"Rides a Dread Legion" (Demonwar Saga, Book 1) by Raymond E. Feist

Rides a Dread Legion (2009) is the first fantasy novel in the Demonwar Saga within the Midkemia series. In the previous subseries, Pug, Macros, Magnus and Nakor reconnoitered the Dasati domain. Macros and Nakor did not return, but Pug and Magnus came back with warning of an imminent invasion. The invasion rift was destroyed together with the planet Kelewan.

In this novel, Amirantha is a demon summoner. He is the third of three sons from a woman who was known as a witch. With his companion Brandos, Amirantha has been conning rural villagers with false demon invasions staged by his own tame demons, but he has also tracked down and banished several other ravaging demons.

Sandreena is a Knight-Adamant of the Order of the Shield of the Weak, serving in the name of the Goddess Dala. She was born to a prostitute in Krondor and followed her mother into that profession. But Brother Mathias had brought her into the temple.

Father-Bishop Creegan is head of the Order of the Shield in Krondor. Only the Grand Master in Rillanon is higher within the hierarchy of the Order, but the Grand Master leaves administrative duties to the seven Father-Bishops. Creegan is the single most powerful Father-Bishop and is probably going to be the next Grand Master.

"Wrath of a Mad God" (The Darkwar Saga, Book 3) by Raymond E. Feist

Wrath of a Mad God (2008) is the third fantasy novel of the Darkwar Saga, following Into a Dark Realm. In the previous volume, the necromancer Leso Varen traps Miranda and gives her to the Dasati Deathpriests. The boys are captured by Salmater troops. Pug and his friends travel the Star Bridge to Omadrabar and find Macros the Black in a Dasati body.

In this novel, on Kelewan, Miranda escapes from the Deathpriests and alerts the Assembly of Magicians to look for the present incarnation of Leso Varen. The dome where she had been held is now gone, but the Dasati minions of the Dark God will be back. Miranda briefs the Assembly and the Emperor on her experiences and starts preparations for the invasion.

On Omadrabar -- the Dasati homeworld -- Pug and his friends avoid the Great Culling and then find the enclave of the Bloodwitch Sisters. Macros is dying, but tells them various secrets before his death. Returning to Omadrabar City, Pug finds that Nakor also has news.

On Midkemia, Jommy and the other cadets are surveilling a cove and watch a group of pirates rowing to the beach. They are accompanied by a sorcerer of some sort, who conjures a demon that appears to be made of molten material. They are holding off the pirates, but loosing to the demon, when an elf appears and destroys the demon. The elf and his friends take the Conclave forces as prisoners and march them off to their fort.

"Into a Dark Realm" (The Darkwar Saga, Book 2) by Raymond E. Feist

In this sequel to Flight of the Nighthawks, author Raymond Feist takes us back to his magical world of Midkemia. The Conclave of Shadows is completing the destruction of the Nighthawks, but it soon becomes apparent that their roots reach much, much further than first thought! And so, Pug, Nakor, Magnus and the mysterious Ralan Bek must journey to the dark and dangerous home world of the evil Dasati. But, what happened to the escaped necromancer, Leso Varan? What is he up to?

I must admit that I have been a fan of Raymond Feist for many years now, and I looked forward to this book's release with bated breath. In many ways, this book is like most middle books of a trilogy - it creates a group of situations and mysteries that you need to wait for the next book to see what happens. Still, I found it to be an interesting book, and I absolutely loved the short return to the Hall of Worlds. (I do wish that Mr. Feist will someday write a book that is set within the Hall!)

Overall, I thought that this was a very good book, with grand scheme, great magic, gripping dangers and even more dangers! This is another great Raymond Feist book, one that I highly recommend.

