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The Riftwar Legacy #3
Krondor: Tear of the Gods
A DROP IN THE OCEAN?
A raid upon the high seas signals an attack of unprecedented magnitude by the forces of darkness.
But the daring assault upon the Temple of Ishap goes dramatically wrong and the prize, the Tear of the Gods, sinks beneath the waves of the Bitter Sea. The most powerful artifact known to the Temples of Midkemia, this colossal gem allows the priests to speak with their gods. Without it they are lost for a decade, until another is formed in the distant mountains.
Squire James, William, and Jazhara must seek out the location of the gem, with Brother Solon, a warrior priest of Ishap, and Kendaric, the sole member of the Wreckers' Guild with the power to raise the ship. But they are opposed by the minions of the Dark God, who seeks to possess the Tear for his own ends.
A breathless race for a priceless treasure, against time, myriad sinister and competing evil forces, and ultimately against the fundamentals of nature, which in Midkemia can be as formidable as the Gods themselves...
A raid upon the high seas signals an attack of unprecedented magnitude by the forces of darkness.
But the daring assault upon the Temple of Ishap goes dramatically wrong and the prize, the Tear of the Gods, sinks beneath the waves of the Bitter Sea. The most powerful artifact known to the Temples of Midkemia, this colossal gem allows the priests to speak with their gods. Without it they are lost for a decade, until another is formed in the distant mountains.
Squire James, William, and Jazhara must seek out the location of the gem, with Brother Solon, a warrior priest of Ishap, and Kendaric, the sole member of the Wreckers' Guild with the power to raise the ship. But they are opposed by the minions of the Dark God, who seeks to possess the Tear for his own ends.
A breathless race for a priceless treasure, against time, myriad sinister and competing evil forces, and ultimately against the fundamentals of nature, which in Midkemia can be as formidable as the Gods themselves...
365 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
183 people are currently reading
3821 people want to read
About the author
Raymond E. Feist
289 books9,535 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 170 reviews
September 6, 2018
Still awesome after all these books . . . I think this is book 14 or 15, the end of the 4th or 5th series of books in the middle of the larger 30 book series . . . and it is STILL AWESOME! I have seen some who say they don’t feel it anymore and that it just doesn’t have the same spice as the original Riftwar series.. That’s cool if you feel that way, but I am still digging these quite a lot!
As I mentioned above, this is the final book in a series within a series. This trilogy was based around video games that took place in Feist’s world of Midkemia. Also, it takes place after the Riftwar but before several books farther along in the series that I have already read. Confused yet? Well, basically, Feist took a step back in time after the Serpentwar saga to write this trilogy. And, since the fans of the series are most likely Riftwar fans, I am guessing he decide placing it in that time period made more sense.
Some of the characters are ones you are familiar with from the Riftwar, but there are several new ones as well. The characters tend to be of a very specific type with certain skills – like you would pick at the beginning of a video game. The quests they go on seem to have a cavalcade of baddies ending with a big battle against the king baddie – just like in video games. This book featured goblins, vampires, zombies, cursed amulets, sacred orbs, magic, swordplay, etc. etc. etc. - all elements of a great fantasy video game and a great fantasy book.
I look forward to the next trilogy within the series to see where Feist takes me. I think it is a trilogy that takes place during the Riftwar, so we will be going even farther back in time!
UPDATE: I just went to look for the next book in the series and this was not a trilogy like I thought, but actually a quadrilogy - Jimmy and the Crawler is next!
As I mentioned above, this is the final book in a series within a series. This trilogy was based around video games that took place in Feist’s world of Midkemia. Also, it takes place after the Riftwar but before several books farther along in the series that I have already read. Confused yet? Well, basically, Feist took a step back in time after the Serpentwar saga to write this trilogy. And, since the fans of the series are most likely Riftwar fans, I am guessing he decide placing it in that time period made more sense.
Some of the characters are ones you are familiar with from the Riftwar, but there are several new ones as well. The characters tend to be of a very specific type with certain skills – like you would pick at the beginning of a video game. The quests they go on seem to have a cavalcade of baddies ending with a big battle against the king baddie – just like in video games. This book featured goblins, vampires, zombies, cursed amulets, sacred orbs, magic, swordplay, etc. etc. etc. - all elements of a great fantasy video game and a great fantasy book.
I look forward to the next trilogy within the series to see where Feist takes me. I think it is a trilogy that takes place during the Riftwar, so we will be going even farther back in time!
