The Highwayman
by R. A. Salvatore
Saga of the First King (1), Demon Wars Sagas: Prelude (1), Corona (Saga of the First King — 1)
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Description
It is God's year 54, many years before the Demon Wars, in the land of Corona. The roads are unsafe to travel; goblins and bloodthirsty Powries search out human prey. Two religions struggle fiercely for control. Bran Dynard, a monk of the fledgling religion of Abelle, returns from his mission in a far-off land with a book of mystical knowledge and a beautiful and mysterious new wife. But he soon realizes that the world he left behind has changed, and his dream of spreading the wisdom he show more learned to his fellow monks is crushed. Forced to hide his wife and his precious book, Bran must decide whom he can trust and where he should now place his faith. Twenty years later, the situation has grown darker and more desperate. Only the Highwayman travels freely, his sword casting aside both Powries and soldiers. The people need a savior, but is the Highwayman on a mission of mercyor vengeance? show lessTags
Recommendations
Member Reviews
This book of Salvatore leads us to the times prior the Demon Wars. The main character is a poor disabled child turned to a masked hero, kinda crossover between Robin Hood and Zorro. Yes, it isn't one of Salvatore's best books and the characters tend to be a bit papier mache but the story itself is enjoyable and exciting. Strong part of the book is depicting the opposition of the churches, the old and the new faith. And yes, I'm convinced once again that the best author describing a battle scene is R.A. Salvatore.
This is a bit of a different approach for a Salvatore novel - there's no dwarves or barbarians. This book goes back to the time when the gemstone magic of Corona has just been discovered, and is fighting for control with the ancient established religion. It very much parallels the christianity vs. paganism conflicts in our world. Its not bad, but its not great either.
The Highwayman takes the reader back to the familiar surroundings of The Demon Wars trilogy. There is no requirement for the reader to have read any previous works, since this is a prequel. Salvatore's world of Corona is a land where religious factions are vying for followers and the common people are mercilessly used as fodder in war and city construction. The Highwayman is the spawn of the evil actions of men, and this novel is the history of his creation, chronicling his parents lives and his own past adolescence. The narrative is well written and the scenario in which events are set against is captivating. The central theme itself is one of revenge, love and betrayal; themes which suit the fantasy genre well. However, for the plot show more to be cohesive Salvatore stretches plausibility until you doubt the viability of the central theme to the story. As a fantasy story it is not a run of the mill quest or war epic, and therefore I'd encourage fantasy readers to pick up Highwayman since it is refreshing. It's a shame that the transformation of characters within the book fail to keep your disbelief suspended. show less
Yet another disappointing book from Salvatore. I heard the main character described as a combination of Zoro and Robin Hood, unfortunately that's all he was. I enjoyed the initial section of the book, and the contrast between the paganish ways and the new church of Honce was interesting. Overall, not a very gripping story, and foregetable characters.
I have had this book for some time and never read, I am happy that I finally did. Very good book that gives a different view of the Ambelican Church. Very creative and a nice read. How can you not feel for the Stork?
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Author Information
443+ Works 90,838 Members
R. A. Salvatore was born in Leominster, Massachusetts on January 20, 1959. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from Fitchburg State College in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. He began writing seriously in 1982 and became a full-time writer in 1990. His first novel, The Crystal Shard, was show more published in 1988. His other works include The Halfling's Gem; Sojourn; The Legacy; Starless Night; Vector Prime; and The Two Swords. He is also the author of numerous series including The Dark Elf Trilogy; Paths of Darkness; The Hunter's Blades Trilogy; The Cleric Quintet; Saga of the First King; Neverwinter Saga and TheSundering. He made The New York Times Best Seller List with his title's Charon's Claw, Night of the Hunter: Companions Codex, 1, Rise of the King and Vengeance of the Iron Dwarf. (Bowker Author Biography) show less
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- Canonical title
- The Highwayman
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- Reviews
- 7
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