"Flight of the Nighthawks" (The Darkwar Saga, Book 1) by Raymond E. Feist

After bringing us the opening three novels concerning Tal Hawkins and Kaspar, Duke of Olasko, Feist opens his third great Midkemia series, The Darkwar Saga, by expanding on the discovery of the Dasati and their automaton army, the Talnoy. It is the greatest danger to face the conclave since Pug's involvement in the Serpent War and finds us delving into new dimensions for both Midkemia's and Kelewan's newest enemies, as Magnus discovers that the immobile Talnoy are acting as a beacon for the Dasati and rifts are beginning to form between the two worlds.
We commence in bucolic bliss as Caleb, the non-magical son of Miranda and Pug finds himself apprenticing the son and foster-son of Marie, Tad and Zane, two eager lads who have not much to do and an eye for trouble. After they save him from death at the hands of a bandit ambush, we then travel with them as they are turned from soft layabouts into hardened Conclave soldiers and we then learn of a series of murders of Truebloods in the Empire of the Great Kesh. The resulting concern finds Tal and Kaspar and Caleb entering Kesh at different social levels to track down the infamous lair of the Nighthawks, whom they believe responsible for the murders that seek to place Kesh in a state of civil war as the current Emperor nears the end of both his life and reign. In the meantime, Nakor has discovered greater powers are rumbling as he finds the tiniest spark of the Nameless One in the darkly Herculean Bek that promises that there could be a return for Ishar.
Political intrigue, sewer ambushes, tavern brawls and magical intervention that are all the hallmarks of a great Feist effort all follow as the Conclave discover that the inviolable magician, Leso Varen is behind the mayhem that seeks to disrupt Midkemia and move to deal with the threat.

"Exile's Return" (Conclave of Shadows, Book 3) by Raymond E. Feist

Talon of the Silver Hawk, from a mountain people called the Orisini, becomes the last known survivor of an attack staged by fighters under the orders of Kaspar, Duke of Olasko. The reasons for this genocide appear to be for convenience, yet we later learn there is darker intent behind it. Talon becomes an agent of the Conclave of Shadows, a group dedicated to fighting evil, headed by the famed magician Pug. At the end of the second book, King of Foxes, we see Talon oust Kaspar from power, yet spares his life. Instead of sending him to a dungeon, a magician transports Kaspar to Novindus, an island on the other side of the world, leaving Kaspar with nothing but his wits to survive this harsh and inhospitable place.

So this is is where Exile's Return picks up, with Kaspar literally fighting for his life from page one against a group of warriors. The tale really picks up when he encounters three men from his side of the world who show him a strange suit of armor. From the instant he touches it, Kaspar is put under a strange strange spell which takes the four men on an ominous journey. While it seems a little convoluted, it does finally pick up the thread of the Conclave of Shadows series, tying it in and giving you a wider understanding of the whole story...it just takes a while to figure out.

While the book covers mostly the travels of Kaspar in the physical sense, it's really covering the travels of his heart and soul, as it is clearly a story of redemption, turning a ruthless dictator into a more humbled, compassionate man who understands and grieves for the actions of his past.

"King of Foxes" (Conclave of Shadows, Book 2) by Raymond E. Feist

King of Foxes is the second novel in the Conclave of Shadows series, following Talon of the Silver Hawk. In the previous volume, Talon has gained his manhood name, but at the same time has lost everyone he loved to a band of raiding mercenaries. He later discovered that the raid was led by a man called Raven, who had been hired by Duke Kaspar of Olasko. Talon was rescued by agents of the Conclave of Shadows and he himself became an agent in order to gain vengeance for his lost tribe. The Conclave provided weapons training and he become an accomplished swordsman. They also provided him with a false identity as Squire Talwin Hawkins, a minor Kingdom noble, and covertly sponsored him in the Tournament of Masters at Roldem. Winning the tourney, Tal gained the title of the world's greatest swordsman.

After the tournament, he turned down an offer to join the court of Duke Kaspar, for he has the Duke's minions to destroy first. Instead, he started looking for Raven and found that the mercenary was planning another raid on the mountain tribes. Hiring another mercenary troop, Tall prepared a trap for Raven in one of the tribal villages. Although Raven escaped the ambush with several men, Tall followed behind and killed them all.

In this novel, Tal is now ready to attack the two remaining targets in his planned vengeance, Duke Kaspar and Quentin Havrevulen, commander of the Duke's army. Tal returns to Roldem after an absence of two years and resumes his social rounds. Not entirely by coincidence, the Duke is visiting his cousin, King Carol. Tal hopes to join the retinue of the Duke without appearing too obvious, so he again turns down the Duke's offer of a position. However, after spectacularly embarrassing Prince Matthew, a vainglorious bore, at sword practice, Tal allows Kaspar to save him from the fury of the prince and thus becomes a Captain in service to Kaspar.

