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Legends of the Riftwar #1
Honored Enemy
New York Times Bestselling Author In the frozen Northlands of Midkemia, Captain Dennis Hartraft’s Marauders have just had a disastrous encounter with their sworn enemy, the Tsurani. Wounded and disheartened, the Mauraders set out for the shelter of a frontier garrison. They don’t know that a Tsurani patrol is sent to support an assault on that same garrison. Arriving simultaneously, the Marauders and Tsurani find the outpost already overrun by a dark enemy whose ferocity is legendary in Midkemia. In order to survive, the foes must band together and fight as one. As they make their way across the inhospitable climate, the two batallions struggle not only with the elements and their enemy, but also their consciences. Can their hatred for their mutual enemy overcome their distrust of each other? And, with both sides carrying painful scars from past wars, what is more one’s life or one’s honor?
323 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
266 people are currently reading
4092 people want to read
About the author
Raymond E. Feist
289 books9,552 followersRaymond E. Feist was born Raymond E. Gonzales III, but took his adoptive step-father's surname when his mother remarried Felix E. Feist. He graduated with a B.A. in Communication Arts with Honors in 1977 from the University of California at San Diego. During that year Feist had some ideas for a novel about a boy who would be a magician. He wrote the novel two years later, and it was published in 1982 by Doubleday. Feist currently lives in San Diego with his children, where he collects fine wine, DVDs, and books on a variety of topics of personal interest: wine, biographies, history, and, especially, the history of American Professional Football.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 210 reviews
February 2, 2020
Raymond Feist - I am not worthy of your Fantasy writing prowess!
I cannot believe I am 18 books into this series and they are still so entertaining to read. I have seen a few others who felt like the Riftwar Cycle was not the same after ten or twelve books, but for me it is still going quite strong.
This book is the first time the story has jumped all the way back to the same time as the Riftwar. It was very interesting - and surprisingly not difficult - to get my mind back into the mindset of that time period. I will say that while many lists have this as book 18 in the series, you could probably also read it right after The Empire Trilogy without issue (note: I think you definitely should finish the Riftwar Series - the first four books - and the Empire trilogy - the next three books - first. There are many references from these first seven books that will make this one easier to understand).
This was also the first time since the Empire Trilogy that Feist has brought along a co-author. William R. Forstchen is the author of the After series of post-apocalyptic novels. I enjoyed that series quite a bit as well so I was interested to see what these two could do together. While I couldn't specifically sense Forstchen's influence, they did a great job together.
The story and the character relationships had me enthralled from the first page. This is not a super long book, but so much great character development happens. The story is well crafted and I was amazed to make such a strong connection when I am used to many other parts of this fantasy world. I figured it would be weird to read a story in this world with characters and situations that were brand new, but it was perfectly fine and perfectly awesome!
If you are not reading Feist yet and you read this review and say,"But, Matthew! Book 18 in the series!? How can I possibly make that commitment to get to this 5-star book you are speaking so highly about!?!?" To that I say that it is totally worth it! All 18 books so far for me have been great - not a dud in the bunch!
I cannot believe I am 18 books into this series and they are still so entertaining to read. I have seen a few others who felt like the Riftwar Cycle was not the same after ten or twelve books, but for me it is still going quite strong.
This book is the first time the story has jumped all the way back to the same time as the Riftwar. It was very interesting - and surprisingly not difficult - to get my mind back into the mindset of that time period. I will say that while many lists have this as book 18 in the series, you could probably also read it right after The Empire Trilogy without issue (note: I think you definitely should finish the Riftwar Series - the first four books - and the Empire trilogy - the next three books - first. There are many references from these first seven books that will make this one easier to understand).
This was also the first time since the Empire Trilogy that Feist has brought along a co-author. William R. Forstchen is the author of the After series of post-apocalyptic novels. I enjoyed that series quite a bit as well so I was interested to see what these two could do together. While I couldn't specifically sense Forstchen's influence, they did a great job together.
The story and the character relationships had me enthralled from the first page. This is not a super long book, but so much great character development happens. The story is well crafted and I was amazed to make such a strong connection when I am used to many other parts of this fantasy world. I figured it would be weird to read a story in this world with characters and situations that were brand new, but it was perfectly fine and perfectly awesome!
If you are not reading Feist yet and you read this review and say,"But, Matthew! Book 18 in the series!? How can I possibly make that commitment to get to this 5-star book you are speaking so highly about!?!?" To that I say that it is totally worth it! All 18 books so far for me have been great - not a dud in the bunch!
April 30, 2019
What a pleasant surprise!
I kinda expected some old side stories placed at the end of the original Riftwar taking place on the outskirts in the cold north, but not a REALLY GOOD novel about enemies banding together to survive against an implacable foe alien to both.
The tale itself is pretty simple in outline but really told well in detail. The nitty gritty is what this is all about, keeping their men alive at all costs, the dangers and distrust, the cultural exchanges, the growing trust, and of course, the knowledge that they would eventually have to square off and kill each other... eventually. :)
As a novel that really affected me, this kinda did the job better than most of Feist's other novels. :) Odd, right? The big action and the epic awesomeness is missing here, instead focusing on a deep tale of friendship in adversity. :) Totally recommend.
