Quick and thin with little character development or world-building. ( )

the story actually drew me in I did not however like the ending as it just sort of stopped ( )

A highly intriguing novella that snatched my interest enough to compel me to purchase the series by this author set within the same world. It is not a blood-pounding adventure, per say, but I was quickly invested in the character nonetheless and anxious to see his training progress. There is a slight lack of world-building; some assumptions seem to be made concerning the reader's knowledge, and certain points made much more sense after reading Markan Throne and Markan empire. These holes are not too significant, however, and certainly do not prevent one from becoming invested in the story. Sallis Ti Ath is utterly fascinating, and upon completion I was disappointed to no longer be able to follow his journey (I later discovered the author's other books, including a direct sequel to this one); the ending does leave many questions hanging, but it feels an appropriate place to stop, since this is a novella. The first step of the journey concludes, and the rest is left to be told elsewhere. In all, it is a great, quick read that I would gladly recommend to others. ( )