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The Riftwar Saga #3
Silverthorn
A poisoned bolt has struck down the Princess Anita on the day of her wedding to Prince Arutha of Krondor.
To save his beloved, Arutha sets out in search of the mystic herb called Silverthorn that only grows in the dark and forbidding land of the Spellweavers.
Accompanied by a mercenary, a minstrel, and a clever young thief, he will confront an ancient evil and do battle with the dark powers that threaten the enchanted realm of Midkemia.
To save his beloved, Arutha sets out in search of the mystic herb called Silverthorn that only grows in the dark and forbidding land of the Spellweavers.
Accompanied by a mercenary, a minstrel, and a clever young thief, he will confront an ancient evil and do battle with the dark powers that threaten the enchanted realm of Midkemia.
432 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 7, 1985
About the author
Raymond E. Feist
344 books8,674 followersRaymond E. Feist was born Raymond E. Gonzales III, but took his adoptive step-father's surname when his mother remarried Felix E. Feist. He graduated with a B.A. in Communication Arts with Honors in 1977 from the University of California at San Diego. During that year Feist had some ideas for a novel about a boy who would be a magician. He wrote the novel two years later, and it was published in 1982 by Doubleday. Feist currently lives in San Diego with his children, where he collects fine wine, DVDs, and books on a variety of topics of personal interest: wine, biographies, history, and, especially, the history of American Professional Football.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,186 reviews
September 26, 2020
Reread - unhaul paperback - getting audio and kindle
I loved this book soooooooo much!
I loved the story of Jimmy and Arutha in the beginning. Well, all through the book but it tells more about them in the beginning. I love Jimmy so much! He's so good! I mean he's a thief and all but still he soon becomes someone important in Arutha's crew.
Lyam is the King and Arutha and Martin are his brothers. This is about Arutha for the most part though. I love Martin too but I digress. Anyway, someone or thing is out to kill Arutha and it's not good at all! Arutha just wants to get married to Anita and get on with life, but alas, that never happens.
I'm just skimming through this review but know there is a lot of stuff going on in the book. And it rocks!
Some horrible thing happens and Pug and Kulgan show up! OMG! Pug =) He's a most powerful wizard now and he's there trying to help with something that happened. His wife, Katala and his son William is there too.
Anyway,
The gang have to go off on a quest to find the silverthorn in order to uh, help things, yeah, help things. Arutha, Martin, some guards I like but forgot their names (for shame) some other people they pick up along the way and Jimmy and Laurie. They go on a dangerous quest because these evil beings are after them. I mean they are in regular bodies and then they reanimate and all kinds of evil stuff.
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention Laurie earlier =) He's the minstrel but Carline (the king and brothers sister is trying to get him to marry her). Things end up great in that area.
Things end up great for every one for a bit.
There are a lot of fighting and some torture. Pug has to venture back to an old land and he's going to have to fight the darkness at some point.
There are a lot of things going on but it's so wonderful, I can't say it enough. I actually like this one better than the first two books although they all fit together perfectly and this is a great series so far =)
I'm so glad my friend Eon wanted to buddy read these in our BB&B group and that my friend Matthew also recommended the first book to me =)
I loved this book soooooooo much!
I loved the story of Jimmy and Arutha in the beginning. Well, all through the book but it tells more about them in the beginning. I love Jimmy so much! He's so good! I mean he's a thief and all but still he soon becomes someone important in Arutha's crew.
Lyam is the King and Arutha and Martin are his brothers. This is about Arutha for the most part though. I love Martin too but I digress. Anyway, someone or thing is out to kill Arutha and it's not good at all! Arutha just wants to get married to Anita and get on with life, but alas, that never happens.
I'm just skimming through this review but know there is a lot of stuff going on in the book. And it rocks!
Some horrible thing happens and Pug and Kulgan show up! OMG! Pug =) He's a most powerful wizard now and he's there trying to help with something that happened. His wife, Katala and his son William is there too.
Anyway,
The gang have to go off on a quest to find the silverthorn in order to uh, help things, yeah, help things. Arutha, Martin, some guards I like but forgot their names (for shame) some other people they pick up along the way and Jimmy and Laurie. They go on a dangerous quest because these evil beings are after them. I mean they are in regular bodies and then they reanimate and all kinds of evil stuff.
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention Laurie earlier =) He's the minstrel but Carline (the king and brothers sister is trying to get him to marry her). Things end up great in that area.
Things end up great for every one for a bit.
There are a lot of fighting and some torture. Pug has to venture back to an old land and he's going to have to fight the darkness at some point.
There are a lot of things going on but it's so wonderful, I can't say it enough. I actually like this one better than the first two books although they all fit together perfectly and this is a great series so far =)
I'm so glad my friend Eon wanted to buddy read these in our BB&B group and that my friend Matthew also recommended the first book to me =)
May 17, 2019
The next step in the Riftwar series. If you enjoyed Magician, continue the adventure here with a quest led by Arutha (my autocorrect does not like Arutha). If you have not read Magician: Apprentice and Magician: Master, stop, slowly step away from this review, and then quickly get those and start reading!
As you may have seen, I challenged my fantasy loving friends to read this series. If you made it this far, you're welcome!
As you may have seen, I challenged my fantasy loving friends to read this series. If you made it this far, you're welcome!
March 6, 2017
*** 4.25 ***
Loved it!!!! Old school all the way and loving it:):):)
Loved it!!!! Old school all the way and loving it:):):)
May 17, 2022
The long awaited and joyous wedding of Arutha, Prince of Krondor, to the beautiful young Princess Anita, is cruelly cut short when Anita is struck by a poisoned arrow, from the bow of the Nighthawks - an underground cult of death, in league with the darkest and most evil powers.
It is discovered that the nighthawks are being used by the enemy, the dark lord, the enemy, Murmandamus, to assassinate the Lord of the West, Arutha. This in order to fulfill the ancient prophesy, necessary for Murmandamus and his evil minions to take over the world of Midkemia, and cast it into darkness.
