I very nearly gave up on this book after two clunky, seemingly far-fetched chapters where everything is handed to our hero on a platter but I'm glad I persevered.

Initially, the plot and writing seemed clunky (SPOILER:) when boy met dragon got gifted magical weapon and armour then bet up the toughest guy in town and married his daughter the girl of his dreams... but then he doesn't marry her and it gets interesting as he navigates his shifting paradigm.

The unadorned writing style actually suits our central protagonist, 'straight as an arrow' Stavin, an honourable yet naive young man from an honourable town of honourguards.
But the real strength of the book is the believable and intriguing world building that takes place incidentally rather than info-dumped. The less is more, show rather than tell narrative lets your imagination run wild.

Halfway through I'm sold. Stick with this one it's worth it. ( )