First Mark Lawrence's book that I've read. The story follows a self-indulgent, cunning, escapist, weakling prick of a Prince, one's life showered with indulgences gifted by nepotism in a ruler clan, Jalan. By an unfathomable reason he becomes entangled in a magic spell that sends him on a journey to the cold north. Snorri, a Viking who lost his family meets Jalan when he's presented being enslaved to tell his tale at the throne room. His quest to save the family that was taken away, while being entangled with Jalan because of the magic spell takes us through a fantastic journey that is written with so much adventure as with characterization, throwing in a substantial amount of Norse myth.
The ending was fantastic and I badly want to start the 2nd book, only quibble having to wait for the 3rd that will be released later this year.

Great read. Don't be fooled by anyone who says its a pulp adventure fantasy. It is much more than that. The relationship between Jalan and Snorri is portrayed superbly.