The Highwayman (Saga of the First King) - Softcover

Salvatore, R. A.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1593152140 ISBN 13: 9781593152147

Publisher: Carousel Press,US, 2005

Synopsis

Long ago, in a distant land, a lonely young man struggles to discover who he is and where he belongs. He carries the blood and magic of two peoples, a sword of unimaginable power, and a staggering potential for great good . . . or greater evil. In the land of Corona, the roads are unsafe to travel, as goblins and bloodthirsty Powries seek out human prey; and, in this savage world, princes feast while peasants starve, and two religions battle for control. A monk, Bran Dynard, returns from his mission in a far-off land with two prizes: a book of mystical knowledge and a new wife, the beautiful and mystical Sen Wi. But the world he left behind has changed, and Bran must now decide who he can trust, and where he should place his faith . . .

About this title

Review:

RA Salvatore's prelude to the Demon Wars Sagas, The Highwayman, is a stimulating ride into the early history of Corona and the vehicle is the creation of a new, Drizzt-rivalling hero. Salvatore spins the tragic tale of an Abellican missionary who returns to Honce from the desert land Behr with wonders from the ancient Jhesta Tu monastery. At his side is his wife, a Jhesta Tu mystic. His dreams of uniting the teachings of the Jhesta Tu and "The Church of Blessed Abelle" are broken against the realities of bigotry and the young Abellican Church's struggle for political favour against the Druid-like Samhaists. But from their doomed union will rise a people's hero--the Highwayman.

This novel is, at its heart, an origin tale and Salvatore takes time to spin his hero's legend. Although the stirring set piece at the novel's launch will let readers know where he's going, discovering how he gets there is a thrill and a pleasure, making this one of Salvatore's most mature and deliberate novels. In the backdrop, fans of the Demon War Sagas will watch the emerging Abellican Church as it grows from virtual cult to the calcified institution of the later books. In all, this is a stimulating addition to the Corona universe. --Jeremy Pugh, Amazon.com

Review:

'Written with an enthusiastic buckle and swash. Elaborate fight sequences ebb and glow over several pages...describing every jab, feint and stab.'
-- SFX

About this edition

• Publisher: Carousel Press,US
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 1593152140
• ISBN 13: 9781593152147
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 480