One of the titans of the fantasy genre is back with a new series that combines the lore of his "Firemane Saga" and "Riftwar Cycle." Hatu and his friends Hava and Donte have traveled through a rift to Sorcerer's Isle, where they meet up with Magnus and the reincarnation of Pug. Hatu needs to harness his powers to confront the threats that endanger both worlds. Meanwhile, back in their home world, Declan fortifies their defenses and leads a new kingdom against the Church's pursuit for world domination. Faced with the devastation wrought by the Pride Lords and the competing powers of the Bitter Sea, it's easy to root for this large cast of scrappy characters and their camaraderie. With an enchanting plot, engaging battle sequences, and nautical intrigue, this is a tale that transports readers into new worlds. VERDICT Feist (Master of Furies) is a skilled author of epic fantasy, and this compelling crossover has the same adventurous spirit as his other books. He has established a sweeping and expansive world that thrives upon the elements of classic fantasy.—Andrea Dyba

Feist (Master of Furies) wastes no time in introducing a sense of foreboding into this epic first volume of the Dragonwar Saga, a spinoff of his Firemane series. A brief summary titled "Our Story So Far" orients new and returning readers to the world of Garn, the fate of which is indelibly linked to Midkemia, the world that has been the setting of Feist's epic fantasies for decades. Magic wielder Hatu; his wife, Hava; and his roguish friend, Donte, have travelled through a magical rift from Garn to Midkemia, where they are hosted by magicians Magnus, Pug, and, eventually, Nakor, all characters that returning fans will be excited to revisit. Donte remains in Midkemia, while everyone else returns to Garn to find ways to support Hatu's friend Declan, newly named prince of Marquensas, as he and his brother, King Daylon, face a new manifestation of the Void, the destructive force that Pug and his allies have opposed through the centuries. All the usual Feist elements are here: skullduggery, high seas action, military clashes, and ever-expanding types of magic. It's a grand setup for what could be the ultimate battle between all of Feist's heroes and their age-old nemesis. (Aug.)