This was an excellent book and part of a series. I wrote a more in depth review on my blog at http://31daysearlyirise.com. I could read this series more than once, after having immersed myself in the world of young Guiamo as he grows into his rightful place, learns his gifts and talents, and we find out so much more about him and the people of his land. Masterful writing. ( )

Books around myths and legends are not normally my cup of tea but this story and the authors style of writing have changed my viewpoint

The story is easy to follow and intriguing and the author makes you want to turn each page in order to keep up and find out what is going to happen to the main character.

We follow Guiamo Durmius Stolo on his quest to find out his true vocation in life, abandoned as an orphan a local fisherman takes him under his wing and quickly realises Guiamo has a special talent and plans out his education to prepare him for the challenges he is going to have to face .

The research and historical facts and language used by the writer is superb and generates the feeling as a reader that you are right there every step of the way.

The writer has the reader intrigued from the first page and I really enjoyed the descriptions of the main characters and their escapades and the excellent way that to develop Guiamo they had to go and seek advice and knowledge from different sources. The different sources lead Guiamo to the Druids, attaining a magical weapon and the ability to understand animals

The author has a way with his words and text which really appealed to me and found that I couldn't put it down and was enjoying it that much I didn't want it to finish.

This was the first book in a series of four and cannot wait to find out what is in store for our hero. An excellent read which could appeal across a wide range of ages and will stand the test of time. ( )

If you are looking for a great book for your child, you have to get this one. It is perfect for kids probably 10 and up. Younger ones may have a harder time with some of the words and names but that has never really stopped my kids from liking a book. Parents don't have to worry about any mature content. The only thing may be one scene in the book with the blessing of the fields, and a phallus. I don't really recall any bad language.

Boys will probably get into this more than girls, but everyone will be able to connect with this book. I was drawn into Guiamo's world from page one. It took all I had to put the book down to get some sleep. I guess I should've started earlier in the day, instead of late in the evening. The author does such a great job that you can imagine you are right there. You can almost smell the fish at the fishing village.

I love that the book mixes history and myth together. You can almost get the sense of what it was like to live in the Roman empire. Life was difficult but you still have the optimism that you can change your life and excel. It teaches kids that hard work pays off and it still gives that sense of adventure. While most people will not agree that a boy of 14-15 would be considered a man, back then he would've been considered a man.

I really can not say enough about this book. I can't wait to pass this on to my son and probably to the library where my husband teaches. If you are try to get your child to read, this is the perfect book. It has a little bit of the supernatural, history, and myth with plenty of lessons and adventures.

I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own. ( )