"Talon of the Silver Hawk" (Conclave of Shadows, Book 1) by Raymond E. Feist

Talon of the Silver Hawk is the first novel in the Conclave of Shadows series. Kielianapuna is an Orosini boy who is undergoing his manhood ritual. Waiting on the mountainside, fasting and with only herbal infused water to drink, Kieli longs for a vision to show his adult name. On the third day of the ritual, he has not yet had a vision and he must leave soon, for he only has a few sips of water remaining. Then he notices the vultures gathering over Kapomi village and realizes that raiders are within the hills and that his village, Kulaam, will probably be the next target. He drinks his remaining water and takes a few wobbly steps down the hill, but slips and falls, injuring his left arm. Trying to stand, he becomes nauseated, falls back, vomits, and loses consciousness.

Almost immediately, a sharp pain on his left arm arouses him and he finds a silver hawk perched on his side, flexing its talons on his arm. As he stares into the black eyes of the hawk, he receive a message in his mind telling him "Rise and be a talon for your people". The bird launches itself over his shoulder and Kieli stands and starts for his village. When he arrives there, hie finds the raiders killing all within the village. He takes a sword from one raider and kills him, then rushes the raid leaders from their rear, but is shot with a crossbow before he can quite reach them. He faints from the loss of blood from his various injuries, but his last sight is on the silver hawk circling above, telling him "Linger, little brother, for your time is not yet".

"Jimmy the Hand" (Legends of the Riftwar, Book 3) by Raymond E. Feist

The Mockers enable the royals Arutha and Anita to flee Krondor and the assault of Duke Guy du Bas-Ytra. The irate city ruler demands his thugs bring him the head of teen thief Jimmy the Hand and the other Mockers who abetted the Prince in his and Princess Anita's escape. Not caring to delineate, the ducal's assassins go after all Mockers demanding they turn over the head of Jimmy the Hand to them or else.

Knowing his allies are turning against him, Jimmy accompanied by Flora, a Mocker seeking her grandfather to start over, flee Krondor heading towards Land's End. Jimmy expects a respite in the Southern city, but instead the thief finds himself in the middle of a dark magic altercation. He tries to con his way out of a confrontation that could prove unhealthy.

This is an entertaining Legends of the Riftwar tale but fans of the saga will need to take a step back to somewhat place the tale in its chronological order as Jimmy is the bravado thief just beginning to show his noble heart in his legendary tale. The story line is fast-paced and filled with plenty of action as the lead rotates; when Jimmy or the royals are front and center, the plot is top rate while when others take center stage it feels off kilter especially since some star one scene players. Enjoyable in spite some descriptive weather and geographical paragraphs repeated seemingly verbatim several times (don't need a photographic memory to realize this as it is jarring), fans of Midkemia will appreciate the latest entry as Jimmy shows why he is a fascinating protagonist.

"Murder in LaMut" (Legends of the Riftwar, Book 2) by Raymond E. Feist

Once the mighty Duke of Olasko, nomads have now captured the magically exiled Kaspar halfway around the world. The deposed evil aristocrat ultimately escapes his bondage and is obsessed with avenging his defeat and ignominious deportation. Eventually he meets traders who possess a suit of armor containing a malevolence that killed part of their group.

Kaspar has no plans to travel with his hosts, but like them he touched the armor and no longer is free; the wickedness inside the armor controls Kaspar though he fights it with his every breath. Kaspar learns that the armor is a weapon of mass destruction from another plane that will ultimately devastate this world if not stopped. Feeling a need to defeat an essence even wickeder than he ever was; Kaspar puts aside his thirst for vengeance to return home to confer with the Conclave of Shadows' sorcerers who expelled his wickedness across the globe. Together, if they can learn to trust one another, they must find a way to stop the armor.

This is an exciting Conclave fantasy in which the villain of the first two novels returns from exile having learned the hard way during his trek and his battle with a greater evil the wickedness of his former ways. The story line is action-packed, but it is the metamorphosis of Kaspar from avenging devil to world savior that makes the tale work though the audience and the Conclave sorcerers wait for him to revert. Raymond Feist provides an entertaining tale with a fine twist that his fans will appreciate.

"Honored Enemy" (Legends of the Riftwar, Book 1) by Raymond E. Feist

Again Feist has returned to the time of the Rift War, this time to nine years after its bloody beginning. Honoured Enemy is the story of two companies of fighters, both Kingdom and Tsurani that come together in the face of moredhel attack.

