What do you think?
Rate this book
Conclave of Shadows #1-3
The Complete Conclave of Shadows Trilogy: Talon of the Silver Hawk / King of Foxes / Exile's Return
Return to a world of magic and adventure from best selling author Raymond E. Feist. This bundle includes the complete Conclave of Shadows.
The bundle includes: Talon of the Silver Hawk (1), King of Foxes (2), Exile’s Return(3).
Evil has come to a distant land high among the snow-capped mountains of Midkemia.
Among the Orosini tribe, every boy must undergo the traditional manhood ritual in order to understand his place in the universe and discover his manhood name. Kielianapuna must survive on the remote mountain peak of Shatana Higo until the gods grant him his vision. But Kieli has already waited for four days and nights, and now he is cold, lonely, despairing, and very, very tired…
When he is woken by the terrifying sensation of sharp claws piercing his skin and finds a rare silver hawk upon his arm, it is such a disorientating moment that he is not sure whether it has even happened, or whether it was a vision.
Returning to his home, nameless and still a child, Kieli stumbles upon devastation. His village is being burned, his people slaughtered. Although it means certain death, Kieli throws himself into the battle…
Against all the odds, he survives, alone of all the Orosini, who have been cut down where they stand: every last man, woman and child.
A distant voice echoes in his mind: Rise up and be a talon for your people…
The visitation of the bird on Shatana Higo was indeed his naming vision. He is a boy called Kielianapuna no more. Now he is Talon of the Silver Hawk, a man who must avenge the murder of his people, whatever that may take…
ebook
First published August 1, 2013
124 people are currently reading
261 people want to read
About the author
Raymond E. Feist
289 books9,540 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 16, 2023
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 the many other characters.
Raymond E Feist is an author like no other.
Do yourself a favour and get stuck into this series now. You will love the many other characters.
June 30, 2025
1. Talon of the silver hawk ⭐⭐⭐
A promising beginning for the Conclave of Shadows, following the rather tragic experience of the Serpentwar saga. The first volume offers a narrative arc that could be described as a rite of passage thwarted, which subsequently leads to a greater rite of passage—or perhaps a rite of greater consequence; you get the idea, I hope.
A young man, on the very day of undergoing the coming-of-age ritual that would see him accepted as a full member of his mountain tribe—and just after receiving his totemic calling—returns to find his village in flames and his people being slaughtered by raiders. He narrowly escapes with his life, thanks to the kindness of strangers who find him near death and nurse him back to health.
From that point on, his path is all but predetermined. The people who rescued him clearly have plans for him, equipping him with knowledge and skills that will, should he choose, enable him to serve a higher purpose. In the back of his mind, however, the need for revenge is ever-present.
The novel flows smoothly, with minimal use of magic (a choice that proves most welcome), and—thankfully—completely devoid of demons, wraiths, succubi, dryads or leprechauns. It focuses more on the sword aspect of sword and sorcery, all while retaining a gradually unfolding sense of larger scale, particularly to those unfamiliar with Midkemia. For returning readers, already well-acquainted with the world's power structures and institutions, the story reveals itself with an additional layer of resonance.
The first half is notably stronger and more balanced. Had the same inspiration and narrative momentum carried through to the end, it might have warranted a slightly higher rating. The second half loses its way somewhat, and deflates slightly—though not disappointingly—into early revenge narratives and rather optimistic “one man show” military exploits.
Still, it gives one hope for what lies ahead—because after the Serpentwarian curse, I was more than a little reluctant to place my trust in Feist again.
2. King of foxes ⭐⭐⭐
2.5 stars (a gracious rounding up to 3)
The second instalment in the Conclave of Shadows trilogy progresses much as its predecessor did. Talon (known to his acquaintances as Talon, Talwin, or simply Tal) enters the service of the very Duke he despises, the man responsible for the annihilation of his people. He does so under oath, determined to serve him loyally until such time as betrayal might conveniently relieve him of that burden.
Our hero is dispatched on various missions in the Duke’s name, seduces his strikingly beautiful sister (naturally), and—true to narrative form—is ultimately betrayed and imprisoned, conveniently having his right hand severed in the process. Thus begins the time for vengeance. The situation, however, is less than promising: stranded on an island, maimed, imprisoned, and devoid of allies.
The novel never quite ascends to the kind of literary quality that might leave the reader rapt in ecstasy, but it does maintain a reasonably steady pace—though it does veer into frenetic territory during the second half, where things begin to accelerate somewhat indiscriminately. The sparing use of magic this time is a welcome restraint and lends a modicum of dignity to the story. Happily, the usual parade of demons, witches, and fortune-tellers is mercifully absent.
