A wonderfully specific geographical setting that brings town and mountain to sight. The story lays the foundation for events to come, reveals past characters and histories at just the right moments, draws us down the paths of our two humorous, awkward yet noble heroes as they clash and come together and learn of true sacrifice in their journey to escape the clutches of a relentless enemy.

The plot borrows from centuries old traditions and philosophical ideas to tell of a simple girl in possession of a special gift. An intricately magical tale that aims to bring magic into balance and hope to an oppressed people.

It’s an adventure full of action, laden with politics, rich in cultural history, and told in a blend of languages. The main characters have adorable elements that endear us to them, and are both complex people with shadowy pasts which we begin to see glimpses of as the story unfolds. Some of the enemy characters could do with a bit more complexity (hoping this will come in the second book of the series).

An enthralling debut.