This is a great start to an epic series. The writing style is incredibly believable and natural. The characters are real and flawed and engaging. It is an incredibly 'real' story, whcih rings true on every page. You could almost forget it's pure fantasy.

My personal favourites at this stage are the Imp (the dwarf) and Arya (wilful tomboy). I am also fond of the wolves.

It is definitely an epic, but also incredibly easy to read. There is a pace and intrigue which keeps you flipping the pages. And I'm really enjoying the shifts with each chapter into a new character's perspective, once you get into the swing of it I find ot a really easy way to have an overview of everything but a little bit of mystery all the same. It is also gritty and unpredictable so watch who you get attached to!

Definitely a worthy epic series to read, I am getting into book 2 now :)