A Darkness Returns

Dragonwar Saga #1

by Raymond E. Feist

As worlds collide…

Hatushaly, last scion of the Firemane dynasty, his beloved Hava, and their dubious friend Donte have been transported across space and time from the war-torn world of Garn to the relative peace of Midkemia.

There, on Sorcerer's Isle, under the guidance of the magician Magnus and his erstwhile father Pug, in his reincarnated form, Hatu will explore and expand his unique magical abilities.

With the evil Pride Lords defeated, the Church of the One has risen to bring death and destruction to his home world. The Church is sending forces against Marquensas, where Daylon is now king, and Declan Smith finds himself suddenly and unexpectedly raised to the status of prince and war commander.

But an even greater menace than the Church of the One lies in wait, a creature from the Void, bent on the destruction of all living things.

Pug, Nakor and Magnus will need to join forces with Hatu, Hava and Declan if they are to save the worlds of Midkemia and Garn from everlasting darkness…

A spectacular new epic series from the globally bestselling author of MAGICIAN.

Genres: Fantasy, High Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Fiction, Magic, Science Fiction, Science Fiction Fantasy

Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2024

About the author

Raymond 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.

Reviews

[Cameron Clarence · Rating 5 out of 5]

So cool to read a new book by the guy who started it all for me. My music teacher loaned me his first book in grade 8, and I've been hooked since.

[Ogre · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sadly, returning to Midkemia is not the joy I anticipated, because it seems Feist cannot write the land without the characters he has has for almost the entire series. I don't want to give spoilers, but I will simply say dead folks do NOT stay dead, and we once again have power creep beyond belief, with artificial seeming limitations on the power. This series incorporates the Firemane series as well, folding that into his Riftwar multiverse, and honestly I wish he hadn't. I would love to see Midkemia through the eyes of the powerless or at least the less-godlike once again, but I do not think Feist can help himself any longer. Pug is his DM PC, and he won't let him go.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the titans of the fantasy genre is back with a new series that combines the lore of the Firemane Saga and the Riftwar Saga. Hatu and his friends Hava and Donte have traveled to Sorcerer’s Isle through a rift, where they meet up with Magnus and the reincarnation of Pug. Hatu needs to master his powers to confront the threats that endanger both worlds. Meanwhile, back in their home world, Declan fortifies their defenses and leads a new kingdom against the Church’s pursuit for world domination.

Faced with the devastation wrought by the Pride Lords and the competing powers of the Bitter Sea, it’s easy to root for this large cast of scrappy characters and their camaraderie. With an enchanting plot, engaging battle sequences, and nautical intrigue, this is a tale that transports readers into new worlds. Author Raymond E. Feist is a master of epic fantasy, and this compelling crossover has the same adventurous spirit as his other books. He has established a sweeping and expansive world that thrives upon the elements of classic fantasy.

(This review was originally written for Library Journal magazine.)

[Janelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another entertaining read by Feist. In this book, the first in a new series, the characters from his most recent series combine with some old favourite characters from Riftwars etc. Pug and Nakor, most notably, so there are lots of references to his many other books.

[Marcus Hill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Going from the storm light archive to this was a bit like going from summer holidays back to school

[Alexander Draganov · Rating 2 out of 5]

Преди да открия книгите на Саймън Грийн и ужасите на Греъм Мастертън, епосите на Фийст бяха това, което ми осигуряваше ежегодния Ден на страшния съд — безумно грандиозен сюжет с космически по мащаба си заплахи. Падам си по такива неща, но не съм убеден, че са се получили в тази книга. Фийст прекалено много се обляга на носталгията, като връща почти всичките си стари герои (без може би най-готиния), но отново върти историите с Властелините на ужаса, които този път са само част от мега уникум топ-заплахата на Пустотата. Усеща се като мързелив ремикс на стара песен.
Цялото ми ревю може да прочетете в Цитаделата:
https://citadelata.com/%d0%bc%d1%80%d...

