Picture a Southern California dreamer who spun epic tales of magic and war across alien worlds—meet Raymond E. Feist! Born in 1945, this fantasy fiction titan transformed from a university student with a spark of an idea into the creator of the beloved Riftwar Saga. With over 15 million books sold worldwide, Feist’s stories of Midkemia and Kelewan have enchanted readers for decades, blending classic heroism with intricate world-building.
The Making of Raymond E. Feist
Born Raymond Elias Gonzales III in Los Angeles, Feist adopted his stepfather’s surname after his mother’s remarriage. Raised in Southern California, he nurtured a vivid imagination, fueled by role-playing games and a love for storytelling. In 1977, while earning a B.A. in Communication Arts with honors from the University of California, San Diego, Feist envisioned a tale about a boy destined to become a magician. Two years later, jobless and inspired, he penned Magician, published by Doubleday in 1982, launching his career as a full-time author.
Raymond E. Feist’s Unforgettable Stories
Feist’s Riftwar Saga, starting with Magician, introduced readers to Midkemia, a medieval-inspired world of elves, dwarves, and humans, and Kelewan, an alien realm influenced by M.A.R. Barker’s Empire of the Petal Throne. Magician follows Pug, an orphan who rises from apprentice to master magician, navigating rifts—portals connecting worlds. The saga’s sequels, Silverthorn and A Darkness at Sethanon, deepen the political intrigue and epic battles. Feist’s collaboration with Janny Wurts on The Empire Trilogy, beginning with Daughter of the Empire, explores Kelewan’s Tsurani culture through the cunning Mara of the Acoma. His standalone Faerie Tale, a dark fantasy set in modern New York, showcases his versatility. Feist’s style blends accessible prose, rich world-building, and character-driven narratives, drawing from his university role-playing games.
In 2018, Feist launched The Firemane Saga with King of Ashes, a fresh epic of vengeance and magic. His latest, A Darkness Returns (2024), kicks off The Dragonwar Saga, proving his storytelling prowess endures. With 30 novels and numerous short stories, Feist’s Riftwar Cycle remains a cornerstone of high fantasy.
Why Raymond E. Feist Matters
Feist’s influence on fantasy literature is undeniable. His Riftwar Cycle, born from a Dungeons & Dragons-inspired game, expanded the genre by blending Tolkien-esque familiarity with innovative interworld conflicts. Selling over 15 million copies, his works have inspired authors and gamers alike, with Midkemia’s lore fueling fan communities and adaptations. Feist’s ability to craft relatable heroes like Pug and intricate societies like the Tsurani has cemented his legacy as a master of immersive storytelling.
- Born: December 21, 1945, Los Angeles, California
- Key Works: Magician (1982), Daughter of the Empire (1987), King of Ashes (2018)
- Hobbies: Collecting fine wine, DVDs, and books on American football history
Snag Magician and dive into Raymond E. Feist’s spellbinding world of high fantasy adventure!