Starts out slow for me, coming off the previous book that was even slower. This one did pick up the pace and interest toward the end. The jumping around did bring me out of the story a bit, and it felt very abrupt to me. I will continue this series and see how things come together. It seems that is how these books are, can drag and sometimes I don't see the point until he brings it all around together to make sense. This does end on somewhat a cliffhanger so there were many things left unsatisfied that I hope will have a worthwhile conclusion in the next couple books.

I have been Buddy-Reading this series over the last couple of months with a ‘book-club’ friend who had not read Raymond E. Feist’s work before. As I have been a long-time fan of his work, I have compared it to The Lord of the Rings books but have actually enjoyed this series more. When I mentioned this to my friend, she immediately wanted to read the series, and convinced me to read them with her- not that it was a big ask 😊.
It is an epic fantasy saga- with wonderful world building and scene setting, and dynamic, vivid and detailed descriptions that will transport you right into the story.
Take some time to explore Mr. Feist’s work, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed- and the best part is that all the books are available now to read- no waiting for books to be released! #WINNING

3.5 stars. I sadly didn't enjoy this book as much as the first. I was very excited to be reading about Roo as I took a liking to him in the first book; however, throughout, his treatment of other characters grated very much on my nerves and I started to really dislike him. It wasn't bad at all, and I am still liking the series, though. For the most part, it was a good read.

3.5 * I'm going be honest this book was absolutely pointless and I hated roo for most of this book. The only part of the book that was necessary was calis and Eriks arc and pug and mirandas arc also nakors but there wasn't enough page time for any those arcs. Roos story was boring and the only good bit was his duel and the ending in which he helped. The book didn't need to be included in the serpentwar saga at all really in my opinion. I was really enjoying the serpentwar saga and I'm just glad I can move onto the next part of the story.

This series is epic. I'm disappointed in the direction the author took Roo's character but it kept up the suspense, danger & intrigue. Can't wait to read what's next

An ex-thief invents insider trading. Please.

3.5
RTC

I have loved all of Feist's books so far, but I just found myself not liking the protagonist. I actually found myself rooting for his enemies in the novel. The book might be worth reading by skipping all of the parts involving Roo and focusing on the side-story with Erik instead.

While I find Feists Riftwar Cycle incredible and overpowering, this has got to be it's weakest point. All his other works in the series are grand adventures, a mystery needing unfolding, a world needing to be saved but this is almost entirely about how Roo Avery accumulates his wealth save for a few pages here and there hinting at gritty grandeur where Calis and his Eagles fight the Pantathians.

But it is not even the lack of adventure that ruins this book for me, it's the fact that our beloved rascal courts a girl he doesn't want for her father's wealth and upon his death marries her out of guilt. He does not love her, nor does he love the children they have. He is never home, constantly busy with his trading company or his mistress who is only with him to gather information for her father.

In a way it might be refreshing with an "anti-hero" such as Roo but the way he recognizes the fact that he does not love his family without any guilt or remorse has made me lose all respect for him.

The only thing that saved this book were the few pages about the Eagles' journey in Novindus and as always, Pug!