A Kingdom Besieged

Midkemian Trilogy, Book 1

By: Raymond E. Feist

Narrated by: Peter Joyce

Length: 13 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's Summary

Discover the fate of the original black Magician, Pug, and his motley crew of agents who safeguard the world of Trigia, as prophecy becomes truth in the first book of the last ever Midkemian trilogy.

The Darkness is coming…The Kingdom is plagued by rumour and instability. Kingdom spies in Kesh have been disappearing - either murdered, or turned to the enemy side. Information has become scant and unreliable; but one thing appears clear. Dark forces are on the move…Since Pug and the Conclave of Shadows enforced peace after the last Keshian invasion, the Empire has offered no threat. But now factions are rising and Jim Dasher reports mobilizations of large forces in the Keshian Confederacy.

As the men of the West answer the King's call to muster, Martin con Doin - left as caretaker of Crydee Keep - will suddenly be confronted with the vanguard of an invading army. He reminds himself that he is a year older than his legendary ancestor, Prince Arutha, was when he stood firm against the Tsurani invasion, but Arutha had an army to command, and Martin is left with old men and young boys.

Massive events are about to unfold, events which threaten the future of all human life in Midkemia….

©2011 Raymond E. Feist (P)2011 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Critic Reviews

“File under guilty pleasure.” ( Guardian)

“Well-written and distinctly above average… intelligent… intriguing.” ( Publishers Weekly)

Old school fantasy.

Having drifted away from Feist many years ago - as his Midkemia novels became poorer and poorer, and all he seemed to be doing was milking the magnificent "Magician" - I was intrigued to see that he was finally wrapping the series up. And so I jumped back into his world, and it's a lot of fun so far. The writing's still as clunky and cliched as always but it works as a great slice of escapism, and it's great to be back in Crydee after all these years. I've read hardly any of the intervening 20-odd books but it's easy enough to get to grips with the characters and context, and I'm looking forward to the rest of the trilogy. (Excellently narrated too.)

Nice

Can't get enough of Raymond's world . Forever may the Knights, elves, dwarfs and little folk continue to entertain us with their adventures.

A Kingdom Besieged

having been a fan of Raymond E Feist since his first book, I was little apprehensive about having someone read his story to me, would the voices match my interpretation of them, would the excitement come across in the same way I read it, would it work....this is my first audio book....I need not have worried, a magnificent interpretation of the story, although I hadn't envisaged some of the accents but once locked in, they worked...beautifully read and a great, great story that stands alone whether you are familiar with his earlier books in the story...totally hooked and driving and air flights will never be the same...

Beginning of The End

It wasn’t the worse of the books and it wasn’t the greatest. Somewhere top of the table. Does good enough job of setting the scene for what is essentially the beginning of the end.

At the top of the rollercoaster

This is the 29th book I’ve read in this series in the last 6 months. This is turned into my secret pleasure and with only 2 left the pieces are coming together. The story is excellent and brings some new twists to the world of Midkemia whist hinting at things to come and moments past. Highly recommend this book and series. Peter Joyce is incredible as always and brings real suspense to the narration.

So so

Not the best in the series but sets up the following books very Very well

comes to life

a brilliant story well told by Peter Joyce who brings the story to life with a very rich voice.

The story just loses steam

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Could have done with a different editor and the book could do with a serious crop with the red pen.

What was most disappointing about Raymond E. Feist’s story?

I have read everything of Raymond E Feist and listened to them..... up until this one.
35 minutes into this one and I just can't get into it. The characters seem just too flat and contrived compared to the other books/stories.

What about Peter Joyce’s performance did you like?

Great - I think he brings the books to live.... really impressed by him but no matter how hard he tries he cant save this dull book.

Was A Kingdom Besieged worth the listening time?

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Any additional comments?

I am starting to wish i hadn't wasted my time on this one. Seriously think i need to move on to another author now. Unless I can be convinced by someone else I think the back story of the various Midkemia based trilogies have had their day and need to be put to rest.