Title: Prince of the Blood
Author: Raymond E. Feist
First published July 28, 1989
429 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780553588118 (ISBN10: 0553588117)
Rating: 4.01
Overview
Raymond E. Feist’s bestselling novel, Prince of the Blood, returns in an Author’s Preferred Edition to captivate a new generation of readers.
The story follows the twins Borric and Erland, who are carefree and reckless in the Kingdom of the Isles, much to the chagrin of their father, Prince Arutha of Krondor. But when their uncle, the King, bypasses himself and names Borric the Royal Heir, their lives change forever.
Arutha sends them to Kesh, the most dangerous nation in the world, as ambassadors to the Queen’s Seventy-fifth Jubilee Anniversary. The journey is dangerous from the start, with an assassination attempt on Borric, provoking Arutha into war.
When Borric is presumed dead after an ambush, Erland is forced to navigate court intrigues at Kesh alone. Unbeknownst to anyone, Borric is alive and must use all his wits and stamina to make his way back to his brother.
With every step they take, the fragile peace of the land hangs in the balance as those who crave war rally against them. Prince of the Blood is a tale of adventure, strength, and duty that explores what it means to be a man in a kingdom where peace is the most precious commodity of all.
About the Author
Raymond E. Feist’s original name was Raymond E.
Gonzales III, but he changed it to Feist when his mother remarried Felix E. Feist, his adoptive step-father.
He graduated with Honors in Communication Arts from the University of California at San Diego in 1977. During his time there, he began to develop ideas for a novel about a young magician.
Two years later, in 1982, he published the novel under Doubleday. Feist now resides in San Diego with his children, where he enjoys collecting fine wine, DVDs, and books that cover a wide range of topics, including biographies, history, and most notably, the history of American Professional Football.
Editoral Review
Prince of the Blood by Raymond E. Feist is an epic fantasy novel that was first published on July 28, 1989.
Feist is a renowned author of high fantasy, and Prince of the Blood is the third book in his Riftwar Saga, which includes 31 books. The novel alternates between political, military, and magical action in a way that will appeal to fans of the fantasy genre, and stands out for its unique elements of world-building and well-crafted narrative.
The story of Prince of the Blood takes place in the fictional world of Midkemia, which is based on a medieval European setting. The main character is Prince Arutha, who is the son of the King of Crydee.
Arutha is a brave son of a king who is determined to protect his kingdom and family. He is surrounded by colorful characters like his twin sister, Princess Carline; his squire, James; and his rival, Prince Erland.
As the story starts, Prince Arutha is sent to the island of Krondor to negotiate with the Tsurani Empire, which is embroiled in a long-running war with Midkemia. However, things go awry when Arutha is kidnapped, and Midkemia is threatened with invasion by the Tsurani.
Feist masterfully weaves together a thrilling plot about political intrigue, family betrayal, military strategy, and magical powers. As the narrative unfolds, the story of Prince of the Blood becomes increasingly complex and satisfying.
Feist masterfully builds a rich and fascinating world that is intricate and layered, and explores the intriguing challenges of familial bonds in a world full of unexpected surprises. The books themes include loyalty, trust, honor, and sacrifice, which are central to the fantasy genre.
Feist also explores themes of the morality involved in warfare and the consequences of seeking power. In addition, the author makes a subtle commentary on the nature of politics and diplomacy, encouraging readers to question their role in society and the world at large.
Despite its length, Prince of the Blood has a quick pace that does not sacrifice character development. Feists prose is crisp and evocative, managing to convey the feeling of epic sweeping drama in just a few words.
He utilizes a wide range of perspectives to provide diverse voices and stories, making the narrative feel fresh and dynamic. The novel’s greatest strength is its complexity and depth, which engages the reader in a way that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally captivating.
Its unique characters and rich world-building make for an immersive and rewarding reading experience. However, some may find the complexity a bit daunting, and the narrative could be challenging to follow at times.
Some of the secondary characters could also be more developed, creating a more substantial overall narrative. Overall, Prince of the Blood is a fantastic addition to Feists Riftwar Saga and a must-read for epic fantasy lovers.
While the story may be complex, readers will find themselves swept up by its depth and power. The book earns four out of five stars, making it an excellent addition to any personal library.