Regrettably, Feist’s solutions to his protagonist’s increasingly dire circumstances feel rather cheap and convenient, somewhat undermining the structure he had so far built. The climactic duel with the sorcerer, in particular, is borderline embarrassing—especially when one considers that said sorcerer is supposedly on par with the likes of Pug…
One fears the third volume may descend further. After all, life does tend in that direction—and much like with the Serpentwar Saga, the central conflicts appear to have been largely resolved, suggesting that the third book may exist merely to fulfil contractual obligations.
To be seen, and I reserve the right to revise my opinion—should matters develop otherwise.
3. Return of the exile ⭐⭐
The third instalment of the Conclave of Shadows trilogy is, in truth, more of a spin-off than a proper continuation of the series.
Our central figure is no longer Talon, but rather Kaspar — the disgraced Duke who, for two entire volumes, tormented the former and now finds himself, through magical intervention, shackled and banished to the farthest reaches of the world, some two continents removed from his ancestral castle.
Predictably, he manages to overcome the initial hardships, and soon enough we observe the beginning of a transformation in his character — one which, it must be said, occurs not quite with the gradualism that good writing typically demands. Then again, the book is quite poor in its own right, so one is advised to temper one’s expectations accordingly.
Kaspar does his utmost to survive in the middle of nowhere; he stumbles upon a grieving woman and her child on a remote farmstead and resides with them for a time, assisting with chores and "discovering the hardships of common folk" and other such sentimentalisms. He grows attached to them, but, as inevitably happens in such narratives, chooses to depart.
Thereafter, matters deteriorate further. Feist, in a move of unrepentant opportunism, expands the scope of the story, evidently in order to milk the readership for yet another trilogy. Thus, Kaspar’s path brings him into contact with a cursed suit of armour — something peculiar, malevolent, and utterly bereft of logic — which becomes the object of the plot until the very end of the book.
The second half descends into a confused mélange of frenetic skirmishes, irritating magical back-and-forths, oracular deities who refuse to speak plainly, and all manner of overwrought fantasy detritus. Feist, alas, succumbs once again to what might be termed a "Salvatore episode" and delivers what can best be described as an AD&D regurgitation — one which ought, frankly, to provoke in its author a sense of shame.
The finale ominously portends yet another, even darker trilogy, replete with still worse horrors, as though the reader has not already suffered enough.
A pity, and a waste.
As for the trilogy as a whole: relatively respectable in its first two volumes (though never particularly good), the third entry veers off course, becomes unmoored, and ultimately lies gaping — awaiting some future work to patch its fissures.
A promising beginning for the Conclave of Shadows, following the rather tragic experience of the Serpentwar saga. The first volume offers a narrative arc that could be described as a rite of passage thwarted, which subsequently leads to a greater rite of passage—or perhaps a rite of greater consequence; you get the idea, I hope.
A young man, on the very day of undergoing the coming-of-age ritual that would see him accepted as a full member of his mountain tribe—and just after receiving his totemic calling—returns to find his village in flames and his people being slaughtered by raiders. He narrowly escapes with his life, thanks to the kindness of strangers who find him near death and nurse him back to health.
From that point on, his path is all but predetermined. The people who rescued him clearly have plans for him, equipping him with knowledge and skills that will, should he choose, enable him to serve a higher purpose. In the back of his mind, however, the need for revenge is ever-present.
The novel flows smoothly, with minimal use of magic (a choice that proves most welcome), and—thankfully—completely devoid of demons, wraiths, succubi, dryads or leprechauns. It focuses more on the sword aspect of sword and sorcery, all while retaining a gradually unfolding sense of larger scale, particularly to those unfamiliar with Midkemia. For returning readers, already well-acquainted with the world's power structures and institutions, the story reveals itself with an additional layer of resonance.
The first half is notably stronger and more balanced. Had the same inspiration and narrative momentum carried through to the end, it might have warranted a slightly higher rating. The second half loses its way somewhat, and deflates slightly—though not disappointingly—into early revenge narratives and rather optimistic “one man show” military exploits.
Still, it gives one hope for what lies ahead—because after the Serpentwarian curse, I was more than a little reluctant to place my trust in Feist again.
2. King of foxes ⭐⭐⭐
2.5 stars (a gracious rounding up to 3)
The second instalment in the Conclave of Shadows trilogy progresses much as its predecessor did. Talon (known to his acquaintances as Talon, Talwin, or simply Tal) enters the service of the very Duke he despises, the man responsible for the annihilation of his people. He does so under oath, determined to serve him loyally until such time as betrayal might conveniently relieve him of that burden.
