Review: Normally I feel a little guilty and cheap rating a book 5 stars. However, this book deserved it, hands down.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 17, 2014
This book is so rich with irony that it frustrated me at times.  Do not misunderstand, this is in no way a complaint.  Rather, I was frustrated because Tom was frustrated; and while I read this book I was Tom or Rupert or Jenn and I felt what they felt so completely that I had no choice to be frustrated when they were.Langland isn't a one-trick pony either.  He delves into all facets of irony throughout the book: verbal, dramatic, and situational. So while we, the readers, feel as the empathetic character feels we can also view the situation/plot as a whole and experience the book that way.Another plus was the periodic treatises and essays pertaining to different magic related topics.  These "information bombs" allowed me, as a reader, to truly understand how certain aspects of the magic system worked beyond the sometimes statement of "it just is" that one often finds in other books.  Although, they did serve to break up the plot somewhat.  I though that ultimately the served to enhance the reading experience greatly.All in all, one of the best books I have read in a long time.  I was happy to see that there is a second book on the way.