Definitely a very solid book, although I didn't like the magic plot devices introduced towards the end of the book. They do make some sense in the book's framework and setting, but the ending felt a bit like a Deus-ex-Machina/Holywood endings.

But that does not reduce the strength of this book - marvelous writing, complex characters, even villians, and Druss.


Druss is a real badass.

4/5 because of the ending, but a really strong fantasy book. Glad I read it on Pat's recommendation.

Update: I gave this a 4/5 earlier, but now switching it to 5/5. Since I've read it, I keep coming back to it and have re-read several passages that I remember fondly. Its a book worthy of every praise it has been given.