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great as always.

I am a feist fanboy, read nearly read all his stuff,

I will always recommend his books to all who read fantasy.

[Terry Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bloody excellent read, Raymond Feist at his best!

[Michael Hands · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ve read everything Feist has written based in ‘Midkemia’ and have always thoroughly enjoyed his world building. Whilst not comparable to Sanderson, Feist always weaves an unpredictable story that lands with an exciting climax.

However, this was one of the hardest books I’ve read of his. Given the enormity of his stories in this series it has become harder to track who is who and who said what. Often times his rules of magic are confusing and the history he refers to is introduced as well-know even if it’s the first time.

This book took me 3/4 of the way through before it stopped being a chore. Glad I read it, I’ll read the sequel but not waiting on the edge of my seat for it.

I would not recommend this book took anyone who hasn’t read all his other stuff first.

[Annabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose A Darkness Returns because the start of an epic fantasy series by Raymond E. Feist, a master of the genre, sounds like a perfect reading escape for me. One caveat, this is a follow-on series for the Firemane Saga but the book comes with a convenient "Our Story So Far" summary, if like me, you haven't gotten to that trilogy yet. I admit that this book did not mesmerize me the same way that the Riftwar Saga and Empire Trilogy did (at least, as much as I remember they did since it has been a very long time), but it was still quite entertaining. A broad cast of engaging characters, a plot to enchant and fascinate, magic, machinations, scheming, battles, quests...and dragons... all the makings of an enjoyable epic's beginnings. And now I am more motivated to get to the Firemane Saga as I await the next installment in the Dragonwar Saga.
I received advanced digital access to this book thru NetGalley (for which I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, Harper Voyager) for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

[LambchoP]

I think this may be the perfect book to start my Raymond E Feist journey:)

Having been told his popular Magician books are a little YA, I've decided to either read his Firemane Sage, or wait for this new book to come out. Any recommendations?

[Harry Hatton · Rating 3 out of 5]

are you hungry? yes let's go eat.

this book felt rushed

[Daniel Pedersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took me back to my childhood. Having read all of Fiests stories throughout The Magician series when I was younger, these new trilogies just hold so much joy and emotion for me as these stories collide. Loving the twist on magic here, while the cast of characters are just amazing to watch as they develop mentally and in their respective capabilities. Nostalgic, intelligent and just downright fun to read. I am excited for the next entries.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting listen. War is coming and this book brings the most recent trilogy together with earlier writing, which melds characters and story lines.

This could be a good starting point for the entire series as earlier action is recapped in a helpful way. While this provides some spoilers it could encourage people to read the series from the start. I look forward to the next book - hoping for more female characters to be included.

[Sebastien Rault · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed seeing Hatu and the gang from the fireman saga and I really enjoyed seeing Pug again. The book was ok good even but I only read the magician saga (the 4 books) and the fireman trilogy so I felt like I missed a lot of details / references because of the 24/25 books that separate the two series. Having said that I’m happy to have dive into this series and I will be reading book 2 and 3.

[Ted Bade · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good book in this fantasy world that Mr. Feist has been writing about for a long time. Some older familiar characters and a few new ones introduced. Also the theme is pretty typical, as an old enemy returns. I do enjoy this fantasy world, but I have been reading them as they are published and the time between them pulls from the epic aspect of this great work.

[Michael McClair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything you love about Raymond's other works is in here!

After reading all of his books, the way he writes magic has always been a favorite of mine in fantasy. It's not too complex, but not too simple at the same time. Just as we get a good understanding of how the magic works, this book flips it on your head!

[Amie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Darkness Returns was a fantastic read and an excellent continuation of the Firemane Saga. I really enjoyed how Feist brought more depth to the characters, making me even more invested in their journeys. The crossing over of universes was such a treat, adding layers to the story that made it feel richer and more connected to his wider body of work.

