Aimee D. (SheWhoReads) reviewed on 7/6/2006 + 35 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 1

I initially picked it up because of the gorgeous cover, but I wasn't sure I would like it, since I haven't been in the mood for fantasy lately. But I opened it and started to read, and I'm glad I did. I found this story to be greatly entertaining. The heroine, Alissa, is refreshingly realistic -- magically gifted, yes, perhaps even extraordinarily so, but still recognizably a nineteen-year-old girl, and subject to the impetuousness of youth. She makes mistakes, and she has a fierce temper, but she is ultimately an extremely likeable and sympathetic character.

As far as world-building goes -- well, we don't see a whole lot of the world, just a small section of it: the plains and the foothills. (And this makes sense, for our viewpoint character, Alissa, grew up in the foothills and has never been far from home before. This area is the only one she knows.) However, that small section is richly detailed, and the prejudice and mistrust between the two groups vividly drawn.

My only complaint about this book is that it ended far too quickly; the story wasn't finished yet! The resolution of the plot is delayed for future books -- but fortunately there are already three sequels published. This was a delightful read that kept me turning the pages. I recommend it for every fantasy-lover who just wants to read a good story!

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