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The Riftwar Legacy #1
Krondor: The Betrayal
Set in the time between the author's popular RiftWar novels A Darkness at Sethanon and Prince of the Blood , Krondor The Betrayal brings back some of Feist's most memorable characters--Squire James (a.k.a. master thief "Jimmy the Hand"), Prince Arutha, Pug the Magician, and others--and introduces readers to a slew of colorful, never-before-encountered heroes and villains. This is a sweeping and relentlessly exciting epic that tells the story of an invasion of Midkemia by a deadly army of trolls and renegade humans commanded by dark elves and an evil magical cabal--and chronicles the courage of a traitor elf who rejects the brutal plans of his warlike kind to cast his lot with the targets of their aggression. Master fantasist Feist works his singular magic once again, as he thrills us with the breathtaking exploits of daring defenders who stand firm and strong against the horrifying devastation aimed at the beating heart of their kingdom.
376 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 1998
433 people are currently reading
4908 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 273 reviews
July 14, 2017
Feist takes us back in time! After progressing the timeline through the Serpentwar Saga, there is a break in the action where we return to post Riftwar Mikidmia and revisit some of our favorite characters, meet some new ones, and go on some adventures that take place to fill in the gaps between other books in the series. I am reading it now because I am reading in publication order. I have seen a list with the books chronologically, but I feel like if this is the order Feist wrote them in, it's the order I should read them in.
The start was a bit slow for me. Jumping back in time, reaquainting myself with the characters, and trying too remember what happened in the story line (and what was yet to happen) was a bit tough. However, after about 100 pages or so, it started to flow pretty easy and it kept going to a bang up finish. On the cover, it mentions it is book one of a series, but there really isn't a cliffhanger and everything is wrapped up nicely. So, it will be interesting to see what they do with the next book.
One big thing that I think will make a lot of people happy is that this book has a ton of magic. One complaint I have seen about this series is that the amount of magic and wizardry drops off after the Riftwar. With this book, it is back in full force!
If you are into the Riftwar and wonder if you should keep reading, I think it stays great, so keep on reading!
Side note: This book is based on the 1993 DOS based computer game Betrayal at Krondor
The start was a bit slow for me. Jumping back in time, reaquainting myself with the characters, and trying too remember what happened in the story line (and what was yet to happen) was a bit tough. However, after about 100 pages or so, it started to flow pretty easy and it kept going to a bang up finish. On the cover, it mentions it is book one of a series, but there really isn't a cliffhanger and everything is wrapped up nicely. So, it will be interesting to see what they do with the next book.
One big thing that I think will make a lot of people happy is that this book has a ton of magic. One complaint I have seen about this series is that the amount of magic and wizardry drops off after the Riftwar. With this book, it is back in full force!
If you are into the Riftwar and wonder if you should keep reading, I think it stays great, so keep on reading!
Side note: This book is based on the 1993 DOS based computer game Betrayal at Krondor
April 17, 2019
I began this with a little trepidation. I mean, any book that starts referring to its video game companion but still firmly in the author's Riftwar bibliography could kinda go either way. Is this a game advert or is it more its own thing? Either way, the game was a hit in the nineties and may be rather hard to find nowadays. :)
What was I expecting? Well, after the last four-book epic taking place 50 years after the first Riftwar, full of its own troubles, I half-expected something pushing the timeline forward. Not backward. Not back to a young middle-aged Jimmy the Hand and barely gray Pug with Prince Arutha still in his prime.
But, hell, okay! Cool! Side-story time! Big side-story time with all my favorite characters back in their prime and a slew of new, weaker peeps finding their own way.
I am not disappointed. At all. I really loved the progression and the wealth of new-and-old worldbuilding. The drill-down. :) And it really can't go wrong when we dive into so many cool new elements.
Yes, the central story is actually written around the main plot of the game. It's a collaboration with the game-makers. But you know what? I have no problems with it. It is a great story. :)
What was I expecting? Well, after the last four-book epic taking place 50 years after the first Riftwar, full of its own troubles, I half-expected something pushing the timeline forward. Not backward. Not back to a young middle-aged Jimmy the Hand and barely gray Pug with Prince Arutha still in his prime.
But, hell, okay! Cool! Side-story time! Big side-story time with all my favorite characters back in their prime and a slew of new, weaker peeps finding their own way.
I am not disappointed. At all. I really loved the progression and the wealth of new-and-old worldbuilding. The drill-down. :) And it really can't go wrong when we dive into so many cool new elements.
Yes, the central story is actually written around the main plot of the game. It's a collaboration with the game-makers. But you know what? I have no problems with it. It is a great story. :)
July 29, 2010
I have fulfilled my annual quota of self-flagellation by forcing myself to finish this book. This book, which I later discovered was based on a video the author wrote, was the stupidest "You have completed Quest A! Now I need you to complete Quest B!" chain of events I have ever subjected myself to. Forced camaraderie and ridiculous dialogue round out the brutality of this kick to the groin.
Awful, just awful.
Awful, just awful.
July 4, 2025
Klasyczna fantasy z fajnymi bohaterami, pełna akcji, pościgów i magii. Akcja dzieje się 10 lat po wydarzeniach opisanych w A darkness at Sethanon. Ciekawie się ją czytało wiedząc jakie losy czekają niektórych z bohaterów i samą krainę w późniejszych książkach.
