Marie L. (fencerchica) reviewed on 3/29/2011 + 47 more book reviews

I went into this book just expecting a typical, possibly slightly shallow fantasy adventure (unicorns? really?), but I was really taken by surprise by how sophisticated and mature it turned out to be. It's extremely character-driven and detail-oriented, and readers who prefer non-stop action may feel the narrative drags as a result. But I loved it, and would absolutely compare it in style and strength to the works of CJ Cherryh or Lois McMaster Bujold. I also really appreciated that a main recurring plot element is of major characters struggling (in very well-handled and plausible ways) to overcome lifetimes of carefully cultivated prejudices. Also often when stories follow a coming-of-age of a central character, it ends up being a little artificial and forced because so much is left unsaid; in this case however I felt Kellen's gradual path to maturity (as well as the development of several other characters) was very plausible, as well as making a very gripping story.

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