This is one of those books I wish I hadn't discovered until *after* all three books had been published. I started this book on a Friday and hardly put it down until I finished on the Sunday morning. The author did a stunning job of making the writing so vivid, I was there in the story watching it unfold like a movie, much more vividly than I normally am able to do. Books about magic are a treat for me and this one was not at all disappointing, with plenty of action and a nice balance, I think, between giving enough information to be vivid, but not enough to be graphic. It's going to really suck having to wait until next year for the next book.