Co ciekawe, inspiracją do powstania tej książki była gra PC Betrayal at Krondor, gdzie Feist pracował nad scenariuszem i chciał potem przenieść fabułę na karty powieści.
Co ciekawe, inspiracją do powstania tej książki była gra PC Betrayal at Krondor, gdzie Feist pracował nad scenariuszem i chciał potem przenieść fabułę na karty powieści.
June 7, 2018
I have the impression that the books of the Riftwar cycle can be divided into two categories. In the first are those books that are part of the epic series that refer to the great war events that have affected the fates of the world. These are more detailed writing, with slower plot, and generally more ambitious. In the second category, where this book belongs, are the smaller scale, self-contained stories, which are much smaller, simpler, have a fairly fast plot and usually rely more on the action and the interaction of the characters. The books of the first category have made a strong impression to me, with some of them having a place in my favorites. The books of the second category are definitely interesting, adventurous and surely the reader is amused by reading them, but, personally, I want something more.
This book has these elements, even more intense as it comes essentially from an electric game. It is a good adventure, very well written and very exciting. I liked it but not enough to consider it extraordinary.
Έχω την εντύπωση ότι τα βιβλία του κύκλου του Riftwar μπορούμε να τα χωρίσουμε σε δύο κατηγορίες. Στην πρώτη ανήκουν αυτά τα βιβλία που είναι μέρος των επικών σειρών που αναφέρονται στα μεγάλα πολεμικά γεγονότα που επηρέασαν τις τύχες του κόσμου. Αυτά έχουν περισσότερο αναλυτική γραφή, πιο αργή πλοκή και γενικότερα είναι πιο φιλόδοξα. Στη δεύτερη κατηγορία, όπου ανήκει αυτό το βιβλίο, είναι οι μικρότερες αυτοτελείς ιστορίες, που είναι αρκετά μικρότερης κλίμακας, πιο απλά, έχουν αρκετά γρήγορη πλοκή και συνήθως βασίζονται περισσότερο στη δράση και στην αλληλεπίδραση των χαρακτήρων. Τα βιβλία της πρώτης κατηγορίας μου έχουν κάνει ιδιαίτερα δυνατή εντύπωση, με κάποια από αυτά να έχουν μία θέση στα αγαπημένα μου. Τα βιβλία της δεύτερης κατηγορίας είναι σίγουρα ενδιαφέροντα, περιπετειώδη και σίγουρα ο αναγνώστης διασκεδάζει διαβάζοντας τα, προσωπικά, όμως, θέλω και κάτι παραπάνω.
Αυτό το βιβλίο έχει αυτά τα στοιχεία, ακόμα πιο έντονα καθώς προέρχεται ουσιαστικά από ένα ηλεκτρικό παιχνίδι. Είναι μία καλή περιπέτεια, πολύ καλά γραμμένη και πολύ συναρπαστική. Μου άρεσε αλλά όχι αρκετά για να το θεωρήσω κάτι εξαιρετικό.
This book has these elements, even more intense as it comes essentially from an electric game. It is a good adventure, very well written and very exciting. I liked it but not enough to consider it extraordinary.
Έχω την εντύπωση ότι τα βιβλία του κύκλου του Riftwar μπορούμε να τα χωρίσουμε σε δύο κατηγορίες. Στην πρώτη ανήκουν αυτά τα βιβλία που είναι μέρος των επικών σειρών που αναφέρονται στα μεγάλα πολεμικά γεγονότα που επηρέασαν τις τύχες του κόσμου. Αυτά έχουν περισσότερο αναλυτική γραφή, πιο αργή πλοκή και γενικότερα είναι πιο φιλόδοξα. Στη δεύτερη κατηγορία, όπου ανήκει αυτό το βιβλίο, είναι οι μικρότερες αυτοτελείς ιστορίες, που είναι αρκετά μικρότερης κλίμακας, πιο απλά, έχουν αρκετά γρήγορη πλοκή και συνήθως βασίζονται περισσότερο στη δράση και στην αλληλεπίδραση των χαρακτήρων. Τα βιβλία της πρώτης κατηγορίας μου έχουν κάνει ιδιαίτερα δυνατή εντύπωση, με κάποια από αυτά να έχουν μία θέση στα αγαπημένα μου. Τα βιβλία της δεύτερης κατηγορίας είναι σίγουρα ενδιαφέροντα, περιπετειώδη και σίγουρα ο αναγνώστης διασκεδάζει διαβάζοντας τα, προσωπικά, όμως, θέλω και κάτι παραπάνω.
Αυτό το βιβλίο έχει αυτά τα στοιχεία, ακόμα πιο έντονα καθώς προέρχεται ουσιαστικά από ένα ηλεκτρικό παιχνίδι. Είναι μία καλή περιπέτεια, πολύ καλά γραμμένη και πολύ συναρπαστική. Μου άρεσε αλλά όχι αρκετά για να το θεωρήσω κάτι εξαιρετικό.
December 22, 2019
Krondor: The Betrayal is the first book in the Riftwar Legacy subseries in the middle of the very large Riftwar Cycle series. It’s set about 10 years after the end of the original subseries, chronologically before the last two subseries I read while going in publication order. As I mentioned in a previous review, it’s less confusing to read these subseries in chronological order rather than publication order since this story is referenced in earlier books due to the fact that it’s based on a video game that was published earlier.
