I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

A Darkness Returns – Book One of The Dragonwar Saga by Raymond E. Feist
Series: The Dragonwar Saga
Published by Avon & Harper Voyager on Aug 20 2024
Genres: Science Fiction, Epic Fantasy, High Fantasy, Fantasy, Fiction
Pages: 472
Format: ARC, eBook
Source: Netgalley
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From legendary author Raymond E. Feist, the first installment in an epic new series that will join his acclaimed Firemane Saga with his signature Riftwar Cycle in a riveting, conclusive adventure.

As worlds collide . . .

Hatushaly, last scion of the Firemane dynasty; his beloved Hava, and their dubious friend Donte have been transported across space and time from their war-torn world of Garn to the relative peace of Midkemia.

There, on Sorcerer’s Isle, under the guidance of the great magician Magnus and his reincarnated father Pug, Hatu will explore and expand his unique magical abilities: for if Garn is to be saved, they will be needed.

With the evil Pride Lords defeated, the Church of the One has risen to bring death and destruction to Hatu’s home world. The kingdom of Ilcomen has fallen, and now the Church is sending forces to Marquensas, where Daylon Dumarch has declared himself king, and master swordsmith Declan Smith finds himself suddenly raised to the status of prince and war commander.

But there are even greater menaces than the Church of the One waiting in the wings, beings from the Void, creatures born of Darkness. . .

THE STORY

Raymond E. Feist returns with another sweeping fantasy adventure in A Darkness Returns, a story that merges The Firemane Saga with the beloved Riftwar Saga. The novel follows Hatu, Hava, and Donte as they journey to Midkemia, leaving behind their homeworld of Garn—now under attack by the Church of the One. While in Midkemia, they cross paths with legendary magicians Pug and Magnus, uncovering the true extent of Hatu’s powers.

However, their absence from Garn has led to catastrophic consequences—magic has disappeared, leaving the world vulnerable to the encroaching darkness. The story follows their desperate attempt to return home, reclaim their world’s lost magic, and battle the rising evil that threatens everything.

Feist’s world-building shines, weaving intricate details that transport readers into the heart of the conflict. The pacing keeps the tension high, especially in the second half of the book, making it difficult to put down.

THE CHARACTERS

Hatu, Hava, and Donte are compelling protagonists, each bringing a unique perspective and skill set to the journey. Hatu’s evolving powers and his connection to Midkemia add an intriguing layer to the story, while Hava and Donte provide balance with their wit and determination. Their interactions with Pug and Magnus offer nostalgic moments for longtime fans of the Riftwar universe, adding depth to the narrative.

The Church of the One serves as a formidable antagonist, though their motivations could have been explored in more depth. The battles and magical conflicts were thrilling, but some emotional beats—particularly the consequences of leaving Garn—could have been fleshed out further.

STEAMOMETER

🔥🔥🔥/5 – Mild romantic elements with a focus on adventure and magical conflict.

OVERALL THOUGHTS

A Darkness Returns is a fantastic addition to Feist’s expansive fantasy world. The novel successfully blends old and new elements, giving longtime readers a dose of nostalgia while introducing fresh, compelling conflicts.

The action sequences are gripping, and the stakes feel real, but at times, the pacing slows due to heavy exposition. While the characters shine, a bit more depth in the emotional stakes would have elevated the book further. That said, the ending leaves you eager for the next installment, making this a solid read for epic fantasy fans.

🔹 Final Verdict: A well-crafted fantasy adventure with excellent world-building and engaging characters. Not without flaws, but a strong start to the series.

Rating: 4/5 stars

My thanks to NetGalley and Avon & Harper Voyager for the opportunity to read this ARC.

The tropes in A Darkness Returns by Raymond E. Feist, the first book in The Dragonwar Saga, draw from classic fantasy themes and Feist’s established storytelling style. Here are some key tropes found in the novel:

1. The Chosen One

• Hatushaly (Hatu) is the last of the Firemane dynasty, marking him as a significant figure in the fate of his world. His unique abilities and lineage place him in a central role in the conflict.

2. Lost Heir / Hidden Lineage

• Hatu, despite being raised away from his royal heritage, is now embracing his identity and power as the last Firemane.

3. Magic Mentor

• Magnus and Pug (a reincarnation of his father) train Hatu in the ways of magic on Sorcerer’s Isle. The wise, experienced mentor guiding the young protagonist is a staple in Feist’s works.

4. The Reluctant Hero

• Hatu is thrust into his role of power and responsibility, rather than actively seeking it. Declan Smith also embodies this, as he unexpectedly rises to a position of leadership.

5. War-Torn Kingdoms

• The Church of the One, a fanatical religious force, is bringing destruction to Garn, echoing the “Holy War” trope often found in fantasy.

6. Kingdom in Peril

• The once-thriving kingdoms of Garn are now under siege, and the novel focuses on the efforts to resist and reclaim lost territory.

7. Interdimensional Conflict

• The story bridges multiple worlds (Garn and Midkemia), incorporating Feist’s signature multiverse theme.

8. The Evil Church

• The Church of the One plays the role of a dogmatic, militant religious faction seeking control and destruction, similar to antagonistic religious orders in other fantasy series.

9. The Exiled Warrior

• Hatu and his companions have been forced to flee their world and seek training in another realm, before returning to reclaim their homeland.

10. Found Family

• Hatu, Hava, and Donte form a close-knit unit that extends beyond blood ties, a common theme in Feist’s books.

11. The Master Craftsman

• Declan Smith, a blacksmith, plays an important role not only in forging weapons but also in leadership and war, reinforcing the “humble origins to hero” theme.

12. The Looming Cosmic Threat

• Beyond the immediate battles, Feist introduces an even greater danger from the Void, tying into the overarching cosmic struggle seen in his previous works.

13. Declaring Oneself King

• Daylon Dumarch claims kingship in Marquensas, aligning with the “self-made ruler” trope, where a strong leader rises amidst chaos.

14. The Power of Names and Lineages

• As with much of Feist’s work, names carry power, and Hatu’s Firemane heritage is key to his role in the story.

These tropes help shape A Darkness Returns into a compelling, classic high-fantasy adventure with deep lore and interconnected narratives. If you like Feist’s past works, this one follows his familiar style while introducing new conflicts and characters.