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Conclave of Shadows #2
King of Foxes
Young Tal Hawkins was the only survivor of the massacre of his village -- rescued, recruited, and trained by the mysterious order of magicians and spies, the Conclave of Shadows. Already exceptionally skilled in swordsmanship, he has since developed into one of the secret society's most valuable agents, keeping ever alert for the opportunity to arise when he can avenge the craven slaughter of his family and friends.
That time is now.
Posing as a nobleman from the distant Kingdom of the Isles, he gains entrance into the court of the Duke of Olasko, the bloodthirsty and powerful despot whose armies put Tal's village to the sword. But the enemy is cunning and well protected -- in league with the foul necromancer Leso Varen, dark master of death-magic -- and to gain the Duke's trust and confidence, Tal Hawkins must first sell his soul.
Only by swearing an oath of allegiance to his hated nemesis can Tal hope to get close enough to kill the Duke and bring his empire crashing down. But the tyrant demands that his new acolyte prove his loyalty with blood. Sent off to do his "master's" malevolent bidding -- each depraved mission more odious than the last -- the Talon of the Silver Hawk faces a spirit-crushing dilemma. Only through evil can his vengeance succeed, yet his alternatives are more terrible still: madness, torture, damnation, and a slow, lingering death in the Fortress of Despair.
That time is now.
Posing as a nobleman from the distant Kingdom of the Isles, he gains entrance into the court of the Duke of Olasko, the bloodthirsty and powerful despot whose armies put Tal's village to the sword. But the enemy is cunning and well protected -- in league with the foul necromancer Leso Varen, dark master of death-magic -- and to gain the Duke's trust and confidence, Tal Hawkins must first sell his soul.
Only by swearing an oath of allegiance to his hated nemesis can Tal hope to get close enough to kill the Duke and bring his empire crashing down. But the tyrant demands that his new acolyte prove his loyalty with blood. Sent off to do his "master's" malevolent bidding -- each depraved mission more odious than the last -- the Talon of the Silver Hawk faces a spirit-crushing dilemma. Only through evil can his vengeance succeed, yet his alternatives are more terrible still: madness, torture, damnation, and a slow, lingering death in the Fortress of Despair.
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
285 people are currently reading
4180 people want to read
About the author
Raymond E. Feist
300 books9,612 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 199 reviews
May 5, 2019
This one turned out quite a bit darker than the first, happily, and the hero of our tale got himself very nicely snagged as a minor noble in a big chaotic game of the Duke.
The duke is, of course, the king of foxes, and he really won’t be outfoxed.
All told, I had a good time, enjoying a lot of intrigue fluff, long-game revenge planning, and natural reversals. It’s game of thrones, Feist-style.
There is nothing groundbreaking here, but it was entertaining, and that’s all I’m looking for at the moment. :)
The duke is, of course, the king of foxes, and he really won’t be outfoxed.
All told, I had a good time, enjoying a lot of intrigue fluff, long-game revenge planning, and natural reversals. It’s game of thrones, Feist-style.
There is nothing groundbreaking here, but it was entertaining, and that’s all I’m looking for at the moment. :)
February 18, 2020
Quick easy read while the rain lashes down. 2.5 stars.
May 25, 2024
Continuing my fantasy read, book # 23 in the land of Midkemia.
Talon, has infiltrated the court of the Duke Kasper, with every intention of finally getting his revenge. Things do not go as planned and Talon ends up in a forlorn prison island with little hope getting off of it. The Isle of Sorcerers has told Tal they cannot help him in his venture into Kasper's dark world. Keeping the memories of his people and family in the forefront, Talon spends years developing a plan, with only one chance for making it happen.
With this book Feist has proven himself back from his wallowing, and his writing produced a character so complex that I have to put Talon on my list of great characters. Not just in this series, but in all my fantasy reading.
Talon, has infiltrated the court of the Duke Kasper, with every intention of finally getting his revenge. Things do not go as planned and Talon ends up in a forlorn prison island with little hope getting off of it. The Isle of Sorcerers has told Tal they cannot help him in his venture into Kasper's dark world. Keeping the memories of his people and family in the forefront, Talon spends years developing a plan, with only one chance for making it happen.
With this book Feist has proven himself back from his wallowing, and his writing produced a character so complex that I have to put Talon on my list of great characters. Not just in this series, but in all my fantasy reading.
January 2, 2026
Good, solid fantasy adventure. Takes the themes of the prior book and continues them, driving this tale of revenge and battles against evil to its conclusion. The writing is good, the characters remain interesting, and the pacing is fine. 3.25 out of 5
August 19, 2018
In my review of the first part of this series, I have said that the story it tells is more grounded, mainly because of the limited role of magic in it. In the second part, magic has an equally limited role, but that does not mean that the story is just as grounded. I am always lenient at the excesses of some fantasy works, but in the case of this book for the most part the plot did not make any sense. We continue to monitor our hero's attempt to infiltrate the enemy camp, but the general plan behind this choice is not very reasonable. Then the attempt to revenge is done with different rules that are more understandable and finally we end up in a great fight where most issues are resolved to such an extent that I wonder what's left for the 3rd part.
I can not say that I did not like this book, it is certainly interesting, and the ethical dilemmas resulting from the story give a little bit more depth - although certainly their description is not done in the most subtle way - there are important developments that give a different dimension, but I feel that the author does not take advantage of all this to make us more emotionally involved with what we are reading. I have expected something more and finally I did not find it, so I have to go to the third part to see if there is something special.
