It says something that I don't remember the world or characters but I listened to all three books ( )

Book 1: Catrin is just an ordinary girl, working the farm with her father, going to lessons, and just surviving in her age group. One day something crazy happens and she is scorned from the community and dubbed the Herald of ancient lore. Her community is eventually taken by another race in search of her and she much flee all while learning who and what exactly the Herald is and her importance.

From the beginning this book is very detailed and you are thrown into an epic story, with a slight Tolkien feel, the characters are whisked away from their homeland to help the greater good and survive an oncoming war.

Catrin is a teenage girl, coming to acceptance with her new identity and in this first book in the series that is made very evident. She constantly questions what is going on, if she is strong enough to accept it, and if others will be safe with her. She is strong and a very deep character to follow on her journey.

The other characters are just as entertaining but there are some jumps in the story where I found it a little confusing remember the person taking over the point of view. Once you get a better grasp on the characters and where they are it becomes easier but for me it took a few transitions back and forth.

The book has a map so that the reader can follow the journey better than just in their head and that helps a little bit, but it wasn’t overly detailed so it leaves a lot to the imagination.

Rathbone does a wonderful job moving the story along will smaller plot themes and moving into the larger ones. I found it very enjoyable to read, although VERY detailed so it does take some time to read through. It adds to the overall ambiance of the story.

I am already reading the next book in the omnibus and will be sharing the review for that very soon.

Other reviews to follow