Second read through (August 2021), in preparation of reading the second book: I agree with my previous thoughts- I like the originality of the book and the kennings and politics are well explained. Though I still think the abundance of journals unlikely. 

I enjoyed this! I love fantasy and science fiction and I’m always impressed when someone can imagine something truly new or have a unique twist on the same different species/creatures that form the foundation of these genres. I found the different abilities very interesting as well as the different ways to acquire said abilities. I thought it interesting that you could use more power than you may possess but it draws from your life. I appreciated the cultural diversity in towns and peoples and points of view in the story. I didn’t love the base- Dervan (and Fintan) but it didn’t stand in the way of me enjoying the story. I did think it was a unique way to tell the story which I appreciated, even if I was somewhat bored by Dervan himself. I was also impressed by the author’s details- specifically the Raelech’s Jereh band, which I found extremely interesting and would love to read more stories about their people in peacetime! Looking forward to the next novel and seeing what happens, especially since we shall need some new lead voices (I wonder how many will remain?). I will also admit that I find it improbable so many kept so detailed journals and hope another book doesn’t rely on such an unlikely circumstance.