''Exile's Return'' is a

fantasy novel Fantasy literature is literature set in an imaginary universe, often but not always without any locations, events, or people from the real world. magic (paranormal), Magic, the supernatural and Legendary creature, magical creatures are common i ...

by American writer Raymond E. Feist, the third book in the '' Conclave of Shadows''

trilogy A trilogy is a set of three distinct works that are connected and can be seen either as a single work or as three individual works. They are commonly found in literature, film, and video games. Three-part works that are considered components of ...

, part of ''

The Riftwar Cycle ''The Riftwar Cycle'' is the name given to the series of books authored or co-authored by Raymond E. Feist that revolve around the fantasy worlds of Midkemia and Kelewan. The Riftwar Universe The majority of Feist's works are part of The Riftwa ...

''. It was preceded by '' King of Foxes'' and is followed by ''

Flight of the Nighthawks ''Flight of the Nighthawks'' is a fantasy novel by American writer Raymond E. Feist. It is the first book in the ''Darkwar Saga'' and was published in 2005. It was followed by ''Into a Dark Realm'' which was published in 2006. Plot introduction ...

''.

Plot summary

Kaspar, former Duke of Olasko, finds himself alone and without provisions on the continent of Novindus on the other side of the world after being removed from power by the Conclave of Shadows (in '' King of Foxes'', the preceding novel). His desire for revenge must be put aside as he struggles to survive in a harsh unfamiliar land. He happens upon a farm, where his only choice is to work for food and shelter. As he is no longer under the magical influence of Leso Varen, the evil necromancer who had manipulated him while in Olasko, he begins to show compassion, and atone for his past deeds. Kaspar later joins a band of traders who have been cursed with transporting a mysterious magical suit of seemingly invulnerable animated armor, which will not allow them to leave it. Kaspar discovers the armor's origin, and is tasked with returning it across the vast ocean to the Conclave, once his enemies, now his only hope to help prevent the world's destruction.

Receptions

Kirkus Reviews ''Kirkus Reviews'' is an American book review magazine founded in 1933 by Virginia Kirkus. The magazine's publisher, Kirkus Media, is headquartered in New York City. ''Kirkus Reviews'' confers the annual Kirkus Prize to authors of fiction, no ...

gave a positive review, praising the pace of the novel.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Exile's Return 2004 American novels 2004 fantasy novels American fantasy novels Novels by Raymond E. Feist