UPDATE: I just went to look for the next book in the series and this was not a trilogy like I thought, but actually a quadrilogy - Jimmy and the Crawler is next!
April 29, 2019
More Jimmy!
Honestly, I just find this fun. Fluffy fun. We get a little side-story lead-up to the big war with GODS a few decades later and it all fits like a straight line from Arutha to Demon War.
Was this or the other two novels strictly necessary?
Ehhhh... no. They WERE, however, necessary for the pure fun of it. Jimmy carries the tale with Pug's grandson and a Keshian court wizard. Getting into trouble is the name of the game for this ex-thief spymaster Jimmy. And he does... getting caught up with necromancers and dead gods and mad pirates. Alongside an angry dwarf. :)
More of a traditional fantasy than anything else, but it is still FUN.
It's fleshing out the early Krondorian days in a very big way.
Honestly, I just find this fun. Fluffy fun. We get a little side-story lead-up to the big war with GODS a few decades later and it all fits like a straight line from Arutha to Demon War.
Was this or the other two novels strictly necessary?
Ehhhh... no. They WERE, however, necessary for the pure fun of it. Jimmy carries the tale with Pug's grandson and a Keshian court wizard. Getting into trouble is the name of the game for this ex-thief spymaster Jimmy. And he does... getting caught up with necromancers and dead gods and mad pirates. Alongside an angry dwarf. :)
More of a traditional fantasy than anything else, but it is still FUN.
It's fleshing out the early Krondorian days in a very big way.
December 28, 2019
This is the 3rd book in the Riftwar Legacy, a subseries in the middle of the very large Riftwar Cycle. This also marks the last of the books from this series that I had previously read 20 years ago; the rest will all be completely new to me, although I remembered many of the past books so poorly that they practically felt new anyway.
This was probably my least favorite of all of them so far. Even though it features a lot of Jimmy, one of my favorite characters, it felt very formulaic. This book was also based on a video game, Return to Krondor, and the novelization felt much more formulaic to me than did the earlier novelization of the first game. The characters encounter enemies at predictable intervals, much like in a video game, and there are the occasional “side quests” although most of those do tie into the main story.
I don’t know, I didn’t think it was bad, and there were times when I enjoyed it more than others, but sometimes it felt tedious and a little flat. I did enjoy the banter between the characters, and Kendaric particularly made me laugh. It’s been a long time since I’ve played the game so I don’t remember it very well, but this novelization seemed to follow the story of the game far more closely and without much extra meat. Even a lot of the dialogue brought back echoes (possibly imaginary, but they sounded pretty convincing in my head!) of the video game characters saying the same things.
This was probably my least favorite of all of them so far. Even though it features a lot of Jimmy, one of my favorite characters, it felt very formulaic. This book was also based on a video game, Return to Krondor, and the novelization felt much more formulaic to me than did the earlier novelization of the first game. The characters encounter enemies at predictable intervals, much like in a video game, and there are the occasional “side quests” although most of those do tie into the main story.
I don’t know, I didn’t think it was bad, and there were times when I enjoyed it more than others, but sometimes it felt tedious and a little flat. I did enjoy the banter between the characters, and Kendaric particularly made me laugh. It’s been a long time since I’ve played the game so I don’t remember it very well, but this novelization seemed to follow the story of the game far more closely and without much extra meat. Even a lot of the dialogue brought back echoes (possibly imaginary, but they sounded pretty convincing in my head!) of the video game characters saying the same things.
March 11, 2022
Najlosija knjiga u Riftwar ciklusu za sada.
Razlog za to je cinjenica da me sve sto je napisano vise podseca na video igru nego na knjigu.
Heroji prelaze faze i na kraju svake faze je gazda.
Zaplet srednje zalostan.
Dobra strana je da su neki novi likovi kako pozitivni tako i oni negativni dopadljivi te ih mogu videti i u nekoj puno kvalitetnijoj Fajstovoj knjizi.
Razlog za to je cinjenica da me sve sto je napisano vise podseca na video igru nego na knjigu.
Heroji prelaze faze i na kraju svake faze je gazda.
Zaplet srednje zalostan.
Dobra strana je da su neki novi likovi kako pozitivni tako i oni negativni dopadljivi te ih mogu videti i u nekoj puno kvalitetnijoj Fajstovoj knjizi.
