I received a copy of this for a fair and honest review. This novel mostly deals with Alex and his two friends Jess and Kyle. They have powers that come from a force called the Taint. It gives them all kind of abilities like healing faster, but it comes with a cost. It is said to drive them a little crazy. It is all beyond their control. It was a little slow to start but it gets into a good flow and did leave me with some unanswered questions, but that has been happening to me a lot as of late. I think I over think the story line. It is only the first book in this series.

I was super intrigued at the beginning of this story, but the writing significantly hindered my reading. The dialogue and the way information was given was very simplistic. The chapter titles were a three-word summary of what the chapter would be, which made the chapters dull and predictable. There was so much potential that unfortunately did not develop. I wanted to love this, but the writing and execution of the plot were not up to the standard of fantasy that I usually read.

I loved this storyline, I really did(!), it has such a great potential. I was intrigued by the magic. I loved the way the trio fought but it was such a poor writing. All of it was vague, unclear and just unnatural at times. It's a good read to pass your time, but I won't pick it up again. 

First of, you should know this book is written in a formal narrative way and it jumps from is told in different insights. I have never been to fond of this sort of writing and it doesn't do this book any good. It would have been better if it was only written in Alex perspective. That way you'd also have understood the storyline better. 

Alex, Kyle and Jess seemed like the real wonder children. All able to fight like warriors/assassins and can use the mysterious magic called 'the veil or taint'. While reading, these characters became likeable still they all felt plain to me. Never getting any through insight nor getting a real background story. For example a sister popping up in the middle that we didn't even know existed. A lovestory that apparently was already going before the story started, though all new to us.
They already knew how to fight, know how to wield their power, they just choose the do nothing with it. Luckily the tree of them, made a huge jump in their personalities but with nothing really in particular to trigger the change. The main characters seemed fake, too scripted and couldn't be linked to reality. 

The Veil is a magic source that runs in almost every citizen and is feared by everyone, hence the new name 'Taint'. People who have the Taint have a chance of breaking and becoming mad, uncontrollable creatures. It certainly doesn't sound like a gift to have, that's why the three of them are gravely feared. The Veil/Taint sounded a very intriguing/dangerous magic to have. It would have been pleasant to really understand what all the power was about. Granted they are still looking for the true meaning of it magic. Still it would have been nice to know the same basics they know. (Easier to understand the story as well). 

In this book there are some 'plot-twists' that make the main characters choose some new paths or that are significant for the future. While for them they were a real life changer, it was so unreal and to convenient. They never really had to go deep ends to save the once they loved or make great sacrifices. I'm no warrior, I've never fought in my life but to save the day in what seemed an hour is a bit over the top. I did like the plots, it was just to fast paced while the relation building seemed to take forever (while still not getting to know the personalities). The conclusion of the book seemed to be wrapped in just three - to short - chapters. 

To be honest, in it's current state I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone. I know I'm asking the impossible - but if adaptations were made to the writing, storyline and some things just better explained this book would be for sure one of my top favourites. 

Also is it just me - I'm not English - but does the first part of this story contain an overload of comma's??

The compelling first book, in the beings of dreams epic fantasy series.
Full of kings, privaledged life, friends and a foiled kidnapping plot, exactly what you want from an epic fantasy.
Great characters and storyline.
If you like perilous magic, royal intrigue,  and friendship, then you wI'll love this book