It delivered exactly what I wanted – a compelling plot, memorable characters, and that trademark Feist blend of adventure and heart. Another brilliant entry in this world.

[Branden Streeting · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG ….. hectic

[T. Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm of two minds when it comes to this book. I'm giving it 4/5 stars anyway because I think it is the best possible rendition of what this book can be, and I'll get to that in a minute, but let me explain my issues first.

My main contention is that I would have been fine with it if after Magician's End, Feist had have washed his hands of the Riftwar and said, "This far and no further. This story is over." The Chaoswar trilogy was a good end to that saga! Everyone I've ever spoken to has more or less been on the same page about that. Admittedly, I think you'd have to have been a pretty diehard fan to get that far, but all the same, it was a good end to the Riftwar saga.

My next contention is the continuity lockout factor here. The first couple of books of the Firemane trilogy were a pretty good pair of books that had no real continuity lockout that pretty much anyone could pick up and read and understand, even if they'd never read a Feist book before or even if their only Feist book had been Magician, and even if that had only been once twenty or thirty years ago. It was an easy in to Feist's work, even if you weren't super familiar with the Riftwar saga or you hadn't even heard of him before.

That was always going to be a concern, too. A couple of years ago when I was reading the Riftwar saga, I remember reading a review here on Goodreads for one of the later books--I really want to say it was for one of the books in the Darkwar or Demonwar series, but I could be wrong here--from a reader who hadn't read any of Feist's previous works and had picked up a copy of the first book in his then-new trilogy. He'd given it a two star review and basically just said, "Hey, I've been locked out of the continuity and I don't understand what's happening."

Someone like that would have that exact same complaint about A Darkness Returns. It may even be worse here because while a lot of Feist's previous books will explain things as needed, this one is referencing a lot of what's come before and expecting you to more or less understand what's happening. When I read that other review for that other book two-ish years ago, I just thought the guy was being a bit silly and surely it wasn't that bad, but having read this, I can understand why someone might feel that way. I almost had a continuity lockout moment a few times reading this, and I've read all the previous books.

So, I don't really know if I'm entirely sold on the creative direction Feist has decided to go down in this trilogy. I think I won't be entirely sure of that until after the next two books have come out. He'll have to sell me on the idea.

Having said all of this though, I do ultimately think A Darkness Returns is about as close to a perfect rendition of what Feist was going for in this book as I could realistically ever hope for. That's an important thing because I don't know if he's always been able to pull that off.

Firstly, the action sequences are generally pretty good. They're not the best Feist have ever produced, and that's one of the reasons why I've knocked a star off, but they are overall pretty good.

Secondly, the buildup was pretty good. I think when I wrote up my review for Master of Furies, my contention had been that it was like it'd had a lot of really good buildup but then was betrayed by a middling conclusion. That wasn't really the case here. The buildup was good and the ending was good.

I also feel like A Darkness Returns has done a much better job of being a direct continuation of the story of the previous trilogy than a lot of Feist's previous trilogies have been. At least with the Riftwar proper, it sometimes felt like each successive trilogy would be a new story that happened to be set in the same general world and occasionally had some of the same characters, even if it was nominally all connected by one overarching story. Here, there's much more direct continuity of the storyline.

This was actually to the point where I don't even know if this really needed to be split off into its own trilogy. I think it may have been fine to say this is the fourth book of the Firemane saga than to split it off into its own trilogy. Maybe there's some plot reason for this and I just haven't gotten to that bit yet, but most of the core conflict and core cast of this book has been carried over from the previous trilogy, so I think it would have been fine to just acknowledge this is a continuation of what came before. But this really is a point where I think this has done a lot better than a lot of Feist's previous work.

The flow on is that I think a lot of the character development here has been some of the best Feist has ever provided. This hasn't always been a given, either. I mean, a lot of this is just that the core cast of the previous trilogy is still, for the most part, the core cast here, but it's still a merit that I feel like needed to be acknowledged.