I kinda expected some old side stories placed at the end of the original Riftwar taking place on the outskirts in the cold north, but not a REALLY GOOD novel about enemies banding together to survive against an implacable foe alien to both.
The tale itself is pretty simple in outline but really told well in detail. The nitty gritty is what this is all about, keeping their men alive at all costs, the dangers and distrust, the cultural exchanges, the growing trust, and of course, the knowledge that they would eventually have to square off and kill each other... eventually. :)
As a novel that really affected me, this kinda did the job better than most of Feist's other novels. :) Odd, right? The big action and the epic awesomeness is missing here, instead focusing on a deep tale of friendship in adversity. :) Totally recommend.
May 2, 2020
Originally reviewed at Bookwraiths.
Raymond E. Feist is an author I grew up reading, yet haven’t picked up in a long time. But when I saw this standalone novel set during the Riftwar, I decided to take a chance on one of my old favorites. Now, I’m glad I did, because Feist and William R. Forstchen deliver a great military fantasy story with Honored Enemy.
It is nine years into the Riftwar on Midkemia. The battle lines are fairly stable. Frontier forts and garrisons lining the cold, rugged and war torn Northlands. Midkemia and Tsurani units fighting more small actions against one another than huge battles. Little headway made by either side. Both sides growing weary of the near stalemate. But the war continuing with no end in sight.
Dennis Hartraft’s Marauders are one of the most successful raiders in the Kingdom army. Their commander’s hatred of the Tsurani driving his men to accomplish daring missions behind enemy lines; their name infamous even among their enemies. And now they are returning from another raid, heading for a frontier fort called Brendan’s Stockade to settle down before winter arrives.
Meanwhile, Asayagsa, a Force Leader of the Kodeko Clan of the Tsurani forces, has orders to attack Brendan’s Stockade. While Asayagsa believes his orders are madness inspired by Tsurani politics, he cannot disobey for fear of bringing shame to his house.
Fate brings our two forces together at the frontier fort at the same time. A surprise awaiting both of them. The danger of being decimated by a third enemy causing the Kingdom and Tsurani to band together to survive. The rest of the tale focused on our “honored enemies” attempting to find a way across the frozen Northlands while battling a determined enemy and trying not to slaughter one another!
Definitely, this is a military fantasy, where the troops and their situation is tense, exciting, and filled with action, but it was my growing fondness for the characters themselves which kept my reading into the night. Dennis Hartraft’s past very compelling; Asayagsa’s constant dilemma with honor and survival expertly told; and the developing tale of the elf Tinuva wonderfully developed. Hell, I even loved the times when the enemy leader was focused on, finding this individual far more than a cookie cutter bad guy but someone I could understand, even empathize with in a strange way.
What I didn’t enjoy about the story were a few twists which eased the tension between our honored enemies. These events were just too convenient, too fortuitous for me to really believe they would happen in real life. And it kept the narrative from having to handle the ultimate question of whether our two bands would turn on one another as soon as the enemy presence behind them disappeared.
All in all, I really enjoyed Honored Enemy. This book – plus the short story The Messenger in Legends II – has reignited my desire to return to Raymond E. Feist’s Riftwar series, because now I realize my childhood fondness for his stories might still hold true today. And I’d encourage other Riftwar lovers or fans of action-packed fantasy with a military twist to pick this one up. I really believe you will enjoy it!
Raymond E. Feist is an author I grew up reading, yet haven’t picked up in a long time. But when I saw this standalone novel set during the Riftwar, I decided to take a chance on one of my old favorites. Now, I’m glad I did, because Feist and William R. Forstchen deliver a great military fantasy story with Honored Enemy.
It is nine years into the Riftwar on Midkemia. The battle lines are fairly stable. Frontier forts and garrisons lining the cold, rugged and war torn Northlands. Midkemia and Tsurani units fighting more small actions against one another than huge battles. Little headway made by either side. Both sides growing weary of the near stalemate. But the war continuing with no end in sight.
Dennis Hartraft’s Marauders are one of the most successful raiders in the Kingdom army. Their commander’s hatred of the Tsurani driving his men to accomplish daring missions behind enemy lines; their name infamous even among their enemies. And now they are returning from another raid, heading for a frontier fort called Brendan’s Stockade to settle down before winter arrives.
Meanwhile, Asayagsa, a Force Leader of the Kodeko Clan of the Tsurani forces, has orders to attack Brendan’s Stockade. While Asayagsa believes his orders are madness inspired by Tsurani politics, he cannot disobey for fear of bringing shame to his house.
Fate brings our two forces together at the frontier fort at the same time. A surprise awaiting both of them. The danger of being decimated by a third enemy causing the Kingdom and Tsurani to band together to survive. The rest of the tale focused on our “honored enemies” attempting to find a way across the frozen Northlands while battling a determined enemy and trying not to slaughter one another!
Definitely, this is a military fantasy, where the troops and their situation is tense, exciting, and filled with action, but it was my growing fondness for the characters themselves which kept my reading into the night. Dennis Hartraft’s past very compelling; Asayagsa’s constant dilemma with honor and survival expertly told; and the developing tale of the elf Tinuva wonderfully developed. Hell, I even loved the times when the enemy leader was focused on, finding this individual far more than a cookie cutter bad guy but someone I could understand, even empathize with in a strange way.