Yes, this book is actually a novelization of a video game, Betrayal at Krondor, released in 1993. I played it a few years after its original release when it was released as freeware to promote the sequel. I enjoyed it so much that I sought out Feist’s books. That led to my addiction of the fantasy genre itself. The book follows the same basic story as the game and hits the same major plot points, but it fleshes things out and changes some details, adding more realism and back stories.
It doesn’t really read like it’s based on a video game to me, maybe because I started (re-re-re-)playing the game at the same time I started the book so the differences were more obvious. At least, it skips most of the battles and treasure finding and dungeon crawling and such and even skips or glosses over a lot of the travel. It’s basically the story parts of the game fleshed out, with more character interactions added.
It was fun to go back in time and hang out with some of my favorite characters. Arutha doesn’t get as much page time as I would have liked but he does get some, and Jimmy gets quite a lot as does Locklear. (Spoiler for an earlier subseries that's set later chronologically.) The unique characters created for the game are just as prominent in the book and they’re interesting and likeable characters. I found the plot a little thin, and maybe a little more convoluted than necessary, but it’s based on the video game story which was not originally written by Feist as per the author’s notes at the end. I was able to buy into everything well enough to enjoy the story which for me was more about the characters than the plot.
Yes, this book is actually a novelization of a video game, Betrayal at Krondor, released in 1993. I played it a few years after its original release when it was released as freeware to promote the sequel. I enjoyed it so much that I sought out Feist’s books. That led to my addiction of the fantasy genre itself. The book follows the same basic story as the game and hits the same major plot points, but it fleshes things out and changes some details, adding more realism and back stories.
It doesn’t really read like it’s based on a video game to me, maybe because I started (re-re-re-)playing the game at the same time I started the book so the differences were more obvious. At least, it skips most of the battles and treasure finding and dungeon crawling and such and even skips or glosses over a lot of the travel. It’s basically the story parts of the game fleshed out, with more character interactions added.
It was fun to go back in time and hang out with some of my favorite characters. Arutha doesn’t get as much page time as I would have liked but he does get some, and Jimmy gets quite a lot as does Locklear. (Spoiler for an earlier subseries that's set later chronologically.) The unique characters created for the game are just as prominent in the book and they’re interesting and likeable characters. I found the plot a little thin, and maybe a little more convoluted than necessary, but it’s based on the video game story which was not originally written by Feist as per the author’s notes at the end. I was able to buy into everything well enough to enjoy the story which for me was more about the characters than the plot.
December 28, 2022
The first installment of a sub-series of The Rift War Cycle.
The book takes place 10 years after the war and brings us old characters that we came to love in the first installments. I really enjoyed that part of the book. Feist also takes us into the world of the Dark Elves and we get a much clearer look at their lives, That too was a great treat. A Dark Elf has defected and reaches out to The Kingdom for help in stopping another great war.
What I did not care for was the mediocre plot, Some explaining: Feist was approached about writing a script for a video game based on the world he created, He refused, but allowed the game company to license his world and helped out where he could. The result was a decent game (I am told that anyway, I do plan to look for it and buy it if I can). After the game was completed the author decided to write the book BASED on the game! What? He says he took the best of the game, added his own spin. For me not a great outcome. There are 3 more books in this sub-series, which were not made into games, so there is hope the series improves for me.
The book takes place 10 years after the war and brings us old characters that we came to love in the first installments. I really enjoyed that part of the book. Feist also takes us into the world of the Dark Elves and we get a much clearer look at their lives, That too was a great treat. A Dark Elf has defected and reaches out to The Kingdom for help in stopping another great war.
What I did not care for was the mediocre plot, Some explaining: Feist was approached about writing a script for a video game based on the world he created, He refused, but allowed the game company to license his world and helped out where he could. The result was a decent game (I am told that anyway, I do plan to look for it and buy it if I can). After the game was completed the author decided to write the book BASED on the game! What? He says he took the best of the game, added his own spin. For me not a great outcome. There are 3 more books in this sub-series, which were not made into games, so there is hope the series improves for me.
January 7, 2023
The entire time I was reading this, I kept thinking that it seemed like a D&D campaign turned into a book, even more so than other Feist books. The introduction of main characters who are mentored through the story by existing characters. The quest by quest structure of the narrative. The periodic levelling up with new skills and powers. Then the afterword revealed that this book is a novelization of a computer RPG and it all makes sense now. So now I want to play the game because I love those 90s era CRPGs, and look at that, it is available on Steam.
This book is pretty much boiler-plate fantasy, exactly the type Feist typically writes, and as such it is fine, about a 2.5. It's got all the usual problems I expect from his writing. All the women are beautiful and the male characters always make sure to either comment or think on that fact. Gamina, Pug's underaged daughter, is immediately described thus:
That sentence gets worse the more I think about it. I'm guessing Feist is setting them up for romance in the next book or so. The active characters are all male with female characters releagated to support roles and cameos. Feist loves variations of the phrase "x such as y" (note to self: when reading the next book, log every instance.) So many of the character interactions are either with a smile, a grin, or for one character, an evil smile. That's about it.
I've got a stack of the books in this series, because they were easy to obtain via paperbackswap and half-price books, so I'm kind of committed. I keep hoping that maybe with some of the later collaborations, there might be something almost as good as the Empire Trilogy. The completionist in me wants to be able to check off the entire Riftwar Cycle. I think I'm looking forward to playing the game more than reading the next book arc.
