This book was amazing! The author doesn't bog you down with needless descriptions of things that have no place in the book. He gives you just enough so you can form your own interpretation of how the characters, cities, sights, sounds, etc. should be. From beginning to end there are new characters introduced, new story arcs, changes, clashes, and more!
Reading this book reminded me of reading C.S. Lewis, but with more attitude. It is a fairly short novel, though I follow the author on Facebook and he has admitted it was short for a reason, but the second and third books will be much longer. I can't hardly wait to read the next book in the series! Unlike most books where you know immediately who the protagonist is, this book makes you guess. It seems rather clear at first, but then as things unfold and lives change, you get drawn into the book and start wondering what will happen. People live, people die, things change, and some things stay the same. This book introduces you to a world where dragons are still dragons, but they help dwarves. Elves are still elves, but they are loyal to treaties. Giants are giants, ogres are ogres, and evil is just barely scratching the surface of what is going on behind the scenes.
If book one was simply an introduction into this new world where anything and everything appears to happen, then I can't wait for book two! The title alone already has me excited, as according to the authors facebook page, it will be called "Demoweir's Rise." If you don't know what a Demoweir is, pick up this book and read it, and you'll soon be excited for more books.
I read this, and I saw so much in the way of C.S. Lewis in general description styles, but then I saw a lot of George R.R. Martin when it came to figuring out who lives and who dies. Spoiler: it appears that no ones safe in these books, and that is just the way I like it!