What I didn’t enjoy about the story were a few twists which eased the tension between our honored enemies. These events were just too convenient, too fortuitous for me to really believe they would happen in real life. And it kept the narrative from having to handle the ultimate question of whether our two bands would turn on one another as soon as the enemy presence behind them disappeared.
All in all, I really enjoyed Honored Enemy. This book – plus the short story The Messenger in Legends II – has reignited my desire to return to Raymond E. Feist’s Riftwar series, because now I realize my childhood fondness for his stories might still hold true today. And I’d encourage other Riftwar lovers or fans of action-packed fantasy with a military twist to pick this one up. I really believe you will enjoy it!
October 29, 2025
I really like tales of honor. Looking at my bookshelf and the works I keep, most have a theme of honor and loyalty. Honoured Enemy fits right in. The inciting situation is done well, the characters are deep, and the pace varies in ways that support the plot. One thing that I saw mostly in retrospect is that there are several sets of honoured enemies in the book - not just the two main characters. 4/5
December 6, 2022
Zapoceo sam ovu knjigu bez ikakvih ocekivanja. Ispostavilo se da sam vise nego uzivao u njoj i jos jednom potvrdio sebi zasto toliko volim da citam Fajsta. Imam neki osecaj da je knjiga napisana sa velikom lakocom, da je Fajst prosto seo i radio ono u cemu je najbolji. Uspeo je da jednom odlicnom pricom barem malo popuni duge godine Rata za Kapiju Svetova.
January 12, 2020
Honored Enemey is the first book in the Legends of the Riftwar subseries which is in the larger Riftwar Cycle. The books in this subseries are all co-written with a different author and, at least going by this first book and the title of the subseries, it appears they all take place during the time span of the very first book (or set of books depending on how you read it), Magician. This book is co-written by William R. Forstchen, an author I’m not familiar with.
The story focuses on original characters that I don't believe we've seen before. The only familiar characters I noticed were during the prologue. The story is pretty heavily focused on battles and enemies and vengeance. There is definitely more content to it than that, but these things are always driving the story. Both the story and the characters took some time to grow on me. I found it pretty tedious early on, and didn’t care much about the characters at all. My interest slowly picked up after .
I couldn’t tell a dramatic difference in the style of this book with Forstchen as a co-author versus the style when Feist writes alone, aside from it being more battle-focused than his other books usually are. Maybe it also had a little less humor, at least of the sort that made me laugh, although I did still laugh a few times. I thought it was a pretty solid story. It held my interest after the slow start, and there were some good moments in it that I really enjoyed. It just didn’t hold anything particularly special for me, so I’m giving it 3.5 stars but rounding down to 3 on Goodreads.
The story focuses on original characters that I don't believe we've seen before. The only familiar characters I noticed were during the prologue. The story is pretty heavily focused on battles and enemies and vengeance. There is definitely more content to it than that, but these things are always driving the story. Both the story and the characters took some time to grow on me. I found it pretty tedious early on, and didn’t care much about the characters at all. My interest slowly picked up after .
I couldn’t tell a dramatic difference in the style of this book with Forstchen as a co-author versus the style when Feist writes alone, aside from it being more battle-focused than his other books usually are. Maybe it also had a little less humor, at least of the sort that made me laugh, although I did still laugh a few times. I thought it was a pretty solid story. It held my interest after the slow start, and there were some good moments in it that I really enjoyed. It just didn’t hold anything particularly special for me, so I’m giving it 3.5 stars but rounding down to 3 on Goodreads.
September 30, 2023
Rarely do I give a book of this type 5 stars, but an exception arises here that cannot go ignored.
Book #1 of a sub-series (#18 in the "alternative" reading order, which I am following). Feist has gone back to the original Rift War in this series and is allowing the reader an insight into unknown characters. Those behind the scenes in the original story. Those normal men, and women, who fought the war, who lost so much when the Tsurani came through the Rift. Original characters are mentioned/referred to and we also get a closer look at the Dark Elves and an inside view from the Tsurani. Both viewpoints that I appreciated.
Occurring 9 years into the war, the story follows a tough, tried and true mercenary group. Stuck behind enemy lines within the grasp of their new enemy and their ancient, previously uninvolved enemy, the Dark Elves. Surrounded by two unfriendly bands of enemies their choices are limited and there is only one that will get them across enemy lines back into The Kingdom.
As mentioned in all my reviews, I have a buddy I am reading with and that makes this all the more fun. IMO Fantasy books and buddy reads go hand in hand, make it all the more exciting and as I said fun. Thank you Aaron, I enjoy our time together.
Book #1 of a sub-series (#18 in the "alternative" reading order, which I am following). Feist has gone back to the original Rift War in this series and is allowing the reader an insight into unknown characters. Those behind the scenes in the original story. Those normal men, and women, who fought the war, who lost so much when the Tsurani came through the Rift. Original characters are mentioned/referred to and we also get a closer look at the Dark Elves and an inside view from the Tsurani. Both viewpoints that I appreciated.
Occurring 9 years into the war, the story follows a tough, tried and true mercenary group. Stuck behind enemy lines within the grasp of their new enemy and their ancient, previously uninvolved enemy, the Dark Elves. Surrounded by two unfriendly bands of enemies their choices are limited and there is only one that will get them across enemy lines back into The Kingdom.