November 18, 2025
This third book of the Riftwar Legacy really nails the core of the Midkemia series. With split viewpoints from Squire Jimmy and Lieutenant William, Feist covers twice the situations and interactions. Mixing the political, religious, and magical aspects of intrigue, dungeon crawling, and a long overland pursuit, this book has something for every fantasy fan. The pacing is quick, the characters interesting, and the premise gripping. The plot splits and rejoins with the two main characters seamlessly. 4.25/5
May 9, 2023
Well there had to come a time when I thought Feist went over the edge, and this book was it. There was so much to like about it: Jimmy the Hand being a main character again, the great battle scenes, the intro of new characters. However, midway the author took off in a direction that I just did not get. It became all about walking dead and vampires. It was like paranormal (Which I seldom like) just invaded this great fantasy world. Still, Feist's character building and the world he previously built kept me reading. I can only hope this was a hiccup for him and the undead are actually banished.
Book 4 of the series is a short novella, I never read those "between" the series books. This book however is a main story of Jimmy, one of my favorite characters and so I broke down and bought a used copy and plan on picking it up immediately. Every favorite author can disappoint occasionally, so I will just let it go and as I said, hope the undead are truly gone.
Book 4 of the series is a short novella, I never read those "between" the series books. This book however is a main story of Jimmy, one of my favorite characters and so I broke down and bought a used copy and plan on picking it up immediately. Every favorite author can disappoint occasionally, so I will just let it go and as I said, hope the undead are truly gone.
September 21, 2020
I just feel like the same plots are being recycled in this four book series of the Riftwar Saga
I need some originality before I succumb to boredom
I need some originality before I succumb to boredom
May 12, 2023
I’m a little disappointed with this one compared to a lot of the earlier Feist books in this world. The books started off with action and really pulled me in! The action continued and new characters were introduced that I really enjoyed. It also centered around Jimmy the hand which is one of my favorite characters. The book kept moving along and was really enjoyable then Feist threw a curve and introduced a paranormal element into the story. Although there was action during this part as well, I just don’t enjoy paranormal elements in books. Just not a fan. So this definitely made that part of the book a bit of a let down. Then the ending Feist brought it around and surprised me as to who the “witch” really was. Overall a good read, but would have been better with some other story line that didn’t involve paranormal elements
June 1, 2022
5 stars - Dutch hardcover
Another smashing read. Feist’s writing just gets better and better. Love journeying with the characters. They grow, they develop and you get to know them better.
The vile sorcerer Sidi plans to strike the kingdom a fatal blow, setting the murderous pirate Bear upon the high seas in pursuit of the vessel that is transporting Midkemia's most holy object; the Tear of the Gods. From this miraculous stone all magic power is believed to flow. And if the Tear becomes the mage's trinket, the future will hold only terror, death and unending night. For Squire James, Lieutenant William, and the able magician Jazhara, the race is on to rescue the remarkable artifact. For all manner of dark creatures are gathering with one unspeakable purpose: to breed the chaos that will hasten the destruction of Squire James and his brave compagnons.
Another smashing read. Feist’s writing just gets better and better. Love journeying with the characters. They grow, they develop and you get to know them better.
The vile sorcerer Sidi plans to strike the kingdom a fatal blow, setting the murderous pirate Bear upon the high seas in pursuit of the vessel that is transporting Midkemia's most holy object; the Tear of the Gods. From this miraculous stone all magic power is believed to flow. And if the Tear becomes the mage's trinket, the future will hold only terror, death and unending night. For Squire James, Lieutenant William, and the able magician Jazhara, the race is on to rescue the remarkable artifact. For all manner of dark creatures are gathering with one unspeakable purpose: to breed the chaos that will hasten the destruction of Squire James and his brave compagnons.
July 31, 2012
Feist was one of my favorite authors for some time; Price of the Blood remains one of my three favorite novels, but Tear of the Gods just didn't live up to Feist's usual standards. Admittedly, he was struggling with personal troubles at the time that he wrote it, and it's based on a game, but regardless of the reasons, the book isn't up to par. The narrative is excellent and keeps you reading, constantly being pulled back in to know what is happening, but the characterization is weak and the plot rather contrived. Fights showed up every other chapter, and they all sounded the same after a while. Every time Jimmy steps forward to avoid his opponent's jab, and it's written as if we haven't already read that same trick three times. The ending? Three minute wrap up with a dozen loose ends. I sped through the book, then set it down feeling simply let down.