This book is pretty much boiler-plate fantasy, exactly the type Feist typically writes, and as such it is fine, about a 2.5. It's got all the usual problems I expect from his writing. All the women are beautiful and the male characters always make sure to either comment or think on that fact. Gamina, Pug's underaged daughter, is immediately described thus:
Owen stared at the girl, barely into her teens, and was struck by what a beautiful woman she would become.
That sentence gets worse the more I think about it. I'm guessing Feist is setting them up for romance in the next book or so. The active characters are all male with female characters releagated to support roles and cameos. Feist loves variations of the phrase "x such as y" (note to self: when reading the next book, log every instance.) So many of the character interactions are either with a smile, a grin, or for one character, an evil smile. That's about it.
I've got a stack of the books in this series, because they were easy to obtain via paperbackswap and half-price books, so I'm kind of committed. I keep hoping that maybe with some of the later collaborations, there might be something almost as good as the Empire Trilogy. The completionist in me wants to be able to check off the entire Riftwar Cycle. I think I'm looking forward to playing the game more than reading the next book arc.
November 10, 2025
Adventures of JImmy the Hand and Squire Locklear set after the Battle of Sethanon. Good, solid fantasy adding more to the Midkemia universe. This book is the novelization of the 1993 computer game Betrayal at Krondor. Feist kept the central theme4s of the game, dropped some sidequests and added a lot of detail important in a book but irrelevant in a game. One of the best examples of this type of writing. 3.5/5
June 1, 2022
5 stars - Dutch hardcover
I've been reading Feist books in chronlogical order (the order matching that printed inside the cover) and assumed that this was next in line. Wrong! it fits somewhere between earlier books. Usually when I read an author for the first time and don't like either the style of writing or the plot I give up but, having read so many Feist books - and loved the earlier ones . But that don't matter. Do some characters grow in the series, there is enough in all novels to keep understanding the story.
good to be able to read about these little side events off of the main set of stories, it helps you to understand so much more about the characters and the events in the history of Midkemia. Feist will always be my favourite writer, his mind is fantastic.
I've been reading Feist books in chronlogical order (the order matching that printed inside the cover) and assumed that this was next in line. Wrong! it fits somewhere between earlier books. Usually when I read an author for the first time and don't like either the style of writing or the plot I give up but, having read so many Feist books - and loved the earlier ones . But that don't matter. Do some characters grow in the series, there is enough in all novels to keep understanding the story.
good to be able to read about these little side events off of the main set of stories, it helps you to understand so much more about the characters and the events in the history of Midkemia. Feist will always be my favourite writer, his mind is fantastic.
February 23, 2022
Prva knjiga od Fajsta za koju bih mogao da kazem da joj nesto fali.
Da se razumemo knjiga nije losa, evo ciste cetiri zvezdice za nju, medjutim moje je misljenje da se radnja odvija prebrzo i da se preko vecine stvari prelece uz jako stura objasnjenja i bez neke narocite dubine koja je krasila predhodne knjige.
Medjutim ni za ludu glavu ne bih preskocio ovaj mini serijal jer mi je cilj da procitam celu Riftwar Sagu! <3
Da se razumemo knjiga nije losa, evo ciste cetiri zvezdice za nju, medjutim moje je misljenje da se radnja odvija prebrzo i da se preko vecine stvari prelece uz jako stura objasnjenja i bez neke narocite dubine koja je krasila predhodne knjige.
Medjutim ni za ludu glavu ne bih preskocio ovaj mini serijal jer mi je cilj da procitam celu Riftwar Sagu! <3
September 5, 2020
If this wasn’t part of the larger universe of books in this saga, I would have 100% DNF’ed it.
This book was all over the place with little coherence and it was just a flat, pointless book.
I really really didn’t enjoy this one
Hannah xoxo
This book was all over the place with little coherence and it was just a flat, pointless book.
I really really didn’t enjoy this one
Hannah xoxo
August 21, 2019
Another good solid read.
September 25, 2023
Very good first book in the series.
Read
April 6, 2025This book was freaking ass. 😃
April 8, 2023
Krondor The Betrayal, written by Raymond Feist and book I of the Riftwar Legacy
ISBN 0-00-648334-8
Published by Voyager 1999.
Printed and bound in Great Britain by Omnia Books Limited, Glasgow.
Cover illustration by Geoff Taylor, for more information about this marvellous illustrator, see his website https://www.geofftaylor-artist.com
This book is written by Raymond Feist based on the game Betrayal of Krondor. The game was produced and written by John Cutter and Neal Hallford of the company Dynamix Inc. in Eugene Oregon. A company known primary for flight simulations, particular the Red Baron.
The game was made with help from Raymond Feist and he wrote this book after the game was released. In the Author’s Afterword Raymond explains the process of writing the book based on the game and deciding which elements would stay in the story (and possible adapted) and which elements would be omitted. The book reflects the main story of the game where several sub-quests are deleted.
If really enjoyed reading this book as an additional chapter in the ongoing history of Midkemia and the city of Krondor. Especially Jimmy and Locklear are favourite characters of mine.
Start: 16/6-2019
Finish: 29/6-2019
A summary of the personages of Krondor The Betrayal:
Locklear, Squire at the Prince of Krondor’s court.
Sergeant Bales of the garrison of Tyr-Sog.
Gorath, Dark Elf and Chieftain of the Ardanian.
Owyn Belefote, youngest son of Baron of Timon’s.
Dubal, dwarf.
