"I found this book quite interesting, because the history and details are fascinating. Although the book started off pretty slow, the author managed to make it a lot more thrilling about a quarter of the way through. This book finishes with a terribly annoying cliffhanger and I can't wait for the second book."

reminded me of Harry Potter... One main protagonist who is an orphan and finds out he is somehow special, two friends, a funny, clumsy, all-eating boy, and a nerdy, knows-it-all girl. An adult friend/mentor who lives in a shabby place with his dog, a giant with a soft heart..... A secret school.... Even though the concept of the book was very original, it didn't rely on its own strengths but rather blended into other things we've already seen before.
Things I liked, the magic system was interesting, but I needed a little more to fully make sense of it.
I really liked the Karmanic oath and such.
The kids where fun and the overall story was good.

I really enjoyed the book and found it a great easy read.