Review: A short action-packed read!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 11 27, 2011
A splendid story about a boy fighting to be a man. As a bonded boy, he shouldn't be able to be anything more than a servant. But with some help, he will defy all the rules.I had a lot of fun reading this story. The story has some lighthearted moments which makes the tense actiony scenes all the more satisfying. The characters are entertaining and believable. Venture gets into a lot of trouble and makes many mistakes but he is always trying to do the right thing. Jade is a tomboy stuck in a society that wants her to be a lady. Both have trouble fitting in and that creates a bond between them.There were no flaws that I noticed. However, I do want to point out that the villains are the typical spiteful jerks. In fact, the whole story is pretty standard: boy with low status fights against the odds to rise in the ranks and become a champion to win his lady's love. What makes this book great is HOW it's told (really, you can't help but love Jade too).Pros:interesting and believable characters, fast-paced and engaging storyCons: standard plotI would recommend this book to everyone who would like a short actiony read. As a book about fighting, there is violence but not that much. Another thing is that the book ends with a nice lead into the next book. You'll find yourself itching to get the next book once you're done with this one!