If you're the type who wants to make sure you read every book by REF, grab this. Otherwise, I'd advise that you keep looking for something else.
If you're the type who wants to make sure you read every book by REF, grab this. Otherwise, I'd advise that you keep looking for something else.
March 3, 2016
So this is my 27th Riftwar Cycle book so you could say I was a fan.
The main character is Jimmy the Hand which just so happens to be my favorite character in the series.
Hmmmmm
What are the chances I'll like this book?
Pretty good....
It's a stand alone novel. More adventure than fantasy.
The Tear of the Gods is being transported - pirates try to steal it - doesn't work out that well for anyone involved...enter Squire James (Jimmy the Hand) and William and the new court magician.
Add in evil wizards, skeleton warriors, vampires, witches.
Mix together and you've got a pretty fun fantasy adventure novel.
Is it going to change the world? Nope
Is it fun as hell? Yup
This one had a lot of fights and battles and testosterone...reminded me a lot of an R.A. Salvatore novel.
You shouldn't read this unless you have at least a working knowledge of the series but otherwise I'd highly recommend this book - it's a good way to spend some time.
The main character is Jimmy the Hand which just so happens to be my favorite character in the series.
Hmmmmm
What are the chances I'll like this book?
Pretty good....
It's a stand alone novel. More adventure than fantasy.
The Tear of the Gods is being transported - pirates try to steal it - doesn't work out that well for anyone involved...enter Squire James (Jimmy the Hand) and William and the new court magician.
Add in evil wizards, skeleton warriors, vampires, witches.
Mix together and you've got a pretty fun fantasy adventure novel.
Is it going to change the world? Nope
Is it fun as hell? Yup
This one had a lot of fights and battles and testosterone...reminded me a lot of an R.A. Salvatore novel.
You shouldn't read this unless you have at least a working knowledge of the series but otherwise I'd highly recommend this book - it's a good way to spend some time.
March 21, 2021
Jag är svag för skumraskfantasy, och denna bok tillhör den genren. Den första tredjedelen är inte dum alls. Detta sagt är det inte ett storverk; framförallt upplösningen är styltig - den blir för mycket D&D-kampanj.
August 26, 2019
Another good read.
August 24, 2019
4 stars with an average of 8.45/10
My rating system:
1 star: 1.0-2.9/10
2 stars: 3.0-5.4/10
3 stars: 5.5-7.0/10
4 stars: 7.1-9.0/10
5 stars: 9.1-10/10
Rating based on plot, characters, and writing(2x)
Characters: 9.3/10
Plot: 8.5/10
Writing: 8/10
General enjoyment: 8.8/10
Review
Jazhara is such a great character. Very sure of what she wants and just does it. I liked her dynamic with James and William. It felt very genuine and real.
The plot of this book had to do a lot with necromancy, which in and of itself is disturbing and dark, but in this kind, the reawakened bodies consist of bodyparts from multiple people including babies with fittingly disgusting descriptions to set the mood. The writing was just as engaging as before, I just fly through these books and they work well on audio too. I read along with the audiobooks.
This world has so many issues that still have analogies in our real life, both political and otherwise, which makes it so fascinating to see the characters deal with it.
The different magic systems employed to work together and oppose one another are interesting (also quite soft, although all systems do have their limits) and make for dynamic and fun plots that stay interesting, in my opinion.
As mentioned before I love myself a good quest plot, I find them very enjoyable and they give a lot of chances for character growth the and a relatively simple way to grow relationships between characters and show multiple sides of characters.
Hilda, what are you, I sincerely wonder? Will we ever get that answer? I have a feeling the ending (specifically the epilogue) of this book might be of some import for one of the following series set in this world. I'm so curious about how that will ensue. I already have some theories about that brewing.
Every book in this world I read, I love it a little bit more. More world-building, more character depth and you can grow along (at least somewhat) with the characters.
My rating system:
1 star: 1.0-2.9/10
2 stars: 3.0-5.4/10
3 stars: 5.5-7.0/10
4 stars: 7.1-9.0/10
5 stars: 9.1-10/10
Rating based on plot, characters, and writing(2x)
Characters: 9.3/10
Plot: 8.5/10
Writing: 8/10
General enjoyment: 8.8/10
Review
Jazhara is such a great character. Very sure of what she wants and just does it. I liked her dynamic with James and William. It felt very genuine and real.
