Fantasy Book Review - December 21, 2010
"It gets to the action quickly yet KV Johansen still manages to create the personalities of her main characters and the world they are in...A very enjoyable story...It is well written, and manages to stay clear of clichés."
TeensReadToo.com - July 30, 2009
"Something of a gem... [the characters] are in for an interesting journey—and the reader along with them."
Southwestern Ohio Young Adult Materials Review Group - July 21, 2009
"Johansen has created a world rich in magic and a variety of races...On one level the story is a wonderful fantasy with magic and battles. On another level the story deals with racial hatred and self doubt. The story works on both levels."
Library Bookwatch (Midwest Book Review) - July 1, 2009
"An entertaining fantasy adventure, highly recommended."
Resource Links - June 1, 2009
"[Readers] will be totally engaged and fascinated with the complexity of the world that Johansen has created...This is a book that is meant to be read over again, in order to savour the layers of details."
Mad Tales blog - May 5, 2009
"The action is fast-paced, and continues the tradition of these books in giving us highly developed characters that jump off the page...The undercurrents of the story felt very timely, and bore resonances for the hatreds and xenophobias we are seeing cropping up in our own world. That, I think, sets this series apart...I highly recommend it for teens or for readers of all ages who enjoy medievalistic worlds, and though-provoking fantasy."
McNally Robinson.com - April 1, 2009
"The dialogue is sharp, even funny, and the plot is action-packed and fascinating. The themes of racism and co-operation will engage all younger teens. This book is a great gift of reading for all parents and grandparents to consider!"
CM Magazine - March 6, 2009
"[The series] is more than a fast paced adventure of battling forces, wizardly spells and noble quests. Underlying the intrigue, kidnapping and battles, the theme of understanding the emotional damage of prejudice and racial intolerance is evident. Overall, this book was a pleasure to read...Highly Recommended."