Στην κριτική μου για το πρώτο μέρος αυτής της σειράς είχα πει ότι η ιστορία που αφηγείται είναι περισσότερο προσγειωμένη, κυρίως εξαιτίας του περιορισμένου ρόλου της μαγείας σε αυτήν. Στο δεύτερο μέρος η μαγεία έχει εξίσου περιορισμένο ρόλο αλλά αυτό δεν σημαίνει ότι η ιστορία είναι εξίσου προσγειωμένη. Είμαι πάντοτε επιεικής στις υπερβολές κάποιων έργων φαντασίας αλλά στην περίπτωση αυτού του βιβλίου στο μεγαλύτερο μέρος η πλοκή δεν έβγαζε ιδιαίτερο νόημα. Συνεχίζουμε να παρακολουθούμε την προσπάθεια του ήρωα μας να διεισδύσει στο εχθρικό στρατόπεδο αλλά το γενικότερο σχέδιο πίσω από αυτή την επιλογή δεν έχει πολύ λογική. Στη συνέχεια η προσπάθεια εκδίκησης γίνεται με διαφορετικούς κανόνες που είναι περισσότερο κατανοητοί και τελικά καταλήγουμε σε μία μεγάλη μάχη όπου τα περισσότερα θέματα λύνονται σε τέτοιο βαθμό που Αναρωτιέμαι τι μένει για το 3ο μέρος.
Δεν μπορώ να πω ότι δεν μου άρεσε αυτό το βιβλίο, έχει σίγουρα ενδιαφέρον και τα ηθικά διλήμματα που προκύπτουν από την ιστορία δίνουνε λίγο περισσότερο βάθος -αν και σίγουρα η περιγραφή τους δεν γίνεται με τον πιο επιδέξιο τρόπο -, υπάρχουν σημαντικές εξελίξεις που δίνουν μία διαφορετική διάσταση, νιώθω, όμως, ότι ο συγγραφέας δεν εκμεταλλεύεται όλα αυτά για να μας κάνει να εμπλακούμε περισσότερο συναισθηματικά με αυτά που διαβάζουμε. Περιμένω κάτι παραπάνω και τελικά δεν το βρήκα, οπότε πρέπει να προχωρήσω και στο τρίτο μέρος για να δω αν υπάρχει κάτι ξεχωριστό.
I can not say that I did not like this book, it is certainly interesting, and the ethical dilemmas resulting from the story give a little bit more depth - although certainly their description is not done in the most subtle way - there are important developments that give a different dimension, but I feel that the author does not take advantage of all this to make us more emotionally involved with what we are reading. I have expected something more and finally I did not find it, so I have to go to the third part to see if there is something special.
Στην κριτική μου για το πρώτο μέρος αυτής της σειράς είχα πει ότι η ιστορία που αφηγείται είναι περισσότερο προσγειωμένη, κυρίως εξαιτίας του περιορισμένου ρόλου της μαγείας σε αυτήν. Στο δεύτερο μέρος η μαγεία έχει εξίσου περιορισμένο ρόλο αλλά αυτό δεν σημαίνει ότι η ιστορία είναι εξίσου προσγειωμένη. Είμαι πάντοτε επιεικής στις υπερβολές κάποιων έργων φαντασίας αλλά στην περίπτωση αυτού του βιβλίου στο μεγαλύτερο μέρος η πλοκή δεν έβγαζε ιδιαίτερο νόημα. Συνεχίζουμε να παρακολουθούμε την προσπάθεια του ήρωα μας να διεισδύσει στο εχθρικό στρατόπεδο αλλά το γενικότερο σχέδιο πίσω από αυτή την επιλογή δεν έχει πολύ λογική. Στη συνέχεια η προσπάθεια εκδίκησης γίνεται με διαφορετικούς κανόνες που είναι περισσότερο κατανοητοί και τελικά καταλήγουμε σε μία μεγάλη μάχη όπου τα περισσότερα θέματα λύνονται σε τέτοιο βαθμό που Αναρωτιέμαι τι μένει για το 3ο μέρος.
Δεν μπορώ να πω ότι δεν μου άρεσε αυτό το βιβλίο, έχει σίγουρα ενδιαφέρον και τα ηθικά διλήμματα που προκύπτουν από την ιστορία δίνουνε λίγο περισσότερο βάθος -αν και σίγουρα η περιγραφή τους δεν γίνεται με τον πιο επιδέξιο τρόπο -, υπάρχουν σημαντικές εξελίξεις που δίνουν μία διαφορετική διάσταση, νιώθω, όμως, ότι ο συγγραφέας δεν εκμεταλλεύεται όλα αυτά για να μας κάνει να εμπλακούμε περισσότερο συναισθηματικά με αυτά που διαβάζουμε. Περιμένω κάτι παραπάνω και τελικά δεν το βρήκα, οπότε πρέπει να προχωρήσω και στο τρίτο μέρος για να δω αν υπάρχει κάτι ξεχωριστό.
February 2, 2020
King of Foxes is the second book in the Conclave of Shadows subseries within the larger Riftwar Cycle series by Raymond E. Feist. The story continued to focus on the characters introduced in the first book and moved forward with the story begun there.
This was another solid, enjoyable read. I really don’t have much to say about it that I didn’t already say about the first book. I was actually surprised that most of the plot seemed to have been wrapped up by the end even though there’s one more book in the trilogy. There were some revelations near the end that seemed likely to be setup for the next subseries, but maybe we’ll learn more about it in the next book too. Also, the thing that happened at the very end of this book combined with the title of the next book does give at least a hint as to what the next book might be about. I’m looking forward to finding out what happens next.
This was another solid, enjoyable read. I really don’t have much to say about it that I didn’t already say about the first book. I was actually surprised that most of the plot seemed to have been wrapped up by the end even though there’s one more book in the trilogy. There were some revelations near the end that seemed likely to be setup for the next subseries, but maybe we’ll learn more about it in the next book too. Also, the thing that happened at the very end of this book combined with the title of the next book does give at least a hint as to what the next book might be about. I’m looking forward to finding out what happens next.