As mentioned in all my reviews, I have a buddy I am reading with and that makes this all the more fun. IMO Fantasy books and buddy reads go hand in hand, make it all the more exciting and as I said fun. Thank you Aaron, I enjoy our time together.
October 21, 2015
This is the first of my book reading where I've decided to go back and read all of the Feist, Salvatore and Weiss that I missed/skipped over the years. An active decision made to go back to authors who can tell a good tale because I'm so disillusioned with the current fantasy offerings that are being published.
This book is a stand alone novel in the Riftwar series.
It's nine years into the war with the Tsurani.
Dennis Hartraft's garrison is up near a frontier outpost.
A Tsurani garrison is there as well.
You would think there would be a battle but...enter the moredhel (dark elves).
The only way for the humans and the Tsurani to live long enough to fight each other is to team up against the moredhel.
Now just imagine all the complications, plot twists and moral decisions that come out of that alliance.
It took 50-75 pages to turn this from a military fantasy book into a character based book (the reason I love Feist).
This book is very good.
The only thing stopping a five star rating is the fact that it's a stand alone novel and lacks a greater weight in the Riftwar series.
Pretty glad I picked up Feist again.
I wouldn't read this if you've never read other books in the series but you don't have to read all 30 (or so) in order to enjoy this one.
This book is a stand alone novel in the Riftwar series.
It's nine years into the war with the Tsurani.
Dennis Hartraft's garrison is up near a frontier outpost.
A Tsurani garrison is there as well.
You would think there would be a battle but...enter the moredhel (dark elves).
The only way for the humans and the Tsurani to live long enough to fight each other is to team up against the moredhel.
Now just imagine all the complications, plot twists and moral decisions that come out of that alliance.
It took 50-75 pages to turn this from a military fantasy book into a character based book (the reason I love Feist).
This book is very good.
The only thing stopping a five star rating is the fact that it's a stand alone novel and lacks a greater weight in the Riftwar series.
Pretty glad I picked up Feist again.
I wouldn't read this if you've never read other books in the series but you don't have to read all 30 (or so) in order to enjoy this one.
October 15, 2020
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
I wasn’t invested in the beginning but this story firmly wormed itself into me throughout the novel.
I loved the ending!!
I wasn’t invested in the beginning but this story firmly wormed itself into me throughout the novel.
I loved the ending!!
October 31, 2025
An excellent book by Feist. Dennis Hartraft and his Marauders have been at war with the Tsurani for 9 years. Ever since the death of his wife and father at their hands.
But stuff happens and he finds his band temporarily allied with a group of Tsurani against hundreds of Moredhel, the dark elves. lf they can't coexist they will be wiped out.
But stuff happens and he finds his band temporarily allied with a group of Tsurani against hundreds of Moredhel, the dark elves. lf they can't coexist they will be wiped out.
July 14, 2017
Enjoyed reading this book many years ago. From what I can remember of it, this was one of the many spin-off novels based around Feist's original Magician novel. I liked this one in-particular because it offered a different viewpoint on the Riftwar saga. Enemies sometimes must 'bury the hatchet', so to speak. If you liked Magician, Silverthorn and A Darkness at Sethanon, you'll more than likely enjoy this too.
September 29, 2023
What a great installment in the overall world of Feist! A great first book in the trilogy! This was a great read! It had action from start to finish. It introduced new characters, had a great backstory from a character and even brought in some perspective from another race that is in the world. This book was about battle, and Feist does that really well! The ending of the book wrapped up a part of the story well and just was nicely done!
June 14, 2022
4,5 sterren- Nederlandse hardcover
Deze saga gaat over de werelden Kelewan en Midkemia. De eervolle vijand is het eerste boek van de trilogie;de legenden van de oorlog van de grote scheuring.
In dit boek worden een groep Midkemiers en Tsurani gedwongen om samen te werken tegen een derde partij: de Moredhel.
Doorheen het boek zijn Midkemier Dennis en Tsurani Asayage verplicht om hun mannen samen te laten werken, Dit gaat niet altijd even gemakkelijk door de andere mentaliteit en manier van omgaan met bepaalde zaken. Toch slaat stilletjes aan het wantrouwen op in vertrouwen,
Het boek speelt zich volledig af in een periode van het jaar waarin het sneeuwt en winderig is.
De personages zijn heel uiteenlopend,
Dennis :leider van de marodeurs is een harde man die toch in gedachten blijft hangen in het verleden.
Asayage:leider van de Tsurani is een slim persoon die vlug doorheeft indien hij wil overleven niet alles kan werken volgens het grote spel op zijn thuiswereld Kelewan,
Tinuva: een moredhel die teruggekeerd is naar de elfen. Hij is eigenlijk ook de broer van de moredhel hoofdman Bovai,
Gregory, De man die alles bekijk vanuit een rustig oogpunt.
Het plot van het boek maakt dat er altijd wel iets te gebeuren staat, en de spannings- boog gelijk blijft over heel het boek.
Hoe de samenwerking van beide groepen beeindigd word komt niet onverrast.
Blijft een van mijn lievelings auteurs in het fantasy genre.
Deze saga gaat over de werelden Kelewan en Midkemia. De eervolle vijand is het eerste boek van de trilogie;de legenden van de oorlog van de grote scheuring.
