"Krondor the Betrayal" by Raymond E. Feist

I just started this one, so keep in mind that I'm only three chapters in.

I'm surprised at how much I like this book. The day before yesterday, I finished off David and Leah Eddings's "The Redemption of Althalus," and that book had me wondering if there were any good fantasy writers left out there.

Which is not to say that Feist is the next Tolkein, or that Krondor the Betrayal is a work of art. It's a solidly written book, staying securely within the confines of the genre. It reads like a role-playing game, which makes sense because Feist got his start writing scenarios for a certain RPG.

As a fair representation of the fantasy genre, I'd give the book 8 stars out of 10. It's not a work of genius, it's of course not Lord of the Rings, but I have to admire Feist's ability to map out plot elements and remain consistent from chapter to chapter. It helps that he has the preconceived "Midkemia" universe to draw from, but then again the story is surprisingly complex and the characters are convincing.

As just a book - and not just as a representation of the fantasy genre - I'd have to give it 5 stars out of 10. I am, after all, not a frequent reader of fantasy novels.