Kate Elliot isn't a writer I had ever heard of (I dont know how, but I blame the terrible local bookshops), but the display in store and the blurb on the back hooked me in. Damn you marketers!
On the upside, I really enjoyed the story once I was in there. I didn't enjoy the writing at the start, it just didn't flow as easily as i would have liked, and the setting wasn't described as well as it might have been. I don't need things laboriously explained in painful detail (Yes, I'm looking in your direction Bryce!), but I like a bit more than I got from here. The Eagles and the main characters were described quite well at times, and the mannerisms and expressions or Mai and Joss in particular were described better towards the end of the book, so here's hoping the next 2 maintain the style!
The plot was great! A flawed hero, then a twist at the start to reset to a new Hero, and a much stronger premise. Love a good twist at the start!
I must add a note here: I generally don't like books if they require a map at the front, but a quick visual might have helped in this instance. My only other grumble with the layout of the book was the layout of the land, and the fact I didn't know where I was. The directions of flight and the location of towns and towers in relation to each other was always stated, but it just didn't gel in my mind. Maybe its just me!
Overall, loved the book. It was a holiday read at the start but it retained the magic and interest in the story till the end, and even got better. The new book "Shadow Gate" has just been released, so I know what I'm doing this weekend!
The disappointing thing: Kate has written plenty of books before, and i only just found them!
The best thing: There's more to come, and an entire back catalogue!
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