I expected to like this series more than I did, although I will try the author's next book, which is set in the same world. The material was a refreshing change from the Medieval European setting of most fantasy fiction, but I found it a little dull. Perhaps there was too much going on, that was too similar, and it attenuated the story.

This is refreshing is being set in a setting that suggests East Asia prior to any Westernization. Llesho is the youngest of seven sons (there is also a younger daughter) of the king and queen of Thebin (inspired by Tibet is my guess). The kingdom was overrun by Harn (Mongol?) warriors and the entire royal family killed or taken prisoner. Llesho, sold as a slave in Shan (China?), works as a pearl diver until he is given a divine mission to find his brothers and free the kingdom.

This world is full of magic: gods, dragons, and demi-gods interact with and pose as human beings. Magical objects seem to have a will of their own. Llesho's quest is hard and filled with tragedy. He is often at odds with himself: being a leader has different demands from being a private person. He finds, and loses allies; the human cost of his struggle threatens to overwhelm him.

Although I wasn't entirely satisfied, I thought this was a promising debut. ( )