Reading And Watching Joyously

 I've been meaning to read this for years. I actually borrowed it from the library a couple of years ago and started it, but didn't finish before I needed to return it). This time I listened on Audio Book, figuring I'll be able to get through the whole series more easily that way, rather than spending months reading nothing else. I didn't enjoy the introduction and nearly gave up, but once I got into the main story I became interested. I loved it actually, although the level of tension throughout the whole story was pretty high and sometimes it was a bit exhausting. The characters were well developed and their actions made sense. It's an exciting fantasy world, with elements similar to a range of other mythologies, but as a whole unique to this series. I'm looking forward to the next book.

 This is the first book in the Immortals Blood series - a fantasy series set on a world where some people (randomly) are immortal. People find out they are immortal when they die and then are reborn (at the same place and age where they died). Different lands deal with immortality differently - the book sets up the scene in each of the lands, and shows the growing discontent which is in part being fed by outside influences.  It's well written and kept me interested all the way through. Having multiple lands with different customs is a big effort and they all seem pretty consistent and well-researched. The characters were likable and the upcoming trouble kept the suspense high throughout the book - I'm very eagerly awaiting the next book which is due out in September.