I received this book from a friend as a Christmas Gift. It wasn't something I asked for, it was just something she picked out for me. She has excellent taste. This was an excellent novel. The plot moved well and the characters were excellent.

I like Lawerence Watt-Evens style. His work moves well and keeps you interested. It easy to read, but complicated enough to keep your interest.

The characters are well written. Arlian, the hero, a boy when the novel begins, is given the right amount of innocence and ignorance. He learns and grows throughout the novel and is blessed with an incredible amount of luck. Black, the adviser to Arlian,-- Runs into Arlian after he escapes slavery and teaches him the way of the world. He teaches his the sword and helps him make his wealth. Lord Dragon--sold Arlian into slavery. He has the heart of a dragon, filled with cruelity. He has murdered and tortured countless people. There are countless other characters that are all well written for their purpose in the story.

The plot consists of a dragon raid on the town of Obsiedian. Everyone is killed save a small boy name Arlian. During the raid his grandfather is killed with unexplosive venom. If you drink this venom mixed with human blood you will live for a long time perhaps a thousand years. Arlian inadvertently drinks some of his grandfather's blood mixed with the venom. A party of men follows the dragons looting the village and selling Arlian into slavery. Arlian escapes the slave mines after seven years and vows revenge on his enemies. He wants to eliminate the looters and Lord Dragon and eventually the dragons themselves in the name of justice. Arlian gains the teachings of 12 women living in the House of Carnal Society, and then find himself fighting for justice for them. He also runs into Black, a Mercenary, that teaches him how to fight and helps him acquire the fortune that finances his revenge. The plot moves quickly. It has some interesting twists and turns. It never really dragged. The ending is open ended making me think that someday there will be a sequel. The only thing I find unbelievable is the amount of luck that Arlian has, and the author kind of explained it. Also I would also like to know a little more about Black's character.

I would recommend this novel if you like quest novels and if you like a good Science Fiction novel. It a good read.

Recommended: Yes