King of Foxes

1.5 stars if I could, since I find book 1 to be more interesting.

The plot was acceptable, even though it felt a bit like a mishmash of cliche plot lines. The political intrigue was interesting, but it wasn't explored enough. The pacing was all right. Somewhat predictable though, and was like an action movie at times. Like book 1, Tal still has the goddess of luck personally watching over him, and he's still incredibly brilliant, charismatic, and extremely able-bodied - even when he wasn't whole.

In book 1, Tal had a lot of development (even though he seemed to have way too many talents). In book 2, there wasn't. His punishment in the middle could've been great material for introspection and reflection, most especially considering how Feist decided to end the story in a “to forgive and to be a better man” manner. Too bad it was just magically (literally) undone. There was too little done on Tal's emotions to make his feelings even remotely believable. The change in Tal at the end felt too abrupt, like it was tacked on as an afterthought; for book 3 I suppose.

Not excited about book 3, but still going to read it anyway.