Rating: 4.5 stars
This book follows the children of a recently assassinated emperor. Kaden, the heir, Valyn, the brother and elite soldier, and Adare, the older sister and Minster Of Finance to the Unhewn Throne. The novel is told through the perspectives of the three characters above. Each one has to deal with treachery, assassins, and mysteries.
Kaden is training to be a monk to the Blank God. He is two months away from his kingdom. Valyn is on the opposite end of the continent from Kaden and is training to be a Kettral. Kettral are elite soldiers who ride on giant birds called kettrals. Adare, their sister, is back at the palace trying to unravel the plot against her family.
On to my thoughts about the novel. I loved the characters. Not only the main characters, but the supporting characters as well. Learning about Kaden's god and his duties as a monk, was very interesting. Valyn's story had most of the action which balanced the novel nicely. I also really enjoyed learning about the magic. There are people in this world who are called leaches. Each leach has their own "well" which is something they use to perform their kennings (magic). A well can be anything from blood, to a dog, to the very air itself.
The world that Staveley imagined is incredible. It is filled with magic and monsters, giant birds that can be rode into battle, and badass characters. Both male and female ones, in case you were wondering. It is a perfect fantasy read.
The story was filled with mysteries and plots and action. It was an enjoyable read that I could hardly put down. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
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