I was defiantly not in the target audience for this book. I found it dull, confusing, and way too long for nothing to happen. This is not to say people who love epic fantasy will not like it. But I am not a huge fan and this book would not be the key to making me one. All that said the writing was fine, but felt a little purple. Sorry, but book 2 will be on my waiting list for a while. Guess they cannot all be winners.