Rating: 
Summary: Deep, imaginative, & readable
Review: This is a very imaginative book that is at the same time both readable and deep. It explores spiritual issues in a fresh environment - the nature of love and friendship, the power of good over the arrogance of evil, & the differing perspectives of truth and how it influences lives. All of this is unpolluted by our preconceived understanding by the use of new words to which we have to discover the meaning.While I do not share the concerns some have regarding "Harry Potter" as books for reading in school, I do respect it. For those with such concern, this book would make an excellent alternative. Yet do not mistake this as a children's book - it has enough "meat" to entertain adults that enjoy to think.
Rating:
Summary: Great First Book
Review: This is the beginning of an epic fantasy. Faller has created all the classic archetypes in this good vs. evil battle. He shows that much of the battle a hero faces come from within. Vrengnia and Paca make great leading characters and each have to fight their own heart battles. The action, imagery, and battle scenes of the world of Tessalindria were stunning. The story-line kept me drawn in and I await the second book, ready to pre-order it if I can.
Rating:
Summary: Become absorbed by an imaginary world with real truths
Review: Verbal paintings and creatively descriptive ideas and settings provided an outlet for my cluttered mind to escape into. I found myself asking the questions and working through the decisions of the characters as they did. There is good and evil, hidden mystery, surprise, deception, war and love all woven into a pleasanlty exciting fantasy with deep truths. If we all created things with the energy, patience, and thoughtful control that the blacksmiths do, our world would be a better place. I look forward to a sequel.
Rating:
Summary: Great Page Turner of a Book
Review: Well I read this book over a period of three days, and every minute of it was enjoyable. Even if you don't necessarily like fantasy or sci-fi, there is much richness and depth to the schemes, characters, settings and time period. Just about anybody would find this a delightful read. Throughout the story there are many philosophical and interesting viewpoints and lessons that are not normaly found in adventure stories. Along with a very unique plot and interesting facts about an unusual central theme, blade smithing, the diverse adventures throughout will keep you involved in the book to the very end.
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