Sumani, innkeeper of the Blue Wheel Inn at Lamut.
Captain Belford of the Lamit garrison.
Kiefer Alescook, gem’s dealer in Lorien.
Arutha, Prince of Krondor.
Pug Magician and Black Robe.
Lady Gamina, Pug’s daughter.
Makala, Black Robe Magician.
Knight Marshall Gardan of Krondor.
Abbot Ethan Graves at Malac’s Cross.
Ivan, innkeeper of the Queen’s Row at Malac’s cross.
Duke Guy de Bas Ryra of Rillanon.
Petrumph, old women at the Inn of the Queen’s Row.
Lysle Riggers, look-a-like of Squire James.
Karl Widger, probably a stevedore at a barrier on the road to Romney.
Micheal Waylander, assistant of the Earl of Romney.
Walter of Gyldenholt, Captain of the Royal Lancers.
Earl Richard of Romney.
Jason, stable boy of the Black Sheep Inn of Romney.
Joftaz, innkeeper of the White Anchor in Silden.
Baron Corvallis of Cavell.
Ugyne, daughter of the Baron and old friend of Owyn.
Tad, stable boy of the Baron
Miri, servant girl the Baron.
Peter the Grey, Innkeeper of the Wood-Duck Inn at Cavell Village.
Navon du Sandau, merchant at Cavell Village.
Liallan, Dark Elf and leader of the Snow Leopard Clan.
Irmelyn, a moredhel of Obkhar’s tribe.
Venutrier, slave trader for the Naptha mines at Armengar.
Cullich, Gorath’s wife.
Patrus, Magician in service of Baron Gabot.
King Dolgan of the Dwarfes at Caldara.
Udell, King Dolgan’s son.
Bethlany, dwarfen woman at the court of King Dolgan.
Caladain, Hilar and Travin. Elves escorting Owyn and Gorath to Elvendar.
Calin, son of Thomas and Aglaranna.
Calis, Calin’s younger brother.
Queen Aglaranna of the Elves.
Earanorn, leader of the glamredhel and advisor of the Queen.
Aciala, one of the Eldar.
Thomas, warleader of the elves and Queen’
ISBN 0-00-648334-8
Published by Voyager 1999.
Printed and bound in Great Britain by Omnia Books Limited, Glasgow.
Cover illustration by Geoff Taylor, for more information about this marvellous illustrator, see his website https://www.geofftaylor-artist.com
This book is written by Raymond Feist based on the game Betrayal of Krondor. The game was produced and written by John Cutter and Neal Hallford of the company Dynamix Inc. in Eugene Oregon. A company known primary for flight simulations, particular the Red Baron.
The game was made with help from Raymond Feist and he wrote this book after the game was released. In the Author’s Afterword Raymond explains the process of writing the book based on the game and deciding which elements would stay in the story (and possible adapted) and which elements would be omitted. The book reflects the main story of the game where several sub-quests are deleted.
If really enjoyed reading this book as an additional chapter in the ongoing history of Midkemia and the city of Krondor. Especially Jimmy and Locklear are favourite characters of mine.
Start: 16/6-2019
Finish: 29/6-2019
A summary of the personages of Krondor The Betrayal:
Locklear, Squire at the Prince of Krondor’s court.
Sergeant Bales of the garrison of Tyr-Sog.
Gorath, Dark Elf and Chieftain of the Ardanian.
Owyn Belefote, youngest son of Baron of Timon’s.
Dubal, dwarf.
Sumani, innkeeper of the Blue Wheel Inn at Lamut.
Captain Belford of the Lamit garrison.
Kiefer Alescook, gem’s dealer in Lorien.
Arutha, Prince of Krondor.
Pug Magician and Black Robe.
Lady Gamina, Pug’s daughter.
Makala, Black Robe Magician.
Knight Marshall Gardan of Krondor.
Abbot Ethan Graves at Malac’s Cross.
Ivan, innkeeper of the Queen’s Row at Malac’s cross.
Duke Guy de Bas Ryra of Rillanon.
Petrumph, old women at the Inn of the Queen’s Row.
Lysle Riggers, look-a-like of Squire James.
Karl Widger, probably a stevedore at a barrier on the road to Romney.
Micheal Waylander, assistant of the Earl of Romney.
Walter of Gyldenholt, Captain of the Royal Lancers.
Earl Richard of Romney.
Jason, stable boy of the Black Sheep Inn of Romney.
Joftaz, innkeeper of the White Anchor in Silden.
Baron Corvallis of Cavell.
Ugyne, daughter of the Baron and old friend of Owyn.
Tad, stable boy of the Baron
Miri, servant girl the Baron.
Peter the Grey, Innkeeper of the Wood-Duck Inn at Cavell Village.
Navon du Sandau, merchant at Cavell Village.
Liallan, Dark Elf and leader of the Snow Leopard Clan.
Irmelyn, a moredhel of Obkhar’s tribe.
Venutrier, slave trader for the Naptha mines at Armengar.
Cullich, Gorath’s wife.
Patrus, Magician in service of Baron Gabot.
King Dolgan of the Dwarfes at Caldara.
Udell, King Dolgan’s son.
Bethlany, dwarfen woman at the court of King Dolgan.
Caladain, Hilar and Travin. Elves escorting Owyn and Gorath to Elvendar.
Calin, son of Thomas and Aglaranna.
Calis, Calin’s younger brother.
