Master of Furies

Feist brings all his hallmarks—medieval-esque warfare, magical instruction, and strong family bonds—to bear in the satisfying conclusion to his Firemane Saga series. Following Queen of Storms, the forces of the Pride Lords from the continent of Nytanny have wiped out most settlers on the western edge of North Tembria, including the wives of Baron Daylon Dumarch and ironworker Declan Smith. Both men seek revenge, with Declan setting sail for a secret island where he can collect a special sand to forge an invincible blade and Daylon and his half brother, Balven, building up their army. Meanwhile, Hatushaly, last scion of the Firemane kings and heir to vast power, takes instruction from a mysterious visitor, as his wife, Hava, sails the seas, ferrying survivors to Sanctuary, news to Marquensas, and spies to Nytanny, all in preparation for an invasion. Feist does a fine job balancing skirmishes and battles with quieter moments of tutelage, espionage, and basic survival, and takes time as he wraps things up to tie the world of this series to others he’s created—a connection that won’t surprise fans. A late reveal points to further adventures for his characters, which readers will welcome. It’s a fittingly rip-roaring finale. Agent: Ben Camardi, Harold Matson and Co. (July)