This was a pretty good tale, but with an amateurish feel. The plot was linear and not terribly complicated, and I never sensed the characters were in great danger. They quickly overcame any problems they had. There were hints of some greater troubles but they felt too distant to worry about. The characters were also a bit cliche and bland.

The author had a touch of world builder's disease, giving us long bits of background in the guise of having one character educating another. Most of this background didn't seem necessary to the story, although it may be setting up the rest of the series.

Nonetheless, it was entertaining. It was well written and the setting was involved and interesting. I probably will try the sequel.