I have fallen away from reading most fantasy for a while. When I pulled this off the shelf I had low expectations for it. Fortunately, it was quite a treat to read.
This book starts out with a well created medieval society that declares a lasting peace (referred to as the Devine Peace in this book). Now that lasting peace has come ot the land any form of war is outlawed. The healers are still allowed to use magic to heal the sick and at some periods, when a baby animal is born at the exact moment nearby when a human baby is born, their spirits are linked. I admit that at first I didn't take to the concept well. But I persevered and my perseverance was richly rewarded.
This is a well-told story of good and evil. The lines are blurred well so that some good become evil, while some evil become good. There is a satisfying detail that helps develop this into a truly fine fantasy novel. If you like a well told story, fantasy, swords, and sorcery you'll love this book. It has earned keeper status on my shelf.