This novel has so many shocking, jaw to the flaw moments. Twists and dramatic events just kept coming out of nowhere, and I'm not sure I've ever gasped out loud so much in one book.
 
I loved how fast paced and interwoven the storyline is. Having POVs from so many characters in the same place/during the same events made everything feel so much more real and 3D. 
 
The POVs are also really interesting. They're not just the perspectives from big players e.g. we get the perspective from the first hand of the 'chosen one', rather than from the chosen one themself.
 
I did think some of the plot points were pretty predictable and overused, especially in Corban's story, but so much of the book feels fresh and original despite being published in 2012.
 
I really liked the Welsh influence in many of the names in the book, that's not something you see often. However, this was a very white book. Some characters are described as having 'sun-darkened skin', but that's the only variation from pasty white that's mentioned. This lack of diversity is extremely obvious to me at the moment as I have been reading 'The Priory of the Orange Tree' alongside this book, in which Shannon shows just how easy it is to write a diverse and inclusive book.    

In conclusion, a very strong start to a fantasy series, and I’m very curious to see where it goes next.