Note: Actual review is 3.5 starsThis was my first experience with the world where the story takes place. The characters and the premise were definitely interesting, and they kept me reading. Tinuva was a mystery, and I was really worried that the authors were never going to explain his subplot. I wish there had been more information regarding the two types of elves though, particularly regarding the Returning. Why tell us about something that sounds really intriguing only to never explain WHY it happens or really explain HOW or how someone knows when someone turns. Halfway explanations seem to be pretty popular in this book.At times, Dennis seemed a little ...whiny? I'm not sure that's precisely the word that is best to describe his internal monologue about the Bad Things That Have Happened, but that's the word that comes to mind at the moment. I also wish they would have better explained Gregory's history, how he and Tinuva knew each other, and the history behind the Main Villain and his dislike for certain Good Characters.Honoured Enemy is the first in a side series about Midkemia; however, I feel that it did not explain some things as well as it could have. In fact, it seemed to assume that you already knew the history from the other books, which annoyed me. For instance, while I understand the Tsurani are alien invaders, have been there for 9 years, and came through some sort of portal, I did not understand WHY they came. They also referenced a lot to the "Great Game," yet they never explained WHAT it is. From what I've gathered, it has something to do with politics. Actually, Asayaga's entirely conflict with Sugama still confuses me. I felt there were a few more opportunities to really explain some of the differences between the culture and aspects of the various groups since 4 different cultures were present.My other big disappointment is that the authors jumped POV a lot, which is a big pet peeve of mine. While it appears that they were striving for a third-person limited POV, we often get inside information that POV character would not know. I have to check the book again for a good example of this since I can't find the notes I had. It seems to me they were also not going for a third person omniscient POV either based on the fact that they did usually limit themselves to whoever was identified in the first sentence of each section. Despite these flaws, I still found myself intrigued by the overall plot. The latter portion of the book was also so riveting due to the action and the stakes, that I simply could not put it down. (view spoiler)[Although the explanation of building the bridge made no sense to me and was therefore impossible to picture. (hide spoiler)]
Good book. I liked the combination of Feist and Forstchen. It created a Feistian tale, that was a bit more close to the ground. Another tale from Feist that has a Tsurani as a major character is always welcome. Another plus was more insight into the Elves and Dark Elves of Feist's world. Feist's elves (Regular or Dark, or any other) are really the only elves I've ever been able to actually enjoy, so thanks to this team for giving me more of them.Unfortunately I have to report that while I enjoyed this book, along with everything else Feist has written, many others will not. He is a great, even excellent craftsman of words, but that is the highest praise I can give his writing. I think his best strength lies in having created a trully living world, and being able to share the history of it with us in an entertaining fashion. So if you like good solid, and often times better than most of the fantasy dreck permiating the genre, sword and sorcery fantasy with an almost historical fiction presentation, then this guy is your man. Though start out from the begining, not this book. You gotta read his stuff in chronological order, so Riftwar Saga first, then Legends of the Riftwar..etc.Ok, so to end on task at least a bit. Solid fantasy from Feist and Forstchen here, with a down in the trenches grit you don't see as often in Feist. Still best Elves in the known world as far as I am concerned, and it was not overly long so its short and sweet. Check it out for something light but suprisingly complex in the fantasy department.
Do You like book Honored Enemy (2006)?
This is a very good, very exciting, book. It was lacking the magical element that made the original riftwar series so spectacular but that did not affect the book very much. This is a book mainly about war and the effects that it has on people. The main characters in the book are very likeable and relatable. They also change throughout the book, like well written characters should. This is an extremely good book and I would recommend it to anyone, but especially those that enjoy a good fantasy read.
—Matt
I bought this book in the UK before its US release and loved it! I enjoy writers who give you vivid detail putting you "right there" without wrapping you up in the mundane. Feist & Forstchen take you to another time and place and then launch you off a roller coaster of adventure. And it all makes sense. I was very sad when this book was over, as there was no sequal at the time. I am overjoyed to find that the next couple books of the series have been released. Oh, joy of joys! Yes, Shanti, there is a Santa Claus!I will not give the book away by quoting plotlines or giving away "reveals." Just pick up this book and get ready for a great ride.
—Shanti
In all, a decent book. Corwyn is a bit too easy/predictable, and Tinuva is fleshed out too little to really make the storyline surrounding him interesting, but the main story is nice. Whenever emotions come in, Feist seems to run into trouble, as I never really find them believable enough to really be gripping (it's all a bit too heavy-handed) episodes. The Riftwar/Serpentwar/Empire series are OK (esp. Empire), but he doesn't really seem to 'get' how emotionally fraught situations should be portrayed/played out in books. Especially the scene surrounding Suguma/Barry just seemed to go nowhere, but most of the 'friendship-building confrontations' between Dennis and Asayaga seem to me to be somewhat lacking as well.. The buildups are poor, and the resolutions forced.Still, as part of a fantasy series (meant mostly for teenagers) I suppose they're sufficient, and if you ignore that, most of the rest of the stories are nice enough, if somewhat predictable/uninspired.
—0spinboson