Queen Aglaranna of the Elves.
Earanorn, leader of the glamredhel and advisor of the Queen.
Aciala, one of the Eldar.
Thomas, warleader of the elves and Queen’
October 4, 2017
When I was in high school I played the game "Betrayal at Krondor" and I was fascinated by its rich setting and engaging plot.
Later I realized that was because the game was based on a popular fantasy book series by Raymond Feist. I read the first book of the series later on and while it had a decent start, it quickly grew dull. I've tried several times to pick up the series again, to no avail.
Years later, urged by nostalgia, I decided to read "Krondor: The Betrayal", which had been gathering dust on my bookshelf for years. I thought, having forgotten the plot of the game almost entirely, I would be able to experience the same excitement that I once had with the game. I was wrong.
Put simply, this book is boring. The plot is all over the place and hard to follow. The whole routine of travelling from town to town and performing "side quests" while fighting battles along the way works much better in a game than in a book. I realized one of the reasons I loved the game so much was the freedom to explore the rich world of Midkemia to my heart's content. That was lost in book form.
The characters are pretty dull. James and Locklear seem like copies of each other with one defining quirk (stealing and philandering respectively) mentioned from time to time just to remind us who is who. Owyn is just a younger version of Pug, but without the endearing personality that makes you want to root for him. Even though he is frequently placed a desperate situation, I never felt him suffer or be afraid. Even when characters die, they are just mourned for in a couple of paragraphs. The impact was lost on the reader as well, since those characters' personalities are paper-thin.
The only good character is Gorath but he alone could not save this book. The rest of the characters feel like NPCs - so one-dimensional and void of personality. It was hard to remember and understand the motivations for the actions of the various villains, which made following the plot even harder. I could understand the constant moving from place to place but I never saw the bigger picture. There was no tension in the story - even when some of the heroes were besieged and facing impossible odds, I never felt any despair for them. Maybe because the writing was so flat.
In the end, I really wanted to like this book, but I feel like due to a combination of a poor adaptation of a PC game and overall weak writing I could not. I would probably enjoy the heck out of it if I was ten years longer, since it feels like a kids' book.
Later I realized that was because the game was based on a popular fantasy book series by Raymond Feist. I read the first book of the series later on and while it had a decent start, it quickly grew dull. I've tried several times to pick up the series again, to no avail.
Years later, urged by nostalgia, I decided to read "Krondor: The Betrayal", which had been gathering dust on my bookshelf for years. I thought, having forgotten the plot of the game almost entirely, I would be able to experience the same excitement that I once had with the game. I was wrong.
Put simply, this book is boring. The plot is all over the place and hard to follow. The whole routine of travelling from town to town and performing "side quests" while fighting battles along the way works much better in a game than in a book. I realized one of the reasons I loved the game so much was the freedom to explore the rich world of Midkemia to my heart's content. That was lost in book form.
The characters are pretty dull. James and Locklear seem like copies of each other with one defining quirk (stealing and philandering respectively) mentioned from time to time just to remind us who is who. Owyn is just a younger version of Pug, but without the endearing personality that makes you want to root for him. Even though he is frequently placed a desperate situation, I never felt him suffer or be afraid. Even when characters die, they are just mourned for in a couple of paragraphs. The impact was lost on the reader as well, since those characters' personalities are paper-thin.
The only good character is Gorath but he alone could not save this book. The rest of the characters feel like NPCs - so one-dimensional and void of personality. It was hard to remember and understand the motivations for the actions of the various villains, which made following the plot even harder. I could understand the constant moving from place to place but I never saw the bigger picture. There was no tension in the story - even when some of the heroes were besieged and facing impossible odds, I never felt any despair for them. Maybe because the writing was so flat.
In the end, I really wanted to like this book, but I feel like due to a combination of a poor adaptation of a PC game and overall weak writing I could not. I would probably enjoy the heck out of it if I was ten years longer, since it feels like a kids' book.
September 2, 2014
By the end I was skimming like mad, assuming I could just read the 'previously in' section of book 2 of this series to figure out anything I missed, I was that bored.
Feist has a very distinct style. He is, above all else, interested in plot. The plot often meanders, and very rarely deviates from the 'quest is received, quest is eventually fulfilled' formula, but the thing that drives me crazy is that characters are pretty much ... nonexistent in his work. Locklear, my favorite character from the Riftwar series, is back here ... kind of. He's there for the first 100 pages, then just drops out of the plot for about 100 pages, then shows up again for act three along with Jimmy (now "Squire James"), basically at all times just acting like a clone of Jimmy.
I was very excited to read this book (& the RW Legacy series in general) because, while its internal chronology places it next in line after the main RW books, it was actually written nearly a decade later, after stuff farther along had been dealt with, so I assumed Feist would have grown as a writer. But his worst excesses are even more bloated than normal here. I'm HOPING that this is in large part due to its being based on a computer game ('oh, we've reached a new town, what ridiculously involved plot will this setting's government get us entangled in?'). It reminds me of me playing an Ultima game. One hour in: "This is awesome! Everyone has such a full life & backstory!" Four hours in: "SHUT THE HELL UP ABOUT YOUR PIGS, FARMER JOHN! WHY DO I EVEN CARE THEY HAVE THE GOUT?!?"
I really WANTED to like Owyn. There just ... didn't seem to be much of a character there. And I'm SO sick of Jimmy. I've never found him interesting. He's not a character, he's a collection of reactions. Ugh.