Our hero is dispatched on various missions in the Duke’s name, seduces his strikingly beautiful sister (naturally), and—true to narrative form—is ultimately betrayed and imprisoned, conveniently having his right hand severed in the process. Thus begins the time for vengeance. The situation, however, is less than promising: stranded on an island, maimed, imprisoned, and devoid of allies.
The novel never quite ascends to the kind of literary quality that might leave the reader rapt in ecstasy, but it does maintain a reasonably steady pace—though it does veer into frenetic territory during the second half, where things begin to accelerate somewhat indiscriminately. The sparing use of magic this time is a welcome restraint and lends a modicum of dignity to the story. Happily, the usual parade of demons, witches, and fortune-tellers is mercifully absent.
Regrettably, Feist’s solutions to his protagonist’s increasingly dire circumstances feel rather cheap and convenient, somewhat undermining the structure he had so far built. The climactic duel with the sorcerer, in particular, is borderline embarrassing—especially when one considers that said sorcerer is supposedly on par with the likes of Pug…
One fears the third volume may descend further. After all, life does tend in that direction—and much like with the Serpentwar Saga, the central conflicts appear to have been largely resolved, suggesting that the third book may exist merely to fulfil contractual obligations.
To be seen, and I reserve the right to revise my opinion—should matters develop otherwise.
3. Return of the exile ⭐⭐
The third instalment of the Conclave of Shadows trilogy is, in truth, more of a spin-off than a proper continuation of the series.
Our central figure is no longer Talon, but rather Kaspar — the disgraced Duke who, for two entire volumes, tormented the former and now finds himself, through magical intervention, shackled and banished to the farthest reaches of the world, some two continents removed from his ancestral castle.
Predictably, he manages to overcome the initial hardships, and soon enough we observe the beginning of a transformation in his character — one which, it must be said, occurs not quite with the gradualism that good writing typically demands. Then again, the book is quite poor in its own right, so one is advised to temper one’s expectations accordingly.
Kaspar does his utmost to survive in the middle of nowhere; he stumbles upon a grieving woman and her child on a remote farmstead and resides with them for a time, assisting with chores and "discovering the hardships of common folk" and other such sentimentalisms. He grows attached to them, but, as inevitably happens in such narratives, chooses to depart.
Thereafter, matters deteriorate further. Feist, in a move of unrepentant opportunism, expands the scope of the story, evidently in order to milk the readership for yet another trilogy. Thus, Kaspar’s path brings him into contact with a cursed suit of armour — something peculiar, malevolent, and utterly bereft of logic — which becomes the object of the plot until the very end of the book.
The second half descends into a confused mélange of frenetic skirmishes, irritating magical back-and-forths, oracular deities who refuse to speak plainly, and all manner of overwrought fantasy detritus. Feist, alas, succumbs once again to what might be termed a "Salvatore episode" and delivers what can best be described as an AD&D regurgitation — one which ought, frankly, to provoke in its author a sense of shame.
The finale ominously portends yet another, even darker trilogy, replete with still worse horrors, as though the reader has not already suffered enough.
A pity, and a waste.
As for the trilogy as a whole: relatively respectable in its first two volumes (though never particularly good), the third entry veers off course, becomes unmoored, and ultimately lies gaping — awaiting some future work to patch its fissures.
December 13, 2023
Ever since discovering Raymond E. Feist I've not been able to stop myself from diving into the next part of the entire series upon finishing one of his books.
It wasn't any different after finishing The Complete Legends of the Riftwar Trilogy. I just had to move on to the next instalment: The Complete Conclave of Shadows Trilogy.
Mr Feist once again does not disappoint. With the introduction of some new characters, while not neglecting important ones from previous books in the series, he has given the reader a whole new set of people to be invested in.
I liked the development of the main character in the first two books of this trilogy but was hesitant when I discovered the main character in the third book was the villain of the first two. Turns out there was no need to worry. Mr Feist, of course, knew what he was doing.
An excellent trilogy which I highly recommend. I'm off to read the next trilogy in this excellent (and thankfully longrunning) series.
It wasn't any different after finishing The Complete Legends of the Riftwar Trilogy. I just had to move on to the next instalment: The Complete Conclave of Shadows Trilogy.
Mr Feist once again does not disappoint. With the introduction of some new characters, while not neglecting important ones from previous books in the series, he has given the reader a whole new set of people to be invested in.
I liked the development of the main character in the first two books of this trilogy but was hesitant when I discovered the main character in the third book was the villain of the first two. Turns out there was no need to worry. Mr Feist, of course, knew what he was doing.
An excellent trilogy which I highly recommend. I'm off to read the next trilogy in this excellent (and thankfully longrunning) series.
