Prince of the Blood

Goodreads Synopsis:    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.

My Thoughts:

-    Wholly cow Goodreads! That synopsis is long!

-    I love that I got to read about Arutha and Anita's kids. The twins are very different but very similar to their father and mentors. I really enjoyed their character development. They started out as spoiled royal brats, but their trials and journey turned them into men!

-    Seeing James and Locklear as adults was fun. They turned out just as I knew they would. I wish Jimmy the Hand still got to spy and do thief stuff, but I suppose he has his duties now.

-    It was fun to see James fall in love and marry! I was especially pleased with whom he married!

-    There were a few deaths to some very beloved characters in this book, and I was sad, shocked, and mad! How could Feist do this!?!? Gah! 

-    I loved meeting Borric's companions. Suli won my sympathy and heart. Ghuda was a great swordsman that I think Borric really needed to help him become a man. Nakor made me laugh!

-    The culture in Kesh was fun to experience. I don't approve of all their traditions, but the exotic culture was fun to learn about and see. 

-    There was quite of a bit of love making in this book. It wasn't explicit, but it is enough to make one blush. 

-    I didn't realize this was the revised version of the book. I've never read the original, and I'm really curious about how different it is. 

-    I feel like this story wrapped up nicely, so I'm curious about what the second book has to offer!