I spotted this book along with book two whilst meandering through Amazon looking for good reads. The reviews were good so I added them to my wish list. My birthday (and Christmas) came along and my eldest son presented me with them. I have to say that it was my lucky day! Although the story is old (goodies in the south, baddies in the north with our heroes in between - with a bit of magic thrown in) it is very well written, the characters are compelling and the fight scenes are really well done. Unlike some others (Goodkind and Sword of Truth for example) there is no main character. I think it is better for this with the blend of all the characters working really well. I found it difficult to put down at times - sometimes reading too late at night and suffering for it the next morning... I throughly recommend this book.