Read
August 1, 2025Excellent reading for those into this genre
All three books both captivated and so engrossed my mind that I couldn't stop reading. This is reading for pure enjoyment which I love most of all. The continuing storyline flows together and keeps revealing twists and plots that thicken as you reach the partial conclusion and then propelled you forward into the next saga.
All three books both captivated and so engrossed my mind that I couldn't stop reading. This is reading for pure enjoyment which I love most of all. The continuing storyline flows together and keeps revealing twists and plots that thicken as you reach the partial conclusion and then propelled you forward into the next saga.
May 18, 2022
Exciting & captivating read.
Just can't put these books down, they are so well written & draw you in. The whole series is one of the most amazing & imaginative series I have ever had the pleasure to read.
Just can't put these books down, they are so well written & draw you in. The whole series is one of the most amazing & imaginative series I have ever had the pleasure to read.
February 11, 2017
Great plot, and a captivating universe. Otherwise average and somewhat sexist. Loved Feist as a kid - no longer as convinced.
August 12, 2017
Fantastic trilogy
June 18, 2023
epic saga
For anyone who thought the lord of the rings could have used a pinch of game of thrones to make it truly epic
For anyone who thought the lord of the rings could have used a pinch of game of thrones to make it truly epic
January 19, 2024
TALON OF THE SILVER HAWK: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
A lot of world building which of course is necessary. Just the beginning of Tau & his origin story. I enjoyed watching him grow up, and the end was boom 💥 omg I need to read book 2. But book 2 is where the 5 stars are given and is where Tau's story seemingly "concludes." I'm not done with book 3 yet, so that may change....
KING OF FOXES: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tau's story comes full circle. I love how this book ended for this character. I was enthralled in the story and didn't want to stop listening. The chunk of books prior to this series had a LOT of "he said," "she said," after every line. Or so it felt. This one was MUCH better. Side note, the voice narrator for this series is incredible. Highly recommend listening on audible. Thank you for this story!
EXILES RETURN: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I... REALLY didn't want to like this new main character, but I guess I was convinced. And this book perfectly set up the next series. SO happy to be listening to Pug again. One of my favorite characters ever.
A lot of world building which of course is necessary. Just the beginning of Tau & his origin story. I enjoyed watching him grow up, and the end was boom 💥 omg I need to read book 2. But book 2 is where the 5 stars are given and is where Tau's story seemingly "concludes." I'm not done with book 3 yet, so that may change....
KING OF FOXES: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tau's story comes full circle. I love how this book ended for this character. I was enthralled in the story and didn't want to stop listening. The chunk of books prior to this series had a LOT of "he said," "she said," after every line. Or so it felt. This one was MUCH better. Side note, the voice narrator for this series is incredible. Highly recommend listening on audible. Thank you for this story!
EXILES RETURN: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I... REALLY didn't want to like this new main character, but I guess I was convinced. And this book perfectly set up the next series. SO happy to be listening to Pug again. One of my favorite characters ever.
April 24, 2022
Thoroughly entertaining, being on holiday meant I read the last 2 books within 48hrs as I could not put them down.
August 14, 2021
Riveting!
I have read and reread magician and other riftwar books up until shards of a broken crown. This book (and the audio version on audible) easily match the rest for the scope of the rest. Set 30 years after Shards of a broken crown, you will see some reference to characters from the previous quartet of books. Would love to see these made into an anime series. Feist is one of the original masters of fantastical fantasy!
I have read and reread magician and other riftwar books up until shards of a broken crown. This book (and the audio version on audible) easily match the rest for the scope of the rest. Set 30 years after Shards of a broken crown, you will see some reference to characters from the previous quartet of books. Would love to see these made into an anime series. Feist is one of the original masters of fantastical fantasy!
July 5, 2021
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I completely change my mind on a series, so want to change my scoring down a lot)
First time read the author's work?: No
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes -- One of my favourite authors.
----------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
First time read the author's work?: No
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes -- One of my favourite authors.
----------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
November 28, 2013
Vivid, clear writing and settings that distinctively separate the magical and human realm. Nice to see old and familiar characters again.
Despite being overpowered and skilled, I took a liking to Talon of the Silver Hawk/Tal Hawkins. If you readers just want to focus on his story, the third book has very little to no relevance.
Despite being overpowered and skilled, I took a liking to Talon of the Silver Hawk/Tal Hawkins. If you readers just want to focus on his story, the third book has very little to no relevance.
August 11, 2016
Spies, intrigue and murder!
Started the series in 1997 and decided to read them all again before I read the final book. Wonderful storylines and great characters whom you feel for. x x
Started the series in 1997 and decided to read them all again before I read the final book. Wonderful storylines and great characters whom you feel for. x x
April 3, 2015
a favorite from when i was a kid
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews