Valente offers an extensive epic fantasy series-starter that explores themes of privilege and magic.

As the story opens, a pair of severed legs is discovered in Nauringale Forest by the Eyes of the Forest, a group formed to protect acres of woods in a kingdom that’s been ruled by generations of the powerful, wealthy Graymere family. The limbs are believed to belong to Prince Odain, who went on a trip and has apparently gone missing; the incident might be the start of a conflict that could topple the rule of the Graymeres. The tale is told through four different third-person perspectives: those of Rhen, a descendent of giants; Edlen, a princess; Aldir, the widowed father of Edlen and the son of King Ulisaren; and Darrin, a recent recruit to the Eyes of the Forest. Edlen and Darrin are at the center of the coming unrest; Edlen hates the negative associations brought on by her family name and birthright, and desperately wishes for the anonymity of being a commoner. Darrin also comes from a life of privilege as the only son of a minor lord, but he wants to prove himself capable of surviving without his father’s help or name. After a lord from a neighboring kingdom crafts a dangerous plan, Darrin and Edlen must confront old enemies of their own kingdom, the machinations of a shadowy organization known as the Voress Ní, and mysterious magic-users. The range of perspectives weaves important details into the tapestry of the narrative, which features several twists and turns, especially after a major character is kidnapped by opposing forces. However, after an exciting start full of action and intrigue, the pace slows considerably for about a quarter the novel as the rest of the cast, with their far less exciting personal woes, are introduced. But the worldbuilding is relatively smooth and unobtrusive, and as characters try to find answers, readers will be swept along. Overall, it’s a serviceable start to Valente’s ambitious story.

An often-engaging, if unevenly executed, first installment of a fantasy trilogy.