In the past I've criticized Feist for failing to make use of elements that his readers expect and enjoy, principally the magic-using characters. In this book, however, such characters are more than ascendant, they're almost ubiquitous. Magic, and its use, in simply everywhere. As a result, the glitter rapidly fades, and, what should be fantastic, borders on mundane. I found it hard to care for any of the protagonists, and the writing, while easy, flowing and workman-like, often seemed as if the author had been creating on autopilot. Like the Ronseal of fantasy, major players do exactly what all but the newest of readers might expect, and the outcomes of those actions never seem in doubt. In other words, there is a distinct lack of any real dramatic tension, and the subtle art of misdirection appears to have slipped out of Feist's repertoire. The old guard are tired, and the newcomers are not up to taking their place. There was also what I perceived to be a credibility gap, with regard to the character Jim Dasher, who is also James Dasher Jamison, and the Upright Man of Krondor. This means that one person is supposedly an adventuring covert operative for the Conclave of Shadows, a noble of the Kingdom of the Isles, and the leader of Krondor's underworld. Where does he find the time! With reference to Feist's newer characters, Demon Master Amirantha, Knight-Adamant Sandreena, and the two Taredhel elves, Laromendis and Gulamendis, all make some interesting progress. But again, it's nothing that could be described as groundbreaking, either in terms of plot or characterization. As for the other Star Elves, who arrived in large numbers during the first book, there is barely a mention of them in this title, which I felt was an awkward omission. If, as must surely be the case, they are an important plot element, then some development would have been appropriate.

Despite the set piece battles and magical confrontations, At the Gates of Darkness does the job its author probably intended, filling the gap between beginning and end, or so I thought. Until I realised that this book is intended to finish the sequence. Then I was appalled at how sloppy and unprofessional it was. Feist's editors really need a kick up the backside, allowing him to turn in what is effectively an unfinished work, and having the nerve to foist it upon loyal readers. More importantly, why does the author himself apparently care so little about a product that carries his name. Perhaps Feist needs to remember that there are other writers out there, with hunger, passion and integrity. People who treat their audience with more respect.