Feist has a very distinct style. He is, above all else, interested in plot. The plot often meanders, and very rarely deviates from the 'quest is received, quest is eventually fulfilled' formula, but the thing that drives me crazy is that characters are pretty much ... nonexistent in his work. Locklear, my favorite character from the Riftwar series, is back here ... kind of. He's there for the first 100 pages, then just drops out of the plot for about 100 pages, then shows up again for act three along with Jimmy (now "Squire James"), basically at all times just acting like a clone of Jimmy.
I was very excited to read this book (& the RW Legacy series in general) because, while its internal chronology places it next in line after the main RW books, it was actually written nearly a decade later, after stuff farther along had been dealt with, so I assumed Feist would have grown as a writer. But his worst excesses are even more bloated than normal here. I'm HOPING that this is in large part due to its being based on a computer game ('oh, we've reached a new town, what ridiculously involved plot will this setting's government get us entangled in?'). It reminds me of me playing an Ultima game. One hour in: "This is awesome! Everyone has such a full life & backstory!" Four hours in: "SHUT THE HELL UP ABOUT YOUR PIGS, FARMER JOHN! WHY DO I EVEN CARE THEY HAVE THE GOUT?!?"
I really WANTED to like Owyn. There just ... didn't seem to be much of a character there. And I'm SO sick of Jimmy. I've never found him interesting. He's not a character, he's a collection of reactions. Ugh.
April 27, 2013
4.5 stars.
I haven't read the whole shebang with the actual mamuth series Feist wrote, but these books, in the Riftwar Legacy, I like a lot. A lot.
From the first 10 pages of this, I was enthralled. It got me. I didn't leave it out of my hand, I wouldn't do anything else except read it.
Of course, "Krondor: The Betrayal" doesn't reach the complexity and awesomeness level that some other well known works have had, but it's up there with the best, I think. It's a classical piece of fantasy, where you got your elves, your gnomes, your really big or evil monsters and you have to fight them all at the same time. There's magic, here and there, for lovers of it.
In fantasy, I found, I need everything to blend nicely together, you know? The period of time, the language, the beings that populate the world that I'm reading about, they have to connect, in some way. I even pay attention to clothing, if that is possible in their time and if nothing is missed out, I'm happy.
Until now, I don't believe the series had major slips. Maybe here and there, some details missed, some untruthful moments, but lest we are obsessed, we can live with that.
I haven't read the whole shebang with the actual mamuth series Feist wrote, but these books, in the Riftwar Legacy, I like a lot. A lot.
From the first 10 pages of this, I was enthralled. It got me. I didn't leave it out of my hand, I wouldn't do anything else except read it.
Of course, "Krondor: The Betrayal" doesn't reach the complexity and awesomeness level that some other well known works have had, but it's up there with the best, I think. It's a classical piece of fantasy, where you got your elves, your gnomes, your really big or evil monsters and you have to fight them all at the same time. There's magic, here and there, for lovers of it.
In fantasy, I found, I need everything to blend nicely together, you know? The period of time, the language, the beings that populate the world that I'm reading about, they have to connect, in some way. I even pay attention to clothing, if that is possible in their time and if nothing is missed out, I'm happy.
Until now, I don't believe the series had major slips. Maybe here and there, some details missed, some untruthful moments, but lest we are obsessed, we can live with that.
October 25, 2012
If I recall correctly, good old Uncle Feist hasn't taken part in making the 1993 video game. Only at a later stage did he become involved, and wrote his own book version afterwards. This explains why Krondor: The Betrayal reads like a video game put to paper. Game features like the constant ambush scenes and side quests simply don't work in the writte narrative. On the other hand, the book lacks the features that gave the video game its remarkable and unique atmosphere. Descriptions are rough at the best and a reader who doesn't remember all the game's visuals and music just can't get the immersion. Instead of adding one boring fight scene after the other, Uncle Feist should have put more efforts in making the reader immerse in the colorful world of Midkemia.
Luckily, even if the book falls short of atmosphere, Feist didn't waste the chance to add more depth to the characters than the video game allowed for. To this respect the book is a perfect add-on to the game.
Luckily, even if the book falls short of atmosphere, Feist didn't waste the chance to add more depth to the characters than the video game allowed for. To this respect the book is a perfect add-on to the game.
May 9, 2012
As part of the Riftwar Legacy, Krondor: The Betrayal turns back the clock to a time following the Riftwar to an untold adventure with Jimmy The Hand and Squire Locklear teaming with a rebel Moredhel, Gorath, to save Midkemia and maybe the world from a devious plot between Moredhel and Tsurani. Magician Pug and Prince Arutha return as well and there are some new characters introduced to the mythos too. The action and intrigue is non-stop as this page turning adventure spans the kingdom and across worlds. There are epic battles and daring escapes in the grand Feist tradition and the characters are engaging and entertaining as always. This is Raymond E. Feist at his best returning to some of his most endearing characters and adding to their already rich legacies. A must read for Feist and fantasy fans.
May 27, 2011
The only positive of this book is Gorath, who is a pretty likable character that should have been featured in the original series instead. The book itself is pretty much what it is supposed to be - a linear game story, with the basic 'move to the point A - kill monster - move to the point B - repeat' formula. Another weak one.
August 6, 2014
I liked the book and meandered my way through it in good time. Still, it is now two weeks later and I only vaguely recall the plot or characters. Not a good sign. So I will give it 4 stars. It doesn't suck, but it isn't going to stick with you either. Sort of like a James Bond film...
