This book brought me back to reading my first fantasy novels like letter to the king and the rangers apprentice. Where it’s a coming of age story for a boy in medieval times, who is of questionable birth and seemingly gaining an opportunity to amount to more, with a hidden talent many do not understand. And as you grow up with them you learn more of the political intricacies of court and of the nearby territories, of legends of magic thought long gone, and while the boy might not understand and grasp it all due to their age, you as the reader instinctively know that there is more to the story then meets the eye, and the further you read on, the more sucked into the world and story you get. 

I figured I’d try to read this book after discovering the praise the series has gotten from fans of epic fantasy, with it being one of the first fantasy book for many. And I believe it definitely is worth the hype, as I was sucked into this world immediately. The prose that hobb writes took a bit of getting used to, but thanks to the vivid descriptions I could actively see, hear and smell every location we passed through, every conversation between characters. I’m looking forward to continue the series.