When I first bought this book I ended up taking it back because I couldnt get passed the first chapter. Several months later after having it refered to my by different people I rebought it (since I had returned it) and I couldnt put it down. It has a very good story although its very short and not as deep as the other books in the series it starts the series by introducing all the characters and unlike some of the other reviews it has a plot and a climax. The characters are well rounded and believable. I could totally relate to Damali having similar life experiences.