January 10, 2023
Mnogo bolja od predhodne knjige. Radnja je brza i konkretnija. Nema previse filera koji su tu da popune stranice ili da jednostavno na tanak nacin prodube i pojacaju "gradjenje sveta" (world building).
June 20, 2011
I quickly consumed this Fantasy pap middle chapter after enjoying the paint-by-numbers origin story in 'Talon of the Silver Hawk'.
I wanted to spend more time with our hero Talon (or 'Tal' as he's known now) but his company is starting to wear thin. There's just something so pedestrian about this series. It's enjoyable, and yes, Raymond E. Feist still writes with 'vivid imagination' as the back cover proclaims, but the problem is he already imagined this stuff three or four times before, and now it really just feels like a 'best of' from the past, regurgitated with a minimum of zest and gusto.
Another thing which is becoming clear to me now that I've finished part 2 is that this story feels awfully familiar (I'm looking at you Count of Monte Cristo!) - but that's fine as I love revenge stories, particularly ones which contain an 'escape from prison sequence', which this sequel contains and was the stand-out section for me.
So I will finish this trilogy now that I've committed a few weeks of my life to it already, but I can't help but feel that Mr Feist himself may have grown a little bored of spending time in Midkemia and is therefore unable to make me care much either (or maybe 'Magician' is just as average as this and I view it through the forgiving hue of nostalgia?).
Having said that, the ending was quite strong (I even had that feeling where you hair stands on end when you finish the book), so I have high(ish) hopes for the final chapter.
I wanted to spend more time with our hero Talon (or 'Tal' as he's known now) but his company is starting to wear thin. There's just something so pedestrian about this series. It's enjoyable, and yes, Raymond E. Feist still writes with 'vivid imagination' as the back cover proclaims, but the problem is he already imagined this stuff three or four times before, and now it really just feels like a 'best of' from the past, regurgitated with a minimum of zest and gusto.
Another thing which is becoming clear to me now that I've finished part 2 is that this story feels awfully familiar (I'm looking at you Count of Monte Cristo!) - but that's fine as I love revenge stories, particularly ones which contain an 'escape from prison sequence', which this sequel contains and was the stand-out section for me.
So I will finish this trilogy now that I've committed a few weeks of my life to it already, but I can't help but feel that Mr Feist himself may have grown a little bored of spending time in Midkemia and is therefore unable to make me care much either (or maybe 'Magician' is just as average as this and I view it through the forgiving hue of nostalgia?).
Having said that, the ending was quite strong (I even had that feeling where you hair stands on end when you finish the book), so I have high(ish) hopes for the final chapter.
March 27, 2016
'What did you do over Easter, Danielle?' I will no doubt be asked when I dawdle into work bright and early on Tuesday morning.
'I read', will be my half asleep reply.
And that will be the ridiculous truth. I have done nothing but read, eat, ducked into work to clear the chute, done my washing, and slept. And then I read some more.
"King of Foxes" is the second instalment in the "Conclave of Shadows" series. It continues to follow Talon of the Silver Hawk/Tal Hawkins as he becomes a spy, a prisoner, a mercenary captain, and leader of his people.
In that particular order. And only in this book.
Again, I read this rather quickly and dogmatically. Tal is becoming a character that I adore, but not in the traditional sense. He is certainly not without flaws, but he grapples with them day to day just as any human being would.
In fact, Tal almost takes the full blown step to anti-hero status in this book as he murders, humiliates, and betrays just about everyone he speaks to.
Pug, Nakor, and Magnus all take a back seat as Tal exudes his status as an agent for the Conclave. Caleb and Miranda are completely absent (more's the pity), as Tal finalises his vengeance against the men who wronged and wiped out his people.
It's well written, certainly, but I can't help but see the markings of cliche and trope everywhere I read. An orphaned boy, the last of his race, on a path to vengeance. Will he lose his way on that path and become someone he is not? Will he actually begin to trust and like those that wronged his people? All that kind of thing.
Albeit well written, is still leaves me hollow and wanting more. Maybe I wanted more of the magicians. Maybe I wanted characters I loved and adored back again, even though they're long dead. Who knows.
Still a good read though.
'I read', will be my half asleep reply.
And that will be the ridiculous truth. I have done nothing but read, eat, ducked into work to clear the chute, done my washing, and slept. And then I read some more.
"King of Foxes" is the second instalment in the "Conclave of Shadows" series. It continues to follow Talon of the Silver Hawk/Tal Hawkins as he becomes a spy, a prisoner, a mercenary captain, and leader of his people.
In that particular order. And only in this book.
Again, I read this rather quickly and dogmatically. Tal is becoming a character that I adore, but not in the traditional sense. He is certainly not without flaws, but he grapples with them day to day just as any human being would.
In fact, Tal almost takes the full blown step to anti-hero status in this book as he murders, humiliates, and betrays just about everyone he speaks to.
Pug, Nakor, and Magnus all take a back seat as Tal exudes his status as an agent for the Conclave. Caleb and Miranda are completely absent (more's the pity), as Tal finalises his vengeance against the men who wronged and wiped out his people.
It's well written, certainly, but I can't help but see the markings of cliche and trope everywhere I read. An orphaned boy, the last of his race, on a path to vengeance. Will he lose his way on that path and become someone he is not? Will he actually begin to trust and like those that wronged his people? All that kind of thing.
Albeit well written, is still leaves me hollow and wanting more. Maybe I wanted more of the magicians. Maybe I wanted characters I loved and adored back again, even though they're long dead. Who knows.
Still a good read though.
May 15, 2024
Overall a much better read than the last series! Although not too much in the way of action happened, when it did it was well done. He can write battle scenes. Now the romance part, not so much. I feel like an author could have taken advantage of this at the end of the book but it was a little childish. The character development of Tal was enjoyable and I hope his character continues to shift and doesn’t get flat. Definitely will be continuing on!
