For a generic fantasy story this one actually held my attention the whole way through. It is probably more of a 3.8 than a true 4 star, but there is much to like in Staveley's character work. 
 The basis for the story is at the assassination of the Emperor, the title fall's to the eldest boy, who is currently digging holes and making pots in a monastery in far outer wherever (a month away by your local carrier). His younger brother meantime is training to be a bad ass marine commando with his own giant bird and crew. The third player in this scene is the highly intelligent eldest daughter, who is smarter than most, but suffering the whole Agnatic Primogeniture succession laws (you can tell I have been playing Crusader Kings 2 eh?). All three children are treated with disdain by their peers, trying to make them understand that they aren't special whilst in the employ of their respected tutors and this part of the story is something you've probably read many times. There is nothing new and at the moment the magic system seems to be broken down to: some weird shining eyes that have no effect, trained large birds acting as your local airline and some dark creatures that may have come from a long dead enemy. Oh and some meditation shit that helps you be calm and cool as a cucumber. 
 So given that, why 3.8 stars? 
 Staveley tells the story in a engaging way. I enjoyed the brothers characters, I thought they were well written and their struggles were pretty believable. The story seems to flow very easily from one of the three POV's and it is hard not to just fall into the story and enjoy the ride. For a first book I think Staveley shows great potential and I certainly look forward to seeing how this series plays out. 
 There is much to look forward to in coming books. I am convinced Staveley used this first book to give us the story and main characters, there is much hinted at with ancient enemies and dark scary creatures that book 2 should launch the story one of significant depth and I would imagine political intrigue. 
 Definitely recommending The Emperor's Blades.