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Title: Shards of a Broken Crown (Serpentwar Saga | Book 4) Author: Raymond E. Feist Rating: Not available Avg. Score: 4 Submit Comment Hits: 23

Review of Shards of a Broken Crown (Serpentwar Saga, Book 4)

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Comments for Shards of a Broken Crown (Serpentwar Saga | Book 4)

• Posted on 2007-10-28
  Not Free SF Reader
  
  Cleanup opportunities.
  
  
  After going through a war with a demon, much of Midkemia has serious rebuilding to do. So, great time for an invasion an enterprising Keshian military leader things.
  
  So, with the focus off epic fantasy and magic on the same scale as before we have something a little more similar to the previous novel with Borric and Erland, where a couple of the younger generation are the focus of the novel, and have to grow up fast to deal with a serious situation.
  
  Score: 3
• Posted on 2007-10-27
  Dramatic conclusion of the Serpentwar Saga
  
  The Serpentwar has ravaged the western realm of the Kingdom of the Isles,
  on Midkemia. Patrick, Prince of Krondor finds himself without his city,
  although it is mostly rubble and cinder at this stage. Worse, a full
  30,000 invaders are annexing off large parts of his realm, the Keshians
  are still threatening to invade the south, and there's a small matter
  of a considerable number of the powerful race of Saaur trying to stake a
  claim in his realm. Thrust into this situation, while tutored in theories,
  he is untried and relatively young, and given to outbursts similar to a
  child's temper tantrum.
  
  The book largely revolves around James and Dashiel Jamison, grandsons of
  the Duke of Krondor (formerly the once notorious Jimmy The Hand), working
  either in the roles of soldiers or advisors to those in power. It is in
  this book that they really come into their element, and step out from the
  shadows cast by their famous and powerful forebears, although the
  transition will not be easy.
  
  At the same time, Pug, Nakor, Miranda, and to some extent Tomas, must face
  the evil force behind the army of invaders. It is in this novel that Pug
  comes to realize that he can no longer concern himself with just the
  demands of the crown, but rather the defense of the world of Midkemia
  against the forces of evil. In doing so, he severs his ties to the crown,
  and initiates the founding of the Conclave of Shadows.
  
  Feist's forte is in making characters seem alive, and he does not
  disappoint in this novel. While there is much to be done to clean up and
  heal his war-torn nation, he does an admirable job in tying up loose ends.
  
  I highly recommend this book.
  Score: 5
• Posted on 2006-04-13
  Highly recommended!
  
  In this sequel to Rage of a Demon King, author Raymond Feist takes us back to his magical world of Midkemia. With the defeat of the Demon King, it appeared to all that all that was left was to roll up the remnants of the foreign army. But, the world is now a changed place, and old threats are ready to reassert themselves. And worse, something dark is left over after the fall of the Demon King, and swords and daggers won't be enough to resist it.
  
  Overall, I thought that this was a great book. Yes, it does not have the scale of the earlier books of the Serpentwar Saga, but it still has a lot of action and adventure, not to mention a really great part that pits the great magical powers of Midkemia against their greatest foe.
  
  So, let me just say that if you are a fan of Raymond Feist, you will find this book to be another great addition to your Feist library. And, if you are a fan of great fantasy literature, then you will also love this book - just make sure you read the other books of the Saga first. I give this book my highest recommendations!
  Score: 5
• Posted on 2006-03-30
  Conclusion of the Serpent War Saga
  
  Shards of a Broken Crown is book 4, and the conclusion of The Serpent War Saga, by Raymond Feist. This book picks up right where Rage of a Demon King left off and finishes up the tale of the Kingdom putting itself back together after the war. Now, if you have not read any other book in this series do not read this one. In order for this book to make sense you need to read the first three book, actually, in order for everything in this book to make sense you really need to start with the Rift War Saga the first book of that is Magician: Apprentice. Then the entire story arc will make more sense and be much more satisfying to the reader.
  
  Overall I have mixed reviews about this book. There are many aspects I like, while there are still a few things that didn't sit well with me. For fans of Feist this is a typical work of his. The plot moves along at a good pace and keeps the reader interested, and there is a fair amount of character development as well. I have read several reviews of people who were disappointed in this book and some that think this was a waste of a book. If you consider how much happens in this book it's not a waste at all. But, I think I understand why people are not `happy' with it too.
  
  This book is first and foremost about plot. There are many plot elements that Feist needed to include in this book to be able to make the just to his next set of books, The Conclave of Shadows trilogy. There are quite a few plot lines within this book and I won't rehash all of them, plus one or two would be spoilers and I won't do that. Suffice it to say that this plot is engaging and well thought out and certainly accomplishes what Feist was planning. To say anymore than that would ruin parts of the story though.
  
  The character development in this book is again where Feist shines. Although this book is about moving the plot, the characters shine through at times. The biggest areas of development are Jimmy and Dash, two fantastic characters that really come into their own in this book. Also, the character of Prince Patrick fleshes out nicely. Erik Von Darkmoor has a strong presence as well. Actually, I could probably keep listing character after character, as Feist did a good job of moving each of them along, which is quite the feat considering how many characters are in this book.
  
  Overall, I was satisfied with this book. I thought it was a fun read and stayed true to the characters. However, the ending disappointed me a little. It almost seemed like Feist was running out of room and quickly tied up all the loose ends as quickly and succinctly as possible. It doesn't really take anything away from the book, but it just doesn't `feel' like a Feist ending to me.
  
  Fans of Feist's earlier work will want to read this just to complete that part of this grand story. People who are looking for some new fantasy to read should really start with Magician: Apprentice and go from there. Feist writes wonderful fantasy that is sure to please a broad spectrum of readers. I can't recommend his work enough.
  
  Score: 4
• Posted on 2006-02-26
  Liked it
  
  The first time I read this, I didn't like it. It had it's moments but it didn't star my favorite characters much from the first three. Mainly just the borothers Dash and James. But after reading it seveal times, I grew to like them and there are definitely superb moments in this work to get the blood stirring. Great book!
  
  **A book I would also recommend is The Unsuspecting Mage by Brian S. Pratt. This, the first installment of The Morcyth Saga is a great beginning for a new author. Battles, magic, gods, secret passages and intrigue, all the elements of a classic epic fantasy! Any fantasy reader will enjoy it
  Score: 4