Although they had interesting covers (I decided to do as most people do and choose a book I thought I might like based on its cover), I did not find the story within its pages as amazing as I had hoped. I would classify it as fantasy, but definitely not of the caliber of Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter. Interestingly, the main plot was rather dark--it fought against forces of good and evil, but with a flare of desperation and despair that gave the whole story a dark tone.
The main character, Aron (I think it is pronounced like our Aaron), is the son of a farmer and of an old line of kings, but the heritage (basically a superpower) has supposedly died out. He, however, is different, as are those of his immediate family. Because of this strong legacy (a full measure, as the books describe it), he is harvested by one of the two tribes (dynsts) that do not gain members by birth, namely Stone. Thorn is the other non-birth tribe. Stone has a bad rep. in the villages, but it is actually Thorn, the reputable one, that ends up being the traitor. These books are the journey of a young boy's coming of age and learning how to use his graal (legacy in the spiritual world beyond the veil) to help his friends in a world war. He does learn valuable things like honesty, the frailty of revenge, and the gift of friendship. However, these books are heavy on death, afterlife, and spiritualism--not the best read if you're looking for something a little light. I would give these books Assasin's Apprentice and A Prince Among Killers 3 out of 5 stars.
Plot: 4/5
Language: 2/5 (introduction to unfamiliar terms and new words; and diction)
Interest Level: 4/5
Tone: 2/5
Believability: 3/5
