Rage of a Demon King
Rage of a Demon King is a fantasy novel by Raymond E. Feist. It’s the third book in the Serpentwar Saga and the eleventh in the Riftwar cycle. It was published in 1997 in the United States and the United Kingdom. The story follows Erik Von Darkmoor, who is training soldiers for the kingdom, and Rupert Avery, who is funding the war as his trading empire grows. The Emerald Queen’s army is closing in on Krondor, aiming to seize the legendary Lifestone, a powerful magical device.
As Krondor prepares for invasion, several secrets are revealed. The origins of Macros the Black and Miranda come into clearer light, and Nakor’s surprising idea that there is no magic is explained. After the events of Rise of a Merchant Prince, Erik trains more recruits and rekindles his relationship with Kitty, while Rupert reunites with Sylvia. Erik is poisoned but saved by Kitty.
The defense of the kingdom is organized by Knight-Marshal William, Duke James, and Prince Patrick. Their plan is to defend a hard-won line and, if necessary, sacrifice Krondor to slow the invaders and channel them toward a hard “soft center” at Nightmare Ridge. Nighttime fortifications rise at Nightmare Ridge and Darkmoor, with supplies routed along roads to support the siege.
Pug and Miranda search for Macros in Elvandar and force him away from godhood as Sarig the God of Magic. Pug, with Miranda’s urging, tries to destroy the Emerald Queen’s fleet, but the fleet’s magic and Pug’s misstep nearly kill him. The Emerald Queen is revealed to be a demon in disguise. The royal navy, joined by the Keshians and Quegans, temporarily slows the invasion, but the attack devastates Krondor. Admiral Nicholas is killed when Krondor’s harbor and the palace are blown up by Pantathians.
Duke James commands the defense underground with the Mockers, while Krondor’s defenses ultimately fail and the city falls. Pug and Calis travel to Sethanon to unlock the Lifestone, and Jakan the demon rushes toward the kingdom. Tomas, Pug, and Miranda destroy the rifts feeding the demons, but Macros sacrifices himself to defeat Maarg the Demon King, and Hanam dies in the process.
In the end, Nightmare Ridge and Darkmoor fall, the last Saaur are relocated, and the Emerald Queen’s remaining forces retreat to Ylith to regroup. The book closes with the fate of the kingdom uncertain and the war continuing.
Reception: Publishers Weekly described the fall of Krondor as gripping but criticized the prose as pedestrian and noted old-fashioned depictions of women.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 20:43 (CET).