Prince Arutha, assisted by his brother, the skilled huntsman Duke Martin of Crydee, the veteran Captain Gardan, the troubadour Laurie of Tyr Sog, the former Tsurani, Earl Kasumi of La Mut and the artful boy thief, Jimmy the Hand, set off on a quest to get hold of the antidote necessary to save Anita from death, and at the same time to learn a thing or two about the terrorist nature of the forces that threaten the Kingdom of the Isles.
This novel is filled with suspense and mystery, as we explore magic, the history of the elves and Valheru, and a deeper understanding of the connection between the worlds of Midkemia and Kelewan.
New characters are introduced into the saga, such as Gamina, the child who talks with her mind , and the Hadati Hillman , Baru.
The momentum set by Magician is not lost for a moment and it is difficult to put the book down as we follow the saga of magic and a momentous battle between good and evil.
It is discovered that the nighthawks are being used by the enemy, the dark lord, the enemy, Murmandamus, to assassinate the Lord of the West, Arutha. This in order to fulfill the ancient prophesy, necessary for Murmandamus and his evil minions to take over the world of Midkemia, and cast it into darkness.
Prince Arutha, assisted by his brother, the skilled huntsman Duke Martin of Crydee, the veteran Captain Gardan, the troubadour Laurie of Tyr Sog, the former Tsurani, Earl Kasumi of La Mut and the artful boy thief, Jimmy the Hand, set off on a quest to get hold of the antidote necessary to save Anita from death, and at the same time to learn a thing or two about the terrorist nature of the forces that threaten the Kingdom of the Isles.
This novel is filled with suspense and mystery, as we explore magic, the history of the elves and Valheru, and a deeper understanding of the connection between the worlds of Midkemia and Kelewan.
New characters are introduced into the saga, such as Gamina, the child who talks with her mind , and the Hadati Hillman , Baru.
The momentum set by Magician is not lost for a moment and it is difficult to put the book down as we follow the saga of magic and a momentous battle between good and evil.
December 3, 2015
This is the one and only book of this series which my public library possesses. Go figure. Why have only the 3rd volume of a 4 volume series? Another one of the mysteries of library acquisition.
I found this the most engaging book of the series that I’ve read, perhaps because it deals less with Pug & Tomas and more with Prince Arutha and his new squire, Jimmy the Hand. There is a certain amount of comedy to be devised by making a thief into a squire and his shenanigans lighten the mood of some otherwise rather grim events.
This installment is very much about relationships—namely Arutha’s relationships, with Anita, with his brothers, with his travel companions, etc. It is also about his realization that as a prince, he can no longer afford to do things purely for himself—he must take his position and the people dependent upon him into consideration when making plans. Arutha is hands-down my favourite character of the series, so no wonder I am pleased with this novel.
There are definitely echoes of the Sleeping Beauty story in this one, and Jimmy reminds me strongly of Slippery Jim DiGriz of Stainless Steel Rat renown.
Right, now I’m off to request Darkness at Sethanon by inter-library loan!
Book 194 of my science fiction and fantasy reading project.
I found this the most engaging book of the series that I’ve read, perhaps because it deals less with Pug & Tomas and more with Prince Arutha and his new squire, Jimmy the Hand. There is a certain amount of comedy to be devised by making a thief into a squire and his shenanigans lighten the mood of some otherwise rather grim events.
This installment is very much about relationships—namely Arutha’s relationships, with Anita, with his brothers, with his travel companions, etc. It is also about his realization that as a prince, he can no longer afford to do things purely for himself—he must take his position and the people dependent upon him into consideration when making plans. Arutha is hands-down my favourite character of the series, so no wonder I am pleased with this novel.
There are definitely echoes of the Sleeping Beauty story in this one, and Jimmy reminds me strongly of Slippery Jim DiGriz of Stainless Steel Rat renown.
Right, now I’m off to request Darkness at Sethanon by inter-library loan!
Book 194 of my science fiction and fantasy reading project.
December 29, 2018
So much fantasy goodness packed in this one. Even if the first two were complete in themselves, they still serve as perfect vessels to bring about a somewhat standalone adventure full of nearly all the characters we've grown to love. Even Pug has a role, but mostly we get to follow and love Jimmy the Hand and Arutha.
This is not a simple "find the freaking herb to save his love" quest no matter how simple the blurb makes it seem. Indeed, there's a lot of intrigues, big bads only hinted at in the first two novels, and evil much bigger than two worlds could handle even if they could band together.
No spoilers, but even this "nearly" standalone adventure has all the makings of epic greatness of a slightly different flavor from before despite the familiar characters. :) Indeed, it's the characters and the complicated plotting that makes this great.
So much set up for the next one! Completely necessary, of course. I remember Darkness VERY fondly from way back when. :)
Okay, so, I may not have loved this one nearly as much as the first two, but my complaints are few and far between. :) I can't see how it could improve other than combining books together into much larger tales for continuity. :)
This is not a simple "find the freaking herb to save his love" quest no matter how simple the blurb makes it seem. Indeed, there's a lot of intrigues, big bads only hinted at in the first two novels, and evil much bigger than two worlds could handle even if they could band together.
No spoilers, but even this "nearly" standalone adventure has all the makings of epic greatness of a slightly different flavor from before despite the familiar characters. :) Indeed, it's the characters and the complicated plotting that makes this great.
So much set up for the next one! Completely necessary, of course. I remember Darkness VERY fondly from way back when. :)
Okay, so, I may not have loved this one nearly as much as the first two, but my complaints are few and far between. :) I can't see how it could improve other than combining books together into much larger tales for continuity. :)
September 1, 2020
4 STARS ★★★★✩
⤐ Unpopular Opinion Time.
High fantasy is best read on vacation. That's the truth and I said it. This specific weightless feeling you have when you enjoy your time off work gives the intricate and vast worlds of high fantasy narratives that special edge it just doesn't offer you when you're trying to squeeze in a chapter between the end of work and bedtime. If you don't agree with me, you're wrong. WRONG
(Yes, I absolutely did steal this gif from my book buddy's recent review of Midnight Sun. And yes, of course I'm exaggerating.)
