Prince of the Blood

This Author’s Preferred Edition of Raymond E. Feist’s bestselling coming-of-age saga celebrates the fifteenth anniversary of its publication. Feist introduces a new generation of readers to his riveting novel of adventure and intrigue, revised and updated as he always meant it to be written. It is a work that explores strength and weakness, hope and fear, and what it means to be a man—in a kingdom where peace is the most precious commodity of all.

If there were two more impetuous and carefree men in the Kingdom of the Isles, they had yet to be found. Twins Borric and Erland wore that mantle proudly, much to the chagrin of their father, Prince Arutha of Krondor. But their blissful youth has come to an end. Their uncle, the King, has produced no male children. Bypassing himself, Arutha names Borric, the eldest twin by seconds, the Royal Heir. As his brother, Erland will have his own great responsibilities to shoulder. To drive home their future roles, Arutha sends them as ambassadors to Kesh, the most feared nation in the world. Borric and Erland will be presented to the Queen of Kesh—the single most powerful ruler in the known world—at her Seventy-fifth Jubilee Anniversary.

But they have not even left Krondor when an assassination attempt on Borric is thwarted. Aware that he is being provoked into war, Arutha does not rise to the bait. His sons’ journey will not be deterred, for nothing less than peace is riding on it. Yet there is to be no peace for the young princes. When their traveling party is ambushed, Borric disappears and is presumed dead—sending Erland into spirals of rage and grief as he is forced to navigate alone the court intrigues at Kesh. But unbeknownst to anyone, Borric lives and has escaped his captors. In a strange land, with a price on his head, Borric must use all his wits and stamina to find his way back to his brother.

On separate paths, the two men—one a fugitive and one a future king—make their journey toward maturity, honor, and duty. For every step they take could sway the fragile peace of the land, as those who crave war rally against them—and become ever more daring.

From the Hardcover edition.

Customer Reviews:

More of an Adventure/Mystery than a Fantasy

By Christopher Nash "Fantasy Fanatic" - April 18, 2002

Great novel, but not the usual from Mr. Feist. This novel does not contain the High Fantasy that is contained in the Riftwar and Serpentwar Sagas. However, this is still a fast paced fun read. Arutha's twin sons, Borric and Erland, are sent to the Empire of Kesh as diplomats regardless of the attempted assassination of Borric (heir to the throne of the Kingdom of Isles). They must avoid unknown enemies and maneuver thru the intrigues of the Keshian court.
Mr. Feist blends romance, mystery and comedy into this well-rounded tale. I particularly enjoyed Nakor the Isalani and his "Tricks".`Prince of the Blood' does not have an epic plot, however it does fit nicely into the overall story of the Kingdoms.

Thanks, Feist, for another great novel

By alyssa - October 27, 2003

As said before by another reviewer, this book is a little more mystery than the usual Feist fantasy, but that didn't make it any less adventuresome or captivating. It started out a little slow, but once it picks up it's hard to put down.
Feist is a phenomenal author. He weaves intricate tales of adventure, mystery, and magic into a complex, rich geographical background. He also holds true to established history and fits in nostalgic anecdotes for old fans.
I read Prince of the Blood in two days. Couldn't put it down.
This is my second time reading Feist's Riftwar and Serpentwar sagas.
I recommend reading this series from the beginning, starting with Magician, to get the full effect of the books that follow.

Fabulous fun for Feist fans

By A Customer - July 4, 1996

This is one of best, most captivating novels in the land of Midkemia. If you have read the great riftwar saga, and would like to read more Feist, The Prince of the Blood is an excellent choice. The kingdom has enjoyed twenty years of peace since the final battle at Sethanon, and now Arutha's
twin sons' Borric and Erland are coming into their manhood. Arutha, in an effort to turn his fun-loving boys into the wise rulers they will have to become, sends them to the exotic empire of Keshp on a diplomatic mission. In Kesh, the brothers encounter adventures they, and you, will remember
for a lifetime. In a land vastly greater and more powerful than the one their uncle rules, with every step they take, they face assassins that are trying to kill them for reasons they can't begin to understand. This is an excellent addition to Feist's collection of Riftwar-related novels and
should not be overlooked by anyone who is even mildly interested in fantasy!