The world-building in the first book was very detailed but it built slowly so it didn't overwhelm you. The real action starts about half way through this first book. You also get a better feel for the characters as you learn more about them at this point in the book. There is real character growth from main character Anwen as she starts her journey of self-discovery and finding out why her parents wanted to her go to the Drakonii Mountains to find out more about her heritage. Anwen soon learns that there is so much more to who she truly is and her family. I felt kind of bad for her through much of this first book as she is always falling or drowning or getting hurt in some way. At first I wasn't sure she was tough enough to handle this quest she'd been sent on. With Tyler and Courtney's help it's amazing what happens in this first book. This book gets 3.5 stars from me.