⤐ Overall.
At this point, it's pretty much impossible for Raymond to ruin the relationship I have to this series. I love and cherish them. Apparently, his entire Riftwar universe entails 32 - THIRTY-TWO - works - which I will never ever read completely, I promise you that. STILL, I am absolutely enamoured with Pug, Arutha, Martin, Jimmy and especially Carline, my all-time favourite princess.
Although written a long time ago and definitely dominated by male heroes, I appreciate Raymond's somewhat evolved view on social struggles a lot. Some scenes would definitely do with a little bit less detail but I overall appreciate the time he takes to set the atmosphere for all parts of the book. Only if you're determined to not like the characters, you'll succeed. It's quick and effortless to get a feeling for all the characters and once you've gotten to know them, they'll kinda stick to you for eternity. No chance of escape.
Naturally, it is a matter of sheer impossibility to reenter Raymond's world without struggling to recall what happened in previous books after a long break. Luckily, he's kind enough to supply his readers with a The story so far section which I couldn't have appreciated more. For that alone, I'd like to get him an invitation for the Order of authors who care. (Yes, I absolutely made this up.)
⤐ What’s happening.
Although they've just won a big battle, the people of Midkemia are not done facing unknown terrors and dangers. A darkness is spreading through the land that becomes more personal than ever before when it poisons princess Anita, Arutha's wife. Not much time is left to find a cure - and a way to battle the threat.
_____________________
4 STARS. Would stay up beyond my typical hours to finish it. I found some minor details I didn't like, agree with or lacked in some kind but overall, this was enjoyable and extraordinary.
This book is for you if… you ache to continue this scifi x high fantasy adventure that tastes especially great when you’re on vacation.
⤐ Unpopular Opinion Time.
High fantasy is best read on vacation. That's the truth and I said it. This specific weightless feeling you have when you enjoy your time off work gives the intricate and vast worlds of high fantasy narratives that special edge it just doesn't offer you when you're trying to squeeze in a chapter between the end of work and bedtime. If you don't agree with me, you're wrong. WRONG
(Yes, I absolutely did steal this gif from my book buddy's recent review of Midnight Sun. And yes, of course I'm exaggerating.)
⤐ Overall.
At this point, it's pretty much impossible for Raymond to ruin the relationship I have to this series. I love and cherish them. Apparently, his entire Riftwar universe entails 32 - THIRTY-TWO - works - which I will never ever read completely, I promise you that. STILL, I am absolutely enamoured with Pug, Arutha, Martin, Jimmy and especially Carline, my all-time favourite princess.
Although written a long time ago and definitely dominated by male heroes, I appreciate Raymond's somewhat evolved view on social struggles a lot. Some scenes would definitely do with a little bit less detail but I overall appreciate the time he takes to set the atmosphere for all parts of the book. Only if you're determined to not like the characters, you'll succeed. It's quick and effortless to get a feeling for all the characters and once you've gotten to know them, they'll kinda stick to you for eternity. No chance of escape.
Naturally, it is a matter of sheer impossibility to reenter Raymond's world without struggling to recall what happened in previous books after a long break. Luckily, he's kind enough to supply his readers with a The story so far section which I couldn't have appreciated more. For that alone, I'd like to get him an invitation for the Order of authors who care. (Yes, I absolutely made this up.)
⤐ What’s happening.
‘For reasons I do not understand, men have at least been somewhat tolerated for practising magic in many places, while women have been driven from nearly every community where they are discovered to have power.’
Although they've just won a big battle, the people of Midkemia are not done facing unknown terrors and dangers. A darkness is spreading through the land that becomes more personal than ever before when it poisons princess Anita, Arutha's wife. Not much time is left to find a cure - and a way to battle the threat.
_____________________
4 STARS. Would stay up beyond my typical hours to finish it. I found some minor details I didn't like, agree with or lacked in some kind but overall, this was enjoyable and extraordinary.
December 22, 2019
Ehh, I mean, it just wasn’t amazing compared to what has been published since then. From what I understand, Feist is, or perhaps was quite big in fantasy with his Riftwar and Serpantwar Sagas as since this is more traditional fantasy and for several decades ago, I’m certain that this would have been spectacular. I personally loved the Serpantwar Saga when I first read it as apart from Lord of the Rings and Earthsea, it was one of my first entries into adult epic fantasy. The problem is that I feel like compared with modern fantasy, this series so far is starting to feel like it is not up to standard. Now we have authors with beautiful prose like Rothfuss so the most awesome magic systems from Sanderson and the grittiest of stories like Martin’s Song of Ice and Fire.
This book, was not really any of those three, and before anyone yells at me saying that fantasy is not just those things, I know, hang on a moment. The point I am trying to make is that what Feist does in this series, modern fantasy authors do better.
The writing style really does not sit very well for me. It feels quite dry and does not really give me a sense of magic or wonder when I’m exploring these massive fantasy worlds. The dialogue is also often clunky and makes you feel like, people don’t really speak in this manner ever. There are some good moments when some things are handled well but half the time its more like oh no, it’s attacking us, so let’s kill it but look we’re losing, but our magical friends are here to save the day for way too many damn times.
This next thing is not exactly a critique but merely a things I have noted is that Magician and Silverthorn feel like different series whilst being in the same world. Let me explain. Book one, Magician(which is sometimes spilt into Apprentice and Master) focuses on the story of Pug and his friend Tomas. In this book, Tomas gets like two pages of time while Pug gets a few chapters towards the last quarter of the book. Furthermore, due to the first book’s, often years at a time time jumps, these characters all like have children and everything. This book instead focuses on Arutha and Jimmy, which, while are ok characters, also made me wish that we actually do see more of the characters we were first introduced in the first book. I mean imagine starting the first book of a series and falling in love with them but then seeing them only briefly mentioned in the next book. This is done occasionally in The Wheel of Time which different books focussing on different characters, but that is a 14 book series and each of those books is almost double the length of this book.
