June 1, 2009
Gr 7 Up-The first part of a two-part epic fantasy is set in Eyrie, a bird-shaped land divided into dynasts, or large provinces. Aron Brailing is a humble farmer's son until the Stone Brothers, a noble order of assassins, come for their annual Harvest and choose him to join their order. It turns out that Aron has an untapped potential for magic. By custom, his family disowns him so he can join the Brotherhood, and he finds himself traveling with the formidable Stormbreaker and his apprentice; and Dari, initially a prisoner but then a party member in her own right. The group makes a perilous journey from Aron's home dynast to Triune, where Stone apprentices receive training. Pursued by malevolent manes, monstrous mockers, and warring dynast armies, the group members are drawn together by their common goal of survival. At last, the party arrives at Triune, and Aron faces new challenges, including rigorous training and the inexplicably vicious hostility of another apprentice. Episodic, and without a true climax, the book nevertheless contains a few meaningful characters and relationships. Several chapters come from the point of view of Dari, who is strong and independently motivated. Aron, whose impulsiveness occasionally strains credibility, is kindhearted but flawed enough to be sympathetic. This novel is best suited to voracious fantasy readers eager to devour another story of an unlikely hero caught up in an epic adventure."Megan Honig, New York Public Library"
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