If you could change one thing about the book?

[mariana90]

I think the book could have done with a lot more character development. I know that this is only the first book, but it felt like the characters were rather one-dimensional? Galen doesn't even seem to be too affected by his experiences living in a war-torn country, and we didn't get to see more of Rowan's other traits besides him being 'mischievous' and 'playful'. I think if we had gotten better character development it'd be easier to root for them in the coming books too.

100% agree.

I would change the main character lol, someone more interesting and with more agency.

[Caroline Anne Richmond]

I really enjoyed the book all in all but I was disappointed Lord Eldus died. I liked his character, being a kind and noble man. I found it quite sad that he won’t be in the upcoming books in the series. His character, family and life were developed well in the book and so it was quite a surprise that he died.

[naomilupton_98]

Personally, I'd prefer Lord Eldus to survive Riva's attack (somehow). But, I am curious to see what purpose his death plays in the overall plot. Loving the series thus far!!

[Alya17]

I think chapter numbers would definitely help in this book. The layout reminds me a bit of the 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series, which is not a bad thing, but sometimes the numbering makes it easier. I also think the novel could benefit from a Table of Contents. I really appreciated the reference guide, but a table of contents at the beginning and chapter numbering would make a difference.

[Peggy911]

I would definitely change the author's writing style. I didn't like the fact that each chapter was a narration of a character. There was a constant switch in stories and that made the reader a bit confusing.

[Wesley Friday]

If there was one thing I could change about the book it would be its predictable and cliche nature of choosing someone (Galen) who has a tragic past as its hero. This seems to be something that's expected mostly in fantasy works that the nobody actually becomes a hero, however, this occasion made it predictable from the start. Aside that, Galen's character was portrayed as too naive and less aggressive for someone who had just recently escaped a war-torn area. A new environment could have influenced this but his behaviour initially was unlike that of a survivor.

[tasteph1364]

If it were up to me, Lord Eldus would survive... I understand that his death was a necessary evil so to say - for more drama, but he is still among my most beloved characters of the series.

Agreed. I thought Eldus had some depth, and his depiction in the first book seemed to offer promise down the road. I was saddened by his exit. I haven't read the others, but I'm guessing his son Marshus comes back to play a significant role?

[123Esther]

I would not let Lord Eldus die, His death wasn't fair. I would want him to live to the end of the series.

[Raluca_Mihaila]

I would give more information about Galen, for sure. I know the author wants to reveal the information in small quantities to keep us addicted, but I think this was needed in the first book. Galen's character seemed weak and bland at first.

[Jorge Leon Salazar]

I only disliked that it was inexplicable to me how the king could hold the throne in a magical world full of powerful wizards, some of them were great enemies of the king, especially Meldorath. There could be something or someone like Meldorath in favor of King Wilhelm.

[JB3]

I would have changed the switching perespectives I found that to be incredibly irritating.

[Stephanie Runyon]

Character development and some of the pacing at the beginning. I did like the wit that was added in at times but Galen seemed almost like a forced protagonist because it was hard to feel the emotions he would possibly have.

[plnjimenez]

Imagine you were given a chance to change one thing about the book. It could be a person, an event, a decision, a course of action, or anything else.

How would you use this opportunity? Or do you think the book is perfect as it is?

I would like to change Galen's frustrating naivete. There are times that it is endearing but mostly, it bothers me.

[Alyssa]

Although I didn’t feel the book was “perfect” I enjoyed it so much that I wouldn’t change anything if given the chance. It was good as the starting book in a series.

[Rwill0988]

The one thing that irked me was the overuse of ellipsis. Those things were everywhere. I can understand when they are used in dialogue but they were used when the narration was happening. It is odd to have ellipsis in the narration- it suggests something is being left out.