Anyway, moving on. The gosh dang romances. Every one of them feels like physical attraction than love. Aside from a few kisses there does not seem to be a lot of chemistry between the romantic interests in this book. Yes a year passed between this book and the first one, but even in book one the reader does not get to see as to how the characters fall in love other than the fact that everyone is astoundingly beautiful. I mean, Carline is like the most beautiful woman in the realm and then Anita slender figure and beauty is commented on every single time and then the Elf Queen’s beauty is like out of the world, and just stop. Basically the female characters in this series so far feel like trophy pieces to have children with, which is not ok. I understand that it was written ages ago but from a modern perspective it bothers me.
If I can be honest, I skimmed over some info dumps. Every time a character asks another character about something, you can almost always expect a full lengthy paragraphs of another character explaining something which, again, take a breath people don’t normally rant on for ages all the time.
So in the end, I respect it for what it is though it does fall short to what has been published recently and from what may have been an incredibly story 30 years ago, it does feel pretty average. I will be reading A Darkness at Sethanon over the coming weeks. 5.5/10
This book, was not really any of those three, and before anyone yells at me saying that fantasy is not just those things, I know, hang on a moment. The point I am trying to make is that what Feist does in this series, modern fantasy authors do better.
The writing style really does not sit very well for me. It feels quite dry and does not really give me a sense of magic or wonder when I’m exploring these massive fantasy worlds. The dialogue is also often clunky and makes you feel like, people don’t really speak in this manner ever. There are some good moments when some things are handled well but half the time its more like oh no, it’s attacking us, so let’s kill it but look we’re losing, but our magical friends are here to save the day for way too many damn times.
This next thing is not exactly a critique but merely a things I have noted is that Magician and Silverthorn feel like different series whilst being in the same world. Let me explain. Book one, Magician(which is sometimes spilt into Apprentice and Master) focuses on the story of Pug and his friend Tomas. In this book, Tomas gets like two pages of time while Pug gets a few chapters towards the last quarter of the book. Furthermore, due to the first book’s, often years at a time time jumps, these characters all like have children and everything. This book instead focuses on Arutha and Jimmy, which, while are ok characters, also made me wish that we actually do see more of the characters we were first introduced in the first book. I mean imagine starting the first book of a series and falling in love with them but then seeing them only briefly mentioned in the next book. This is done occasionally in The Wheel of Time which different books focussing on different characters, but that is a 14 book series and each of those books is almost double the length of this book.
Anyway, moving on. The gosh dang romances. Every one of them feels like physical attraction than love. Aside from a few kisses there does not seem to be a lot of chemistry between the romantic interests in this book. Yes a year passed between this book and the first one, but even in book one the reader does not get to see as to how the characters fall in love other than the fact that everyone is astoundingly beautiful. I mean, Carline is like the most beautiful woman in the realm and then Anita slender figure and beauty is commented on every single time and then the Elf Queen’s beauty is like out of the world, and just stop. Basically the female characters in this series so far feel like trophy pieces to have children with, which is not ok. I understand that it was written ages ago but from a modern perspective it bothers me.
If I can be honest, I skimmed over some info dumps. Every time a character asks another character about something, you can almost always expect a full lengthy paragraphs of another character explaining something which, again, take a breath people don’t normally rant on for ages all the time.
So in the end, I respect it for what it is though it does fall short to what has been published recently and from what may have been an incredibly story 30 years ago, it does feel pretty average. I will be reading A Darkness at Sethanon over the coming weeks. 5.5/10
May 2, 2023
The long awaited and joyous wedding of Arutha, Prince of Krondor, to the beautiful young Princess Anita, is cruelly cut short when Anita is struck by a poisoned arrow, from the bow of the Nighthawks - an underground cult of death, in league with the darkest and most evil powers.
It is discovered that the nighthawks are being used by the enemy, the dark lord, the enemy, Murmandamus, to assassinate the Lord of the West, Arutha. This in order to fulfill the ancient prophesy, necessary for Murmandamus and his evil minions to take over the world of Midkemia, and cast it into darkness.
Prince Arutha, assisted by his brother, the skilled huntsman Duke Martin of Crydee, the veteran Captain Gardan, the troubadour Laurie of Tyr Sog, the former Tsurani, Earl Kasumi of La Mut and the artful boy thief, Jimmy the Hand, set off on a quest to get hold of the antidote necessary to save Anita from death, and at the same time to learn a thing or two about the terrorist nature of the forces that threaten the Kingdom of the Isles.
This novel is filled with suspense and mystery, as we explore magic, the history of the elves and Valheru, and a deeper understanding of the connection between the worlds of Midkemia and Kelewan.
New characters are introduced into the saga, such as Gamina, the child who talks with her mind , and the Hadati Hillman , Baru.
The momentum set by Magician is not lost for a moment and it is difficult to put the book down as we follow the saga of magic and a momentous battle between good and evil.
It is discovered that the nighthawks are being used by the enemy, the dark lord, the enemy, Murmandamus, to assassinate the Lord of the West, Arutha. This in order to fulfill the ancient prophesy, necessary for Murmandamus and his evil minions to take over the world of Midkemia, and cast it into darkness.
Prince Arutha, assisted by his brother, the skilled huntsman Duke Martin of Crydee, the veteran Captain Gardan, the troubadour Laurie of Tyr Sog, the former Tsurani, Earl Kasumi of La Mut and the artful boy thief, Jimmy the Hand, set off on a quest to get hold of the antidote necessary to save Anita from death, and at the same time to learn a thing or two about the terrorist nature of the forces that threaten the Kingdom of the Isles.
This novel is filled with suspense and mystery, as we explore magic, the history of the elves and Valheru, and a deeper understanding of the connection between the worlds of Midkemia and Kelewan.
New characters are introduced into the saga, such as Gamina, the child who talks with her mind , and the Hadati Hillman , Baru.
