First, the good: The story is well written with an extremely intrigueing magical system embedded Within a sci-fi (yes, you read Correctly) environment. In fact, the writing skills of CS Friedman managed to get me to pick up book two in the series as well, not so good Because The share is the plot of book one. The whole reason for going on a "quest" (duh!) As They set off on a wild goose chase across a whole continent Appears to me too far fetched. Way too far! I am terribly sorry, story-The Necessary goal to be truly immersive depth is just not there for me. In fact, I Had to start reading the book three (!!) times over before I Could get myself to get over That Particular Point That fact and the character relationships are repetitiously chewed over in A Rather annoying way. The better than average world-creation and prose as well as the wonderfully rich magical system and environment setting made up for That shortfall in part. Overall the book is a decent enough read, entertainig if one can abstract the weak plot, but not exceptional. HOWEVER I am intrigued to find out, If That will change in the second book of the series, PARTICULARLY what is going to Become of the only character I care for, the Hunter!