November 6, 2020
This book really kept me on my toes and had some horrific consequences.
Really really enjoyed this sequel to Talon Of The Silver Hawk.
Tal is quickly becoming my favourite protagonist in this series!
Hannah xoxo
Really really enjoyed this sequel to Talon Of The Silver Hawk.
Tal is quickly becoming my favourite protagonist in this series!
Hannah xoxo
October 22, 2018
Great story well presented. I will definitely look out for more books in this series.
February 16, 2011
In which Raymond E. Feist displays absolutely no creativity whatsoever. Ugh. I know in my review of the first book in the series, I was ranting about what a lovely trait a bit of predictability can be... but seriously, I'm pretty stupid. This book did absolutely nothing I haven't seen in another fantasy novel; furthermore, it did nothing I haven't seen in a FEIST novel. It's pretty bad when you start cannibalizing your own plot lines.
What doesn't suck: Um. Lets skip this part.
What sucked: In the first book, Talon actually developed a little. In this book, he did not change even slightly--but at the end of the book, the reader is expected to believe he has undergone some sort of metamorphasis into a better person. Bullshit. There was no epiphany, no reason his entire outlook would so suddenly change. His entire life revolved around vengeance, and just as he gets it he decides he wants to be the bigger man? No. That's just the author deciding he did in a few sentences. LAME.
The plot was boring to the extreme. Sometimes I don't think you're even trying anymore, Feist. It turns out it's the same Big Bad its been in half of his books, but this time only Talon can save him! Because he doesn't have magic! Or some such crap. It doesn't really matter.
The worst part is I have to read the next one. That's what sucks the most.
Deep Thoughts: This book does not warrant any further thought. Ever.
Rating: Sucked. 1 star.
What doesn't suck: Um. Lets skip this part.
What sucked: In the first book, Talon actually developed a little. In this book, he did not change even slightly--but at the end of the book, the reader is expected to believe he has undergone some sort of metamorphasis into a better person. Bullshit. There was no epiphany, no reason his entire outlook would so suddenly change. His entire life revolved around vengeance, and just as he gets it he decides he wants to be the bigger man? No. That's just the author deciding he did in a few sentences. LAME.
The plot was boring to the extreme. Sometimes I don't think you're even trying anymore, Feist. It turns out it's the same Big Bad its been in half of his books, but this time only Talon can save him! Because he doesn't have magic! Or some such crap. It doesn't really matter.
The worst part is I have to read the next one. That's what sucks the most.
Deep Thoughts: This book does not warrant any further thought. Ever.
Rating: Sucked. 1 star.
November 19, 2022
Läsning 2: Mindre trakterad, men fortfarande en bra bok.
Läsning 1: Underbar mörk fantasy. Sword and sorcery-känsla. Utmärkt. Kan inte annat än rekommendera åt de fantasynördar jag har i vänkretsen.
Läsning 1: Underbar mörk fantasy. Sword and sorcery-känsla. Utmärkt. Kan inte annat än rekommendera åt de fantasynördar jag har i vänkretsen.
December 1, 2024
Begin jaren tweeduizend zorgde een tripje, naar wat destijds de Makro was, ervoor dat ik het boek Magiër van Raymond e Feist kocht. Het verhaal sprak me aan en alhoewel ik nog nooit gehoord had van Feist toch het boek aangeschaft. We spreken dan ook over mijn pre-internet leven. Geen internet, geen boekensites, soms wel een rustiger leven dan nu. Maar met Magiër ging voor mij een deur open naar fantasie, meer gespitst op volwassenen. Sindsdien verzot op fantasie en vooral van de boeken van Feist. Waarom deze uitleg? Awel omdat ik terug een boek (her)lezen heb van deze auteur. Koning der vossen, het tweede boek in de trilogie rond het conclaaf der schaduwen.
Voor zij die hem niet kennen, Feist is een Amerikaanse fantasie auteur die een reeks van meer dan dertig boeken schreef over de werelden Midkemia en Kelewan. Wereld die hij verzon met een paar vrienden om Dungeons and Dragons mee te spelen.
In Koning der vossen volgen we Claudius Haviks, de enige overlevende van zijn stam, die nog steeds wraak wil nemen op de uitroeiers van zijn stam. Het conclaaf raad hem aan kalm te blijven omdat zij willen te weten komen welke krachten Leso Varen, een krachtige magiër, aan het samenstellen is. Claudius moet proberen in de omgeving van Varen te raken en zal hierbij moeten toetreden tot de hofhouding van Kaspar. De hertog die hij verantwoordelijk acht voor het vermoorden van zijn stam. Claudius moet zich in het hol van de leeuw wagen en zijn kalmte bewaren om alle info naar boven te krijgen.
Mijn gedacht
Terug een spannend verhaal in de reeks rond Kelewan en Midkemia. Zoals we gewend zijn van Feist zijn en blijven politieke spelletjes een belangrijk thema in dit boek. Zonder al die politiek vallen zijn boeken gewoon op hun gat. Nu zorgt de combinatie politiek en spanning voor een steengoed verhaal.
Wat ook bijdraagt aan het verhaal is de wereldopbouw. De omgeving wordt elke keer wel mooi vermeld zodat je als lezer je ergens toch wel een beeld ervan kan vormen. Dit zowel qua natuur als qua architectuur. Maar ook belangrijk, er wordt zeer goed omschreven hoe een personage eruit ziet. Het maakt het wat meer visueel.
De schrijfstijl is zoals gewoonlijk zeer vlot waardoor je doorheen het boek vliegt terwijl je toch alle nuances van het verhaal goed oppikt.
De personages zijn goed uitgewerkt en krijgen genoeg zaken te verduren doorheen het verhaal. Naarmate het verhaal in intensiteit toeneemt voel je de spanning bij het karakter zelf stijgen.
