Overall, this was a solidly enjoyable beginning of a new fantasy series. The world (the same as from the Sevenwaters and Blackthorn and Grim series) is thoroughly developed and absorbing, and Liobhan and Brocc are characters whom I'm looking forward to seeing again. I have some reservations about Dau as a recurring main character. Although Dau does learn as this first book goes on, and the reader learns things about his past for which he deserves sympathy, that doesn't undo the fact that some of his initial dislike for Liobhan is based on some indisputable misogyny. Regardless of his tragic background, he's going to have to do a lot more heavy lifting before I'd be willing to root for him for any reason besides when, if he succeeds, so do Liobhan and Brocc.
Overall: B