I am a big fan of this series and this author. It's not hard to convince me to pick up a fantasy or sci-fi book, but it's not easy to completely win me over. This series did and I've since ordered books in two other series from Mathias. You can see my verified-purchase reviews if you'd like for my other reviews.
What I liked most about this series (and his other work) is that he has a crystal-clear image in his mind about this world he's created. The stories flow and merge with very little continuity concerns and each book fits in perfectly with the next. A big part of this is probably due to the fact he wrote them all back to back, but there is still a lot of planning and checking that goes into making an epic tale like this dovetail so nicely in the end. It's far too long and complicated a tale to get right just by writing nonstop.
He has a strong writing style that is easy to read but doesn't have that airport-book vibe. And, yes, the books are long, but they don't feel that way once you dive in. You'll become attached to the characters and need to know what happens next. To be honest, if you are even considering buying book one, you might as well buy the bundle. You're just going to buy the other two books anyway. Especially if you're more than a little bit of a fantasy fan.
And if you're worried that it's uneventful or too racy (common complaints for a couple other series that this one is reminiscent of), have no fear. These books are action-packed while still allowing for character development; it's not all fighting. And it's much tamer than that other series you may be thinking about. Don't get me wrong, I loved both series in question, but not everyone does. (I don't think I need to name names here.)
The story is full of magic and a wide variety of cultures (human, elf, dragon, dwarf, etc.) so there's something for everyone. And there's no shortage of bad guys either. It has a coming-of-age tale in the young king and more than one love story to lighten the mood (or add to the tension). There are several small stories that join the main adventures because the story shifts perspective between the characters. This lets you learn each person's motives, fears, and hopes. Even the bad guys. Most of the lore fits with traditional views of magical creatures so if you're a die-hard, you probably won't find much to argue with. And it never feels like he gets himself in a corner and cheats to write himself out. This goes back to how well-planned the story seems to be. You won't find yourself reading along and going, "Wait, what just happened? How does that work?"
The characters are clear and well-developed. So is the world you find yourself in. It's not difficult to envision what Mathias has created and if you like fantasy adventures, it shouldn't take long to fall into it. And the ending won't disappoint. It's not likely everyone you're rooting for will make it. But Mathias ties up all the loose ends so well, that I am only a little bitter over one particular lost character. I won't give details, but it doesn't have an entirely happy-happy-joy-joy ending. As a reader I appreciate this because it comes across more realistic (yes, even in a world of dragons and wizards). It's more satisfying when the ending fits rather than when all the main guys make it out in one piece. There has to be some risk to keep me on the edge of my seat.
I believe the hours I put into reading this series were very well spent. If you're on the fence, you may want to start with just the first book, but I still believe you'll end up buying all three. Especially if you're still reading this review. Don't be intimidated by the time commitment. It will fly by. And if you're the kind of reader that only has time one day a week to read, the story isn't so convoluted that you'll forget where you were. Yes, there are many little substories, but you can easily jump right back in after being away a short time. Because the story and characters are so well-written, it's easy to keep everything straight. Though you may have trouble walking away. I read most of the series over just a couple days.
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