Is Silverthorn A Standalone Novel Or Part Of A Series?

Definitely part of the 'Riftwar Saga'! 'Silverthorn' continues the story of Midkemia, Focusing on Arutha’s desperate quest to save his Beloved. While it has a clear beginning and end, the book assumes you know the world and its politics from 'Magician.' Feist doesn’t rehash much, so new readers might feel adrift. But for fans, it’s a gem—the action’s sharper, the stakes higher, and Jimmy the Hand steals every scene. Just read 'Magician' first for the full impact.

Silverthorn' is actually the second book in Raymond E. Feist's 'Riftwar Saga,' and it picks up right where 'Magician: Apprentice' left off. I stumbled upon it years ago while browsing a used bookstore, and at first glance, I thought it might be a standalone fantasy novel because the cover didn’t scream 'sequel.' But once I started reading, I quickly realized it was deeply tied to the events of the first book. The characters—Pug, Arutha, and Jimmy the Hand—carry over, and the political tensions from 'Magician' escalate here. If you jump into 'Silverthorn' without reading the first book, you’d miss so much context, like the Tsurani Invasion or Pug’s growth as a magician. Feist’s world-building is so interconnected that each book feels like a chapter in a bigger story. That said, 'Silverthorn' does have its own self-contained plot about a poisoned princess and a quest for the titular cure, but the ending clearly sets up the next book, 'A Darkness at Sethanon.' I love how Feist balances standalone arcs with overarching series threads—it’s satisfying yet leaves you hungry for more.

For newcomers, I’d absolutely recommend starting with 'Magician.' The 'Riftwar Saga' is one of those classics where the sum is greater than its parts, and 'Silverthorn' shines brightest when you’re already invested in Midkemia. Plus, Jimmy’s antics in this one are even funnier if you know his backstory!

As a longtime fantasy nerd, I’ve re-read 'Silverthorn' more times than I can count, and it’s undeniably part of a series. What fascinates me is how Feist structures it: the first half wraps up loose threads from 'Magician,' while the second half launches a new adventure that dovetails into 'A Darkness at Sethanon.' It’s like a bridge with its own unique landscape. The character dynamics—especially Arutha and Jimmy—are more nuanced here because their histories matter. If you skip 'Magician,' you’d miss why Arutha’s cynicism cuts so deep or how Jimmy’s loyalty evolves. Even the magic system gains depth in this installment, with Pug’s struggles feeling more personal. That said, the poisoned-princess plot could work as a standalone tale, but the emotional stakes rely on prior investment. Feist’s genius is making each book both accessible and deeply tied to the whole. I’d compare it to 'The Empire Strikes Back'—technically part of a trilogy, but with its own iconic identity.

Oh, I adore this question because 'Silverthorn' was my Gateway into epic fantasy! It’s part of Feist’s 'Riftwar Saga,' but here’s the thing—it doesn’t feel like a middle book. The pacing is tighter than 'Magician,' almost like a fantasy thriller with that urgent quest for the Silverthorn flower. I’ve lent my copy to friends who hadn’t read 'Magician,' and they still enjoyed it, but they missed nuances like Arutha’s trauma from the first war or the weight of Pug’s magic. The book stands on its own structurally, but emotionally? It’s a continuation. Feist drops enough exposition to keep new readers from drowning, but the payoff is richer if you’ve lived through the earlier battles. And that ending! It’s a perfect blend of resolution and 'oh no, what’s next?'—classic sequel bait. Honestly, I’d call it a 'soft standalone.' You could read it alone, but why would you want to? The series is a feast.