Shadow of a Dark Queen (The Serpentwar Saga, Book 1) (Mass Market Paperback)

by Raymond E. Feist (Author) "The trumpet sounded..." (more)
Key Phrases: nine oceans, serpent men, elven woman, Sho Pi, Emerald Queen, Robert de Loungville (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
A dark and alien peril casts an lengthening shadow over Midkemia as another Riftworld saga begins almost a generation after the events in The King's Buccaneer . Erik von Darkmoor, bastard son of the local baron, flees to the city of Krondor after accidentally killing his legitimate and sadistic half-brother. Condemned to death, Eric and his childhood friend, Rupert (Roo) Avery, are provisionally spared to serve in a desperate mission against the reptilian Pantathians, who plan to conquer Midkemia and bring back their goddess, Alma-Lodaka, one of the ancient Dragon Lords. The boys undergo brutal training and join others of their kind under the half-elf Calis, known as the Eagle of Krondor, in a bid to pass as mercenaries in the continent of Novindus, current battle center for the Pantathians and their reluctant allies, the also-reptilian Saaur. A sensitive coming-of-age tale in which brutality and camaraderie are equally present, Feist's newest saga has a freshness of vision that suggests it will avoid the staleness that often eats away at multivolume epics. Author tour.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal
In the first volume of the "Serpent War Saga," the best-selling author of the "Riftwar Saga" introduces a new twist to an old setting. The planets Kelewan and Midkemia, central to the Riftwar novels, are home to a pair of unlikely heroes who must fight an evil race of serpents.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 512 pages
• Publisher: Eos (May 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0380720868
• ISBN-13: 978-0380720866
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (63 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #18,801 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Lots of fun, August 1, 2000

By	William Briggs (Burlington, VT) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Well, I picked up my first Feist novel about 10 years ago, and have enjoyed his writing ever since. The Serpentwar Saga is set perhaps 50 years after the end of the Riftwar. If you have not already read Feist's riftwar saga, then I suggest you do so before picking up this book. Also, you should read Prince of the Blood and The King's Buccaneer, because these two "in between" books chronicle the events that lead up to the "Serpentwar".

In general, Feist's writing is clear and entertaining. These books rarely bog down, and are generally a quick read. There is nothing particularly new or genre-altering in Feist's work, but his novels are quite a bit of fun all the same.

I would wholeheartedly recommend the Serpentwar saga to anyone who has already read the Riftwar books and is looking for more. These books won't change your life, but you'll certainly have a great time reading them.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Feist shows a new side of Midkemia, July 9, 1998

By A Customer

Shadow of a Dark Queen is the newest adventure set on the world of Midkemia. Set approximately twenty five years after the last book, this novel introduces the reader to an all new cast of characters.

The story evolves around young Erik von Darkmoor and Rupert "Roo" Avery. Gone are the great heroes from earlier novels, such as Arutha, Pug, Lyam, Borric, and Jimmy the Hand. While a few members of the original cast have brief appearances, the story is largely comprised of all new characters and takes place in the land introduced in King's Buccaneer, Novindus.

Unlike previous Feist novels, inside we find characters who are in the gray area between good and evil. The characters appear to have been written to be more identifiable by the reader, but I think I related more to the original cast more. Most of the new characters are basically good, but not in the same vein as Arutha conDoin and Mara of the Acoma. Where Mara and Arutha were fighting for the Kingdom and the Empire, Erik and Roo fight for their lives and their families. Expect a different feel from this new series than you got from previous works.

Overall, the story was very good, only getting bad marks for being a tad on the technical side. If you are a military buff, you will thoroughly enjoy this book, as will most readers who have liked Feist's earlier books.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A pleasant writting style., March 11, 2003

By	Ângelo Braz (Portugal) - See all my reviews

Let me warn you that this was the first Feist's book I've read. I don't know the stories before or after this book's events (except what the book itself hints).

Although the book places higher focus in the story than in character development, all characters are credible and have charisma. The story is good and fluid, no dull moments, no rushed parts. All consistent.

Feist writes in a very pleasant way. I guess that even if the story wouldn't worth much, his pleasant writting would make it worth. You'll always be wanting to turn the pages and enjoy the story. In some parts, it'd be like reading an historical fiction, if there weren't magic (very little) and other humanoid races. The fantasy setting it's just a way to give the author freedom to make a good story, not a way to make some spectacular show off.

I recommend this book, without any doubts, to any fantasy reader. I would even recommend it to non-fantasy ones.