In dit boek worden een groep Midkemiers en Tsurani gedwongen om samen te werken tegen een derde partij: de Moredhel.
Doorheen het boek zijn Midkemier Dennis en Tsurani Asayage verplicht om hun mannen samen te laten werken, Dit gaat niet altijd even gemakkelijk door de andere mentaliteit en manier van omgaan met bepaalde zaken. Toch slaat stilletjes aan het wantrouwen op in vertrouwen,
Het boek speelt zich volledig af in een periode van het jaar waarin het sneeuwt en winderig is.
De personages zijn heel uiteenlopend,
Dennis :leider van de marodeurs is een harde man die toch in gedachten blijft hangen in het verleden.
Asayage:leider van de Tsurani is een slim persoon die vlug doorheeft indien hij wil overleven niet alles kan werken volgens het grote spel op zijn thuiswereld Kelewan,
Tinuva: een moredhel die teruggekeerd is naar de elfen. Hij is eigenlijk ook de broer van de moredhel hoofdman Bovai,
Gregory, De man die alles bekijk vanuit een rustig oogpunt.
Het plot van het boek maakt dat er altijd wel iets te gebeuren staat, en de spannings- boog gelijk blijft over heel het boek.
Hoe de samenwerking van beide groepen beeindigd word komt niet onverrast.
Blijft een van mijn lievelings auteurs in het fantasy genre.
August 21, 2013
Note: Actual review is 3.5 stars
This was my first experience with the world where the story takes place. The characters and the premise were definitely interesting, and they kept me reading. Tinuva was a mystery, and I was really worried that the authors were never going to explain his subplot. I wish there had been more information regarding the two types of elves though, particularly regarding the Returning. Why tell us about something that sounds really intriguing only to never explain WHY it happens or really explain HOW or how someone knows when someone turns. Halfway explanations seem to be pretty popular in this book.
At times, Dennis seemed a little ...whiny? I'm not sure that's precisely the word that is best to describe his internal monologue about the Bad Things That Have Happened, but that's the word that comes to mind at the moment. I also wish they would have better explained Gregory's history, how he and Tinuva knew each other, and the history behind the Main Villain and his dislike for certain Good Characters.
Honoured Enemy is the first in a side series about Midkemia; however, I feel that it did not explain some things as well as it could have. In fact, it seemed to assume that you already knew the history from the other books, which annoyed me. For instance, while I understand the Tsurani are alien invaders, have been there for 9 years, and came through some sort of portal, I did not understand WHY they came. They also referenced a lot to the "Great Game," yet they never explained WHAT it is. From what I've gathered, it has something to do with politics. Actually, Asayaga's entirely conflict with Sugama still confuses me. I felt there were a few more opportunities to really explain some of the differences between the culture and aspects of the various groups since 4 different cultures were present.
My other big disappointment is that the authors jumped POV a lot, which is a big pet peeve of mine. While it appears that they were striving for a third-person limited POV, we often get inside information that POV character would not know. I have to check the book again for a good example of this since I can't find the notes I had. It seems to me they were also not going for a third person omniscient POV either based on the fact that they did usually limit themselves to whoever was identified in the first sentence of each section.
Despite these flaws, I still found myself intrigued by the overall plot. The latter portion of the book was also so riveting due to the action and the stakes, that I simply could not put it down.
Because of the ability to keep me captivated and it's flaws, this book earns 3.5 stars.
Overall recommendation: Rent it from the library if you enjoy fantasy or stories regarding war in fantasy-esk settings.
This was my first experience with the world where the story takes place. The characters and the premise were definitely interesting, and they kept me reading. Tinuva was a mystery, and I was really worried that the authors were never going to explain his subplot. I wish there had been more information regarding the two types of elves though, particularly regarding the Returning. Why tell us about something that sounds really intriguing only to never explain WHY it happens or really explain HOW or how someone knows when someone turns. Halfway explanations seem to be pretty popular in this book.
At times, Dennis seemed a little ...whiny? I'm not sure that's precisely the word that is best to describe his internal monologue about the Bad Things That Have Happened, but that's the word that comes to mind at the moment. I also wish they would have better explained Gregory's history, how he and Tinuva knew each other, and the history behind the Main Villain and his dislike for certain Good Characters.
Honoured Enemy is the first in a side series about Midkemia; however, I feel that it did not explain some things as well as it could have. In fact, it seemed to assume that you already knew the history from the other books, which annoyed me. For instance, while I understand the Tsurani are alien invaders, have been there for 9 years, and came through some sort of portal, I did not understand WHY they came. They also referenced a lot to the "Great Game," yet they never explained WHAT it is. From what I've gathered, it has something to do with politics. Actually, Asayaga's entirely conflict with Sugama still confuses me. I felt there were a few more opportunities to really explain some of the differences between the culture and aspects of the various groups since 4 different cultures were present.
My other big disappointment is that the authors jumped POV a lot, which is a big pet peeve of mine. While it appears that they were striving for a third-person limited POV, we often get inside information that POV character would not know. I have to check the book again for a good example of this since I can't find the notes I had. It seems to me they were also not going for a third person omniscient POV either based on the fact that they did usually limit themselves to whoever was identified in the first sentence of each section.
Despite these flaws, I still found myself intrigued by the overall plot. The latter portion of the book was also so riveting due to the action and the stakes, that I simply could not put it down.