I mean, I don't think this book is flawless by any means. However, a lot of the problems with it, once you get passed the continuity lockout aspects, have kind of always been problems with Feist's works to varying degrees, and if they're the sort of things that'd turn you off a book, you probably won't have gotten this far anyway. I feel like a lot of the traditional Feist problems are also much lesser problems here, but admittedly my opinion that could change once I've reread this book a couple of times.

On the whole though, I do think this is probably as close to perfect as you can expect from Feist once you accept that any new reader will have to go read everything else he's ever written to fully grasp what's written here.

[Jenny · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was so surprised at all the 5 stars for this one. I really do love Feist's stories, but this one was written either rushed or cocky.

Couple things...the Dante side show was completely irrelevant to the story, and while it tied in a little at the end and will probably become much more important at the

Hava, as a female, was self-righteous and incredibly pompous while trying to be humble. Nakors character, supposed to be that funny guy in the corner, was so annoying. And his explorations through the universe often went on tangents that seemed to leave the story and the reader completely behind.

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read everything Feist has written and am a huge fan. I thoroughly enjoyed The Firemane Saga and was eager to experience more of those characters in The Dragonwar Saga and how they'd mesh with the characters we know and love from Midkemia.

Unfortunately this book is a bit of a miss. The most frustrating part is the frequent continuity errors. Often a character will leave a scene but then have more dialogue or the scene just continues with them in it after they explicitly left. It's not just once or twice. This can't have been edited.

[Viking Jam · Rating 1 out of 5]

Review: I just could not get into this story no matter the numerous attempts. Too many characters with similar names was a big hurdle coupled to a jumbling story line.

This is not bad writing and others may enjoy this world. Not for me though.

Rating: DNF

[Metaphorosis · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars, Metaphorosis reviews

Summary
Continuing the Firemane Saga and the Riftwar Saga overall, Hatushaly, Hava, and Donte, brought to Midkemia, must, with Pug and Magnus' help, find their way on two worlds, while facing a threat to the existence of ... everything.

Review
Long, long ago, I was enthralled by the story of Pug as he struggled through his travails in Magician. I read the book split into two volumes: Apprentice and Master, and greatly enjoyed them. Unfortunately, the thrill departed pretty quickly, and I read the sequels Silverthorn and A Darkness at Sethanon much more slowly and don’t really recall either. After that, I occasionally dipped back into the Riftwar saga, but nothing drew me back with any enthusiasm. I tried the first volumes of the next few subtrilogies (Daughter of the Empire, starting Kelewan; Prince of the Blood, starting Krondor’s Sons; and (Shadow of a Dark Queen, starting Serpentwar) but couldn’t get myself to care. The whole universe seemed to me to be getting too involved, complex, and perhaps stodgy. Still, the initial good impression of Magician has never left me. So, when I saw what was labeled a new trilogy, I thought it might be a good chance to jump back in after 40 years.

Unfortunately, while the Dragonwar Saga is a new trilogy, it’s very much a subtrilogy, and a pretty direct sequel to the Firemane Saga I didn’t even know existed. In fact, looking back at Feist’s ISFDB entry, I’m startled to learn how many books there are – far, far more than the many I’d heard of. Feist’s foreword also makes some mysterious references to the world’s origin that true fans probably understand but I found confusing.

It’s nice that the book comes back to some of its beginnings with Pug (and mentions of his old friend Tomas) from way back when. But there’s also a great deal about Hatushaly (from Firemane) and a host of other characters I didn’t recognize. And while the book is comprehensible – Feist does a pretty good job of settling us in – it’s clear that there’s a vast amount of lore and inside references that newcomers (and occasional visitors like me) just won’t get. Probably after so many books in the world (32 at a quick count), that would be too much to ask. And I’d bet that for fans, all of this is great, especially since it seems to be tending toward a grand finale.

