Shadow of a Dark Queen (The Serpentwar Saga, #1)

Shadow of a Dark Queen (The Serpentwar Saga #1)

3.92 of 5 stars 3.92  ·  rating details  ·  9,846 ratings  ·  93 reviews
Feist, author of the Riftwar Saga, embarks on a new series, returning to the magical twin worlds of Kelewan and Midkemia to begin the story of the Serpent War Saga. Two unlikely heroes are destined to oppose the malign forces that threaten their lives and the survival of their world.
Paperback, 497 pages
Published May 1st 1995 by Avon (first published 1994)
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Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. RowlingThe Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. TolkienA Game of Thrones by George R.R. MartinThe Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. LewisHis Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
Best Fantasy Series, Trilogies, and Duologies
123rd out of 966 books — 4,864 voters
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. TolkienThe Name of the Wind by Patrick RothfussMagician by Raymond E. FeistLegend by David GemmellThe Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Best Heroic Fantasy
81st out of 386 books — 424 voters


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Nina Schmitt

Journeys once again to the twin worlds of Kelewan and Midkemia--first seen in the popular Riftwar Saga--in the first volume of the new Serpent War Saga as Eric and Roo pursue their destinies and face a dark serpent race. Tour.

From Publishers Weekly

A dark and alien peril casts an lengthening shadow over Midkemia as another Riftworld saga begins almost a generation after the events in The King's Buccaneer . Erik von Darkmoor, bastard son of the local baron, flees to the city of Krondor after acc

...more
Taztic
This was a re-read for me, and one that's been a long time coming. I used to ADORE Feist back when I was at Uni, and Magician is quite possibly my favourite fantasy novel of all time. The problem with Shadow of a Dark Queen, is that it isn't Magician! It takes place some sixty years after the events of his most well known masterpiece, and we meet up with some old favourites, most notably Nakor. Without him, this would have been a really flat read, and with him, it was flat but with some sparks o...more
Jacob Aitken
Aug 04, 2011 Jacob Aitken is currently reading it
As far as fantasy novels go, this is better than most--though a clear cut below Eddings and Tolkien. Maybe a little better than Lawhead. Without giving away much of the plot (think dense village boy becomes international hero--typical fantasy yarn), Feist has a credible world with full characters.



The pros of the story (and likely the pros of the series):

1. The story builds off of its own legends. It assumes a little knowledge of Midkemia (Presumably one should read his earlier stuff, though thi...more
Majanka
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.
Ian
This book seems to occur towards the tail-end of Feist's "rape-fantasy period" (a name my friends and I gave to those of his books written between 1988 and 1995 which all seemed to involve graphic rape and abuse of female characters) as the actual rape of the female character is not narrated and only the after-effects are described. Instead he seems to replace it with a consensual encounter between the male protagnoist and a middle-aged prostitute, which I suppose is something to be grateful for...more
Jamie
A sub-par fantasy book by my standards. The plot was relatively boring as long as it concerned the main characters (who were also boring), and the more interesting parts of the book involved minor characters with a completely different plot thread. It's sad that I didn't have much interest in the main point of the book, but I just don't think it worked. It felt a little forced together in some parts. The "climax" at the ending wasn't even that compelling either.

Apparently, I lot of people like t...more
Hannah
An enjoyable read, even if it failed to blow me away. Erik is a very sympathetic hero; his lack of cunning and intelligence endears rather than irritates. That's not to say he's stupid; he has his moments where he offers surprising insights to people's character. It's a refreshing change to have a main character who doesn't overwelm the reader with his sparkling personality and wit, nor bowls you over with his incredible stupidity. The other characters all grow on you very quickly, and Feist's r...more
Em
I've always appreciated Feist's Midkemia books, and this one doesn't disappoint.