Ik zou wel aanraden om de reeksen in volgorde te lezen omdat je anders de personages minder naar waarde kan schatten. Door ze op orde te lezen groei je mee met hen en zie je per boek hoe ze volwassener worden in hun aanpak en bedenkingen.
Het slot zit goed in elkaar. Geen al te grote verrassingen maar toch genoeg kleine kronkeltjes om de aandacht echt wel tot die laatste pagina vast te houden.
Conclusie
Terug een goed deel in de trilogie Conclaaf der schaduwen maar ook een nieuw radertje in het raderwerk rond deze immense reeks. Personages die je als lezer kan voelen, een verhaal met grote hoeveelheden huurmoordenaars, politieke spelletjes en amoureuze avontuurtjes. Ik ben en blijf fan. Maar lees ze op volgorde, dan begrijp je alles en iedereen beter dan dat je zomaar in de reeks springt.
Favoriete auteurs heb ik bij de vleet maar Feist steekt er toch met kop en schouders bovenuit. De politiek die hij gebruikt in zijn boeken zijn echt de kern van zijn verhalen. Alles staat of valt met deze steunpilaar. De personages zijn een ander belangrijk aspect van zijn boeken. Een grote diversiteit en vooral allemaal stuk voor stuk andere karakters. Waar ik ook grote fan van ben is zijn wereldopbouw. Allemaal mooi omschreven zodat ik er me toch wel een beeld van kan vormen over de omgeving of gebouwen. Binnenkort door naar het volgende deel van deze reeks.
Voor zij die hem niet kennen, Feist is een Amerikaanse fantasie auteur die een reeks van meer dan dertig boeken schreef over de werelden Midkemia en Kelewan. Wereld die hij verzon met een paar vrienden om Dungeons and Dragons mee te spelen.
In Koning der vossen volgen we Claudius Haviks, de enige overlevende van zijn stam, die nog steeds wraak wil nemen op de uitroeiers van zijn stam. Het conclaaf raad hem aan kalm te blijven omdat zij willen te weten komen welke krachten Leso Varen, een krachtige magiër, aan het samenstellen is. Claudius moet proberen in de omgeving van Varen te raken en zal hierbij moeten toetreden tot de hofhouding van Kaspar. De hertog die hij verantwoordelijk acht voor het vermoorden van zijn stam. Claudius moet zich in het hol van de leeuw wagen en zijn kalmte bewaren om alle info naar boven te krijgen.
Mijn gedacht
Terug een spannend verhaal in de reeks rond Kelewan en Midkemia. Zoals we gewend zijn van Feist zijn en blijven politieke spelletjes een belangrijk thema in dit boek. Zonder al die politiek vallen zijn boeken gewoon op hun gat. Nu zorgt de combinatie politiek en spanning voor een steengoed verhaal.
Wat ook bijdraagt aan het verhaal is de wereldopbouw. De omgeving wordt elke keer wel mooi vermeld zodat je als lezer je ergens toch wel een beeld ervan kan vormen. Dit zowel qua natuur als qua architectuur. Maar ook belangrijk, er wordt zeer goed omschreven hoe een personage eruit ziet. Het maakt het wat meer visueel.
De schrijfstijl is zoals gewoonlijk zeer vlot waardoor je doorheen het boek vliegt terwijl je toch alle nuances van het verhaal goed oppikt.
De personages zijn goed uitgewerkt en krijgen genoeg zaken te verduren doorheen het verhaal. Naarmate het verhaal in intensiteit toeneemt voel je de spanning bij het karakter zelf stijgen.
Ik zou wel aanraden om de reeksen in volgorde te lezen omdat je anders de personages minder naar waarde kan schatten. Door ze op orde te lezen groei je mee met hen en zie je per boek hoe ze volwassener worden in hun aanpak en bedenkingen.
Het slot zit goed in elkaar. Geen al te grote verrassingen maar toch genoeg kleine kronkeltjes om de aandacht echt wel tot die laatste pagina vast te houden.
Conclusie
Terug een goed deel in de trilogie Conclaaf der schaduwen maar ook een nieuw radertje in het raderwerk rond deze immense reeks. Personages die je als lezer kan voelen, een verhaal met grote hoeveelheden huurmoordenaars, politieke spelletjes en amoureuze avontuurtjes. Ik ben en blijf fan. Maar lees ze op volgorde, dan begrijp je alles en iedereen beter dan dat je zomaar in de reeks springt.
Favoriete auteurs heb ik bij de vleet maar Feist steekt er toch met kop en schouders bovenuit. De politiek die hij gebruikt in zijn boeken zijn echt de kern van zijn verhalen. Alles staat of valt met deze steunpilaar. De personages zijn een ander belangrijk aspect van zijn boeken. Een grote diversiteit en vooral allemaal stuk voor stuk andere karakters. Waar ik ook grote fan van ben is zijn wereldopbouw. Allemaal mooi omschreven zodat ik er me toch wel een beeld van kan vormen over de omgeving of gebouwen. Binnenkort door naar het volgende deel van deze reeks.
March 28, 2019
In dit boeken volgen wij Klauw (Claus) tijdens zijn verdere pogingen om wraak te nemen op Hertog Kasper. Hij komt voor grote dilemmas te staan als hij aan het einde van het boek een keuze moet maken.
De eerste helft van het boek was nogal cliche-vol. In de twee helft werd het boek heel wat beter, met veel actie.
De titel is naar mijn mening niet gelukkig gekozen. Er was geen enkele verwijzing naar of connectie naar een Koning der Vossen.
Op naar het derde deel De Terugkeer van de Banneling
De eerste helft van het boek was nogal cliche-vol. In de twee helft werd het boek heel wat beter, met veel actie.
De titel is naar mijn mening niet gelukkig gekozen. Er was geen enkele verwijzing naar of connectie naar een Koning der Vossen.
