Product Description

The second book in the Darkwar series, from world-wide bestselling author of Magician, Raymond E. Feist. Chaos threatens to overwhelm two worlds as the most dangerous force ever encountered threatens to invade Midkemia, while the most treacherous magician in history -- the madman Leso Varen -- begins to wreak havoc on the world of Kelewan. Pug and the Conclave of Shadows are determined to find Varen, only to discover that he has usurped the body of one of the most powerful men in the Empire of Tsuranuani -- a Black Robe and member of the Assembly of Magicians. Pug has the almost impossible task of uncovering the true identity of the fiendish magician in an entire city full of Black Robes. Murder, mayhem, horror, and the darkest evil await Pug's son, Magnus, and his companions as they attempt to discover the ultimate source of the terrible threat that hovers over Midkemia and Kelewan. Leading a desperate expedition into the realm of the Dasati, the vast and malevolent empire which is threatening his homeworld, Magnus hopes to find the key to defeating this enemy who is capable of overwhelming the combined might of two worlds. But even if he does, the companions will have a desperate struggle to return home with their vital information. Three worlds will teeter on the brink of destruction as the third Riftwar: the Darkwar, is unleashed.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #17100 in Books
• Published on: 2007-10-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 400 pages

Review
Praise for Raymond E. Feist and 'Flight of the Night Hawks': 'File under guilty pleasure.' Guardian 'Get in at the start of a master's new series.' Daily Sport

About the Author
Feist is one of the world's leading fantasy writers. His Riftwar and Serpentwar Sagas have been global bestsellers for years. Born and raised in Southern California, Raymond E. Feist was educated at the University of California, San Diego, where he graduated with honours in Communication Arts. He is the author of the bestselling and critically acclaimed Riftwar Saga.

Customer Reviews

The Master has returned
Kaspar smiled 'Life has a habit of making changes without consulting you .... We make plans, but fate doesn't always listen to what we want'

These words alone are worth reading 295 pages for but it must also be pointed out that 'Into a Dark Realm' is a very good book, far befitting a Master than Apprentice.

I have read many reviews of REF's post Riftwar work with numerous complaints of how his future novels have lacked the spark of that series. This criticism is harsh as any future work from what many consider to be the definative fantasy works will always seem to wither in comparrison. It must also be mentioned that frequently an authors first novel may be some 10 or 20 years in the planning but after that they are expected to dish out future publications on a seemingly annual basis.

I personally consider the Empire Trilogy to be REF's finest work ( with co-author Janny Wurts ) but die hard fans should be rest assured that his latest novel has all the hallmarks of one of the greatest writers of the genre.

Most of the usual suspects put in an appearance including a suprise appearance right at the end. Pug features more front and centre than in previous episodes which from this readers perspective is no bad thing as it is taking an eon for the prophecy of Lims-Kragma to unfold.

The story takes place on Midkemia, Kelewan and the world of the Talnoy, which I suspect will feature heavily in the concluding parts of this series.

As with all his work, it is essential to start from at least the start of the series before reading this book but for all newcomers you will get the most benefit from starting at the very beginning. 'Magician' is still the finest single book I have read and the only one which I have read more than twice.

I will forever be gratful for the work Raymond E Feist & look on with anticipation of the next chapter in this story which started all the way back on a beach near Crydee.

Another book setting up the next
Am in general a Feist fan...however I am now a bit annoyed with whole books being written to set up the next one.

At the end of the last book, I thought that book was really setting up a decent book (this one), but at the end of this book I find myself thinking the same....it was readable, it was fine, but at the end of the day it has you looking forward to the next book rather than thinking this book was great. In reality, not a whole lot of noteworthy things happen in this book until right at the end...and they are just setting up what will (hopefully) be a good next book.

So it fits in, its fine, but dont expect any closure or major events in it.

Good old Feist
Although, as ever, I loved this new Feist epic, it IS quite a thin book. Compared to 'Magician', it's almost half the length! I think the problem is that, as he is getting on a bit, Feist is probably looking to roll in the cash more. To be fair, no reason why not! His first books were real masterpieces with so much detail and character and a lot of passion, I felt. Feist has built up an amazing set of detailed worlds, which he can now just play off. In some ways, he can't do much more --Midkemia has been well-explored already-- but also he doesn't HAVE to. In fairness, he's trying to range further afield, as it were, in these books, what with new dimensions etc. but the core is long-established. It's great how he reintroduces characters *spoiler alert!!* like Macros, but also terribly sneaky. It's been thorougly asserted that Macros has a particular air of mysticism about him and Feist just, well, can't let that go cuz it's such a brilliant character trait.

All the same, I can't complain: I was totally hooked and can't wait for the next book! In fact, despite what I said about Feist's penny-grabbing, there is an appreciable level of philosophical speculation about the gods and their nature --obviously applicable to the context-- which engages your interest and shows evidence of ratiocination rather than a concoction of cheap-thrills (or rather, expensive ones!) and I liked the way the characters muse over the nature of reality. Buy it: it's a great read :-)