Rides a Dread Legion

Book One of the Demonwar Saga

By: Raymond E. Feist

Narrated by: John Meagher

Length: 11 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's Summary

The last remnants of an ancient advanced race, the Clan of the Seven Stars, are returning at long last to their lost homeworld, Midkemia—not as friends, but as would-be conquerors. Led by the conjurer Laromendis, they are fleeing the relentless demon hordes that are sweeping through their galaxy and destroying the elves' vast empire planet by planet. Only by escaping to Midkemia and brutally overtaking the war-weary world can the last remnants of a mighty civilization hope to survive...if the Dread Legion does not pursue them through the rift.

The magician Pug, Midkemia's brave and constant defender, is all too familiar with the Demon King Maarg and his minions and their foul capacity for savagery and horror, and he recognizes the even graver threat that is following on the heels of the elven invasion. The onslaught to come will dwarf every dire catastrophe his imperiled world has previously withstood, and there is no magical champion in all of Midkemia powerful enough to prevent it.

Only one path remains for Pug and Midkemia's clandestine protectors, the Conclave of Shadows: forging an alliance of formidable magical talents, from the demon-dealing warlock Amirantha, brother of Pug's hated foe, and the demon-taming cleric Sandreena, to the elven Queen Miranda, to the warrior Tomas. However, uniting enemies and bitter, vengeful former lovers will be no easy task, and even together they may ultimately be unable to turn the death tide. But a failure to do so will most certainly ensure Midkemia's doom.

©2009 Raymond E. Feist (P)2010 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic Reviews

“With his storytelling mastery and ear for colorful language and nuance, the author of numerous books set in the dual worlds of Midkemia and Kelewan here launches a series that takes his fantasy universe into a whole new phase.” ( Library Journal)

Narrater almost killed the book!

Great book, as only Feist can do, but I struggled to listen to the whole book because of the narrater. He lacked the ability to give the characters a uniqueness, his voice was basically the same, regardless of the character. And, he sounded like a teenager trying to imitate a man's voice. The second book was narrated by a gentleman who did an amazing job and I could hardly stop listening. This one....not so much.

Terrible Narrator

He story is not bad, creative, though the dialog at time is forced. The narrator of this audio book, however, is terrible. Almost to the point of not wanting to complete the listen. He talks much to fast and all of his characters sound exactly the same. I addition he never stops for damatic effects nor for page breaks, making it very hard to follow when the writing switches to a new plot line. It's ashame because i dont feel i can give the accual book a fair review due to the awefulness of Mr. Meagher's reading.

good book, narrator horrible

I love Feist! I'm so disappointed with this narrator. There is much to be desired, but mostly - it would be nice if there were at least a pause when switching from one scene to another. We can be in the middle of demons one second and on hanging out with pug the next and there is no pause, no change of pace, no change of tone, nothing. It all sounds like one huge run on sentence because of the way it is read. I'm listening to book one of the chaos war series now - same problem there. good book, narrator is very very disappointing!

Under A Rock, On A Deserted Island, In A Delorean?

If you've not heard of Raymond E. Feist, you've either lived under a rock, on a deserted island, or just arrived in a Delorean.

Well, you also may be new to truly exceptional fantasy writing.

I don't consider it your fault. There's so much low quality "fantasy" churned out by hack writers these days, and its all a tragic substitute that's become the accepted standard (or should I say sub-standard) these days for strong, worthy fantasy writing.

Feist began this series back when there weren't as many available fantasy works on the shelves, but those available works earned their place on the shelf with rich, engaging story lines, well-developed characters, in-depth creations that made you care and want more for all the right reasons.

His work definitely stood out then, and it does so today. So many novels in this universe were birthed by this great fantasy writer, work that you simply must read (or in this case, what you simply must listen).

Bottom line: it's essential fantasy reading. It draws you in. It reads smoothly, like a well-oiled machine. It's written sparingly, efficiently. It's smart, and it expects you to THINK.

His work has been recorded in the past, but sadly, it was so inadequate, it was painful to listen to, a lesson in endurance. Not so here. We're finally getting more of Feist's work in audio format, and with better quality and a MUCH better narrator.

So, what can I tell you about this work, part of Feist's many-tomed universe, without giving away too much? Hmmm. Okay, here goes.

Imagine an elfin race that travels the stars by gates that transverse worlds. Imagine humans, dwarves and other magical races on these worlds, fighting for dominance, using high magic, religion, sorcery most foul, politics, military might and in the midst of all this, galaxy-spanning hordes of demons that are using these portals and newfound magic of their own to bring the other races to their knees.

These aren't the pretty demons you see on TV or the movies. These are horrors on two legs. Screaming, horned, hoofed, twisted, drawn from your deepest fears demons. Howling for your blood, taking no prisoners. Merciless. Relentless. The stuff of nightmares.

This is the first in the Demonwar Saga, and it's DEFINITELY worth the listen. And you'll want more. Fortunate for Audible listeners, all three of the series are now available, and the subsequent series, Chaoswars, as well.

Look, at the ned of the day, when it comes to fantasy, it's all about good writing. VERY good. Not over-written prose with flowery words. Real dialogue by unique characters. Not a word wasted. And an engaging storyline that can transcend the series and grow in the process.

This is one war that deserves your rapt attention. Buy this audiobook!

Blah

Horrible horrible horrible. Rather read the book. Payed so I shall continue. It’s like he is speed reading for a paycheck. Not everyone was made to read books aloud

To my dismay...

If I could give this performance zero stars, I would, absolutely abhorrent. His voice is boring and monotone, he fails to give richness to the characters we have all grown to appreciate.

I’d like to add, that a new narrator beginning in the middle of a substantial and well loved series to think he would have done some research as to how the names of characters/ places have been pronounced until the near end of the series and strive for continuity.... but that, unfortunately is not the case.

I am lamenting as I have seen most of the remaining books are also narrated by the same drab orator, but I am committed to complete the saga. I will begrudgingly suffer through his terrible cadence and tone. It was definitely a rude awakening after a substantial monetary investment and committing precious hours to be so dispassionate to round out this wonderful story.

Good book, horrible narration

Another good book in the feist series how ever the narrative was perhaps the worst I’ve come across. Often rushing through sentences, with weird pronunciations. I found my mind to be wandering at his drawling voice. Glad to be done listening to this one.

Horrible Narration

The narrator is monotone. There is no change from character the narration of story or detail. I came even get passed chapter 2.

Very good, like all the books in this series

Very good. All the books in the rift war saga have been good and this is no exception

Not Bad, But Feist Has Done Better

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

I would have cut out a LOT of the descriptive narration and put in more character interaction.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of John Meagher?

Almost anyone else! This reader is well spoken, but he reads too fast, and his poor attempts at a limited number of character voices makes this book a little hard to listen to.

Any additional comments?

My wife and I have read or listened to ALL of Feist's books to date, starting with Magician: Apprentice. Although there are parts in this book that are interesting, this is not one of of his better works.