The momentum set by Magician is not lost for a moment and it is difficult to put the book down as we follow the saga of magic and a momentous battle between good and evil.
November 5, 2012
I found this book quite different to Magician. It spanned a far shorter period of time and concentrated on a smaller band of characters. I adore Jimmy the Hand and really enjoyed his role in the story. He made me laugh a lot :) The story was fun and well paced and kept my interest all the way through.
I took issue with the fact that the goodreads description gave away plot points that were only revealed one and two thirds of the way into the book, respectively. I'm not a fan of spoilers.
On to A Darkness At Sethanon! :)
I took issue with the fact that the goodreads description gave away plot points that were only revealed one and two thirds of the way into the book, respectively. I'm not a fan of spoilers.
On to A Darkness At Sethanon! :)
December 16, 2018
"A thing of despair fashioned in a shape of utter horror descended from the sky." - What a great line.
It's been so long since I last read this, that it was like reading it for the first time. This is a middle book, that works really well to setup for the finale in 'Darkness at Sethanon.'
In general, I loved the book. I think the pacing could have been a little better, especially at the start, but that's a quibble.
As is usual for a Feist novel, themes of love, courage, duty and sacrifice in the face of tremendous, supernatural evil are front and center.
I enjoyed seeing Jimmy the Hand emerge as an important character in this book, he's one of my favorite characters in the series.
Looking forward to the next book.
It's been so long since I last read this, that it was like reading it for the first time. This is a middle book, that works really well to setup for the finale in 'Darkness at Sethanon.'
In general, I loved the book. I think the pacing could have been a little better, especially at the start, but that's a quibble.
As is usual for a Feist novel, themes of love, courage, duty and sacrifice in the face of tremendous, supernatural evil are front and center.
I enjoyed seeing Jimmy the Hand emerge as an important character in this book, he's one of my favorite characters in the series.
Looking forward to the next book.
September 2, 2019
Silverthorn is the third (or second, depending on how you count Magician) book in Raymond E. Feist’s Riftwar Saga, the first subseries in the Riftwar Cycle. This one picks up about a year after the previous book left off. There’s one more book in the subseries, so this one wraps up the most immediate problem that our characters are focused on, but it leaves a lot of dangling threads waiting for resolution in the next book.
Silverthorn brought the Feist Nostalgia Factor back in full force. 20 years after originally reading the first several books in the Riftwar Cycle, Arutha and Jimmy still lived on in my head as my favorite characters from his books. This is the first book that focuses mainly on those two, and I loved spending time with them again. It also brings back the ensemble camaraderie in full force which is something I really enjoy.
Reading it with older eyes, decades after its original publication in the 80’s, I can see now that it’s a teensy bit melodramatic at times. Also, our supposedly-stoic characters get all sappy a bit more often than might be realistic. I think I’ve come to appreciate a little more subtlety and “understatedness”, and yet I can understand why my 20-something-year-old self loved this and my 40-something-year-old self can’t help but still love it. I’m giving this one 4.5 nostalgic stars and rounding up to 5 on Goodreads.
Silverthorn brought the Feist Nostalgia Factor back in full force. 20 years after originally reading the first several books in the Riftwar Cycle, Arutha and Jimmy still lived on in my head as my favorite characters from his books. This is the first book that focuses mainly on those two, and I loved spending time with them again. It also brings back the ensemble camaraderie in full force which is something I really enjoy.
Reading it with older eyes, decades after its original publication in the 80’s, I can see now that it’s a teensy bit melodramatic at times. Also, our supposedly-stoic characters get all sappy a bit more often than might be realistic. I think I’ve come to appreciate a little more subtlety and “understatedness”, and yet I can understand why my 20-something-year-old self loved this and my 40-something-year-old self can’t help but still love it. I’m giving this one 4.5 nostalgic stars and rounding up to 5 on Goodreads.
August 9, 2020
De hoofdpersonen in dit boek zijn vooral prins Arutha en Robbie de Hand. Bij zijn aankomst in Krondor, waarvan hij nu de heerser is, wordt Arutha aangevallen door moredhel en mensen die terug uit de dood kunnen opstaan, wat dus een zeer moeilijke strijd wordt. Op de dag dat Arutha met prinses Anita in het huwelijk treedt, is er een vijand verborgen in een hoge nis van een raam in de kerk. Robbie heeft hem ontdekt, maar kan niets doen dan op het moment dat de vijand een pijl afschiet, hem een duw geven. Zo wordt niet prins Arutha gedood, maar prinses Anita raakt dodelijk gewond door deze giftige pijl. De magiërs weten haar in leven te houden, in een soort eeuwige slaap, zodat de helden de tijd krijgen om een medicijn tegen het gif te vinden. Dit tegengif zou de Zilverdoorn zijn, een plant die groeit op een sinistere plaats. Toch zit er niets anders op dan de plant te gaan zoeken. Vele gevaarlijke avonturen wachten het gezelschap. En niet alleen dat, er is ook nog de Vijand die zowel Midkemia als de wereld van de Tsuranu bedreigt. Dit is een zaak voor Puc en de andere Magiërs om te onderzoeken.
Prachtig boek. Ik vond het fijn dat er nu andere hoofdpersonen waren dan in deel 1, hoewel we de meeste personages al min of meer kenden. En aan de andere kant, hoewel Puc eerst later in het boek zijn opgang maakt, speelt hij toch ook in dit verhaal weer een belangrijke rol.
Prachtig boek. Ik vond het fijn dat er nu andere hoofdpersonen waren dan in deel 1, hoewel we de meeste personages al min of meer kenden. En aan de andere kant, hoewel Puc eerst later in het boek zijn opgang maakt, speelt hij toch ook in dit verhaal weer een belangrijke rol.
August 21, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
Pretty good but a definite step down from the first book. This felt like a large novella more than a sequel. I really enjoyed some of the horror elements in the beginning.
Pretty good but a definite step down from the first book. This felt like a large novella more than a sequel. I really enjoyed some of the horror elements in the beginning.
