Having read most of the Midkemia novels I was intrigued to read this series and discover a whole new world of characters, locations and events, which I was delighted to discover was equally as diverse and captivating as the Midkemia novels.
This story was riveting straight from the prologue in book one, which describes events that destroy one of the five kingdoms of Tembria, wiping out the royal line of that Kingdom in a brutal and savage manner, all that is except for one small baby. The story then jumps some sixteen years, and the child is now approaching the age of adulthood, having spent the formative years being cared for and trained in the islands that the Coaltachin control.
These novels have been instantly engaging, with a cast of mainly youngish characters who embody that mix of confidence, inexperience and naivete that only the young possess. The plot revolves around the surviving royal heir, ignorant of their heritage, and a young, newly elevated Master Smith, who seems to be more than he is.
These are a good mix of all the elements I like to see in a story, making them entertaining, interesting and engaging, and a must-read if you have read the Midkemia novels and enjoyed them.
The first volume in legendary master and New York Times bestselling author Raymond E. Feist’s epic heroic fantasy series, The Firemane Saga – an electrifying tale of two young men whose choices will determine a world’s destiny.
The world of Garn once boasted five great kingdoms, until the King of Ithrace was defeated and every member of his family executed by Lodavico, the ruthless King of Sandura, a man with ambitions to rule the world.
Ithrace's ruling family were the legendary Firemanes, and represented a great danger to the other kings. Now four great kingdoms remain, on the brink of war. But rumour has it that the newborn son of the last king of Ithrace survived, carried off during battle and sequestered by the Quelli Nacosti, a secret society whose members are trained to infiltrate and spy upon the rich and powerful throughout Garn. Terrified that this may be true, and that the child will grow to maturity with bloody revenge in his heart, the four kings have placed a huge bounty on the child's head.
In the small village of Oncon, Declan is apprenticed to a master blacksmith, learning the secrets of producing the mythical king's steel. Oncon is situated in the Covenant, a neutral region lying between two warring kingdoms. Since the Covenant was declared, the region has existed in peace, until violence explodes as slavers descend upon the village to capture young men to press as soldiers for Sandura.
Declan must escape, to take his priceless knowledge to Baron Daylon Dumarch, ruler of Marquensas, perhaps the only man who can defeat Lodavico of Sandura, who has now allied himself with the fanatical Church of the One, which is marching across the continent, imposing its extreme form of religion upon the population and burning unbelievers as they go.
Meanwhile, on the island of Coaltachin, the secret domain of the Quelli Nacosti, three friends are being schooled in the deadly arts of espionage and assassination: Donte, son of one of the most powerful masters of the order; Hava, a serious girl with fighting abilities that can set any opponent on their back; and Hatu, a strange, conflicted lad in whom fury and calm war constantly, whose hair is a bright and fiery shade of red…
Format
Kindle EditionDate Acquired
29th September 2024Retail Price
£2.99Number of Pages
561Year Read
2024Dark and powerful forces threaten the world of Garn once more in this second novel in legendary New York Times bestselling author Raymond E. Feist’s epic fantasy series, the Firemane Saga
Hatushaly and his young wife Hava are living a good life, working to reopen the burned-out Inn of the Three Stars in the prosperous trading town of Beran's Hill.
But there is a great deal more to this bucolic scene than meets the eye. Both Hatu and Hava were raised on the secret island of Coaltachin, and though they may appear to be no more than a young couple in love, preparing for the midsummer festival where their friends Declan and Gwen will be wed, they are in fact assassins on a mission, waiting instructions from their masters in the Kingdom of Night.
Moreover, Hatu is the last remaining member of the ruling family of Ithrace – the legendary Firemanes. He dyes his flaming red hair, and has studied to control his dangerous magical powers. But however hard Hatu may be hiding from all those who would seek to use or to destroy him, fate has other plans.
Horrific events are approaching Beran's Hill, bringing death and devastation to the peaceful town as unknown and monstrous forces are unleashed. And nothing will ever be the same again.
Format
Kindle EditionDate Acquired
2nd January 2023Retail Price
£8.99Number of Pages
471Year Read
2024