and "I really, really like the premise of both a merchant and a swordsman and I look forward to where the author takes this. I like the main character so far and I'm optimistic about where this story is going. I think it'll have real depth. and " and "This is a great read. Lysander is a well drawn out character and there's a lot of fun to be had in the way in which they are interacting with the world. and "The world of Arden is vast and filled with ancient magics, opportunity, and brewing political disasters. Lysander, born the third son of a second-string and disgraced noble family, must reach beyond his station in life if he ever hopes to live up to his own ambitions. Seeking to find a way to earn a writ of trade, an endorsement by the Archport Merchant's Guild that grants certain financial and mercantile privileges, the young swordsman must journey with his sorceress sister, Anabelle, and train with the members of the Swords Guild, a local mercenary organization only vaguely supported by the nobility. However, things are never as they seem, and misfortune and witchcraft are brewing around the coastline of the Sea of Drakes. Will Lysander be able to rise above the brutal nature of the world he was born into, to find all of the riches and opportunities the fifth age of man has to offer?