For those who read the masterpiece that is King of Ashes when it first released (or have simply forgotten parts of the in depth plot like me), at its conclusion, there were four main people in play. First off there is Hatu, sicari trained teenager and heir to the Firemane throne – he is obnoxious and stoic but also just a little confused at all times. Heading along for the journey is Hava, the teenage beauty and sicari-trained childhood friend of Hatu as an added bonus she has undergone training with the Powdered Women so as to be the deadliest beauty that ever did roam the land of Garn. Next up is Declan, master blacksmith/swordsmith who has lost his home but gained an apprentice and a forge. Last of the major important players is Baron Dumarch, conspirator to the salvation of the Firemane line and all around good guy when it comes to treating his citizens with the respect they deserve. Add to this the shock return of Donte and the various persons from the Order of the Flame and the ending of King of Ashes has all the pieces in place to make Queen of Storms a fantasy epic for the ages.
In Queen of Storms, Declan and Hatu are both comfortable in their surroundings, protected by the Baron and his younger brother Balvern. Declan has his forge and wife to go home to, while Hatu and Hava are attempting to make their stamp on the world by rebuilding Gwen’s fathers Inn after its tragic demise. Although it progresses as expected, the reader begins to gain a better understanding into just how our protagonists view and interact with the world around them. As each slowly begins to realise just how important they are going to be should war recommence in Garn, for the most part everyone is just attempting to get on with life. I found the interactions between most of the characters in the beginning to really scratch the itch that is Feist’s signature blend of story-telling and world building. While everyone is keeping secrets and continuing on with life, one can gain a real insight into just how tough it would be to live in the countryside and attempt to seek a living. But everyone knows it would not truly be a Feist novel until tragedy hits and everything falls apart.
If you have ever read anything from this master storyteller, you will know that tragedy and conflict if where Feist really shines. When the inevitable happens and everyone’s peaceful existence begins to crumble around them, each characters’ story progresses in such a way as to be logical but exciting, nonetheless. Whether it be fighting for their home, sneaking through a crumbling city, or riding across the lush countryside, every part of the journey is meticulously planned so as to keep the audience engaged. Returning to previous destinations could have potentially felt stale but with the twists and turns of the plot and the eventual demise of certain factions, the whole thing still felt very fresh and new.
There is also inclusion of new destinations for as we all know, Feist novels seem to have endless locales in which to tell their story. Leaving the mainland, there is the discovery of lands afar known as the Border Ports, a sort of segregating archipelago of islands from which no person of Tembria has ever returned. On these islands, one feels as though they are far from any civilisation, much the same as the introduction of Coaltachin in King of Ashes – although their distance is not particularly far, their people are a special breed all of their own.
While the Sicari took the forefront in the series first instalment and are occasionally referenced throughout Queen, an all-new breed of evil is introduced so as to give the reader a sense that what they thought were the Big Bad are actually small potatoes in terms of the world of Garn as a whole. Upon the introduction of the Azhante, an order of warrior similar to the Sicari, one comes to question just what may be happening. However, until the final pages, it is almost impossible to discern their involvement in the current world order. I found this super refreshing to read as they are well mentioned but for the most part, the order is steeped in mysticism. I also loved that the Sisters of the Deep made a small but seemingly influential return, constantly lurking in the background but leaving the reader to question their true motivation.
Now, if you are after a novel that is fast paced, this is not it. Due to the convoluted nature of the beast that is Queen of Storms, it feels very long despite only being around 550 pages. It is a very long read but feels extremely expansive once you look back on its events. While you are reading it, however, beware of becoming distracted – I found myself having to go back because those seemingly pointless portions of drawn out happening turn into extremely important plot lines.
Overall, if you are a fan of Feist, I feel that you will love him more so now that Queen of Storms is releasing. I would warn you though, if you got angry at the cliffhanger that was King of Ashes, you shall feel no resolution by the end of QoS. The narrative as a whole was well paced but definitely had a few issues, mostly during the first portion when everyone is happy and there is no conflict (who needs happiness right?). The introduction of new characters and locales keeps the story feeling fresh, while the expansion on known characters gives the audience a greater insight into the inner workings of the main protagonists. Also, be aware that unlike KoA, multiple characters may have points of view within the same chapter – most of the time it is easy to pick these transitions and therefore keep track of where everyone is a whole.
Queen of Shadows is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of July 14th 2020.
Will you be picking up Queen of Shadows? Tell us in the comments below!
Synopsis | Goodreads
Dark and powerful forces threaten the world of Garn once more in this second novel in legendary New York Times bestselling author Raymond E. Feist’s epic fantasy series, the Firemane Saga.
Hatushaly and his young wife Hava have arrived in the prosperous trading town of Beran’s Hill to restore and reopen the fire-damaged Inn of the Three Stars. They are also preparing for the popular midsummer festival, where their friends Declan and Gwen will be wed.
But Hatu and Hava are not the ordinary loving couple they appear to be. They are assassins from the mysterious island of Coaltachin, home to the powerful and lethal Nocusara, the fearsome “Hidden Warriors.” Posing as innkeepers, they are awaiting instructions from their masters in the Kingdom of Night.
Hatu conceals an even more dangerous secret. He is the last remaining member of the legendary Firemanes, the ruling family of Ithrace. Known as the Kingdom of Flames, Ithrace was one of the five greatest realms of Tembria, ruled by Hatu’s father, Stervern Langene, until he and his people were betrayed. His heir, Hatu—then a baby—was hidden among the Nocusara, who raised him to become a deadly spy.
Hatu works hard to hide his true identity from all who would seek to use or to destroy him, as fate has other plans for the noble warrior. Unexpected calamity forces him to make choices he could not have dreamed awaited him.
A series of horrific events shatters the peace of Beran’s Hill, bringing death and devastation and unleashing monstrous forces. Once more, the Greater Realms of Tembria are threatened—and nothing will ever be the same again.
