King of Foxes: Conclave of Shadows, Book 2

So, here's the deal; if you're reading this book, the twenty-first of the riftwar cycle, then you've seen this before. A slow start from book one in a series; interesting, but mildly boring, but setting up an elaborate background and backstory. Books two or three in series produce some of the greatest reads and fast paced action. And then books three or four (depending on how long the series is) provides a good story and quite a bit of clean up.This is my third year reading Feist, and my first real command on his literary genius. For the past three years and last four series I haven't noticed it, but this one was the clear winner. In reflection, each book that is second in the series, never seems to disappoint me and as I read my reviews, it seems the 2/3 books always seem to outshine books 1/3 or 1/4.Without spoilers, this book had three plot twists that I saw coming but didn't anticipate how early they would be, each one coming quicker than I imagined.My only regret is labeling the last book a 4 star review and only being able to give this one a 5 star review, seems a little empty. This is clearly a standout compared to the first book on the series that was slow and boring in spots, but nevertheless it was a Requiem for Feist's series. This book took expected turns at unexpected times and unexpected turns at expected times. Who knows what Kaspar is up to is conspiring to do today?!?!??!

The item was brand new as advertised and arrived before the promised delivery date.

I appreciated how Feist took us on a plot journey here that was darker than the first book, bordering on the grimdark. At the same time, due to the magic this world allows, all was not lost - and you sort of expect that. I was entertained!

You are taken on a journey that will leave you wondering what will happen next , but the author has a way to drive you crazy at times. If you have read books by First then you know he likes to drive you crazy. Great job with book

Some central characters appeal to me more than others - Tal Hawkins is one of the best that Feist has created. I love the constant struggle within the character between his goals & expediency, & between revenge & forgiveness. And there is a modern-day parable in the figure of Kaspar too, who is a 'good' person with many flaws, who is exploited by the evil that he allows into his life. Fascinating!

I read this every moment I could. The twists were great! Definitely recommend to read for enjoyment and you don’t have to be a fantasy fan.

I really enjoyed this book - like all of Feists books

This book was missing pages 17 thru 48. I purchased this book in a group, by the time I got too it it was too late to return. In there place were a repeat of the end of the book pages 321 thru 352.

I really struggled coming up with a review for ‘King of Foxes’. On one hand, it is well written. But on another, there are several issues that are hard to overlook.As I’ve said, the story is well written, and anyone who is familiar with Feist’s style will be instantly at home. However, the story isn’t one of Feist’s greatest. It fails to hit the same heights as the original trilogy.Which brings me onto the characters. Despite liking Talon in his debut outing, this time he just feels like a discount Arutha. But whereas Arutha ha Jimmy and Martin to confide in when he had moment of weakness, Tal is able to just will his despair away.As for Kasper, he feels like cartoon villain. Now I know he has more growth in Exiles return (which has it’s own issues), in King of Foxes, he is very one dimensional. And I wouldn’t have been surprised if he twirled a moustache and went “Mwahahahaha”. It kind of feels his only reason for existing is to act as an antagonist for Tal.And there is no real point talking about Pug and Leso. The might as well be absent for how little they impact the story. And I can’t help thinking this is a direct result of how powerful Feist has made them. They are basically the most powerful beings in creation (short of the gods), so the political machinations of kingdoms is a bit beneath them.So saying all this, can I recommend King of Foxes? Yes I can. I still think Feist is one of the better fantasy writers out there. But I would caution this is not his best effort. Nor is it his worst.

Pages 17 - 48 were missing from my copy, being replaced by an extra copy of pages 321 - 352. This made it impossible to read.I have read 17 books in this series leading up to KING OF FOXES.I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED.

I have had difficulty finding a new adult fantasy writer for some time now, most of the genre seems to be either targeted at the teenage demographic or is a pale imitation of authors such as Feist, Martin, Kerr or Gemmell and so once again I have returned to my bookshelf to revisit the masters of the genre and add their works to my more mobile Kindle collection.Raymond E Feist is one of the handful of fantasy authors that I have collected and kept on my shelves over the years and re-read chronologically from time to time.King of Foxes is the second volume of the Conclave of Shadows and as always is a good read, fast paced and entertaining.Feist's epic saga is still one of the best fantasy series ever.

Condition as received closer to good than very good, but still acceptable.

This book is a journey into the depths of odesko and its characters which works well. It's sad that the ending seemed so rushed, but it didn't detract from the plot. Does this story belong in the conclave series, only time will tell. The development of tal however was a story which kept me reading until the end. It's clear that the final book of the conclave series will continue but how is what's made me pick it up instantly.