Magician's End is the final part of Raymond Feist's epic "Riftwar" series. It is epic both in terms of storytelling ambition and Feist's career: part one,
Magician, was published back in 1982. As with other masterworks of contemporary fantasy (George Martin's
Game of Thrones, Robert Jordan's
Wheel of Time, Christopher Paolini's
Eragon), it is vital to have read previous instalments to comprehend the lovingly created universe: here, Midkemia. Feist re-introduces plenty of old friends, who explore themes of heroism, sacrifice, government and how to act morally. One hero is the cod-Shakespearean Hal, who like his namesake from
Henry IV parts one and two has become a ruler (Duke of Crydee) in time to defend his nation from a fearsome enemy - not the French, but supernatural forces rising in the Tolkienesque Grey Towers. Feist's way with a plot is regularly put on hold for him to deliver grand statements about politics, morality and life. I prefer Feist the storyteller, who is on top form here.