Because of the ability to keep me captivated and it's flaws, this book earns 3.5 stars.
Overall recommendation: Rent it from the library if you enjoy fantasy or stories regarding war in fantasy-esk settings.
December 8, 2010
Unlike most of Raymond E. Feist (the author) books, this book lacked the fantasy element. Granted, this is a standalone sidebar to the Riftwar Saga (another series by the same author) and there were elves, dark elves and some reference to rifts but this book is just pure fiction and action.
Fans of the Riftwar Saga will not see their heroes in action and find themselves embroiled in a action packed, fast paced war fiction similar to the novels of Bernard Cornwell's (a historic fiction author) Sharpe series. The author had explicitly mentioned he tried to mimic Bernard Cornwell and having read the Sharpe series, I would say he did a passable impression of Cornwell's Sharpe series. Due to the story plot, magic or spellcasting is non-existent as majority of the Midkemian forces battled without the aid of magic during the Riftwar.
Dennis Hartraft (main protagonist) and his mercenaries were in the middle of a war against the Tsurani (human race from another world) invaders when they found themselves facing a third party. Between the struggle of loyalties and war-hatred, Dennis had to make a decision to ensure the survival of his mercenaries.
In this book, fans of E. Feist will learn more about the Returning. A fantastic read by its own, and the best book in the Legends of Riftwar (the name of the series). I will recommend this book for war fiction fans.
Fans of the Riftwar Saga will not see their heroes in action and find themselves embroiled in a action packed, fast paced war fiction similar to the novels of Bernard Cornwell's (a historic fiction author) Sharpe series. The author had explicitly mentioned he tried to mimic Bernard Cornwell and having read the Sharpe series, I would say he did a passable impression of Cornwell's Sharpe series. Due to the story plot, magic or spellcasting is non-existent as majority of the Midkemian forces battled without the aid of magic during the Riftwar.
Dennis Hartraft (main protagonist) and his mercenaries were in the middle of a war against the Tsurani (human race from another world) invaders when they found themselves facing a third party. Between the struggle of loyalties and war-hatred, Dennis had to make a decision to ensure the survival of his mercenaries.
In this book, fans of E. Feist will learn more about the Returning. A fantastic read by its own, and the best book in the Legends of Riftwar (the name of the series). I will recommend this book for war fiction fans.
October 22, 2024
Negen jaar in de oorlog tussen het Koninkrijk en de Tsurani. Het front is redelijk stabiel, met zo nu en dan wat kleine acties tegen elkaar. Tijdens een slag tegen de Tsurani raken de troepen van Dennis Hartraft vast achter de vijandelijke linies. De Koninkrijk Troepen en de Tsurani worden gedwongen om samen te werken tegen de hun beider vijand, de Moredhel
Dit boek is meer een militaire fantasy dan het gebruikelijke soort. De vertrouwde personages uit de eerdere boeken komen hier niet in voor, behalve dan een verwijzing naar een aantal. De sub-plots waren indrukwekkend, en naar mijn idee beter dan het hele verhaal zelf.
Wat mij bevreemde was dat de beide legers een soort vakantie hielden gedurende de tijd dat ze vast zaten in de vallei. In plaats van mogelijke uitwegen te zoeken, of zich voor te bereiden verdeden ze hun tijd met het baden, feest vieren en zich bezig houden met de religieuze vieringen van beide partijen. Ze hadden schijnbaar tijd genoeg om een badhuis te bouwen.
Dit boek is meer een militaire fantasy dan het gebruikelijke soort. De vertrouwde personages uit de eerdere boeken komen hier niet in voor, behalve dan een verwijzing naar een aantal. De sub-plots waren indrukwekkend, en naar mijn idee beter dan het hele verhaal zelf.
Wat mij bevreemde was dat de beide legers een soort vakantie hielden gedurende de tijd dat ze vast zaten in de vallei. In plaats van mogelijke uitwegen te zoeken, of zich voor te bereiden verdeden ze hun tijd met het baden, feest vieren en zich bezig houden met de religieuze vieringen van beide partijen. Ze hadden schijnbaar tijd genoeg om een badhuis te bouwen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2022
Läsning 2: Delvis väldigt spännande, öht väldigt avslappnande.
Läsning 1: Precis vad jag behövde!
Feist är en underbar berättare, i det att han undviker absolut ondska, till förmån för intressekonflikter. Boken är välbalanserad, och hanterar två fiendegruppers flykt från en större fara, och deras samarbeten under denna. Den överdriver aldrig, och levererar en utmärkt genrehistoria som betonar lojalitet, gruppdynamik, och människans litenhet i relation till naturen. Slutet är rart men förvirrat.
Jag rekommenderar den varmt till genreläsarna.
Läsning 1: Precis vad jag behövde!
Feist är en underbar berättare, i det att han undviker absolut ondska, till förmån för intressekonflikter. Boken är välbalanserad, och hanterar två fiendegruppers flykt från en större fara, och deras samarbeten under denna. Den överdriver aldrig, och levererar en utmärkt genrehistoria som betonar lojalitet, gruppdynamik, och människans litenhet i relation till naturen. Slutet är rart men förvirrat.
Jag rekommenderar den varmt till genreläsarna.