The plot of this book had to do a lot with necromancy, which in and of itself is disturbing and dark, but in this kind, the reawakened bodies consist of bodyparts from multiple people including babies with fittingly disgusting descriptions to set the mood. The writing was just as engaging as before, I just fly through these books and they work well on audio too. I read along with the audiobooks.
This world has so many issues that still have analogies in our real life, both political and otherwise, which makes it so fascinating to see the characters deal with it.
The different magic systems employed to work together and oppose one another are interesting (also quite soft, although all systems do have their limits) and make for dynamic and fun plots that stay interesting, in my opinion.
As mentioned before I love myself a good quest plot, I find them very enjoyable and they give a lot of chances for character growth the and a relatively simple way to grow relationships between characters and show multiple sides of characters.
Hilda, what are you, I sincerely wonder? Will we ever get that answer? I have a feeling the ending (specifically the epilogue) of this book might be of some import for one of the following series set in this world. I'm so curious about how that will ensue. I already have some theories about that brewing.
Every book in this world I read, I love it a little bit more. More world-building, more character depth and you can grow along (at least somewhat) with the characters.
March 8, 2019
The worst book in this trilogy. Feist repeats dozens of times that the events occurring are totally unrelated. Okay, we get it, you didn't bother to create a story line for this one. Feist continues his habit of writing horrible sentences in this book. He really needs to get a good, and forceful, editor. “The circular orb glowed brightly. William's eyes were two large circles. Circle around to the other side!" he ordered." Okay, not an exact quote, but you get the idea. Fill the pages with red and have the guy rewrite it.
May 4, 2019
This was an exercise in how not to write a book.
> plot all over the place,
> numerous vague weak antagonists,
> cardboard characters,
> unnecessary macabre elements and gore,
> conflict where it doesn’t count,
> contradicts previous world building,
> random questing with unclear purpose,
> dreadful pacing,
> rinse repeat demon danger.
Here ends my Feist journey, or shall I say, Feist fiasco.
> plot all over the place,
> numerous vague weak antagonists,
> cardboard characters,
> unnecessary macabre elements and gore,
> conflict where it doesn’t count,
> contradicts previous world building,
> random questing with unclear purpose,
> dreadful pacing,
> rinse repeat demon danger.
Here ends my Feist journey, or shall I say, Feist fiasco.
August 10, 2017
Robbie de Hand is toch een van mijn favoriete karakters in de boeken van Raymond Feist. Dit keer wordt hij bijgestaan door een vrouwelijke magiër, William, een jongenman van het bergersgilde en een krijgpriester. Dit alles verweven in een mysterie wat alleen Feist op die manier op papier krijgt.
Meer dan het lezen waard!
Meer dan het lezen waard!
February 26, 2021
Krondor the Tear of the Gods, written by Raymond E. Feist.
ISBN 0-00-648356–9 and published by Voyager (An Imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers) in 2001.
Cover illustration by Geoff Taylor
Book number 3 and again an adventure with Jimmy the Hand and this time with Jazhara and William. Jazhara is the new court magician of Krondor and advisor to Arutha conDion and she arrives newly from Stardock. William conDion is the Lieutenant of the Prince’s Household Guard and son of Pug the Magician.
I think the best of the three books with tons of magic by Jazhara. The characters in this book are compelling and the storyline flows from one event to the other.
A list of the main characters:
Knute, one of the best pilots on the Bitter Sea.
Captain Bear of a capturer Quegan Patrol Galley.
Trader Sidi whom arranged the attack on the Ishap’s Dawn.
Krondor
Squire James.
Crewson, veteran guard of Krondor.
Jazhara of Stardock. Court Magician of Krondor and niece of Lord Hazara-Khan of Kesh as well as princess by birth.
Nita, young thief.
Yusuf ben Ali, cloth merchant.
Arutha conDion, Prince of Krondor and the Western Realm.
Brion, Senior Squire and son of Hawk’s Hallow.
Housecarl Jerome, assistant of the master of Ceremonies Brian de Lacy.
Father Belsin, a priest of the order of Prandur.
William conDoin, Lieutenant in de Prince’s Household Guard.
Captain Garruth of the Household Guards.
Jonathan Means, constable and son of the former sheriff.
Scovy, local drunk.
Dennison, the Jail’s scribe.
Lucky Pete, owner of the Ye Bitten Dog.
Simon, one of the soldiers of the Household Guard.
Mace the Bosun of the Mockers.
Brother Solon, warrior priest of Ishap.
