This is amazing. It is a wonderful book. The tales told by Ari are moving and interesting. The series has been likened to the Kingkiller chronicles and yes it does have similarities. Both main characters loose their family due to a mysterious band of supernatural baddies. Both main characters learn magic. I feel like Ari's story is more interesting. The tales about the Gods and the tales told in general are completely different. Ari relies on luck and guile and is not a jack of all trades master of none. He has to struggle and work at things and we experience things with him. It's not just a magical montage. That being said it's still a page turner. I cannot wait until book three comes out!