At the same time, the book feels rushed. All sorts of new information, clever solutions, etc. are noted casually and then ignored; there’s just too much being discovered to linger, I guess. Even (what were to me) some startling developments in Pug himself are set out and then quickly passed by; they’re referred to often, but not developed or really explored.

That’s unfortunately true for much of the story – there are some serious plot holes here. The characterization is on the thin side, and there’s quite a bit of awkward, “I guess there’s no point in torturing you? [smirk]” – good characters explicitly saying they won’t do evil.

We do, sort of, in dribs and drabs, learn some things about magic and the nature of rift space, and more is promised for future volumes. I’m sorry to say that I probably won’t come along for them, though. This new trilogy promises to be great for fans, but I’m afraid I’m not one, and, looking back, never really have been a fan of more than just the book that started it all.

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

[TJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Darkness Returns is a delightful new novel that should be enthusiastically welcomed by avid Feist fans, but it is not the best place to begin for readers new to his writings. This is the 35th Feist book I’ve read so I was already well acquainted with many of the characters, places, events, types of magic, etc. that are referred to in this new novel. This greatly enhanced my understanding and appreciation of this work. For those who are new to Feist or have read only a handful of his earlier novels, I’d recommend starting with The Magician: Apprentice and The Magician: Master which are truly great fantasy novels and also good introductions to the fascinating worlds and characters of Feist. For those who do not want to read all of the earlier cycles it might be somewhat helpful to read at least the three The Fireman Saga novels prior to trying A Darkness Returns. Feist does provide a five page introduction called Our Story So Far that should be helpful for readers who want to begin with this novel.

A Darkness Returns is the first volume of a new Feist cycle called The Dragon War Saga but is also connected to previous The Fireman Saga. Hatushaly (Hatu) and his wife Hava from the world of Garn travel to the world of Midkemia to study on Sorcerer’s Island under Magnus and Pug, two famous magicians who have been frequent characters throughout many earlier Frist sagas. They all decide to go to Garn when the Church of the One threatens to conquer the last remaining kingdom on Garn called the Marquensas. They soon discover that the violent, destructive Church of the One appears to be guided by a dark force called the Void. This force seems intent on conquering one world after another but has not arrived in full force yet to Garn. The magic of the Void does paralyze the fighting ability of the Marquensas army while the magical powers of Magnus, Pug and Nakor are greatly diminished on Garn. The young novice Hatu, however, a native of Garn, seems to have tremendous, undiscovered magical talents which he is able to use in full force in their combat with the Church of One. This magic will certainly be needed when the Void arrives with all of its power.

For readers new to Feist I recommend reading the cycles in this order: The Riftwar Saga, The Empire Trilogy, Krondor’s Sons, The Serpentwar Saga, The Riftwar Legacy, Legends of the Riftwar, Conclave of Shadows, The Darkwar Saga, The Demonwar Saga, The Chaoswar Saga, The Firemane Saga and then A Darkness Returns and the upcoming novels of The Dragon War Saga.

Feist is one of my favorite writers. His world building is amazing and he is a superb writer with abundant imagination. He can present multiple storylines that are easily followed while shifting to other worlds and realities. The rewards are great when reading him but such detailed complexity requires a careful approach. Having read his novels beginning with the earliest cycles I found all of his novels, including this one, to be intensely engaging and difficult to put down.

I received this new novel without charge through Goodreads.

[Angel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Raymond E. Feist, renowned for his Riftwar Cycle, returns with A Darkness Returns, a novel that transports readers back to the richly woven tapestry of Midkemia. While the novel promises to rekindle the magic and nostalgia of Feist’s earlier works, it also treads on familiar ground, delivering both the comfort of the known and the longing for something new.

The story is centered around a familiar premise: the looming threat of an ancient evil that could plunge the world into darkness. Fans of Feist's previous works will appreciate the return of some beloved characters, as well as the introduction of new ones who bring fresh dynamics to the narrative. The intricate world-building, one of Feist’s trademarks, is as robust as ever, with detailed landscapes, complex societies, and a history that feels as real as our own.

