Raymond E. Feist

Raymond E. Feist, born Raymond Elias Gonzales III in 1945, is an American author celebrated for his extensive contributions to fantasy fiction, particularly his Riftwar Cycle series. After being adopted and taking the surname Feist, he earned a degree in Communication Arts from the University of California at San Diego. His first novel, inspired by ideas conceived in 1977, was published in 1982. Feist's work often centers on the worlds of Midkemia and Kelewan, where magicians create rifts connecting different planetary systems, facilitating adventures across these realms. Midkemia itself originated as a setting for a role-playing game developed by Feist and his peers. His writing has achieved significant international success, with books translated into numerous languages and selling over 15 million copies worldwide. Feist resides in San Diego, California.

The majority of Raymond E. Feist's literary output falls under The Riftwar Cycle, a sprawling narrative tapestry woven across the distinct worlds of Midkemia and Kelewan. These worlds are interconnected by the ability of their inhabitants, particularly human magicians, to open rifts through dimensionless space, thereby bridging planets in disparate solar systems. The novels and short stories within this universe chronicle the diverse exploits of individuals navigating these interconnected realms. Midkemia was initially conceived as an alternative to the popular Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game by Feist and fellow students at the University of California San Diego, who formed a gaming group known as the Thursday Nighters, later the Friday Nighters. This collaborative origin also led to the formation of Midkemia Press, which continues to publish material set within this world.

Feist has acknowledged that the world of Kelewan, a key setting in The Riftwar Cycle, draws heavily from the Tekumel setting created by M. A. R. Barker for his Empire of the Petal Throne role-playing game. The initial concept for Feist's books involved an invasion of Midkemia by characters from Tekumel. Consequently, significant elements of Kelewan's background, including the Tsurani Empire, the absence of metals and horses, the Cho'ja, and its pantheon of twenty major and twenty minor deities, are derived from Tekumel. Feist has stated he was unaware of this specific origin when he wrote his debut novel, 'Magician'.

Beyond the core Riftwar narrative, Feist has expanded his fictional universe. The Firemane Saga, a trilogy published between 2018 and 2022, includes 'King of Ashes,' 'Queen of Storms,' and 'Master of Furies.' While initially presented as separate from the Riftwar Cycle, a connection was established with the subsequent series, The Dragonwar Saga, which began in 2024. This new series features the return of established characters, including a reincarnated Pug, and characters from The Firemane Saga. Feist's sole novel entirely outside the Riftwar universe is 'Faerie Tale,' a fantasy story set in modern-day New York state. He has also contributed numerous short stories to various anthologies.