Duke Gardan, advisor of the court.
Jorath, journeyman in charge of the Wrecker’s Guild.
Maric and Jackson, both Pathfinders.
Kendaric, journeyman of the guild of wreckers.
Morraine, his girlfriend and owner of a chemicals shop.
Hartag, old veteran sergeant.
Goodman Royos, innkeeper of the Wayfarer and his daughter Maria.
Alan, the Prince’s factor and manager of several estates.
Farmer Toth and his wife Becky.
Shane McKinzey, one of the survivors of Grey Tallons Company.
Haldon Head:
Farmer Alton of Haldon Head.
Aganathos Toddhunter (Toddy) innkeeper and mayor of Haldon Head.
Father Rowland, devotee of Sung.
Lyle and Malcom, two friends.
Farmer Merrick and his wife Larissa.
ISBN 0-00-648356–9 and published by Voyager (An Imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers) in 2001.
Cover illustration by Geoff Taylor
Book number 3 and again an adventure with Jimmy the Hand and this time with Jazhara and William. Jazhara is the new court magician of Krondor and advisor to Arutha conDion and she arrives newly from Stardock. William conDion is the Lieutenant of the Prince’s Household Guard and son of Pug the Magician.
I think the best of the three books with tons of magic by Jazhara. The characters in this book are compelling and the storyline flows from one event to the other.
A list of the main characters:
Knute, one of the best pilots on the Bitter Sea.
Captain Bear of a capturer Quegan Patrol Galley.
Trader Sidi whom arranged the attack on the Ishap’s Dawn.
Krondor
Squire James.
Crewson, veteran guard of Krondor.
Jazhara of Stardock. Court Magician of Krondor and niece of Lord Hazara-Khan of Kesh as well as princess by birth.
Nita, young thief.
Yusuf ben Ali, cloth merchant.
Arutha conDion, Prince of Krondor and the Western Realm.
Brion, Senior Squire and son of Hawk’s Hallow.
Housecarl Jerome, assistant of the master of Ceremonies Brian de Lacy.
Father Belsin, a priest of the order of Prandur.
William conDoin, Lieutenant in de Prince’s Household Guard.
Captain Garruth of the Household Guards.
Jonathan Means, constable and son of the former sheriff.
Scovy, local drunk.
Dennison, the Jail’s scribe.
Lucky Pete, owner of the Ye Bitten Dog.
Simon, one of the soldiers of the Household Guard.
Mace the Bosun of the Mockers.
Brother Solon, warrior priest of Ishap.
Duke Gardan, advisor of the court.
Jorath, journeyman in charge of the Wrecker’s Guild.
Maric and Jackson, both Pathfinders.
Kendaric, journeyman of the guild of wreckers.
Morraine, his girlfriend and owner of a chemicals shop.
Hartag, old veteran sergeant.
Goodman Royos, innkeeper of the Wayfarer and his daughter Maria.
Alan, the Prince’s factor and manager of several estates.
Farmer Toth and his wife Becky.
Shane McKinzey, one of the survivors of Grey Tallons Company.
Haldon Head:
Farmer Alton of Haldon Head.
Aganathos Toddhunter (Toddy) innkeeper and mayor of Haldon Head.
Father Rowland, devotee of Sung.
Lyle and Malcom, two friends.
Farmer Merrick and his wife Larissa.
March 17, 2019
Weer een geweldig boek van de hand van Raymond E. Feist. Ben een beetje de tel kwijt, maar geloof dat dit het 15e boek is in de Riftwarcycle.
De boeken in deze sub-serie zijn voornamelijk gebaseerd op de jaren '90 computerspel. Het speelt na de gebeurtenissen van de eerste 4 boeken, maar weer voor de andere verhalen die daarop volgden/. Na de boeken over de Slangenoorlog heeft Feist een stap terug in de tijd genomen om deze verhalen te schrijven. Het is wel lastig als je in het ene boek leest dat een personage dood is, terwijl dezelfde in een ander boek weer springlevend rondspringt.
Het verhaal loopt een beetje als een video-spel, met allerlei slechteriken, die verslagen moeten worden, voor je bij de eind-baas bent.
Robby de Hand wordt, samen met een vrouwelijke magiër, Ridder-Luitenant William, een Krijgerspriester en een lid van het bergers-gilde, op pad gestuurd om de traan der goden te bergen uit een gezonken schip. Dat dit niet zo makkelijk zal gaan moge duidelijk zijn.