However, while the world of Midkemia is vividly rendered, A Darkness Returns occasionally struggles with pacing. The first half of the novel is a slow burn, filled with extensive exposition and character development. While this depth can be rewarding, it may also test the patience of readers eager for action. The plot picks up considerably in the latter half, culminating in a thrilling climax, but the uneven pacing might leave some wishing for a more consistent momentum throughout.

Feist’s writing style remains engaging, though some may find it a bit dated, especially compared to the more contemporary fantasy works dominating the genre today. The dialogue is often formal, which suits the epic nature of the story but can sometimes feel stilted. Nevertheless, Feist excels in crafting moments of genuine emotional impact, particularly in the interactions between characters who have grown over the course of the series.

One of the strengths of A Darkness Returns is its exploration of themes such as loyalty, sacrifice, and the gray areas between good and evil. Feist doesn’t shy away from portraying the moral complexities faced by his characters, making their struggles relatable and their victories hard-won.

For long-time fans of Feist, A Darkness Returns is a welcome return to a beloved world, offering a mix of nostalgia and new adventures. However, for newcomers, it may feel like a daunting entry point, as much of the book’s emotional resonance is tied to events and characters from earlier in the series.

In conclusion, A Darkness Returns is a solid addition to Feist’s expansive body of work. While it may not break new ground in the fantasy genre, it delivers a satisfying story that will likely please fans of the Riftwar saga. If you’re looking for a tale steeped in tradition, with well-crafted characters and a richly detailed world, this novel will not disappoint, even if it occasionally feels like it’s walking a well-trodden path.

**I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year. Raymond E Feist is one of my favorite fantasy authors so I was eagerly awaiting this release.

I love that this book brings us back to Midkemia and Pug. I love that it ties The Firemane saga into the Riftwar Cycle. And while I suppose you could read this book as a standalone, you’d be missing out on so much detail that’s alluded to or briefly mentioned within this book that is laid put in detail within The Firemane Saga and the Riftwar Cycle series. I would recommend having read, at a minimum, The Riftwar Saga and The Firemane Saga before reading this book.

Also, if you aren’t interested in metaphysical theorizing between characters as a fair chunk of dialogue in books, this probably isn’t for you. There’s a fair amount of theoretical discussion between characters that could be boring/uninteresting to some readers. I’m thinking of fantasy readers that don’t like sci-fi elements, this might not be the book for you. If you loved the Riftwar Saga and if you loved the Firemane Saga, this won’t be anything new for you.

This book has it all: found family, complex magic systems, a cult, battles/war, dragons, elves, portal travel/rifts through space and time, political intrigue, heist elements, etc.

My biggest complaint, and it was a complaint I had with Master of Furies (book 3 in the Firemane Saga), is that Hatu feels like a side character…a little bit less so in this book, but he still seems so one dimensional to me and I don’t like him. His power is interesting, but he annoys me and his not understanding his power/just being able to do these incredible things that no one has seen before, no one else understands, etc. it just feels like he’s too “perfect”.
I’m not a huge fan of how Hatu and Hava are written, even Donte can be annoying to read about.

I love Pug, Magnus, and Nakor (mostly lol), Zaakara and Sabella, Declan/sixto/Balven/Daylon. Even Donte grew on me in this book, I really enjoyed his POVs this go round. But Hatu and Hava fell flat for me and for how big of a focus Hatu’s magic is he seems like a minor character.

Still a solid fantasy read. I really enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to book 2!

Thank you so much to Harper Voyager for my gifted copy!
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for the eARC.

This book is out now!

[chloe howells · Rating 4 out of 5]

In some ways, reading this book was a little like going home. Mentions of Krondor and Elvendar almost made me feel homesick. We again meet characters that I thought I’d said goodbye to years ago. Many old characters are mentioned by name, or just alluded to in passing and it’s almost as if you’re wistfully remembering them along with the person speaking.

