I read this book many times and my first impression was of dislike as it felt like it betrayed what I loved most about this rich and vibrant world.
Over the years that opinion has changed quite a lot. The characters are great and really push the boundaries for the series.
The characters themselves are memorable. Belts start first with Skandranon the Black Gryphon. He is a fun character who shows confidence a bit too much which hides his insecurities as well.
Zhaneel is one of the best characters as she shows a lot of growth in just the first book in the series that you can’t help but love her. She went from this cowering creature who felt no worth in herself to this strong female gryphon who can handle anything.
Winterhart was a character I loved to hate originally and that is because of her attitude towards her charges. She treats them as animals who are just to be ordered around instead of thinking creatures the equal of anyone.
Amberdrake is my favourite character as he has so much love in him and he knows what hurt feels like. His past has coloured what he is today but it doesn’t diminish his wonderful personality and skills.
Cinnabar is a great healer who is a side character for most of the story as is her lover Tamsin who shows what love and caring is like and make people around them feel they are worth something.
Vikteren the only true mage who is strong with magic though not thought of as much as he was never granted the rank of his true ability. He has so much skill and talent and can do about anything and to me is more a leader to the mages than anyone.
I love the magic system where they have power but it all depends on what power they can reach. Apprentice is more of a trainee only with no indication of where he will end up. Journeyman is the lower levels and while they don’t have access to the full abilities they can do what they need. Master can use ley lines to power the magic so that they don’t burn themselves out and are stronger. And adepts can use nodes or heartstones to do whatever is needed and are the most powerful
The level of detail is what pushed me to want to read more and to make my own stories more complicated with magic so that it had depth.
All in all this is a great start to the series as you learn more about the people and what happened. However it has nothing to do with Valdemar eventually all of the stories will link back to this story and make it that much better.
Crazy Canadian Writing 