I agree with others who say that Robert Stanek is one of the best fantasy writers they have read. Ruin Mist Chronicles is a mind-blowing series and the characters aren't mere caricatures. They are almost real. Adrina is a favorite as she is a sad girl who grows into a beautiful person in the space of three books. Vilmos is the opposite he is growing into something but it is far from beautiful. It is like he is being swallowed by darkness. If the books had only these two characters to cheer for they'd still be great but Adrina and Vilmos are only a part of the large central cast that includes Seth, Emel, Xith, Father Jacob, Galan, Keeper Martin, King Andrew, Prince William, and others. As for Stanek's other novels, I have only read the first book in the Magic Lands series. It is for younger readers but I was not disappointed. I'd recommend this author over most others any day.