February 17, 2025
This was awesome! Very battle focussed, which, I assume, is due to the co-authorship. As usual the characters are very well done. I think these are some of my favourite in the Riftwar saga.
July 18, 2024
I’ve owned this book for many years, but only just read it. I went off fantasy a bit to broaden my reading. But now I totally regret that. It was a really good story, and the characters were great fun.
March 11, 2021
Honoured Enemy, written by Raymond E. Feist and William Forstchen.
ISBN 0-00-648388–7 and published by Voyager (An Imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers) in 2001.
Cover illustration by Geoff Taylor.
Main Characters
Lord Brucal, Knight Marshal of the West.
Boric, Duke of Crydee and second in command.
The Marauders
Captain Dennis Hartcraft, commander of the Marauders.
Tinuva, Elf Scout.
Gregory of Nathal, a Nathalese Ranger.
Father Corwin, priest of Sung.
Alwin Barry, newly appointed Sergeant.
Richard Kevinson, a young squire from Landonare.
Beragorn, old veteran.
Darvan, one of the soldiers.
Hanson, soldier.
Corporal Bewin.
Luthar, soldier.
The Tsurani Company
Force Leader Asayaga of the House of Kodeko of Clan Kanazawai.
Sugama, Second in Command of the House of Tondora of Clan Shonshoni.
Senior Strike Leader Tasemu.
Vashemi, the most senior patrol Leader.
Tarku, one of the older veterans.
Hakaxa, Lead Scout.
Brotherhood of Dark Elves
Bovai, Dark Elf and
Tancred, Master of the Hunt.
Golun, Second in Command and leader of the Scouts.
Wolfgar, former Bard and friend of Dennis Hartcraft.
Roxanne, Wolfgar’s late wife.
Alysia and Roxanne, their daughters.
ISBN 0-00-648388–7 and published by Voyager (An Imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers) in 2001.
Cover illustration by Geoff Taylor.
Main Characters
Lord Brucal, Knight Marshal of the West.
Boric, Duke of Crydee and second in command.
The Marauders
Captain Dennis Hartcraft, commander of the Marauders.
Tinuva, Elf Scout.
Gregory of Nathal, a Nathalese Ranger.
Father Corwin, priest of Sung.
Alwin Barry, newly appointed Sergeant.
Richard Kevinson, a young squire from Landonare.
Beragorn, old veteran.
Darvan, one of the soldiers.
Hanson, soldier.
Corporal Bewin.
Luthar, soldier.
The Tsurani Company
Force Leader Asayaga of the House of Kodeko of Clan Kanazawai.
Sugama, Second in Command of the House of Tondora of Clan Shonshoni.
Senior Strike Leader Tasemu.
Vashemi, the most senior patrol Leader.
Tarku, one of the older veterans.
Hakaxa, Lead Scout.
Brotherhood of Dark Elves
Bovai, Dark Elf and
Tancred, Master of the Hunt.
Golun, Second in Command and leader of the Scouts.
Wolfgar, former Bard and friend of Dennis Hartcraft.
Roxanne, Wolfgar’s late wife.
Alysia and Roxanne, their daughters.
October 27, 2025
Woohoo, best Riftwar book I've read since Mistress of the Empire trilogy. Continuing a slightly concerning trend of the best books in the saga being those which Feist did not write alone >.>
August 9, 2024
Ever since finding a copy of Magician on audiobook, I have been on a mission to read this series in full but hopefully in chronological order; this is much easier said than done, though.
Legends Of The Riftwar is a 3 book series written with various others that just adds flavour to the original series.
Honoured Enemy follows a band of warriors from each side of the war who are kind of forced to work together against a more dangerous common enemy, the moridhel or Dark Elves. These characters are all new but somehow have ties to certain characters from the main storyline.
This story features some great characters and I love great characters. I may just be a big old softie, but this story had me crying in various places; I thoroughly enjoyed this and found it a great addition to the overall story.
This series was not available as audiobooks on YouTube but I am not sure that these have been adapted to audio, either.
Legends Of The Riftwar is a 3 book series written with various others that just adds flavour to the original series.
Honoured Enemy follows a band of warriors from each side of the war who are kind of forced to work together against a more dangerous common enemy, the moridhel or Dark Elves. These characters are all new but somehow have ties to certain characters from the main storyline.
This story features some great characters and I love great characters. I may just be a big old softie, but this story had me crying in various places; I thoroughly enjoyed this and found it a great addition to the overall story.
This series was not available as audiobooks on YouTube but I am not sure that these have been adapted to audio, either.
February 4, 2024
I've read all the 'main line' novels, with Pug and Tomas and the successively larger existential danger facing Midkemia in each new series and really enjoyed them all, even as each series became overly grandiose in the challenges that Pug needed to overcome to save the day. In fact, that was one of the things I liked about the books. Each new series said to the previous, 'hold my beer' and Pug and his cabal of secret agents and overly powerful magic users would be there to hold the line against the next, worst, threat.
I haven't read the one offs he co-wrote with other writers. It's been a few years since I finished the last series, this book had been sitting on my shelf for a number of years and I decided to give it a read. I had time to kill and the promise of a quick, entertaining, read set during the Riftwar trilogy was exactly what I needed.
