Summary
Continuing the Firemane Saga and the Riftwar Saga overall, Hatushaly, Hava, and Donte, brought to Midkemia, must, with Pug and Magnus' help, find their way on two worlds, while facing a threat to the existence of ... everything.

Review
Long, long ago, I was enthralled by the story of Pug as he struggled through his travails in Magician. I read the book split into two volumes: Apprentice and Master, and greatly enjoyed them. Unfortunately, the thrill departed pretty quickly, and I read the sequels Silverthorn and A Darkness at Sethanon much more slowly and don’t really recall either. After that, I occasionally dipped back into the Riftwar saga, but nothing drew me back with any enthusiasm. I tried the first volumes of the next few subtrilogies (Daughter of the Empire, starting Kelewan; Prince of the Blood, starting Krondor’s Sons; and (Shadow of a Dark Queen, starting Serpentwar) but couldn’t get myself to care. The whole universe seemed to me to be getting too involved, complex, and perhaps stodgy. Still, the initial good impression of Magician has never left me. So, when I saw what was labeled a new trilogy, I thought it might be a good chance to jump back in after 40 years.

Unfortunately, while the Dragonwar Saga is a new trilogy, it’s very much a subtrilogy, and a pretty direct sequel to the Firemane Saga I didn’t even know existed. In fact, looking back at Feist’s ISFDB entry, I’m startled to learn how many books there are – far, far more than the many I’d heard of. Feist’s foreword also makes some mysterious references to the world’s origin that true fans probably understand but I found confusing..

It’s nice that the book comes back to some of its beginnings with Pug (and mentions of his old friend Tomas) from way back when. But there’s also a great deal about Hatushaly (from Firemane) and a host of other characters I didn’t recognize. And while the book is comprehensible – Feist does a pretty good job of settling us in – it’s clear that there’s a vast amount of lore and inside references that newcomers (and occasional visitors like me) just won’t get. Probably after so many books in the world (32 at a quick count), that would be too much to ask. And I’d bet that for fans, all of this is great, especially since it seems to be tending toward a grand finale.

At the same time, the book feels rushed. All sorts of new information, clever solutions, etc. are noted casually and then ignored; there’s just too much being discovered to linger, I guess. Even (what were to me) some startling developments in Pug himself are set out and then quickly passed by; they’re referred to often, but not developed or really explored.

That’s unfortunately true for much of the story – there are some serious plot holes here. The characterization is on the thin side, and there’s quite a bit of awkward, “I guess there’s no point in torturing you? [smirk]” – good characters explicitly saying they won’t do evil.

We do, sort of, in dribs and drabs, learn some things about magic and the nature of rift space, and more is promised for future volumes. I’m sorry to say that I probably won’t come along for them, though. This new trilogy promises to be great for fans, but I’m afraid I’m not one, and, looking back, never really have been a fan of more than just the book that started it all.

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

This was a solid book. I enjoy Feist's writing in this book and I liked the setting up of the world. Very eager to read the next one.

Raymond E. Feist's A Darkness Returns is the first in a new set of stories but it links the most recent Firemane Saga with the long-running Midkemia series. From the Fireman Saga, we have Hatushaly and his compatriots from the war-torn world of Garn. From the Midkemia series, we encounter lots of old friends, including Pug, Magnus, and (an oddly muted) Nakor. Together, the heroes explore the mysteries of the world and fight evil.

For folks who are starting with this novel, Feist offers mini-intros and callbacks to his earlier works so it shouldn't be too hard to jump in. For folks who are familiar with some portion of the 30 (or so) Feist books, some of the tropes might be either comfortingly or overly familiar. (At least, I toggled between those two feelings.)

My favorite Feist novels were the Empire Trilogy. And the Fireman Saga had some of the same smaller, world-building elements so I enjoyed them and this return to Garn. 

For Feist fans, jump back in!

A masterful beginning to a new adventure on Midkemia and beyond from a Master of Fantasy. I have enjoyed all of Raymond Feist’s books from Magician Apprentice to now. Better than Game of Thrones!

An amazing combination of the Firemane Saga mixed with the Rift War Saga. This epic fantasy book beautifully captured the return of the darkness on Garn. When Hatu, Hava, and Donte were transported to Midkemia to investigate the strength of Hatu's powers, they left behind their home world of Garn who was under attack by the Church of the One. While on the isle, Hatu, Hava, and Donte meet Pug and Magnus where they discover just how unique Hatu's powers really are. After discovering that Garn lost all magic when Hatu left, the magicians must band together to return to Garn and fight the darkness that is returning. The ending of this book makes you immediately crave the next in the saga. The author's detailed descriptions transport you into the world with the characters where you cannot help but cheer them on in their battles.

Review: I just could not get into this story no matter the numerous attempts. Too many characters with similar names was a big hurdle coupled to a jumbling story line.

This is not bad writing and others may enjoy this world. Not for me though.

A good introduction to the next series, taking the Firemane Saga and linking in the magicians from Midkemia. Starting to tie a lot of the previous struggles to the larger picture, you can see the eternal struggle against evil, and it various forms come into focus. It is a great story with a huge amount of history and backstory, that all hangs together. Very entertaining to see how the next battle is developing and how the different groups are pulled together.

I chose A Darkness Returns because the start of an epic fantasy series by Raymond E. Feist, a master of the genre, sounds like a perfect reading escape for me. One caveat, this is a follow-on series for the Firemane Saga but the book comes with a convenient "Our Story So Far" summary, if like me, you haven't gotten to that trilogy yet. I admit that this book did not mesmerize me the same way that the Riftwar Saga and Empire Trilogy did (at least, as much as I remember they did since it has been a very long time), but it was still quite entertaining. A broad cast of engaging characters, a plot to enchant and fascinate, magic, machinations, scheming, battles, quests...and dragons... all the makings of an enjoyable epic's beginnings. And now I am more motivated to get to the Firemane Saga as I await the next installment in the Dragonwar Saga.
I received advanced digital access to this book thru NetGalley (for which I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, Harper Voyager) for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

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. .

When I heard Feist had a new series coming out I had to jump at the chance. I have been wanting to try this author for a long time but was a bit intimidated on where to start, seeing as he has so many books and series. This seemed like the perfect opportunity, and I'm glad I started here.

Everything I love about epic fantasy is here in spades. Huge plot, large cast of characters, battles, adventure and lots of action. If you are like me and are looking for an entry point, or if you're a longtime fan of Raymond Feist, then this is a perfect read!.