An absolute classic!
The Ember Blade brings to mind some of the foremost names in High Fantasy, stories that constitute the very foundations of the genre itself. It's actually more of a coming-of-age tale, but it's told from more than one viewpoint, with an ensemble rather than just one major hero. The world-building is rather well done as the author borrows themes from Roman social structure and organization, British society as well as a host of other cultures. The themes feel very familiar as a result, but the author makes them comfortable to explore instead of boring. This book is coming of age, heroic, sword and sorcery, and well as Grimdark. The heroes are of questionable character as we get to see all through the course of the character development that's responsible for much of the book's bulk. I must add that the character development is very well done, a big reason for its success.
Having read a few High Fantasy tales of late, I think authors are coming up with even more unpredictable plots, avoiding the tropes that characterize the genre. This book is no exception. Despite the initial feel (of an unlikely hero destined to save his nation from the grip of tyranny via the help of an all-powerful sword and awesome magic), the book slowly becomes more complex by the second half as the characters are faced with a wider range of choices, leading to even more exciting plot threads.
It's an excellent first book in a promising new series.
