This is an excellent book with a very unfortunate cover. If not for the good reviews I would have passed it right by, as the picture on the cover makes it look very amateurish. However, the story itself is masterfully done.
The premise is truly interesting and unique, with an evil warlock and a despicable traveling storyteller. The world is well-developed and whole, with a backstory that fascinates and pulls you in and makes you feel like you are living in this world and imagining a grim time from ages past. For some reason, I find that the fantasies I love the most often have the darkest and most detailed backstories. This one is great.
And of course we have a hero and an immediate goal in the present tense, but it just ties in really well with the entire history and world structure. This is epic fantasy at it’s best. I highly recommend you give this one a shot.
I received this book for free at my request and have voluntarily left this review.