Ok... three Reader Hints: (1) Glossary in back - USE IT! (2) Remember, this is book ONE in a series. (3) I would place this book in the Older Youth Reader's section and expect future books to evolve and age in complexity as the reader does. ---- An excellent first book! The story line takes a bit to draw one in; it tosses in lots of characters that show development potential, drenches it in scenery, adds adventures that need resolving, then speckles everything with humor for flavor and color... A fantastic recipe for a series! ( )

3 1/2 Stars

I liked the first part of the story and really enjoyed the last half. The first part was a lot of information, and introducing new characters. I admit I got a little mixed up on the character names.
After the story was done I discovered a Glossary. Lots of names & descriptions. So if you like me get confused you know where to go.

This is a epic story. Has lots going for it. Magic, prophecy, light against dark, epic battles, dragons, heroes, legends coming to life, elves, secret tunnels. There is a lot of drama, action, suspense of knowing who to trust. A good story a little slow in beginning as the world is built.

I had to read this over two days. The second day's reading was far better than the first. Which just could have been me over the story.

Kirin is the boy who the book is centered around. But his name changes later to Gray. He has a sword that everyone wants to control. No one can weld it but him. It has a darkness around it sometimes a light. Gray has to control it and choose what side he is on.

Their world is under attack from an ancient enemy. That wants to destroy everything and kill everyone.
Their appear an ancient protectors the Ronin. A lot of their history is lost. Some believe that they turned against man. The Ronin do not want the sword to fall in the wrong hands. They want to protect Gray.

Gray and friends flee against the army destroying different cities. There group gets bigger and bigger as they flee trying to find safety.

I can't wait to see what the next part of the saga is.

I was given this ebook to read and asked to give honest review of it. ( )

This story is truly amazing and robust with vivid and to the point detail. Every chapter in the book commands you to see and understand the true depth of this amazing land the author creates. With this style of writing, I felt instant nostalgia for the places these characters lived and fought in. Majestic cities, scenes of warriors training, magic wielders that not only use fire and lighting and the like, but use mind travel and mind trickery as skills in combat. All this balanced on the outside of the powerful gates with endless deep green woods, cabins with warm fires, drink and comforting food, along with deadly creatures that lurk in the dark that could tear you into shreds. The tale itself exponentially builds to a high level of intensity that amazes you with the twists that unravel as well as the struggles and even inhuman suffering some of the characters have to endure. Some of the hardships the main character undergoes are so clear and punishing that you cannot help feeling sorrow for him. Besides the poetic tales of prophesy and the unraveling of epic combat, what stayed imprinted in my mind through out this book was a character known as Arbiter Ezra. Don't worry, I will not spoil it for you! However, this highest level magic wielder/ immortal like warrior left me with a new respect for fantasy. To look at how he "casts" a spell with his knowledge of nature and psychology, and how he cripples those around him in fear with this skill, simply makes you perceive the fantasy world as a mind blowing place! A must read and reread for those who like to be immersed in worlds of beautiful scenery, magic, and adventure. ( )