I wish Feist had written more books about Arutha’s exploits, I enjoyed reading about the coming of age of his sons. Erland and Borric, the king’s spoiled brats, are sent as ambassadors to the country of Great Kesh mainly to teach them a lesson — grow up! As usual, things go very wrong and the boys are separated, and then they find themselves fighting for their lives. In Prince of the Blood, Feist introduces Nakor, a new character of questionable character in the series, and with his help, Arutha’s sons come out all grown up and smelling like a rose. Not to spoil it by mentioning names, but one character I loved loses his life in Kesh. Feist certainly is good about killing off characters when they’ve reached a dead end — and sometimes before I am ready to say goodbye.

I have been a big Raymond Fiest fan, but I started a little backwards with the Serpent War Saga. I have since gone back through his other books all set within the same basic universe. Mr. Fiest has a wonderful ability to create rich characters and a intriguing environment and this book is no exception. The story tells of the two sons of the Prince of Krondor and their “punishment” and coming of age. Although this book is not as good as some of his other works, it is a worth while read. There is always a sense of fun and adventure is these books and this is another of the series. However, as you read more and more of his books, you start noticing the reoccuring emergence of character traits, but in the end it is just a great fantasy “spaghetti western”.

In the end, this is a ripping yarn (as quoted by Raymond is the foreword for Magician: Apprentice) but this just isn’t as ripping as the others.

The book in is excellent condition, I have no
complaints at all. Delivery was quick. I am
very happy with this purchase.
Thank-You

This is my first book written by Feist. It was well enough done to make me want to read more.
It is written in the classic style of fantasy and reminded me of the Sword of Shannara series.
I will recommend it to my friends.

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