The plot is a little confusing and I will definitely need to read it again. The conversations about time need to be explained a little more clearly and some of the magical parts are a too convoluted. Hatu’s perceptions and ability to just ‘do’ magic annoys me. It seems to be too easy. Where is the hard work that the others had to put in?

Donte’s storyline is why this book lost a star. I’m really not certain what he is actually doing. He jumps through the rift to Midkemia, visits Port Vykor and is…just left there? So he decides to set up his own criminal enterprise. For a while, he even seems to be against the Mockers in favour of the Keshians and I hated him for that. His story doesn’t seem to have much of a point that I could see, but maybe that is just the set up for future books. I got a little annoyed every time we left the action to go and see what trouble Donte was stirring up just for the fun of it.

I’m sorry we didn’t get a mention of the monarchy of the Kingdom. I’d like to know how well King Henry did rebuilding the Isles. But the visit to Elvendar to visit King Calin (and yes, I felt a pang of sadness when I realised that the queen had died) almost makes up for not seeing the ConDoin’s.

If, like me, you are a fan of Feist’s work, then you will enjoy this book. For the nostalgia trip alone, it is worth it. If this is your first foray into this world or you are just a casual visitor, then large parts of it may be lost to you.

[his_fantasy_ her_smut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raymond E. Feist’s A Darkness Returns marks a triumphant start to The Dragonwar Saga, skillfully bridging The Firemane Trilogy and the iconic Riftwar Cycle. As someone familiar with Feist’s earlier works, I found this book to be an exceptional addition that builds beautifully on the worlds and characters introduced in his previous series.
The story follows Hatushaly, the last scion of the Firemane dynasty, whose journey as both a symbol of hope for Garn and a student of magic in Midkemia is deeply compelling. Hatushaly’s character resonates strongly with me—his role as the custodian of Garn’s legacy, paired with his growth and struggles, makes for an engaging protagonist. While he carries the weight of Garn on his shoulders, his companion Donte provides much-needed levity, balancing the narrative’s darker tones with humor and camaraderie.
One standout moment for me was when the girl from Garn, initially unable to access magic, arrived in Midkemia and found she could use magic instantly. Her innovation in teaching magic added a fascinating layer to the story and hinted at deeper mysteries about Garn’s lost magical heritage. This development could lead to significant revelations in the coming books, potentially reshaping the series’ larger conflict.
Feist’s ability to blend expansive world-building with deeply personal character arcs is on full display here. The connections to Midkemia and the return of familiar faces like Pug and Magnus bring nostalgia and depth to the story, enriching the narrative for longtime fans while creating new layers to explore. A Darkness Returns feels like a testament to Feist’s enduring mastery of epic fantasy, leaving me eager to dive into the rest of the series.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.

This is a fantastic new book in an exciting new fantasy series that picks up right after the last book in The Firemane Saga. I'm so excited to revisit Pug, Magnus, Nakor and Midkemia in this next installment. Hatu, Hava and Donte are whisked away to Sorcerer’s Isle where Hatu is provided guidance and instruction to help harness his ever-evolving magical power.

Meanwhile back on Garn, Declan and his brothers are working to secure their newly developed kingdom of Marquensas, but are harassed by soldiers from the Church of One. While on Midkemia the magicians realize the Void, the evil they've fought and barely beat multiple times, is on the rise again and this time, seeks to destroy all life, in every universe.

This book is like settling into a comfortable chair with a warm blanket before a roaring fire. The incredible characters, their growth, and new challenges are fascinating to read. I couldn't put the book down and devoured it in less than two days. The book is full of mystery, intrigue, magic, and battles. Lots and lots of battles. I can't wait to see how this series plays out and just pray that this isn't the end of the books in this fantastic world.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager. All opinions are my own.