If you like Robin Hobb, do yourself a favor and avoid Feist. Magician: Apprentice is a stereotype fest and the writing reeks of over-explanation and repetition. How many times do we need to be hinted at that this guy may be the Super-Magician, Macros, before the SHOCKING revelation two pages later that in fact, he IS Macros?! The answer is none, but Feist wrote down five instead. The Dues Ex Machina involved doesn't help things either. At one of the turning points in the story, one of the main characters gets chased by a monster and lost in a cave system. He later 'comes across' a dragon who is 'just about to die'. And unsurprisingly, this dragon is one of the last 'dragon magicians', and when he in fact, does die, the main character receives uber-cool GOLDEN MAGIC ARMOR. Ha-tah!

Feist is an entertaining writer and the first four novels of the Riftwar Saga are riveting reading. Faerie Tale is also a solid novel. Some of his work is a little cliched and he hasn't really added much to the genre in terms of originality.

Very interesting author. I'd like to say that he's one of the best. He's not, but he is very entertaining. His Magician was a tremendous coming of age story. The rest have been somewhat interesting but are similar to Eddings in no additional imagination after the very first series and stunted emotional growth from most of the characters. Okay, Eddings is much worse on both counts, but Feist is at least partially guilty of those sins. The simplicity of the genre already creates strong barriers to a writer, and transparent use of simple caricatures really sucks the interest right out of the reader (Unless you are 14 or as emotionally stunted as the characters in his books are)

eist is one of the best fantasy authors. His first saga was mind-blowing. His latest works, however, lack the magic.

Now ill make this clear. Mr. Feist isnt the best when it comes to richly detaled worlds like LOTR, but he is a damn fine storyteller. I loved all of his bks, and the most amazing thing is, unlike many other authors (namely Jordan), the excitement doesnt end even with so many midkemia bks out. As for taking too much time writing, i suspect Mr Feist has given much thought to his novels before writing them, thereby keeping the adventure to the story. Keep up the good work!

Raymond E Feist is the greatest author the world has ever seen and his books are unmatched by anyone. Feist is a great writer and i can't wait for his new books. Go Feist your the best.

Feist is my all time favorite author. His stories are compelling, and are great for re-reading. I have currently read every book that has seen print in the USA.

Very good author. You quickly fall in love with his world & characters.

One of the greatest fantasy authors!

Richly detailed, fast paced and very original. Whats sad though is an unnamed person "just below me date wise" complaining it is to complex compared to Rowling. Translation: It's accurate to its time frame, intelligent, witty and human. It's an adult series that brings the reader to a childs awe. For me this series has the best single character "not always the main", Out of any book I've read. Jimmy The Hand he's a complete whirlwind. Seriously a must read.

Feist rules! His books are great, entertaining novels with a lot of action, magic and adventures. Also his characters are very cool, close to the reader and alive.

Okay, I have not read his earlier writings, I dont rate him as great because hes not J.R.R Tolkien or JK Rowling, not excactly their calibur, try reading Tolkien and then reading Feist, ... sort of sad really, his problem lies with his stories being too deep in rank orders "squire this, duke that", why is rowling so good, she simplifies her descriptions.. tolkien is great because he had so many race creations, personallities, and languages. Feist has hope tho, and I hope he becomes the next tolkien, he probably could with a little work.

couldnt put it down

Feist is great at what he does - entertains. If you want deep meaningful books - choose something else. His books are great fun. I buy them on the day of release and read them in one sitting. Late nights but great journeys. Enjoy!

Fabulous! Before I started reading his work I was bit untrusting. I thought that if an author is continuing to write in his series he will become less inspired. That is why I started with the first book Magician. Loved it and went on to the next one and kept on going. I loved every single one of his books. Best one in my opinion is the krondor trilogy.

Excellent topography! Good description. Tone is one of monotony; however, the plots rage amidst his waning mood.

