Over the years I have picked up this book, read the back of it, and put it down. Something was constantly drawing me to it, but also telling me this wasn't for me. Finally, I sat down over the weekend and cracked it open. After 300 pages, I couldn't force myself to bear it any longer.

The story has potential, I enjoyed the idea of it all but....I also felt it was lacking. There was so much happening at once and then nothing at all. There was a LOT of telling instead of showing and I felt this read as a YA or children's book by the way the sentences were structured. It was very odd and I could not stay in this story no matter how hard I tried. I almost talked myself into finishing it since I was already more than half-way through, but knowing this was just the first book in a series I knew I couldn't waste anymore time.

I like the MC, Roper but he felt so immature. I don't understand how he knew so little about war. Ok yes, they said his father hadn't made the time to introduce him to anything until the last minute (when he goes to battle for the first time and everything goes to hell). But really? I find that hard to believe. And then suddenly he is a master at strategy and everyone magically supports him.

This story might be for someone, but it was not for me. A great starter fantasy for someone dipping their toes into the genre possibly.