I've been reading fantasy for a long time. I've read Tolkein and the classics that imitated him; I've read Sanderson's epics; I've read (not finished) Wheel of Time and many more books that you might consider "essential fantasy" along with many that would barely count as fantasy.

This book is a fresh read, while staying true to the genre's roots. It has all the hallmarks of a work defined by a genre, but yet turns out to be a fresh read. The characters are well defined, and you actually feel Verity's strength of character in his every dialogue. Similarly, the magic system, while not defined deeply is explained properly enough to make sense and not become overpowered at the same time.

This is as close to "stock fantasy" as it gets. Its essentially a work that has all the good things you'd want from a fantasy book. Another plus point was the portrayal of women in the book. Unlike [b:Dragonflight|61975|Dragonflight (Pern, #1)|Anne McCaffrey|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1388182243s/61975.jpg|2467422], which I hated reading because of the misogyny; I really liked reading the female headstrong (and eccentric) characters in this book.

Might not find time to jump soon enough to the next book, but I'll get to it soon.