I wasn't really sure what to expect from this book but I was curious about it since it has been receiving so many rave reviews. I was also intrigued that Lian Hearn is apparently a psuedonym, and the true idenity of the author is a secret.
The book is really an exciting adventure story full of magic and tradition - very readable, exciting and even romantic at times. This is the kind of book that reads like a movie (in fact I think that there is indeed a movie in the works). It is extremely easy to visualize and hard to put down. It is the first of what is soon to be a trilogy and I am looking forward to reading book two when it comes out in August.
Recommended reading!!