I found something to help me get over withdrawal from "Game of Thrones" a little bit! This book has all the right elements - Knights, wizards, elves, squires, Master Magicians. It's the story of a magical place called Verngaurd, and a discovery of ancient scrolls that are found there, in the Far Forest region of England. The area has been through Na Cearcill, a never=ending destructive cycle. Things have been fairly peaceful but there are indications that the Dark Warriors are about to invade again and this time, there's a shortage of Knights to fight them.
It's also a story of young squires in training to take their places in the world. The search is on for the Chosen One. Of these characters, my favorite is young Bellae, a very young girl who has the ability to talk to and be understood by animals. But even better than the story itself is the way the author weaves in deeply philosophical "Aha!" observations on life by having characters say things like: "Living in your dreams at night changes nothing, but living your dreams in daylight reshapes your soul and the world." Or, my personal favorite, "A negative emotion or preconception about an activity tends to become a self-fulfilling prophecy." These are only two of many deeply awakening moments scattered throughout. This book is well worth the read, for teens and for adults! And, it's the first in a series - can't wait!

This is a must read for any fantasy lovers. The characters and world building in this is truly amazing! It reminded me of Tolkien because of the elvish characters. The end will leave you dying for more!!