October 3, 2010
I was introduced to high fantasy, way back, by three very notable works: The Lord of the Rings, The Earthsea Quartet and, of course, Magician. The latter was such a complete work that I abstained from reading the sequels. In hindsight, it was rather odd and out of character for me, since I really enjoyed Raymond E. Feist's writing and rank Magician as one of the finest works I've ever read.
So, Silverthorn. This is the immediate sequel to Magician, and a finely crafted novel indeed. I should have read this immediately after the first. No, it is not the novel that Magician was, nor does it aspire to be. It does not have the same scope, nor the same ambition, but therein lies the rub. This novel takes off very, very shortly after the events in Magician. It is much more intimate and personal, and the narrowed scope makes for a reading experience that crosses into the heroic fantasy genre. The events in this book, which is essentially a quest, takes place in a very short time span, weeks as opposed to the many, many years of Magician. Feist, however, is a wily writer and spices the plot with just enough lore and history to remind readers of the greatness that was Magician. The back story build and builds and at the close of the book revelations follow that sets up the next book perfectly. There is a promise of grand things to come in A Darkness at Sethanon, which closes the original Riftwar Saga.
Silverthorn is a fine book, but beware. I strongly urge readers to read Magician first. Like I mentioned earlier, despite the fact that Magician was such a complete work and stands fine as a stand-alone novel, Silverthorn is a continuation and as such will not make a lot of sense if read apart. So, four stars out of five. I have one simple gripe with this book - too much Jimmy the Hand and too little Pug. The pacing is slightly awry, since Pug, being the Magician of the first novel, makes a rather late entrance in this one. I'm afraid of saying too much, since this could be considered spoiler territory.
Anyway, as far as the plot in Silverthorn is concerned. Arutha is targeted for assassination but it's a fumbled job and his betrothed is harmed instead. Poison. Sooo, Arutha sets out to seek a cure. Sounds simple? Well, it isn't. There are twists and machinations galore behind the scenes as Feist moves the pieces around on the board.
The whole Riftwar Saga is great, so far, and I highly, highly recommend it. This could well be the greatest fantasy cycle I have ever read. So, on to A Darkness at Sethanon...
So, Silverthorn. This is the immediate sequel to Magician, and a finely crafted novel indeed. I should have read this immediately after the first. No, it is not the novel that Magician was, nor does it aspire to be. It does not have the same scope, nor the same ambition, but therein lies the rub. This novel takes off very, very shortly after the events in Magician. It is much more intimate and personal, and the narrowed scope makes for a reading experience that crosses into the heroic fantasy genre. The events in this book, which is essentially a quest, takes place in a very short time span, weeks as opposed to the many, many years of Magician. Feist, however, is a wily writer and spices the plot with just enough lore and history to remind readers of the greatness that was Magician. The back story build and builds and at the close of the book revelations follow that sets up the next book perfectly. There is a promise of grand things to come in A Darkness at Sethanon, which closes the original Riftwar Saga.
Silverthorn is a fine book, but beware. I strongly urge readers to read Magician first. Like I mentioned earlier, despite the fact that Magician was such a complete work and stands fine as a stand-alone novel, Silverthorn is a continuation and as such will not make a lot of sense if read apart. So, four stars out of five. I have one simple gripe with this book - too much Jimmy the Hand and too little Pug. The pacing is slightly awry, since Pug, being the Magician of the first novel, makes a rather late entrance in this one. I'm afraid of saying too much, since this could be considered spoiler territory.
Anyway, as far as the plot in Silverthorn is concerned. Arutha is targeted for assassination but it's a fumbled job and his betrothed is harmed instead. Poison. Sooo, Arutha sets out to seek a cure. Sounds simple? Well, it isn't. There are twists and machinations galore behind the scenes as Feist moves the pieces around on the board.
The whole Riftwar Saga is great, so far, and I highly, highly recommend it. This could well be the greatest fantasy cycle I have ever read. So, on to A Darkness at Sethanon...
November 8, 2018
Arutha, Dark Prince, Little Storm Cloud, has fallen in love with his cousin Anita. A Royal Wedding is the ultimate national celebration.
But this one ended in tears.
Anita is struck down with poison. Thus begins Arutha’s quest for the cure: Silverthorn.
As all of the teens from the previous books are grown, book 3 places POV emphasis on young Jimmy the Hand. His skills and bravery quickly ingratiate him with our favorite characters.
Pug’s end of book discovery beneath the ice of Tsuranuanni was utterly magical; a jaw dropping moment of beauty.
What I didn’t like:
1. The moment Gammina, a seven year old girl, is introduced to a group of men their first thoughts are of how hot she will be when she grows up. Unnecessary.
2. Anita should have been given an opportunity to struggle on her own behalf, even if from her sick room. Instead we have a Sleeping Beauty.
3. So many dead horses.
Four stars. Next month, next book!
January 18, 2019
4.5 stars****
Although there are points in the story that not much action happens. I’m not sure what it is but the older style fantasy with the strong journey or quest really takes me along for a ride with the characters. This style of book feels comfortable and enjoyable to read. I can’t wait to read the next part and complete the Riftwar Saga!
Although there are points in the story that not much action happens. I’m not sure what it is but the older style fantasy with the strong journey or quest really takes me along for a ride with the characters. This style of book feels comfortable and enjoyable to read. I can’t wait to read the next part and complete the Riftwar Saga!
August 6, 2024
Silverthorn is the second book of The Riftwar Saga . I did not enjoy this as much as the previous one. For once, this series occasionally feels like fan-fiction, for example, the first one had a few scandalous rip-offs from LOTR. Instead, this one feels more like a boy’s fantasy that needs to include it all: zombies, wyvrens, silverthorn, aliens,… you name it, pretty sure, it is in here ;-)
Inconsistency and incoherence can get pretty boring when characters are marching from one extreme to the other. I think, the only passages that I liked were from Pug and he did not really play a major role, which was also surprising as a thief and a prince seem not well suited to fight a magical battle? So, again it feels like boy fan fiction… and I better stop this review. I’ll read the next one, but only because I got so far and already own it.
