I really had a hard time getting into the historical aspect of this one. I'm not sure I completely understood when it was supposed to be taking place and what kind of world it was supposed to be. I just didn't feel the time period was explained enough to fully interpret the day and times as an integral part of the plot. I'm not even 100% sure this period in time even existed. In some ways, this read as a fantasy world, pre-gunpowder, like in Lord of the Rings, just without the dragons and wizards.

However, I did like the two lead characters a lot. There was a lot of time spent on Rowan's character, I guess he was seen as changing the most. From the son of a farmer, basically an indentured servant, a farmer working the chieftan's fields, to a warrior. However, I thought Bryn'ss character was more interesting and his transformation more dramatic. He went from an arrogant, spoiled brat to a humble warrior and lover. In fact, I don't think there was enough time spent on Bryn's transformation into a likable and trusting character.

Rate 5 out of 10. I've read better but I've read a lot worse. As with other Keegan books, I probaby would have liked this one better if I'd read it before FORTUNES OF WAR, which goes down as one of the best books I've ever read, and re-read!