Dark Gritty Epic Fantasy? Yes, please.

This book captured me from the first page. It is VIVID. I love when I can feel a story bounce off the page and into my mind's eye, like watching a movie. That requires literary prowess and artistic skill! And that is what I'm getting from just reading the very first chapter of this. I can tell this is going to be a vibrant, rich story with strong character development and world building. Can't go wrong with that.