I didn't even know why enjoyed this book so much but I did. When I finished this book I just knew I love this book and would definitely re read this one few years later. But I can't really point to what exactly I loved so here's an attempt at it atleast.

Simon was born an orphan and worked as a servant in Hayholt castle. His whole world revolved around Rachel, the head of the servants and Dr. Morgenes, a healer. John was the emperor and when he died all chaos ensued. Elias was the elder brother and gained the throne but he was not the just ruler as everyone expected him to be. He had an evil priest by his side who brainwashed him and made him dwelve into darker stuff. He even tried to kill his younger brother Joshua and definitely his priest killed Dr Morgenes forcing Joshua to escape.

Simon escaped soon too to find and join Joshua but the journey itself proved to be so eventful. And then the afterwards was epic too. Plus he gained Binabik as his best friend, I mean their friendship is to die for. There is a story within a story and a journey that keeps leading to other journeys.

This book was so vast that I felt like a whole world was somehow fit in the whole book. I kept expecting now it's gonna end because too much has happened but no, it kept adding and adding. This book could easily be divided into three books. And this is just first book in the series. This book satisfied my soul.

It had political intrigue, mystery, drama, hints of romance (not much), great friendships, words of wisdom, magical creatures, folk tales coming alive, dark magic, quests, this book was a journey! This book is one of the best examples of Fantasy genre out there. I would definitely read other books in the series in future.
P.S. the quotations in this book are so relatable and wise.