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Rating: 
Summary: Read it!
Review: I almost didn't read this. It takes part in what seems to be an Asian setting. . After reading fantasy for years, the plots get that old feeling. What a joy to read this story. The plot is described in the editorial reviews, so I won't go over it again, but this book was refreshing. A hero you feel for, bunch of sidekicks who are for the most part normal and magic underneath everything. Stayed up all night to finish it and I haven't done that in a long while. The story never drags, the characters are well developed--in that you care what happens to them--all in all a good read.
Rating: 
Summary: An excellent book, and one that heralds more to come!
Review: I had heard that this was a "boy's book", I suppose due to the action and the lead character. But it has great female characters as well. It's nice to see a book with strong characters of both genders. I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
Rating:
Summary: Very good read!
Review: I just finished this book and have to agree with many of the other reviewers that it is a must read for fantasy fans. The setting has heavy Asian overtones, though there are some European items as well. The characters are good, though I think as a main character Llesho is a little shallow so far, but first books are often the worst of the series. The plot leaves a bit to be desired, with "luck" and "strange benefactor" prototypes abounding, but last part of the book does a good job of providing (some) answers and laying the basis for the next book. I would definitely recommend you pick it up, as I'm guessing the next book will be even better.
Rating:
Summary: Very good read!
Review: I just finished this book and have to agree with many of the other reviewers that it is a must read for fantasy fans. The setting has heavy Asian overtones, though there are some European items as well. The characters are good, though I think as a main character Llesho is a little shallow so far, but first books are often the worst of the series. The plot leaves a bit to be desired, with "luck" and "strange benefactor" prototypes abounding, but last part of the book does a good job of providing (some) answers and laying the basis for the next book. I would definitely recommend you pick it up, as I'm guessing the next book will be even better.
Rating:
Summary: Good book. Can't wait for the next one!
Review: I read the book in two sittings, and only stopped the once because I had to write a paper. I won't call the storyline itself brilliant, the basic line being a lost prince who is trying to get back to his homeland and free it. I actually had not been to terribly hopeful when I bought the book (else I would not have started to read the book *before* my paper had been written).I was pleasantly surprised, about the book, anyway. Before I realized how engrossed I was, I was halfway through the book. The telling of the story is wonderfully discriptive and flowing. The actual plotline had an ending that I had not really anticipated, which to me is a big plus to the author. I hate reading a story, guessing the ending, and being right. That means it is being predictable. However, I didn't find this book that predictable, nor were the plot twists so strange that I could not understand what had happened (which tends to be the other extreme). In fact, I am going back to read the book a second time to see what I missed the first time. I am also eagerly awaiting the next book in the series (it is almost irritating to discover a great writer when they've just begun their career). I honestly think that if people like Mercedes Lackey or Anne McCaffrey, they will like this gentleman. His work is a little less on the thought and background than Lackey's recent books, but he does make up for that with diverse characters and creative plotlines. This gentleman has a promising career in front of him, and he is worth keeping tabs on!
Rating:
Summary: Couldn't put this down ...
Review: I was thoroughly delighted by Curt Benjamin's debut. This is an author I will watch for in the future, especially for the continuation of the story begun so well in The Prince of Shadows. Having read science fiction and fantasy for almost 50 years, I approach new authors with a mix of anticipation and scepticism. I was continuously pleased and never disappointed by Mr. Benjamin. His plot, well laid out with interesting and very unexpected twists and turns, appears to have very loosely used Chinese mythology and history as a springboard to a world which includes magic, dragons, warlords, an emperor, a nomad enemy group, and many other interesting characters and groups. His characters are well developed and his hero and companions likeable well rounded, believable and likeable, with even his hero and deities having weaknesses as well as strengths, and a sense of humor. His descriptions of surroundings set the scene for the action very clearly and efficiently, giving a good picture of "where" you are without being tedious, and with nice touches to make each setting a part of a "real" world. I raced through this story, turning each page to eagerly learn what would happen next, and finished it feeling well satisfied. Llesho, in his mission to find and rescue his brothers and free his homeland, encounters interesting and exciting adventures, setbacks and triumphs, with companions bringing their own distinct personalities, strengths and weaknesses to enliven the plot. This is a keeper, and a book to re-read. Now that I know how it ends, I want to go back and see what nuances and hints of what is to come that I missed in my excitement to see what happens on the next page.
Rating: 
Summary: Different, But Flawed
Review: Prince of Shadow is the opening salvo in a fantasy series that draws more from legends of the Orient than Europe, which is in and of itself refreshing. The plot, however, remains fairly typical with a foundling prince who is returned to the world stage by a series of mysterious, powerful mentors. Along the way, as all recent fantasy heroes do (see, e.g., Jordan's Rand al'Thor or Deborah Chester's Dain), he throws temper tantrums, engages in self-destructive behavior, and does a lot of whining and moping. Sadly, standard fare in modern fantasy novels. Still, I greatly enjoyed reading Prince of Shadows. I began reading it reluctantly but quickly found myself drawn in. Once picked up, it is difficult to put down and one can't help but root for a happy ending. Of course, there is no ending as it is currently against the law to tell a fantasy story in anything less than three books. Since this series is called "Seven Brothers" it's fair to assume that readers will have to slog through seven volumes to learn whether hero Llesho prevails in the end.
Rating:
Summary: Different, But Flawed
Review: Prince of Shadow is the opening salvo in a fantasy series that draws more from legends of the Orient than Europe, which is in and of itself refreshing. The plot, however, remains fairly typical with a foundling prince who is returned to the world stage by a series of mysterious, powerful mentors. Along the way, as all recent fantasy heroes do (see, e.g., Jordan's Rand al'Thor or Deborah Chester's Dain), he throws temper tantrums, engages in self-destructive behavior, and does a lot of whining and moping. Sadly, standard fare in modern fantasy novels. Still, I greatly enjoyed reading Prince of Shadows. I began reading it reluctantly but quickly found myself drawn in. Once picked up, it is difficult to put down and one can't help but root for a happy ending. Of course, there is no ending as it is currently against the law to tell a fantasy story in anything less than three books. Since this series is called "Seven Brothers" it's fair to assume that readers will have to slog through seven volumes to learn whether hero Llesho prevails in the end.
Rating:
Summary: Refreshing Setting...
Review: This book was so good, I actually had to remind myself that I had to put it down just so I could get some sleep. I was drawn in from the very beginning by the setting and the myriad of interesting characters. After reading so many books set in Medieval Europe settings, I found it very refreshing to to actually read a book set in a Medieval Asia setting. It was very good; I look forward to reading the other books in the series.
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