About the Author

Raymond E. Feist is the author of more than thirty previous books, including the internationally bestselling "Riftwar Cycle" of novels set in his signature world of Midkemia, the Empire trilogy co-authored with Janny Wurts, as well as a stand-alone novel, Faerie Tale. The Firemane Saga is his first all-new epic fantasy series. He lives in San Diego, California.

Reviews

Bestseller Feist (Prince of the Blood) does an impressive job of developing numerous characters and elaborate social structures while holding true to established history in this fantasy page-turner set in Midkemia, the backdrop for his venerable Riftwar and Serpentwar sagas. As we follow Talon of the Silver Hawk through his adoption and training by members of the Conclave of Shadows (many of whom will be familiar to readers of earlier Midkemia books) and his quest for revenge after the slaughter of his tribe, places and people are fleshed out with neat thoroughness. The transformation of Talon, an innocent and untrained country mouse, into Talwin, an expert sword fighter, smooth seducer and faux nobleman, is extraordinary but completely believable, despite the compression or omission of a few years here and there, while the hints at the power and extent of the Conclave and its mission will leave readers hungry for more. Feist specializes in the careful and accurate portrayal of the thoughts and feelings of young men going through tumultuous life changes, and this effort is one of his best yet. (Apr. 20) Forecast: Conveniently for new readers and forgetful fans, the author's preferred editions of early Riftwar books have recently been released in paperback. A 10-city author tour will help lift this onto bestseller lists. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

Only young Talon of the Silver Hawk survives the destruction of his nation, and in this series opener, he's out for revenge. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.