January 21, 2025
What a rollercoaster — although to be honest, I thought I was going to be stuck on it at one point.
This is book 10/30 in my full read-through of Feist's works. Some are rereads, some are new to me. This one is a first time experience.
I'm a big fan of Feist. Without him, I don't think my love of fantasy — and my desire to write it — would have ever reached the heights I have enjoyed. Therefore, I am always biased in favour of his work.
There seem to be a lot of mixed reviews for both this book and the trilogy of which it is part. It was based on a game set in the world of Midkemia, though Feist naturally made changes to make it fit into his canon when writing this novel.
I think I could feel that game structure as I read. There were a lot of moments that felt like ticking off objectives whereas a real person might take a more direct path. Sometimes, that shook the immersion, and there were a few chapters where things slowed down a bit, feeling like padding without much of the fun that would come from side quests in a game.
That being said, I enjoyed my time with the characters. Gorath, especially, was a fun alternative perspective on events in the world of Midkemia, and his character development in particular was engaging. It was great fun to be reunited with Jimmy, though — he's always a joy in Feist's work.
For minor characters, Patrus was perhaps the most entertaining.
Plot-wise, I did enjoy the twists and turns. The threat was always in the background, but the details of the threat were ever-changing. Aside from earlier critiques, however, a further complaint would be that I felt like the ending was rushed. There's a final battle, and then suddenly, it somewhat feels, some people are dead and everything is resolved, and things have returned to the status quo.
In other words, it somewhat felt like the whole story was actually somewhat inconsequential. That being said, I'll be keeping my mind open to any callbacks in future reads.
More accurately, my rating is probably 3.5, but I always round up, and I certainly wouldn't say I regret reading it. I got what I expect from Feist, and that provides me with joy.
This is book 10/30 in my full read-through of Feist's works. Some are rereads, some are new to me. This one is a first time experience.
I'm a big fan of Feist. Without him, I don't think my love of fantasy — and my desire to write it — would have ever reached the heights I have enjoyed. Therefore, I am always biased in favour of his work.
There seem to be a lot of mixed reviews for both this book and the trilogy of which it is part. It was based on a game set in the world of Midkemia, though Feist naturally made changes to make it fit into his canon when writing this novel.
I think I could feel that game structure as I read. There were a lot of moments that felt like ticking off objectives whereas a real person might take a more direct path. Sometimes, that shook the immersion, and there were a few chapters where things slowed down a bit, feeling like padding without much of the fun that would come from side quests in a game.
That being said, I enjoyed my time with the characters. Gorath, especially, was a fun alternative perspective on events in the world of Midkemia, and his character development in particular was engaging. It was great fun to be reunited with Jimmy, though — he's always a joy in Feist's work.
For minor characters, Patrus was perhaps the most entertaining.
Plot-wise, I did enjoy the twists and turns. The threat was always in the background, but the details of the threat were ever-changing. Aside from earlier critiques, however, a further complaint would be that I felt like the ending was rushed. There's a final battle, and then suddenly, it somewhat feels, some people are dead and everything is resolved, and things have returned to the status quo.
In other words, it somewhat felt like the whole story was actually somewhat inconsequential. That being said, I'll be keeping my mind open to any callbacks in future reads.
More accurately, my rating is probably 3.5, but I always round up, and I certainly wouldn't say I regret reading it. I got what I expect from Feist, and that provides me with joy.
December 31, 2022
Another great start to a series in the large world written by Feist! The book had some adventure feeling with characters traveling around during the events of the book. I really wish Feist would spend more time in Elevandar or with the Dwarves, that would be really interesting! We got to meet new characters in this book, I really enjoyed them, although not everyone made it out. The ending really has me wondering what part Owyn will play in the future and how that relates to my favorite character, Pug.
January 31, 2022
I understand why R.E Feist would write a whole legacy series, these characters are just way too good to only have in one series. If i think of this as a D&D roleplaying game, I wish I was with them to meet the guys that inspired these epic characters. Arutha, Martin, Thomas, Pug and Jimmy the Hand!!
A great read! This series is like licking the bowl clean after all the cake is done, just that last remnants of all the deliciousness!!!
A great read! This series is like licking the bowl clean after all the cake is done, just that last remnants of all the deliciousness!!!
August 22, 2019
4 stars with an average of 8.125/10
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: 8.5/10
Plot: 8/10
Writing: 8/10
General enjoyment: 9/10
Review
To come
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: 8.5/10
Plot: 8/10
Writing: 8/10
General enjoyment: 9/10
Review
To come
July 12, 2024
Moeilijk om in te komen. Omdat het verhaal zich afspeelt tussen Roberts twee grote Sagas weet je technisch gezien al hoe het allemaal afloopt, wat de spanningsboog moeilijker maakt. Halverwege het boek raak je echter wel gehecht aan de nieuwe karakters, die een vrijwel volledig verhaal doormaken. Samengevat: Prima boek, maar weegt niet op tegen zijn sagas.
August 13, 2018
Ve srovnání s jinými knihami od R. E. Feista slabší, i tak ale dobré počtení. Za mě hodnocení 3,5 z 5.
September 15, 2024
all im gonna say is that you can really tell this one started life as a video game. while a fine jimmy story, there was just something missing from it that characterises it from the wider riftwar
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