Op naar het derde deel De Terugkeer van de Banneling
March 5, 2022
The Story of Talon of the Silver Hawk continues. He is 2 people, in his heart and Soul he is an Orisini boy who longs for the simple life of raising children and providing for his family, but life (and the conclave of shadows) has shaped him into a deadly weapon.
I loved this fresh new character, like so many of R. E. Feist characters he is uniquely brilliant in his skill set. But he adds seduction as a new added skill
I loved this fresh new character, like so many of R. E. Feist characters he is uniquely brilliant in his skill set. But he adds seduction as a new added skill
September 8, 2017
DNF
This isn't an 'I FINISHED!' it's an 'I'm FINISHED WITH THIS SERIES!'. Ugh. Perfect man-boys who are good at everything and are only interested in women for 'love-making'. Done and done.
This isn't an 'I FINISHED!' it's an 'I'm FINISHED WITH THIS SERIES!'. Ugh. Perfect man-boys who are good at everything and are only interested in women for 'love-making'. Done and done.
August 7, 2010
This second book in the Conclave of Shadows series takes the hero Talwin Hawkins from a shell shocked boy, to a young man driven by revenge to a man who redeems himself and his people. The political intrigues that played out were complex enough to keep the story interesting, but not so deep that they were hard to follow. Hawkins hatches a complicated plan that requires the conclave to assist him in finally carrying out his revenge. Along the way Tal learns that many of the people involved in his life were not individual actors but part of something bigger than themselves as well. Often his "enemies" were simply being used as Tal himself was being used by the conclave. Tal learns that just like the "evil" forces that destroyed his people, Tal had made human life expendable in his quest for revenge. He killed people he had no quarrel with to get close to his eventual target, the Duke of Olasko. The tail ends nicely with Tal achieving some semblance of revenge and redemption.
I did enjoy this book much more than book one but couldn't give it 4 stars for two reasons. First, the author used magic to regenerate lost limbs. And while I guess that was necessary for the dramatic ending, I though the fact that Tal was damage in his quest made him more of an identifiable hero. He was in essence a fantasy world 007, a man of many talents and good with the ladies. To have him beaten and broken during book two made him easier to identify with. Things didn't go his way constantly in his pursuit. His eventual redemption would have been even more powerful if things had not been magically fixed. It's easier to forgive if you get all your damage body parts back and your health is restored. I felt that the scars of his young life would have meant much more. Finally, I think the complex political intrigue the author built up through two books was complex enough to keep me intrigued, but not too difficult to follow. The author chose to wrap things up a little too neatly for my taste in the end. I will hold out that he may revisit some of these issues in the final book.
While these two drawbacks kept me from giving this book 4 stars, it is not enough to deter me from reading the final book in the series.
I did enjoy this book much more than book one but couldn't give it 4 stars for two reasons. First, the author used magic to regenerate lost limbs. And while I guess that was necessary for the dramatic ending, I though the fact that Tal was damage in his quest made him more of an identifiable hero. He was in essence a fantasy world 007, a man of many talents and good with the ladies. To have him beaten and broken during book two made him easier to identify with. Things didn't go his way constantly in his pursuit. His eventual redemption would have been even more powerful if things had not been magically fixed. It's easier to forgive if you get all your damage body parts back and your health is restored. I felt that the scars of his young life would have meant much more. Finally, I think the complex political intrigue the author built up through two books was complex enough to keep me intrigued, but not too difficult to follow. The author chose to wrap things up a little too neatly for my taste in the end. I will hold out that he may revisit some of these issues in the final book.
While these two drawbacks kept me from giving this book 4 stars, it is not enough to deter me from reading the final book in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 29, 2020
This is the second book in the Conclave of Shadows series. The first lay the groundwork for this book, which is full of action and finishes Talwin Hawkins part of the tale ... for now.
It follows Tal's journey as he tries to avenge his people, but ends up getting to close to the man responsible and leaving himself open to betrayal. Lots of twists and turns keep this a page turner - there were definitely events I didn't expect to happen, but I liked that the storyline - at least Tal's part of it - was completed. I really enjoyed getting to know him better too and sort of sitting on his shoulder as the story unfurls.
What I also love about this book is how it connected to the other books, and the history of Midkemia and the surrounding lands. This book refers to several others, reminding the reader of other stories in the series. I also liked that we met with Jimmy the Hand again - or Lord James of Krondor as he has become. He was one of my favourite characters.
I was left eager to read the final book in the Conclave of Shadows series - Exile's Return. Fortunately I have it!
It follows Tal's journey as he tries to avenge his people, but ends up getting to close to the man responsible and leaving himself open to betrayal. Lots of twists and turns keep this a page turner - there were definitely events I didn't expect to happen, but I liked that the storyline - at least Tal's part of it - was completed. I really enjoyed getting to know him better too and sort of sitting on his shoulder as the story unfurls.
What I also love about this book is how it connected to the other books, and the history of Midkemia and the surrounding lands. This book refers to several others, reminding the reader of other stories in the series. I also liked that we met with Jimmy the Hand again - or Lord James of Krondor as he has become. He was one of my favourite characters.
I was left eager to read the final book in the Conclave of Shadows series - Exile's Return. Fortunately I have it!
September 7, 2016
Notes for me:
Well that was a turn around, the first half of the book I didn't like, Tal was strutting around, murdering people barely with a twitch of his conscience and enjoying the "good to be king" lifestyle a bit too much.
Plus Feist used the phrase unnatural reflexes to describe Tal's quickness way too much.
Then it all changed when Tal find himself in the Fortress of Despair. His humility, bravery and resilience in the face of abject misery warmed my heart to him all over again. Quite an exciting storyline with the escape and the storming of Kaspar's castle. I liked the simplicity of how Tal beat Laren. Believable and well earned.