Just the best classic fantasy author in my humble opinion. Thrilling plots, ancient mysteries, magic, sympathetic chars...everything. Darkness in Sethanon must be one of the greatest books i've ever read. I didnt like King's bucaneer and Prince of the Blood but then again everyone has his weak points, i guess. Anyway, Feist rules!

Ray is the best author i have ever come across. I have just finished reading the Magician for the fourth time and it gets better EVERY time. Even though, in my opinion none of his other books have lived up to his first they are still the greatest books ever written! you go Ray :)!

Hey All. Unfortunately i only read the partial three books - "Shadow of a dark queen",The rise of merchant king",Rage of deamon king" - They are on of the best fantasy books i EVER read!!! What he done is a bit new of somehow - he showed us the thoughts and feelings of a merchant and explaned the excellent way to get rich in the FANTASY enviroment,He showed us that Even in the fantasy books the evil is not always total evil and the good is not always total good - Though this idea is not fresh i saw that in few books from a known Russian Author Nick Perumov,And finally he Wrote what i call a "TOTAL" book - meaning that for me at least the book had a sence of folfilness when i finished reading them. I relly enjoy reading those books,And i even thought that if i ever write a book in the ganre i hope that he would advice me....:) My email [email protected] to those who want to comment.And i will writea back to every comment. Steve.

A very compelling storyteller. Loved the beginning books of the series with MAGICIAN and my favorite THE KING'S BUCCANEER, but I was not as impressed with the trilogy written with Janny Wurts. They could've been much better. Mara was a strong and compelling character, but probably the only one that will stick in your memory. From his other novels characters such as Pug, Martin, Prince Arutha, Nicky, and of course Jimmy the Hand will always be memorable.

pulp fantasy trash

hack

Robin hobb is better

OVERRATED

Feist has a sense for details and epic battles. His books are great, his world is wide, his characters feel real. Few can compare with Feist's skill for writing.

NOTHING COMPARES

Very good. Need to release books alot quiker than he does now.

Excellent books, but do not fully explore the characters and races he invent

He is good but not too good

Feist is without a doubt my favorite author and I have read many many books. I was a little disapointed in the two books that were based off of computer games but I will wait and see if the series pick up.

He's an extremly good author, and has amazing philisophical perceptions in many of his books

He totally soldout the fans! He started to make videogames and his books went to HELL!

Without a doubt, one of the finest storytellers of the century.

Raymond E. Feist is probably one of the world's best fantasy writers today.

This guy is just great, I love his writing and his excellent work.

my only sorrow is that a chance was missed to reunite Kevin and Mara....this is what i would have done....kill off her husband have her escape to Midkemia....seek Kevin's protection for justin and katsuma and have him return with a midkemian army and the ones from Stardock and take back the throne...hey what the heck....its just an idea and Mara would be back to her one true love

one of the best series writers i have ever read and i have read a fair few

My personal favorite, I love all of his books and have read all of them quite a few times.

He stinks

Fiest is one of the greatest authors ever.

Feist is the BEST fantasy author out there now. If you haven't read any of his books, please do, you are missing out on a lot!

Raymond Feist has the uncanny ability to take a nation or world spanning conflict and break it down to the actions of a few incredibly unique characters. He is certainly one of the best fantasy authors I have ever read and I would whole-heartedly recommend him to any and all readers, not just fans of fantasy/sci-fi.

Ray is an great author, who keeps me turnig pages at a frenzied pace

Some of the best books I've read. Great characters!

Raymond Fiest is one of the most invigorating writers that I have ever read. His books keep me in suspense waiting for the next in the line.

Raymond E. Feist is the best fantasy author period. There is no comparison, NONE

He is the greatest writer ever! He is a better writer than TOLKIEN!!! Ray is the greatest! His books are better than any other out there!!!

The best fantasy author writting today!

Best Fantasy writer out there today! His novels are really indepth with some of the greatest character development I've ever read. Couple this with awesome story lines and you have the best possible pieces of fiction available! Thanks for the great read Raymond!

Ray Feist is one the best Fantasy authors out there. His books are exciting and memorable. They are always worth reading again!