Submitted by kater (Nov 13, 2005)

Hi Crash thanks for your reply. As to your points; I do own and have read all of Raymond Feist's novels. From Magician onwards I have very much enjoyed tales of both Midkemia and Kelewan (the three 'of the Empire' books with Janny Wurts are my favourite Feist titles) You will also notice in my review that I stated quite clearly I think the Conclave of Shadows books are well written pieces. However I believe that prior to the Conclave of Shadows, books such as; Jimmy the Hand, Krondor the Betrayal, Tear of the Gods and the single titles didn't do his worlds justice. Jimmy the Hand in particular was very disappointing. One of the problems Feist had for me is that his books were becoming very formulaic and predictable. I do like some of the characters a lot, to read 20+ books you have to and who can resist Nakor's humour?, but when they are a part of every book it becomes tiresome. That's why I was so glad to see a fresh approach with Talon of the Silverhawk. I'm glad you enjoy Feist's books but as you said he isn't going to win a Pulitzer. So I offered what I thought was a balanced opinion on the book based on the facts that; Feist does write fairly simplistic fantasy; we are so familiar with the characters now that it's hard for him to surprise us (or me at least) and that Flight of the Nighthawks does seem like a filler book before more important events occur. All the best Owen

I would like to respond to Mr. Owen Jones' review. First of all, I'm almost certain Mr. Jones has never met a true Ray Feist fan. Mr. Jones, have you ACTUALLY ever read the Riftwar Series, or the Serpentwar Series, or the Serpentwar Saga? Or, since we're on the subject, the Riftwar Legacy? I have read every title from every series Raymond E. Feist has written, including the Conclave of Shadows, and all I have to ask is , Why are you so bitter? I know as much as anybody that Mr. Feist isn't going to win a pulitzer. But, even you should be intelligent enough to understand that every one of his novels is entertaining. I myself can name at least 3 Feist books that, while reading, I sacraficed much needed sleep because I could not put the book down until I finished it. (If you must know, they were: Silverthorn, Shadow of a Broken Crown and Krondor:Tear of the Gods. (PS I read Exiles Return in 21 hours (straight)) Mr. Feist is one of the most talented writers of MY time. I've read many novels from many different authors, but nobody; not any one of them, can grab and hold my attention like Mr. Raymond E. Feist.