Op naar het volgden deel, Robbie en de kruiper
De boeken in deze sub-serie zijn voornamelijk gebaseerd op de jaren '90 computerspel. Het speelt na de gebeurtenissen van de eerste 4 boeken, maar weer voor de andere verhalen die daarop volgden/. Na de boeken over de Slangenoorlog heeft Feist een stap terug in de tijd genomen om deze verhalen te schrijven. Het is wel lastig als je in het ene boek leest dat een personage dood is, terwijl dezelfde in een ander boek weer springlevend rondspringt.
Het verhaal loopt een beetje als een video-spel, met allerlei slechteriken, die verslagen moeten worden, voor je bij de eind-baas bent.
Robby de Hand wordt, samen met een vrouwelijke magiër, Ridder-Luitenant William, een Krijgerspriester en een lid van het bergers-gilde, op pad gestuurd om de traan der goden te bergen uit een gezonken schip. Dat dit niet zo makkelijk zal gaan moge duidelijk zijn.
Op naar het volgden deel, Robbie en de kruiper
March 26, 2023
Oddly paced and heavy on action over character and world-building, but that’s mostly due to it being a faithful adaptation of the game “Return to Krondor”. Much of the dialogue is lifted from the game itself; some of the sidequests are changed and omitted, but almost all of the main story beats and scenes remain. Overall, a light and fun read.
July 24, 2024
This was a tough read that took me over six months to get through simply because I struggled to take an interest in it. This was surprising given I’ve enjoyed all the other books from this author. But then in the last 80% I was hooked and now I’m keen to get into the next book! I’m pretty sure it was the appearance of vampires and a witch that piqued my interest..
September 8, 2019
A fun ol' little tale filled with revenge and glory. Takes me back to when I was just 14 years old lingering to go on an adventure and milk a cow or some other relenting doing.
September 15, 2024
wish we had more jazheera. also lots of stuff that never really seems to come again in the wider riftwar if i remember. was surprised to see both sidi and wodan-hospur appear so early
January 8, 2020
It's lovely to go back and see Jimmy in his prime and William showing his teeth. I enjoyed this as a flash back so much. Out of the three Krondor novels, I found this one equally as engaging as the second.
July 8, 2014
[Explicit Language]
I didn't hate this book. It's important to mention that I didn't hate this book; because I'm about to rip into it something chronic. 'Tear' completes the Krondor series of books; pitting James, the new court wizard and a couple of other paper-thin, pointless characters against a Liche and his minions. I'm going to try and hammer the negatives before I dwell on the positives.
I really have grown to dislike James. Jimmy the Hand was always an intelligent, wily young guy whose quick-witted nature and rapid reflexes got him out of more trouble than his fists: ostensibly a coward given to rare moments of uncharacteristic heroism - and it was these rare moments that made him so likeable. Until now. Now he's like Braveheart crossed with Sinbad. Some smart-mouthed, swashbuckling twat who is suddenly the match for anyone but Prince Arutha when it comes to wielding a rapier. His comrades are so vapid they're almost offensive. Solon, a priest of some kind; Jazhara, the court wizard; and Kendaric, one of the most annoying characters Feist will ever write. But while they're weak, at least they're consistent.
William, is not. Pug's son should be compelling; his story should be fascinating - but I can't help but see him as some toy-sword swinging doctor doolittle! His love affair with Talia is his only saving grace really, and when she gets bumped off unceremoniously, you can't help but lose interest in his plight even more. ESPECIALLY when it seems he doesn't give a toss. Seriously, in the immediate aftermath of her death, when they're all down in the sewers for some reason, he is still making smart remarks or even laughing at something. Then later on it's like Feist remembers that he ought to be crestfallen! It's just incongruous.
Worst of all, none of the characters experience any real progression. You don't see them change, grow or develop; they simply 'are'. Look past the poor characters and we get the actions scenes that are so pointless and rote that I ended up skipping past them to get to the next conversation. Then you had the puzzles that were more descriptions of visual puzzles than anything actually engaging for the reader. Like a length of prose describing the heroes solving a Rubik cube to open a door! JUST BORING!
I think perhaps what Feist was learning here was that writing a book about a video game is a bad idea!
I said at the start of this review that I'd save the positives for the end...and I have. I can't really think of any! That seems really wrong, and I should be giving it a 1 star, but I can't bring myself to do it. There must have been some enjoyable parts, but I don't remember them. I disliked the villains too, but not in a good way!
