Exile's Return: First Book of Elita

This is truly the BEST book(and series)ever written. Kate Jacoby is extraordinarily talented, managing to turn the written word into an art form. She somehow combines just the right mix of description, imagery, dialogue, plot and action to create a clear and interesting world. She manages to convey the setting and surroundings clearly without resorting to massive information 'dumps' common with other writers I have read. But aside from her writing talent, the story itself is wonderful. Set in another land in medievil times, there are sorcerors, kings, swords and oaths, all woven together in a complex and intriguing tale, that has many layers but is easy to follow. Jacoby has created a whole host of characters, and although it can be hard to remember who is who at first, they are all extremely well developed and created.The main character, Robert of Dunlorn, is one of those strong, intense, 'I-know-something-you-don't-know' types, and is ofcourse tall, dark and handsome. You just can't help but like him.This book is, for lack of a better word, perfect. It has everything you could ask for: great dialogue, characters, interseting plot with depth and even some love interest thrown in. Every true fantasy book fan should read it. I am only sad that Kate Jacoby is not more well-known.

A bit complicated but very intriguing storyline. As always, the novel have no "real" conclusion - with meaning keep reading sequel, then 3rd book, etc. But almost everyone does the same lately... Anyway, I still like it a lot.

Although slow to get started this book soon drew me into its characters' lives and webs of intrigue. The characters develop marvelously throughout and when I reached the end of the book, I immediately had to get the next installment of Elita just to sate my curiosity. Of course, Jacoby has done a wonderful job to make sure that your curiosity won't be sated in the least until, I'm sure, the last installment in this wonderful series. For a debut novel Exile's Return isn't bad at all.