Review: Well worth the money
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 12 30, 2011
I bought this book after reading the sample on the Kindle. I wanted to add my review to tell everyone that this is an excellent book and you won't be disappointed.  You can always read the sample like I did.  I'm glad the author kept it as one long book.  The book read well from the Prologue to the end.I am disappointed with Charinen.  The character started out strong but just faded into the background.  I would think someone like her would not settle for spending her time with needle point.  I would love to see her pursue archery or take more interest in the running of the palace.  Not being a queen may limit what she can do.  I hope in the next book, she is brought back as one of the main character.I thought Lentor is pretty straight forward.  I'm surprised by the length of time he was away from his family.  I wonder if there was attempt to send words to his wife.(Spoiler). I was sad to see such a well written character like Astramus end so abruptly.  The way things turned out it seems so senseless. I'm also amazed that with the Mectarnillin being the all knowing clan, they didn't inform the group of what has transpired.I was constantly reminded of how great the Eagles are and the Osprey as well.  Two or three mentions are sufficient.  I thought it was strange that almost everyone automatically know how to speak so formally, especially for those raised as slaves.  Perhaps that is part of the culture.  The other surprise was how much time has elapsed between events.  It also seems like Saerin went from being a slave boy to a Emperor overnight.  The thoughts, speech and actions are all so serious and mature.  I would like to have see more "fun/joy" in the character.  I guess if I were to go from being a slave to uniting an empire, I would be just as depressing.There are a few loose ends but that is to be expected. Here are some things I hope to see in the next book:* I would like to see a stronger Charinen and I would like to have her meet up with Mesina again.* The Rel-Moren slaves are freed but what will happen to them?  Will they be treated like third class citizen or will they have some strength that define them.* I wonder how much time has passed between the first and second book.  Will we get to hear about the children of Lentor and Saerin?* I'm sure the traitor (you will find out who) will show up in the next book as well.I cannot wait to return to the land of Retellea. The graphics on the front cover is beautiful.  It is one of the better written book I have read in many months.  My other favorite is the Riyria Revelations starting with the Theft of Swords by Michael J. Sullivan.