First of all, let me say, I absolutely love this series. It has depth and originality. It is one of my favorite fantasy series. Unfortunately, I feel that this, the first book, is not as well-written as the rest.

One of the biggest problems with Beyond the Summerland is the lack of good character development. In my opinion, Joraiem is a fairly shallow, slightly annoying character. On the other hand, I know many people love Joraiem. This being said, one of my favorite things about the rest of this series is the amazing character development. It gets superb in the later books.

I also felt that the book dragged on in some parts, and I took a long time to finish reading it, as it just didn't grab me. If you are looking for a high action adventure story, this series is not for you. If you want an interesting, well-crafted fantasy world with history and depth, then you may enjoy this book.

To conclude, PLEASE DON"T LET MY REVIEW SCARE YOU AWAY FROM THIS BOOK! I love this series, and don't like to criticize it. The author has a good story, so I don't mind some flaws in the way it is told. Please try the first book. I recommend it for teens and adults.

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This fantastical and adventureous book had me hooked from the first chapter. I absolutely loved it. I would definetely recommend it and can't wait to read the next book in the series. If you love Tolkien I PROMISE you you'll love this. It isn't a copy of the Lord of the Rings, but it is written in a similar style. It isn't just dragons and maidens in distress, it developes its characters very well with great discription.
Summary:

"Beyond the Summerland, is where the adventure begins for a band of young Novaana, eager to serve and rule the four regions of the world of Kirthanin. Kirthanin is enjoying a time of peace, though Malek, Master of the Forge, and the betrayer of old, controls Agia Muldonai, the Holy Mountain. Malek's servants are growing bolder and venturing further from their mountain stronghold, and the fragility of Kirthanin's peace is growing ever clearer. Join this adventure of friendship, love, and betrayal. Ride through majestic forests and sail the forgotten waters. Rest a while in a summer paradise and walk the streets of an ancient and forbidden city. It will be the greatest challenge of their lives, but it is only the beginning."

Sounds awesome? It is.

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This book was among the first five Faith-Fantasy series I read, and easily the worst of the lot. Not to say that it isn't good; it just didn't live up to my expectations after reading such amazing books as âDragonspell' or âLight of Eidon'. It seemed to drag slightly. This first volume of âBinding of the Blade' is a fairly good set-up for the rest of the series (which I have not yet read). It does have several very Lord of the Rings-ish names (Amman-Sul, Imlaris, etc.) which were quite distracting. It's main redeeming quality in my opinion is the amazing ending, which almost makes up for everything else. It remains to be seen if the rest of the series is better.

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This is a great read! I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

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I got this book from my Grandma a few years ago and loved it, so I let my brother read it and he loved it also. He really wanted one of his own so I got it for him for his birthday- he was so excited!!! The story is great- great characters and wonderful plot! What a great imagination the L.B.Graham has! The Lord has blessed him with a great ability to write very good books.

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i loved this book. it has battle, evil creatures, and love. an unexpected twist at the end leaves you aching for the next one. it is a little slower than the other four but a must read for any fantasy lovers. But beware! Once you read the first, you won't rest until you read the others.

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I do not normally read fantasy, but i enjoyed this book. By the end of the book, i was begging for more. A must read for fantasy lovers or non-fantasy lovers alike.

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