I'm very pleased to say that it's a complex and well-developed series of political intrique and magic in a world that is definitely NOT this one.

In Alera, people have the ability to control and connect with the "furies" which are the elements of nature. Not everyone can do it, and certainly of those who can, not everyone is a master.

But the more control of the more elements one has, the greater power one can wield in the society.

Tavi of Calderon is the Captain of the First Aleran Legion. They are at war with the Canim, a wolf-like breed of people, and they are also involved in a struggle of power within their own borders.

Tavi is a brilliant commander and has earned the respect of not only his own troops, but also of his enemies. When a Senator comes into the battlefield to take over as commander of the war, Tavi finds himself betrayed and imprisoned.

The only way to save himself is to find a way to bring about peace in Alera, which means working with his enemies and rooting out the evil within the ranks of Aleran politics.

This is all the more complicated by a revelation that is made to him of who he truly is and what his destiny entails.

The story is beautifully told. The characters are real, complex, and not always good people. Tavi is someone that the reader can identify with and truly root for to achieve his goals.

This is a strong book, and though I'm not familiar with the series, it makes me want to read more. I will happily now look forward to knowing more about Tavi and how his life plays out.