And they leave far too much open too. Yes, the liche get's his second death, but who was Sidi? We never learn much of his real motivation. And what about the Crawler? The plot ends that by declaring that it must have been some random badness, some loosely linked pointlessness. What of the beasts in the sewers? Dunno! What were they really going to do with the Tear once they got it. "Talk to the Gods." IS THAT IT? ALL THESE PAGES JUST TO COMPETE FOR A SODDING TELEPHONE! I lied before, I actually do hate this book; because I KNOW he can do so much better!
Talon of the Silver Hawk, for example. When you know how good Talon is, it's almost like Tear was written by someone else. SUCH a shame.
I didn't hate this book. It's important to mention that I didn't hate this book; because I'm about to rip into it something chronic. 'Tear' completes the Krondor series of books; pitting James, the new court wizard and a couple of other paper-thin, pointless characters against a Liche and his minions. I'm going to try and hammer the negatives before I dwell on the positives.
I really have grown to dislike James. Jimmy the Hand was always an intelligent, wily young guy whose quick-witted nature and rapid reflexes got him out of more trouble than his fists: ostensibly a coward given to rare moments of uncharacteristic heroism - and it was these rare moments that made him so likeable. Until now. Now he's like Braveheart crossed with Sinbad. Some smart-mouthed, swashbuckling twat who is suddenly the match for anyone but Prince Arutha when it comes to wielding a rapier. His comrades are so vapid they're almost offensive. Solon, a priest of some kind; Jazhara, the court wizard; and Kendaric, one of the most annoying characters Feist will ever write. But while they're weak, at least they're consistent.
William, is not. Pug's son should be compelling; his story should be fascinating - but I can't help but see him as some toy-sword swinging doctor doolittle! His love affair with Talia is his only saving grace really, and when she gets bumped off unceremoniously, you can't help but lose interest in his plight even more. ESPECIALLY when it seems he doesn't give a toss. Seriously, in the immediate aftermath of her death, when they're all down in the sewers for some reason, he is still making smart remarks or even laughing at something. Then later on it's like Feist remembers that he ought to be crestfallen! It's just incongruous.
Worst of all, none of the characters experience any real progression. You don't see them change, grow or develop; they simply 'are'. Look past the poor characters and we get the actions scenes that are so pointless and rote that I ended up skipping past them to get to the next conversation. Then you had the puzzles that were more descriptions of visual puzzles than anything actually engaging for the reader. Like a length of prose describing the heroes solving a Rubik cube to open a door! JUST BORING!
I think perhaps what Feist was learning here was that writing a book about a video game is a bad idea!
I said at the start of this review that I'd save the positives for the end...and I have. I can't really think of any! That seems really wrong, and I should be giving it a 1 star, but I can't bring myself to do it. There must have been some enjoyable parts, but I don't remember them. I disliked the villains too, but not in a good way!
And they leave far too much open too. Yes, the liche get's his second death, but who was Sidi? We never learn much of his real motivation. And what about the Crawler? The plot ends that by declaring that it must have been some random badness, some loosely linked pointlessness. What of the beasts in the sewers? Dunno! What were they really going to do with the Tear once they got it. "Talk to the Gods." IS THAT IT? ALL THESE PAGES JUST TO COMPETE FOR A SODDING TELEPHONE! I lied before, I actually do hate this book; because I KNOW he can do so much better!
Talon of the Silver Hawk, for example. When you know how good Talon is, it's almost like Tear was written by someone else. SUCH a shame.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2020
Not a complex piece of fantasy, Tear of the Gods nonetheless was enjoyable. I was critical of some of Feist's past material because his characters felt cookie-cutter, but I was pleased with the development of Squire James and William in this novel, as well as with the introduction of some new characters who stood out.
March 13, 2022
Great Story, love the way the well loved Characters just keep giving love. Arutha is maybe not actively in a quest its just great to read about him. Jimmy the Hand is big and setting up his own spy network but he is still the absolutely brilliant young thief. Full of life and wit
September 8, 2012
Beautiful fantasy world.... Simply amazing!!! This man could give " a game of thrones" a run for its money!!!
September 19, 2019
I think I would like playing this computer game, but reading the story of a gameplay is not for me. There are too many NPC's that give hints and too little actual story.
July 12, 2014
Same style continues, this time two sequential quests in parallel. This is ok to listen to, but story was not compelling.
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