The fourth and concluding volume of the Serpentwar Saga is notably better than its immediate predecessor, Rage of a Demon King. This time, Feist puts much more emphasis on the diplomatic and military aspects of the kingdom of Krondor's struggle to survive, and Jimmy and Dash, the late Duke James' grandsons, take center stage away from Rage protagonist Erik von Darkmoor. They help persuade the late Emerald Queen's General Duko to change sides and enlist the thieves of Krondor in the resistance to the magically assisted Keshites. Their transformation from green if good-hearted youths to warriors much older than their years is the core of the book and a development Feist works out in some of his best writing ever. Meanwhile, the reptilian Saaur also become neutral, which leaves only the Keshites to be defeated in a series of grim, well-depicted battles employing both magic and steel. The major complaint to make about Shards will likely come from fans of Pug, Miranda, and the saga's other purveyors of potent magic, who are given less consideration herein than their importance to the plot merits. But the book is undeniably riveting, a respectable conclusion to a most readable fantasy saga

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