This is a good start to the story. The reader is introduced to several characters, some likeable, others not so much, and the story begins to take shape. As the story progresses, the characters develop and grow with the story. The main character, Malia, is a strong and outwardly confident young woman. She wants to do the right thing by her clan, even if it is not what she personnaly wishes for. As Malia grows in character, the story moves along and reveals gradually Malia's role with her society.

There are three societies touched on, the Taakwa, which Malia is apart of, then there are the Jegudun, misunderstood by the Taakwa and finally the Maddison, who are enemies to the Taakwa and Jegudun. As Malia begins her journey in exile, the read slowly learns more about the relationship between the Taakwa and Jegudun and the role of the Maddison and why they are the enemy.

The characters all played their roles well. I really like Malia, Rasmus, Tuvin, Enuwal and Vacir and not so much Dalibor. The superstition held by the villages is sad to see, as it is not based on reality but perception. However, as the story builds, it is explained why the Taakwa's have the superstitions that they do.

The book has a good ending, wrapping up the events nicely, but also leaving it open for the next book. I look forward to commencing the next book in this trilogy. ( )