I like the idea of the Desperate Men in this story. It seems a little strange that they mention 36 men in the company, but you only really get to know like 8 or 9 of them, and even those ones only superficially. I mean, I understand that there are already a lot of major characters in the book, and that adding another 25 is extremely complex, but that you can't have an army, or even a mercenary company, with just 8 gu...more
Steve
First in a recent series of books from the author, set about 60 years after the events in Magician, his first novel. An excellent introduction to a great fantasy series.[return][return]"Something dark is moving in distant nations, and ancient powers are readying themselves for a final confrontation. A Dark Queen has raised a standard in remote lands and is gathering armies of unmatched might.[return][return]Into this battleground of good and evil come a band of desparate men whose only hope for...more
Rose
While this book wasn't great, I enjoyed it because of it's continuation of the world of Midkemia. I found the plot and main characters interesting because Feist usually centers his stories around dynamic and active characters who are in charge of their destinies, usually Princes or incredibly lucky and entrepreneurial young people. Shadow of a Dark Queen follows Erik and Roo, two young village boys who find themselves participating in a near-suicide mission that they know next to nothing about a...more
Aslan Davault
I picked up the book Shadow of a Dark Queen as an airplane book about a year ago but never actually sat down to read it. But once I started the book I didn’t want to set it down, I even found myself reading it right before taking the SAT’s last weekend. The book has a slow start but after a while gets into the action. The main things that this author did that made this story amazing was his great use of imagery, especially of people and the characters in this book to make them seem more realisti...more
Ruth
First published in 1997 the action takes place about 50-60 years after the initial riftwar saga. The protagonist, Erik, is a great character and his best friend, Roo, looks to be an interesting fellow once his story has been developed. Another great read - not disappointed at all. Those damn Pantathians are at it again. Pug has a relatively brief mention in the development of the story but not enough for my liking. Have ordered the next instalment. I do appreciate that although these stories are...more
Matt
I have read many of Feist's books and this series may be my favorite to date. It certainly has my two favorite characters so far in it, Eric von Darkmoor and Rupert (Roo) Avery.
This novel sets the groundwork for the upcoming war with the serpents (as indicated by the series name) and focuses on developing the two main characters. Erik is a bastard son, who is working with the local blacksmith and Roo is the son of a trader and dreams of becoming wealthy.
This all changes when they are caught and...more
Jacquelynn
This book annoyed me honestly. I could see that it was setting up to something big and by the end of it I was sure of it, but it also seemed as though the entire book was one big prologue. The characters were interesting (even if I do find huge skips in time in a continued narrative and world somewhat annoying) and it was really only that which kept me reading. I hate not knowing what the book is about or where it's heading - I don't mind some mystery but not feeling as though I'm even more obli...more
Arttakra
The more of Raymonds's Books I read the less I like them, to may mistakes, in this saga the first book he says the blacksmith was the first dead person Eric has every seen and then as the story continues Raymond writes that it was someone else. There are many little mistakes like these in most of his books I dont understand why he nor his editors are picking them up I'm deslexic an i can pick them out. Also the characters always have the same personallities he kills off a few main characters the...more
Whitney
Overall, this was a pretty good read. An interesting start to another saga. I love that Feist keeps writing about this same world of Midkemia but keeps moving us forward in time, through the generations. This book takes place some twenty years after the King's Buccaneer and Prince Nicholas' adventures. This book actually reminded me a lot of the King's Buccaneer since they travel to Novindus just as Nicholas did. In many ways, it is very much a continuation of both the King's Buccaneer as well a...more
Victoria
Though a bit slow to start, this turned out to be a very exciting book. And while Erik and Roo are not quite as likable as some of Feist's other characters, there were other new characters, like Miranda, that made up for the lack. And the reappearance of some old favorites, like Nakor, helped the book along as well. Starting a new saga with some fresh mysteries and plots, the strands are begging to be tied up in the next books, and it is very tempting to stay up even later and keep reading this...more
Louis
This is the start of the stories with Eric Von Darkmoore and Rupert Avery (Roo) as they flee from Murder and find themselves being at the start of the Riftwar Saga. Together they bond as brothers as they work under a death sentence from Krondor. They are members of a force that goes Novindus continent to keep the Serpent Queen from taking the world over. Because if she succeeds, all life on the world of Midkemia will end.

It is an enjoyable read, but often the characters may do things that do not...more
Andreas
Another epic tale from Feist, but this one falls far short of the mark. The characters are not as interesting as in previous novels, and the story does not feel nearly as epic as the Riftwar Saga. The antagonist is too simple and stylized. Feists style seems to have suffered. Having said that, if you loved Riftwar, you will probably enjoy this series as well. The series consists of:

Shadow of a Dark Queen
Rise of a Merchant Prince
Rage of a Demon King
Shards of a Broken Crown

http://www.books.ros...more
Meg
I didn't actually finish this book. I got a little over halfway through before giving up.

