This is one of the best, most enjoyable novels I’ve read in a long time, and, quite honestly, the best high fantasy novel I’ve ever read, period. The story begins in motion and never lets up. Helpful in this regard are the multiple story lines throughout the narrative, from the perilous voyage to the land called Seven Forges and the discovery of a kingdom of warriors long separated from the rest of the world, to the story of a young man cruelly beaten and maimed who gets a new chance at life, to the Sorcerer who advices, and in truth pretty much runs, the kingdom of Fellein. The characters are all very unique, especially the people/warriors of the Seven Forges. No cookie-cutter Tolkien-esque cut-outs to be found here. I found each character to be well thought-out and real and, most importantly, infinitely likeable. Moore’s brilliant writing is direct and clear, painting locations and people with concise prose that moves along and doesn’t get bogged down in its own writing. With just enough humor added in for balance, this action-packed, at times violent, novel was consistently a joy to read. As a reader, the fact that I looked forward to returning to the book every day says volumes in my mind. This is what a fantasy novel should be. I’m looking forward to the next in the series.