The books switches perspective frequently, for entire chapters at first, between the Kingdom commander (Dennis Hartraft) and the Tsurani Force Commander (Asayaga). However, this isn't distracting, but highly enlightening as we get to see both sides of the "conflict" and its evolution. I especially enjoyed the many allusions made to Tsurani society that could only come after the publication of the Empire Trilogy. Asayaga even muses over the murder of Mara of the Acoma's father and brother at one point, but believes that she is doing well, ;-).

Furthermore, as this book was written after the Riftwar Saga, but set during the beginning of it (before Silverthorn and Sethanon) it was possible for Feist and Forstchen to allude to future events, especially as we saw into the councils of the moredhel pursuing the humans. Enough is revealed incidentally that you have to read this book after the Riftwar Saga, not in the middle.

"Krondor: Tear of the Gods" (The Riftwar Legacy, Book 3) by Raymond E. Feist

Raymond E. Feist, one of the best fantasy authors writing today, does a superb job in Krondor Tear of the Gods, the 3rd installment in the Riftwar Legacy. This book covers the event covered in the PC Game Return to Krondor.

The Tear of the Gods, the most powerful artifact of the Ishapian church that allows them to communicate with the gods, is sunk to the bottom of the sea when a powerful pirate named Bear tries to capture it. Aided by a mysterious magician named Sidi, Bear possesses godlike powers. Squire James, Jazhara (the new court mage of Krondor), Kendaric (a member of Krondor's Wrecker Guild), Brother Solon, and William must track down Bear, retrieve the Tear, and destroy the evil that has taken over the small town of Haldon's Head.

Feist has added some interesting plot twists in this novelization of the game and has greatly expanded upon character depth that was originally present. By doing this, he avoided the walkthrough-like feel that was sometimes present in Krondor The Betrayal. Jazhara especially is discussed in far greater detail. William, Solon, and Kendaric are given more depth so that you care about them a lot more than you did when you played the computer game.

If you haven't read any of Feist's books, I recommend starting with Magician: Master and Magician: Apprentice, the first two books in Feist's Riftwar series. You'll appreciate this book a lot more if you've read all the previous ones, even though it is a good read in its own right.

"Krondor: The Assassins" (The Riftwar Legacy, Book 2) by Raymond E. Feist

The first thing I have to say is that this is far better than Krondor: The Betrayal. This book feels more like a story rather than a series of action scenes slapped together and called Midkemia. The book opens shortly after The Betrayal and advances the story of something/someone threatening the kingdom. Squire James has more of a role in this book, as does Prince Arutha. For the first time in the series, William (the son of Pug) has a major starring role.

Something bad is going on in Krondor. There are mysterious murders occurring in the city, but instead of it being nobles or common folk, it seems that a lot of criminals are being killed. This wouldn't raise up a red flag, except that they are members of the Guild of Thieves: The Mockers. James is sent to investigate and learns that the Mockers have been overrun by a gang ruled by someone known as The Crawler. The leader of the Mockers, The Upright Man, is presumed dead and James suspects this is part of a plot not only against the Mockers but against the Prince as well. Someone is stirring up trouble.

At the same time, the Duke of Olasko (a duchy later appearing in The Conclave of Shadows series set a century later) is passing through and visits Krondor. He wants to hunt, so Arutha assigns William and some other soliders to escort the Duke. During the hunting trip they are attacked and it seems that someone is trying to start a war between Krondor and Olasko (or the Kingdom of the Isles, and the East). This raises the stakes even more as this mysterious enemy is fighting on several fronts.

"Krondor: The Betrayal" (The Riftwar Legacy, Book 1) by Raymond E. Feist

Krondor the Betrayal is another step into the Mystical world of Raymond E. Feist and his supporters. I have heard it said that the book is not good because it was based on a game. I never played the game, so the book seemed absolutely fine to me. This book is primarily about a Moredhel Chieftan, that sees things from a different point of view, and even sides with King Dolgan, the legendary dwarf. He comes bearing a warning to the Kingdom that another Moredhel has promised the clans that Murmandamus is still alive in a cave underneath Sethanon. He also speaks of a mighty dragon that surives there gaurding him. The legendary PUG comes into play when his daughter is kidnapped. He also learns of some Tsurani hands in play with the Moredhel rallying to come against the kingdom. The other intersting part of thhis book, is that at the same time Jimmy the Hand, now James the Princes squire, takes a part in defeating Nighthawks, and discovering a new gang headed by someone named the Crawler. He also discovers someone who looks almost identical to himself, and plays an intriguing part in this book, and ones to follow. People that would enjoy this book the most would have to be the die hard Magicain fans, but one thing to keep in mind is that this book does not take place after the Serpant War, instead it is somewhere in between the end of the Riftwar and before Eric and Roo come around.