The finale with Eye of the Blue Winged Teal being reunited with Tal was poignant and sweet. I liked seeing Tal reclaim his soul with mercy for Kaspar and forgiveness for Quint.
Now on to Book 3.
Well that was a turn around, the first half of the book I didn't like, Tal was strutting around, murdering people barely with a twitch of his conscience and enjoying the "good to be king" lifestyle a bit too much.
Plus Feist used the phrase unnatural reflexes to describe Tal's quickness way too much.
Then it all changed when Tal find himself in the Fortress of Despair. His humility, bravery and resilience in the face of abject misery warmed my heart to him all over again. Quite an exciting storyline with the escape and the storming of Kaspar's castle. I liked the simplicity of how Tal beat Laren. Believable and well earned.
The finale with Eye of the Blue Winged Teal being reunited with Tal was poignant and sweet. I liked seeing Tal reclaim his soul with mercy for Kaspar and forgiveness for Quint.
Now on to Book 3.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2010
This sequel picked up right where Talon of the Silver Hawk ended. And as Talon of the Silver Hawk, or Tal Hawkins, developed, he became a stronger and more likable character. Some of the hardships he faced could have made this a much darker book, but lucky interventions in the same vein as the last book, kept Tal optimistic and surprisingly upbeat.
I wonder what will happen in the next book, especially considering the fate of the villain....
My favorite scene, though, was the shark/beach scene - such fun, and totally unexpected for a fantasy novel. I do hope that Nakor and other series regulars play a larger role in the next book! The series seems to be winding (or wending, as this seems to be Feist's new favorite word) down, but I remain curious to see where it all goes!
I wonder what will happen in the next book, especially considering the fate of the villain....
My favorite scene, though, was the shark/beach scene - such fun, and totally unexpected for a fantasy novel. I do hope that Nakor and other series regulars play a larger role in the next book! The series seems to be winding (or wending, as this seems to be Feist's new favorite word) down, but I remain curious to see where it all goes!
April 25, 2022
Whilst the last book was a steady read, I found this one had a pace that just keep me reading. I think the shock was built from the amputation. Part of me couldn't quite believe it had happened, to a character we'd grown to admire. The prison sequence and escape were brilliant.
If it had a flaw, I'd say that the ending felt a bit quick. For all that we'd spent the best part of two books hating Kasper, his meeting with Talon was over fast. There was little to really flesh out why Talon had had a change of heart, or why he'd decided to make the choices he did.
Nevertheless, I really liked it. From his lows to the highs, Talon's story was a pleasure to read.
If it had a flaw, I'd say that the ending felt a bit quick. For all that we'd spent the best part of two books hating Kasper, his meeting with Talon was over fast. There was little to really flesh out why Talon had had a change of heart, or why he'd decided to make the choices he did.
Nevertheless, I really liked it. From his lows to the highs, Talon's story was a pleasure to read.
July 20, 2014
Book picks up first book pace very well and one adventure follows an other with even a variant of Count Monte Cristo story. There are rough edges and some scenes do not play as well as it might/should.
December 26, 2017
Dávam tri lebo sú Vianoce a ja to konzumujem popri iných vianočných dobrotách. Výdatne zaliate domácim kokosovým likérom sa to dalo. Inak je to nekreatívny stredný medzi-diel, kde sa toho stane veľa až sa z toho hlava točí. Ale superhrdinovia rozchodia všetko a končatiny im dorastajú. wtf klišé.
February 17, 2025
Middle book syndrome doesn't apply to Raymond Feist!
February 17, 2021
Even better than the first.
I read this every moment I could. The twists were great! Definitely recommend to read for enjoyment and you don’t have to be a fantasy fan.
I read this every moment I could. The twists were great! Definitely recommend to read for enjoyment and you don’t have to be a fantasy fan.
April 9, 2022
Another powerful book by Feist. What I like about the book is the nostalgic references to the riftwar saga.
March 23, 2024
2,5 (3 «χαριστικά»)
Δεύτερο βιβλίο της τριλογίας Conclave of shadows και τα πράγματα εξελίσσονται λίγο πολύ όπως και στον πρώτο. Ο Τάλον (για τους φίλους) ή Τάλγουν ή Ταλ, μπαίνει στην υπηρεσία του Δούκα που απεχθάνεται για τον αφανισμό της φυλής του, αποφασισμένος να τον υπηρετήσει πιστά μέχρι να προδωθεί και να απαλλαγεί έτσι από τον όρκο του.
Αναλαμβάνει αποστολές εκ μέρους του Δούκα, του βατεύει την πανέμορφη αδερφή και φυσικά κάποια στιγμή προδίδεται και φυλακίζεται, αφότου πολύ βολικά του κόψουν το δεξί χέρι. Και τότε έρχεται ο καιρός της εκδίκησης. Βέβαια, τα πράγματα είναι λίγο σκούρα, δεδομένου ότι πλέον είναι εκτός από φυλακισμένος σε νησί, σακάτης και χωρίς συμμάχους.
