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Trained as a warrior monk dedicated to serving justice, Vidarr faces tremendous racial prejudice as he is the only d’oglemenn in the area. The d’oglemenn left the human civilizations many centuries ago, accused of murdering a king and taking magic with them, leading to its decline. His relatively sheltered life under the care of his adopted human father and martial arts mentor is quickly shattered when Vidarr leaves on a proving quest as a bounty hunter. However, Vidarr’s life and the fate of the realm are mysteriously linked, and he’ll soon find himself in the company of a woodsman who no longer hunts and a fiery redhead who initially sought his death. But the fates move them, and Vidarr learns that a settlement of d’oglemenn will soon be targeted for slaughter.
Vecka’s book is the first in a series about the Mid Dreki realm. Fans of epic fantasy will find this book a good introduction and setup for the coming adventures. Vecka’s writing is easy to read and clearly begins the first part of a hero’s journey. The protagonist’s naivety and brash tongue cause him more trouble than he needs and help develop his character. Some of the races and creatures introduced are not adequately described, and the main character’s journeys into the fey realm are not as tightly constructed as they could be. Still, readers who love multi-volume fantasy epics with influences from mythology and role-playing games will likely enjoy this beginning to a new and engaging world that contains a well-made revelation to the decline in magic, enticing readers to pick up the next book.