"Shards of a Broken Crown" (The Serpentwar Saga, Book 4) by Raymond E. Feist

In this sequel to Rage of a Demon King, author Raymond Feist takes us back to his magical world of Midkemia. With the defeat of the Demon King, it appeared to all that all that was left was to roll up the remnants of the foreign army. But, the world is now a changed place, and old threats are ready to reassert themselves. And worse, something dark is left over after the fall of the Demon King, and swords and daggers won't be enough to resist it.

Overall, I thought that this was a great book. Yes, it does not have the scale of the earlier books of the Serpentwar Saga, but it still has a lot of action and adventure, not to mention a really great part that pits the great magical powers of Midkemia against their greatest foe.

So, let me just say that if you are a fan of Raymond Feist, you will find this book to be another great addition to your Feist library. And, if you are a fan of great fantasy literature, then you will also love this book - just make sure you read the other books of the Saga first. I give this book my highest recommendations!

"Rage of a Demon King" (The Serpentwar Saga, Book 3) by Raymond E. Feist

In this sequel to Shadow of a Dark Queen, author Raymond Feist takes us back to his magical world of Midkemia. Time is growing short now, as the Kingdom of the Isles braces for the coming invasion by the Emerald Queen's army. Erik von Darkmoor is feverishly training new soldiers, but will the Armies of the West be ready? And, as for Rupert Avery, his live of dissipation and intrigue are starting to wear him down, but he is caught in a larger intrigue, and much is going to happen to him that he has never expected.

Raymond Feist's Riftwar books all great great, with epic adventure and magic, while his later books enjoyed a somewhat smaller scope. This book is definitely an epic book; indeed I would say the greatest of the epic books. This is a story of a war that spans an entire world, and even includes demons and gods in a war of winner-take-all!

Overall, I found this to be a great story. I loved its huge scope and high stakes - it is the grandest of grand adventures! If you want to read a story with a large scale adventure that will leave you on the edge of your seat, then this is the book for you. I loved this book and give it my highest recommendations!

"Rise of a Merchant Prince" (The Serpentwar Saga, Book 2) by Raymond E. Feist

In this sequel to Shadow of a Dark Queen, author Raymond Feist takes us back to his magical world of Midkemia. Now that they have returned to the Kingdom of the Isles, Erik von Darkmoor has decided to reenlist in the fight against the dark powers that threaten his world, while Rupert Avery has decided to follow his original plan of marrying a rich merchant's ugly daughter and building a mercantile empire. But, life is going to prove interesting to both. Becoming a merchant prince is no cakewalk, and Roo will find his abilities taxed to the limit. And, the dark power rising in Novindus has not been deterred from its purpose.

Raymond Feist's Riftwar books were great, with epic adventure and magic, while his later books enjoyed a somewhat smaller scope. This book succeeds in walking on both sides of the street. While armies marshal and wizards weave great spells, we also follow the life of a man trying to build up his wealth and his personal life. And, I must say that it succeeds in doing both admirably.

I love stories of wizards and armies, and one gets a bunch of that here. But, I must say that I was surprised at how much I enjoyed Mr. Feist's tale of Roo Avery. I was captivated by the choices he made, both for good and for ill.

"Shadow of a Dark Queen" (The Serpentwar Saga, Book 1) by Raymond E. Feist

In this sequel to The King's Buccaneer, author Raymond Feist takes us back to his magical world of Midkemia, some twenty four years later. Erik von Darkmoor and Rupert Avery have been convicted of murder, but are offered their lives if they will join a mad scheme, joining a group of desperate men on a secret mission from which they may or may not return. The evil Pantathian snake men are hatching a new plot on the continent of Novindus, and someone needs to find out what they are up to and, if possible, to stop them. But, this is indeed a dangerous mission. Can Erik and "Roo" survive? And, what will they find in Novindus?

