This is two tales in one book. the first tale was excellent but I struggled with the next, until it took off that is. When all the characters come together the tale improves leaps and bounds and the ending is unexpected. Sullivan is a very good author and his books are full of fresh ideas. Well worth reading.

Another good book, but I found this lacked the flair of the earlier books. At times it felt a bit aimless and the adventurers were wandering for the sake of it. A ship voyage was well researched and well written but as to the point... Having said that - I love the characters and I am hoping the next novel picks up. The characters have been left in dire peril and everything seems very very bleak. All their hopes and aspirations seem to have reached a very low point and I'm not sure how the author will recover the tale from this point. Could be interesting.

Another good book. Not as good as book 1 but still very enjoyable. The tale develops Hadrian and Royce further. The latter is a great character and quite spooky. I liked the addition of the Viscount and especially his introduction to the tale. Not a great deal of fantasy and the tale could easily be set in medieval times. Some good side plots that intertwine to develop into a very promising story. Very enjoyable

One of the best fantasy books I've read for a while. The tale is a little mixed; it starts very well, it's slow in pace, but you get the sense that it has considerable merit and, as you read, that proves true. There's a good climax at the end of the book. The mix of characters is its main strength, two opposing characters deliberately brought together to forge them both into better people. If they don't kill each other first, then this might just work. There's only a smattering of fantasy creatures in this first instalment, but there is a greater sense of more to come and the tale is sufficiently different to wet your appetite. I enjoyed this tale and will want to read more of Sullivan's works.

Another good book, mixing events in the north with those of the south. Again, the Mordant is a great character. I also liked the black blade and the events surrounding that. A little dull in parts as Kath finds herself stranded in the north. Whilst her and her colleagues grow bored, unfortunately so too does the reader. The writer can be forgiven though as the tale collects itself nicely and gathers paces trying to save the kingdoms of Erdhe. Nicely written and very imaginative. Once it got going there's barely a dull moment, some excellent creations and the plot has some nice and unexpected twists. Definitely a Saga for fantasy fans to read. Looking forward to the next installment.

efinitely well worth reading. This book concentrates and a few of the main characters in the north of the world, following the Mordant to his lair. The tale is less complex with fewer characters, but there's a lot going on. There's a good mix of magic, used in a sparing way that keeps you guessing and wanting more. The plot hums along nicely with enough twists and unexpected surprises to keep you guessing. I much preferred this to Game of Thrones as it has all the intrigue but with a much clearer plot line. An excellent read. I received the recommendation on this site which is great.

Wow, Sami, good recommendation. Great book and glad I read it. Thanks.

Thanks for advising me to read this, Sami, good advice. It definitely has an appeal and I will be reading book 2. A good read with some excellent characterisation and well crafted plot. This book has a nice feel to it. The heroes develop nicely and there's a multitude of possibilities developing. Very well honed fantasy with a good potential for more to come. I enjoyed this book.