Inconsistency and incoherence can get pretty boring when characters are marching from one extreme to the other. I think, the only passages that I liked were from Pug and he did not really play a major role, which was also surprising as a thief and a prince seem not well suited to fight a magical battle? So, again it feels like boy fan fiction… and I better stop this review. I’ll read the next one, but only because I got so far and already own it.
October 23, 2014
An excellent book in the series, although like the first two (which were originally one book & then published in the US as 2 paperbacks) this book reads as half of one. There is far too much left hanging, so plan on having A Darkness at Sethanon at hand when you finish.
The main characters shift & a new star is introduced, but story is better for it, IMO. The heroes of the previous books are around, but they're wrapped up in other matters. This allows the world to expand in a more believable fashion & gives it a fresher perspective. This probably isn't really a 4 star book, but at least a 3.5, so I gave it the benefit of the doubt.
I'm reading this in the Fantasy Book Club Series Group this time,
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/group_...
The main characters shift & a new star is introduced, but story is better for it, IMO. The heroes of the previous books are around, but they're wrapped up in other matters. This allows the world to expand in a more believable fashion & gives it a fresher perspective. This probably isn't really a 4 star book, but at least a 3.5, so I gave it the benefit of the doubt.
I'm reading this in the Fantasy Book Club Series Group this time,
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/group_...
June 17, 2020
When Princess Anita is poisoned , Prince Arutha, his brother Martin, and friends must go to find the cure to save her life. Can they succeed in their quest while outrunning the dark forces of the dark brotherhood? Read on and find out for yourself.
This was a great installment of the Riftwar saga that I plan to finish next month. It's very action packed, full of magic and more. If you love epic sword and sorcery fantasy novels like this, be sure to check this book out at your local library and wherever books and ebooks are sold.
This was a great installment of the Riftwar saga that I plan to finish next month. It's very action packed, full of magic and more. If you love epic sword and sorcery fantasy novels like this, be sure to check this book out at your local library and wherever books and ebooks are sold.
April 25, 2023
I read this book in the middle of my first reading slump of 2023 which I’m sure is influencing my review, but even so this part is my favorite one so far in this saga. The events are still all pretty much predictable and there are no big twists that would’ve surprised or shocked me, which is the reason why it took me so long to finish this book.
The biggest positive for me is the writing style; there is something special about it that I cannot name. The words and pages seemed to flow effortlessly, I just wish the action would’ve picked up the pace too.
The biggest positive for me is the writing style; there is something special about it that I cannot name. The words and pages seemed to flow effortlessly, I just wish the action would’ve picked up the pace too.
March 16, 2017
lots of good ideas and lots of cliches with this one. one thing that bothered me was that everyone used the same speech: the royalty, the highborns, the elves, the aliens, the thieves, the assassins all spoke the same way, with the same words.
June 29, 2018
Just did not click with this one. 'Magician' was such a classic but this was all rather mundane with very little magic and the very annoying Jimmy the Hand. All a bit predictable and instantly forgettable. Sorry,
July 29, 2020
More!!!!! I want more .... 😂😊
April 1, 2022
The weaker side of 3 stars (2.5). More boys-only club going on an adventure. Both characters and story were weaker than in the books before.
June 21, 2023
The excellent story telling continues in this third book of the "Riftwar" quadrilogy or is it a tetralogy? I'm hoping the fourth book ends it.
Double plots emerge as our heroes struggle to 1) save a princess from poison and 2) search and destroy the evil "Enemy" attacking civilization. Magic and battles abound in medieval fashion with the usual twists in the weave of this saga. Entertaining reading.
Double plots emerge as our heroes struggle to 1) save a princess from poison and 2) search and destroy the evil "Enemy" attacking civilization. Magic and battles abound in medieval fashion with the usual twists in the weave of this saga. Entertaining reading.
September 14, 2014
A very interesting follow on from the first book with a lot more drama and a lot less world-setting which is cool but also slightly baffling...
Such a different style of book though, very odd. I like it in it's own right but it's a very weird continuation...
Such a different style of book though, very odd. I like it in it's own right but it's a very weird continuation...
April 27, 2011
I wondered where Raymond Feist would take me in
Silverthorn
, the next novel in the Riftwar Saga series. The three brothers (Arutha, Lyam and Martin) spent a year touring the Kingdom and returned to Krondor to plan Arutha and Anita's wedding. Jimmy the Hand, a young full-of-himself thief and rising star in the Mockers, foiled an assassination attempt upon Prince Arutha. Because Jimmy aided both Anita and Arutha in escaping Krondor during the Riftwar, he chose to warn Arutha before reporting to the Mockers, and for his divided loyalty he was branded a traitor by his Guild. Arutha haggled with the Upright Man, the leader of the Mockers. Arutha agrees to make Jimmy his Squire and the Mockers agree to hunt for the Night Hawk assassins. With the Mockers' assistance, Arutha invades the Night Hawks' hideout in Krondor, but what should have been a rout, instead turns into a zombie apocalypse melee until Jimmy burns the place down around them.
Thinking the threats to his life abated, Arutha and Anita proceed with their wedding. Jimmy gets a bad feeling and restlessly searches the upper galleries of the hall, stumbling upon a former high-ranking Mocker now turned assassin. Despite being knocked senseless, gagged and restrained, Jimmy manages to divert the assassin's shot, which misses Arutha but strikes his bride-to-be Anita. Even the great Pug can't cure Anita, so he places a spell upon her that slows time down to a barely perceptible crawl, allowing Arutha time to find an antidote for the poison. An interrogation session with the assassin reveals the name of the poison (and also the antidote) to be 'silverthorn' but no one on hand in Krondor has ever heard of it.