It did not disappoint. The plot was predictable and well worn, but Feist and Forstchen had enough skill to keep it entertaining. I wanted to root for Dennis and Asayaga to put aside their differences and become friends, even as I knew that was going to happen with the certainty of the sun rising tomorrow. I knew where the story was going, I kept reading because I wanted to know how we were going to get there.
If you are a fan of the Riftwar, this one is a good appetizer.
I haven't read the one offs he co-wrote with other writers. It's been a few years since I finished the last series, this book had been sitting on my shelf for a number of years and I decided to give it a read. I had time to kill and the promise of a quick, entertaining, read set during the Riftwar trilogy was exactly what I needed.
It did not disappoint. The plot was predictable and well worn, but Feist and Forstchen had enough skill to keep it entertaining. I wanted to root for Dennis and Asayaga to put aside their differences and become friends, even as I knew that was going to happen with the certainty of the sun rising tomorrow. I knew where the story was going, I kept reading because I wanted to know how we were going to get there.
If you are a fan of the Riftwar, this one is a good appetizer.
May 5, 2015
I'm not going to lie, I was more than a little bit worried to read this book. As I mentioned in the Magician: Apprentice review, some of Feists later books are, less than good. It was right around this period when I think some of the books went off course, but I'm happy to say that this wasn't the case for this one. Be it Forstchen's coauthorship or Feist returning to the beginning of the series, Honored Enemy was amazing.
I'm currently going through all of the Feist book, some for the third or fourth time, others for the first time. This just so happens to be the first time I've read this particular novel. I'm doing an alternate reading order in the sense that I'm going semi-chronologically. I'll finish off the rest of the Riftwar Legends books because they happen during start of the whole series. I'll read the Empire books next, before finally going by publish date.
As with the books Feist worked on with Wurts, I really think he benefited from having a second voice in writing Honored Enemy. The beauty of this duo was the fact that you really could not tell where each contributed, their styles meshed so well that it was extremely easy to get lost in the stories and characters. While the premise sounds simple and somewhat boring, which is the main reason it has taken me so long to read, the book is fantastic! Just the dynamic between Dennis and Asayaga is enough to warrant picking up this book. Add to it a deeper look into the Dark Brotherhood and a setting never really explored in the other books, any fan has to go out and read this. Since I've read the majority of the series already, I had no trouble picking up on some of the references and details that were put in, but I would highly recommend going through everything by publish date if it's your first time through. I'm impressed as to just how well the authors got the tone of Magician, having just read the two novels, it was like jumping back in despite the books being separated by two decades. It also makes me eager to jump into the next novel... off I go!
I'm currently going through all of the Feist book, some for the third or fourth time, others for the first time. This just so happens to be the first time I've read this particular novel. I'm doing an alternate reading order in the sense that I'm going semi-chronologically. I'll finish off the rest of the Riftwar Legends books because they happen during start of the whole series. I'll read the Empire books next, before finally going by publish date.
As with the books Feist worked on with Wurts, I really think he benefited from having a second voice in writing Honored Enemy. The beauty of this duo was the fact that you really could not tell where each contributed, their styles meshed so well that it was extremely easy to get lost in the stories and characters. While the premise sounds simple and somewhat boring, which is the main reason it has taken me so long to read, the book is fantastic! Just the dynamic between Dennis and Asayaga is enough to warrant picking up this book. Add to it a deeper look into the Dark Brotherhood and a setting never really explored in the other books, any fan has to go out and read this. Since I've read the majority of the series already, I had no trouble picking up on some of the references and details that were put in, but I would highly recommend going through everything by publish date if it's your first time through. I'm impressed as to just how well the authors got the tone of Magician, having just read the two novels, it was like jumping back in despite the books being separated by two decades. It also makes me eager to jump into the next novel... off I go!
September 18, 2024
Magician was my first paranormal fantasy read. I fell in love instantly and the rest as they say is history. I have each and every book in this series and they are so old the pages are yellow but that doesn't stop me from re reading them all the time.
Raymond E Feist is an author like no other.
Do yourself a favour and get stuck into this series now. You will love Pug and his journey through life and the many other characters in spin off books.
Raymond E Feist is an author like no other.
Do yourself a favour and get stuck into this series now. You will love Pug and his journey through life and the many other characters in spin off books.
April 2, 2025
A terrific tale set in the middle of the riftwar. It unpicks the challenges and complexities of a shaky alliance between two groups of soldiers from warring armies temporarily teaming up against the Moredehl or dark elves. It shows the strains of leadership and the bitterness of hating an enemy that is surpassed by a grudging respect and mateship. This is a very well written story that leaves you wanting more and after gaining a deeper appreciation of the Moredehl
July 30, 2016
Writing and story was surprisingly good, so I think author really did a good work here. Enemies thrown together in desperate situation brings out best and worst of people giving reader thrilling adventure story.
July 16, 2020
Took me a little bit to understand all the different places and races in this book but when I did I enjoyed this story (although it was a bit repetitive) that was driven by excellent character development. There were a few excellent moments in here making this an entertaining book.
January 31, 2015
A weak and boring book ...
I have very low expections for this 3 books .
I have very low expections for this 3 books .
April 27, 2023
Misschien wel een van de beste boeken van Feist. De spanning weet hij als vanouds vast te houden, maar de thematiek van het boek is wat De eervolle vijand zo goed maakt.
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