Raymond Feist's Riftwar books were great, with epic adventure and magic, while his later books enjoyed a somewhat smaller scope. But, with this, the first book of the Sepentwar Saga, Mr. Feist has returned to the big time. The story is grand, with adventure written as big as the continent that it takes place on! The action is gripping and will leave you on the edge of your seat - it starts on page one, and, after a somewhat slow introduction of the main characters, gains momentum, and charges through to a magical (literally) crescendo!

Yep, this is a great book, the start of a great trilogy. I like the characters and the setting, and really enjoyed the new race introduced, the reptilian Sauur. Most of all, I liked the Hall of Worlds with its fascinating inhabitants. I so hope that Mr. Feist will consider writing a book that develops the Hall of Worlds more!

"The King's Buccaneer" (Krondor's Sons, Book 2) by Raymond E. Feist

After the first two pages of the Riftwar saga I was hooked. I quickly developed what I can only think of now as an obsession and finished the four book saga in week. The first two books were by far the best. I was engrossed by the magnificent idea of a boy forced to become a magician who despite his apprehensions becomes one of the greatest magicians the world(that is the fantasy world) has ever known. The saga is a must for all fantasy fans.

I was thirsty for more and so I decided to read Feist's next book Prince of the Blood. It was horrible. No it was worse then horrible it was so bad I wanted to burn it (for those of you who are appalled and rightly so fear not the feeling only lasted for a short time I would of course never actually burn a book no matter how bad it was)

A month later I decided Magician was good enough that I would give Feist another try despite Prince of the Blood, so I purchased The King's Buccaneer. I loved It. I couldn't put it down. I feigned sickness so I could stay home and read. If you are a fantasy fan you have to read this book and if you are not a fantasy fan read this book anyway.

While it is not quite as good as Magician it is close. So read the Riftwar Saga and love it. Then skip the Prince of Blood and don't give it a second thought not even for a milisecond. But whatever you do don't miss this great adventure.

"Prince of the Blood" (Krondor's Sons, Book 1) by Raymond E. Feist

Prince of the Blood by Raymond Feist, continues on the story told in the Rift War saga. However, there are some new characters to be introduced as it is 20 years after that event Prince Arutha now has twin boys and this story follows them. This story is a departure from Feist's earlier books in this series as there is very little magic in it. In Prince of the Blood the main driving force of the book is politics and intrigue, it almost has the feel of a who-done-it type plot. Normally I don't like the who-done-it books but Feist was able to pull this off with a well developed setting, great characters, and a plot that seemed to always keep you guessing.

The characters development in this is again very good, as can be expected with Feist. Since I have started reading Feist's books I have been rather impressed by how well thought-out his characters are. There seems to be very little that is done just for the sake of doing. Each character remains consistent throughout the story, and more impressively, throughout the series. This book centers on the development of two characters, those being the sons of the prince. Each faces different challenges and pitfalls along the way. Each is faced with a different set of circumstances that force them to make decisions. These decisions go a long way in there development. With all of the Feist books I have read thus far, he has a knack for letting his characters show flaws. They are not these all powerful people that some authors have as their characters. The characters in this book get hurt, have doubts, and one goes through a lot by the end of the book.

"Mistress of the Empire" (The Empire Trilogy, Book 3) by Raymond E. Feist

Lady Mara faces her greatest challenge in this final book of the epic Empire Trilogy. Now the most powerful female in the Empire, Mara must come to terms with her very public life and face the inevitable results of her past triumphs.

You also get a better understanding into previously mentioned factors in the first two books (Daughter of the Empire & Servant of the Empire) and Riftwar. You get a deeper look into the religions of the Tsurani and their roles in the framework of the Empire. In addition, the Assembly is also greatly involved, though perhaps not so much as "Magician" (by Raymond E. Feist), it certainly plays greater roles in the shaping of this novel. Mara also travels to distant lands, answering questions that are left unanswered in the Riftwar Saga and the first two Empire books.

What I most admired in this particular book was the overcoming of grave difficulties in the face of constant danger. Cunningly written and detailed, Feist weaves his cleverly written plotlines into the stunning fabric of Wurts. You feel as if you are a part of the book and really know the characters.

And though many writers make their main characters seem virtually invulnerable, you really see the human side of each main character (good and bad) and come to value the emerging flaws and weaknesses. As a result, you get a three-dimensional view of all main characters which helps to sum up and close the series.