Thus, a quest is begun. Pug returns to Stardock to search Macros' library and eventually discovers a way to return to Kelewan, where an even more comprehensive library exists founded by the Tsurani Assembly of Great Ones. Predictably, Pug is detained as a result of his last acts at the Imperial Games before closing the rift. Meanwhile, Arutha and a small party, including Jimmy, head to the Kingdom's own repository of knowledge at Sarth.
Eventually, knowledge of the silverthorn is gleaned and Arutha's party seeks it through elven territory in the west and the far northern reaches of Midkemia. Pug extricates himself from detention and goes on his own quest for the Watchers, also in the far northern reaches, but on Kelewan. Both storylines include action, adventure, danger, puzzles and more walking dead. Jimmy provides some sidekick humor to lighten the mood.
Silverthorn delivered an almost typical quest adventure, focusing on Arutha's obsessive need to save Anita and Jimmy's transition from thief to trusted companion and squire to Arutha. Even though Pug only popped in for a few chapters, I am positive his quest will result in further adventures in later novels. Tomas appeared only in a couple of brief cameos, but at least he's settling in nicely among the elves and fatherhood agrees with him. Princess Caroline, twice bereft of lovers in Magician , sets her sights on Laurie and I see another royal wedding in the near future.
Probably not quite a four star rating, but definitely better than three or three and a half. Stop in at Fantasy Book Club Series group to review discussions of Silverthorn (with a Q&A thread monitored by Raymond E. Feist) from April 2011.
Thinking the threats to his life abated, Arutha and Anita proceed with their wedding. Jimmy gets a bad feeling and restlessly searches the upper galleries of the hall, stumbling upon a former high-ranking Mocker now turned assassin. Despite being knocked senseless, gagged and restrained, Jimmy manages to divert the assassin's shot, which misses Arutha but strikes his bride-to-be Anita. Even the great Pug can't cure Anita, so he places a spell upon her that slows time down to a barely perceptible crawl, allowing Arutha time to find an antidote for the poison. An interrogation session with the assassin reveals the name of the poison (and also the antidote) to be 'silverthorn' but no one on hand in Krondor has ever heard of it.
Thus, a quest is begun. Pug returns to Stardock to search Macros' library and eventually discovers a way to return to Kelewan, where an even more comprehensive library exists founded by the Tsurani Assembly of Great Ones. Predictably, Pug is detained as a result of his last acts at the Imperial Games before closing the rift. Meanwhile, Arutha and a small party, including Jimmy, head to the Kingdom's own repository of knowledge at Sarth.
Eventually, knowledge of the silverthorn is gleaned and Arutha's party seeks it through elven territory in the west and the far northern reaches of Midkemia. Pug extricates himself from detention and goes on his own quest for the Watchers, also in the far northern reaches, but on Kelewan. Both storylines include action, adventure, danger, puzzles and more walking dead. Jimmy provides some sidekick humor to lighten the mood.
Silverthorn delivered an almost typical quest adventure, focusing on Arutha's obsessive need to save Anita and Jimmy's transition from thief to trusted companion and squire to Arutha. Even though Pug only popped in for a few chapters, I am positive his quest will result in further adventures in later novels. Tomas appeared only in a couple of brief cameos, but at least he's settling in nicely among the elves and fatherhood agrees with him. Princess Caroline, twice bereft of lovers in Magician , sets her sights on Laurie and I see another royal wedding in the near future.
Probably not quite a four star rating, but definitely better than three or three and a half. Stop in at Fantasy Book Club Series group to review discussions of Silverthorn (with a Q&A thread monitored by Raymond E. Feist) from April 2011.
March 1, 2019
3,5 stars + 0,5 nostalgia stars
It's kinda fun how much I remembered from Magician and how little I remembered from this one. Also 90% of what I remembered from this book I thought happened in A Darkness at Sethanon and not this one (I thought the whole of Pug's plotline took part in Sethanon but apparently i misremembered). So now I remember very little of what happens in the last book.
I also remember finding this book weaker than Magician back when I was 13-14. Mostly because I was pissy Pug got so little page time. He was my favourite character and still is one of the faves. I do like Jimmy and Arutha so I was okay with them sharing the space. Could still have been more Pug though. I was also surprised .
What I do like about it is that it's more contained. It spans for a lot shorter time than Magician (that shit spanned like 11-12 years and basically contained the plot of a whole series in itself). Also, Jimmy really is a gem (don't look at me I got a weak spot for thieves).
Also, this could be because Pug got fewer chapters after his time in Kelewan and becoming a "great one", but from the chapters he was training to be a magician in Kelewan and onwards, I feel a distance to him. I'm also having difficulties actually seeing him all grown up. I don't have that difficulty with any of the other characters being older than in the beginning of the first book. Maybe it's because we followed him too sporadically as he aged up.
Onwards to the next book!
It's kinda fun how much I remembered from Magician and how little I remembered from this one. Also 90% of what I remembered from this book I thought happened in A Darkness at Sethanon and not this one (I thought the whole of Pug's plotline took part in Sethanon but apparently i misremembered). So now I remember very little of what happens in the last book.
I also remember finding this book weaker than Magician back when I was 13-14. Mostly because I was pissy Pug got so little page time. He was my favourite character and still is one of the faves. I do like Jimmy and Arutha so I was okay with them sharing the space. Could still have been more Pug though. I was also surprised .
What I do like about it is that it's more contained. It spans for a lot shorter time than Magician (that shit spanned like 11-12 years and basically contained the plot of a whole series in itself). Also, Jimmy really is a gem (don't look at me I got a weak spot for thieves).
Also, this could be because Pug got fewer chapters after his time in Kelewan and becoming a "great one", but from the chapters he was training to be a magician in Kelewan and onwards, I feel a distance to him. I'm also having difficulties actually seeing him all grown up. I don't have that difficulty with any of the other characters being older than in the beginning of the first book. Maybe it's because we followed him too sporadically as he aged up.
Onwards to the next book!
May 22, 2020
Closer to 3.5 stars!
I enjoyed this magical quest but it did feel quite childlike at times!!
I enjoyed this magical quest but it did feel quite childlike at times!!
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