I hate this book. So, why the five stars? Because it'a a wonderful story, with clear writing that conveys the feelings with a great punch. I was reading this book yesterday before going to bed, I finished and went to sleep. Just as my head hit the pillow I started to sob. I cried for half an hour non-stop. It's nearly the only time that I cry with a book or a manga, when (view spoiler)[one of the main characters dies (hide spoiler)], that's why I never finished "The last herald-mage series" and why I use immortal or very long-lived races in RPGs.