Χωρίς να φτάνει ποτέ σε επίπεδα ποιότητας που να ρίχνουν τον αναγνώστη σε έκσταση, καταφέρνει να κρατάει ένα καλό ρυθμό (ξεφεύγει πάλι στο δεύτερο μέρος, όπου όλα αρχίζουν να τρέχουν) και περιορίζει τις ενοχλητικές εμφανίσεις μαγείας, σώζοντας κάπως τη συνολική εικόνα του βιβλίου, ενώ πάλι με χαρά ο αναγνώστης διαπιστώνει ότι δαίμονες, μάγισσες και χαρτορίχτρες έχουν μείνει εκτός. Δυστυχώς, οι λύσεις που προσφέρει στα προβλήματα του ήρωά του ο Feist δείχνουν κάπως φτηνές και «εύκολες», αδικώντας λίγο την ιστορία που έχει φτιάξει μέχρι στιγμής, ενώ στο τέλος, στη μονομαχία με το μάγο, είναι λίγο ντροπή ο τρόπος με τον οποίο επικρατεί, ιδίως αν αναλογιστεί κανείς ότι ο μάγος είναι εφάμιλλος του Παγκ…
Φοβάμαι ότι στο τρίτο μέρος τα πράγματα θα χειροτερέψουν, καθώς αφενός… η ζωή έχει αυτή την τάση, αφετέρου, όπως και στη σειρά Serpentwar, τα βασικά προβλήματα έχουν συναντήσει τη λύση τους και μάλλον απλώς πρέπει να γραφτεί ένα ακόμα βιβλίο βάσει συμβολαίου ή κάτι τέτοιο. To be seen και θα αναθεωρήσω αν τα πράγματα εξελιχτούν διαφορετικά.
Δεύτερο βιβλίο της τριλογίας Conclave of shadows και τα πράγματα εξελίσσονται λίγο πολύ όπως και στον πρώτο. Ο Τάλον (για τους φίλους) ή Τάλγουν ή Ταλ, μπαίνει στην υπηρεσία του Δούκα που απεχθάνεται για τον αφανισμό της φυλής του, αποφασισμένος να τον υπηρετήσει πιστά μέχρι να προδωθεί και να απαλλαγεί έτσι από τον όρκο του.
Αναλαμβάνει αποστολές εκ μέρους του Δούκα, του βατεύει την πανέμορφη αδερφή και φυσικά κάποια στιγμή προδίδεται και φυλακίζεται, αφότου πολύ βολικά του κόψουν το δεξί χέρι. Και τότε έρχεται ο καιρός της εκδίκησης. Βέβαια, τα πράγματα είναι λίγο σκούρα, δεδομένου ότι πλέον είναι εκτός από φυλακισμένος σε νησί, σακάτης και χωρίς συμμάχους.
Χωρίς να φτάνει ποτέ σε επίπεδα ποιότητας που να ρίχνουν τον αναγνώστη σε έκσταση, καταφέρνει να κρατάει ένα καλό ρυθμό (ξεφεύγει πάλι στο δεύτερο μέρος, όπου όλα αρχίζουν να τρέχουν) και περιορίζει τις ενοχλητικές εμφανίσεις μαγείας, σώζοντας κάπως τη συνολική εικόνα του βιβλίου, ενώ πάλι με χαρά ο αναγνώστης διαπιστώνει ότι δαίμονες, μάγισσες και χαρτορίχτρες έχουν μείνει εκτός. Δυστυχώς, οι λύσεις που προσφέρει στα προβλήματα του ήρωά του ο Feist δείχνουν κάπως φτηνές και «εύκολες», αδικώντας λίγο την ιστορία που έχει φτιάξει μέχρι στιγμής, ενώ στο τέλος, στη μονομαχία με το μάγο, είναι λίγο ντροπή ο τρόπος με τον οποίο επικρατεί, ιδίως αν αναλογιστεί κανείς ότι ο μάγος είναι εφάμιλλος του Παγκ…
Φοβάμαι ότι στο τρίτο μέρος τα πράγματα θα χειροτερέψουν, καθώς αφενός… η ζωή έχει αυτή την τάση, αφετέρου, όπως και στη σειρά Serpentwar, τα βασικά προβλήματα έχουν συναντήσει τη λύση τους και μάλλον απλώς πρέπει να γραφτεί ένα ακόμα βιβλίο βάσει συμβολαίου ή κάτι τέτοιο. To be seen και θα αναθεωρήσω αν τα πράγματα εξελιχτούν διαφορετικά.
June 30, 2024
There was a moment in this book when I thought series will redeem itself, do a Jaime Lannister type of 180 turnaround, approach and adapt itself when faced with unknown so far difficulties, but instead Feist decided to only slightly improve issues with storytelling but maintain the biggest of them all: Talon as OP.
Also inconsistent, borderline lack of identity (although given the whole story around him, I’m not sure if that is fair criticism) and uncharacteristic stupidity.
Also, when this is not present and story doesn’t evolve or suffer from it, I will not mention it: logic behind the knowledge and abilities in this world available to the public does not mirror the society in it.
In this world, doctors (priests) can heal chopped off limbs and regrow them. Wizards can learn the skill of transporting themselves around the globe instantaneously. Kingdom has an open communication with other Worlds.
Knowledge for all these things is available to the public. There are schools of wizards.
And yet for a 100+ years society does not progress.
It is illogical that tens of thousands of wizards in a hundred years’ time of relative peace around the world does not question the idea of medieval transport everyone is using.
It is illogical that tens of thousands of doctor-priests in a hundred years’ time of relative peace around the world do not try at least to hold a monopoly and benefit financially from the fact that probably everyone would want to regrow their lost limbs.
Also inconsistent, borderline lack of identity (although given the whole story around him, I’m not sure if that is fair criticism) and uncharacteristic stupidity.
Also, when this is not present and story doesn’t evolve or suffer from it, I will not mention it: logic behind the knowledge and abilities in this world available to the public does not mirror the society in it.
In this world, doctors (priests) can heal chopped off limbs and regrow them. Wizards can learn the skill of transporting themselves around the globe instantaneously. Kingdom has an open communication with other Worlds.
Knowledge for all these things is available to the public. There are schools of wizards.
And yet for a 100+ years society does not progress.
It is illogical that tens of thousands of wizards in a hundred years’ time of relative peace around the world does not question the idea of medieval transport everyone is using.
It is illogical that tens of thousands of doctor-priests in a hundred years’ time of relative peace around the world do not try at least to hold a monopoly and benefit financially from the fact that probably everyone would want to regrow their lost limbs.
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