Alright, so I acknowledge that part of the problem might come from the fact that this was the first Feist book I've read, and I know that this series is the sequel to the Riftwar Saga. Probably should have read that one first. I didn't know any of the back story, I had no idea who this 'Pug' person they were all looking for was (alright, I know that he's the main character in Riftwar, but that's about it). I...more
Shivesh
Sep 11, 2008 Shivesh rated it 2 of 5 stars Recommends it for: fantasy fans, quick readers, people in a coma
Shelves: fantastical
If Tolkien is a rich, nourishing feast that feeds mind and soul, then Feist is a sugary, tasty snack that gives you intellectual diarrhea. Don't read any Feist past "Magician" with any expectations of great fantasy or even good writing. He is a writer in the Dan Brown style, where each chapter ends in a cliffhanger and makes you want to read on. Plus, each chapter has the oh-so-charming habit of starting out with three words. "Erik stood watch." "Roo turned around." "The wind howled." Yes, that'...more
Michael
I couldn't bring myself to give it a one star, "hated it" rating, but it was definitely on the borderline. Mr. Feist had some great characters, although I was honestly revolted with a couple of them and their quirks, and he really did set up a solid story. The problem of course, was that he only really set up the story. A huge conflict was set up and then hurried through with promises that something would be resolved in the next book. He did earn himself a second star though in that he really di...more
Benjamin
The great part about the Serpentwar Saga is the brotherhood. In this first book, Feist focuses on the importance of creating strong bonds with others and how it is the ultimate asset. He also leaves mysteries. Not everything has to be explained and that's ok. Granted that this saga is one of many surrounding this war, I thought this saga was a great stand-alone, even though it wasn't intended to be.
Michael
Swords and Scorcery. Short version, aliens and demons are coming through a gate in space to attack Midkemia. This is a good story, but it's part of something much larger I started years ago. I recognize all kinds of characters and places. Still, it has been long enough that I'd have to go back to really get it. I may just keep going and finish these three.
Tre Pryor
Another strong showing by Feist but it really could have ended with the third book, Rage of a Demon King, which was really the climax of this series. It seemed to me that the 4th book was an afterthought. Even still, the series is great because we're now working with a new generation of characters from the land of Midkemia. Fun stuff.
Krista McCracken
Not a bad read, but definitely not up to the quality of some of Feist's earlier work. The main character Erik is agreeable enough but I didn't feel particularly drawn to him. Nakor makes another appearance in the series in this book and is as quirky and enjoyable as ever.

Despite not being drawn into the plot all that much, I am interested to see how Pug (still one of my favorite characters created by Feist) fits into the story.
John Montagne
The Serpentwar Saga - though it starts a new series, is so closely entwined with the previous Riftwar saga that one can refer to my original Riftwar saga review. Feist upholds the fantasy tropes well, keeping them in tune with the genre yet with a writing style that kept me reading despite the expected traits of a typical fantasy world.
Judith
Deze serie van Feist is nog steeds leuk, maar minder interessant dan de Keizerrijk-serie.

De karakters van Eric en Ru zijn echt heel leuk en zorgen ervoor dat je door blijft lezen. De plot is nog steeds leuk, maar is af en toe wel erg ver gezocht. Neemt niet weg dat het een boek is dat ik met plezier heb (her)gelezen.
Nicholas Burress
Jan 27, 2013 Nicholas Burress rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Lovers of Feist who want to continue the series
The book was a bit uneventful. It was well-written with very... unlikable characters and a return of some other great classic characters (Nakor and Nicholas). Despite that, the reader can clearly see a framework being laid here. I suggest reading through this book quickly, if possible, so you can get on with the series. It's a good book, but not Feist's best work.

I'm leaving this review short since much of everything else I would say has already been raised in other reviews, but thanks for read...more
Kevin Xu
This book was better than what I expected to be. This book was really readable that pulled me right in the minute I started reading even thought I figure out what was going to happened from the back cover. Great job, Feist in writing a fun and readable book for my return to the world of Midkemia.
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Raymond E. Feist was born Raymond E. Gonzales III, but took his adoptive step-fathers 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 19...more
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