The Blade Itself

I don't know if all modern fantasy and sci-fi series are written in this manner but this is the second first-book-in-a-series I've read in which nothing substantial happens. It only sets up the world and the characters. How do sequels to these books get green lit? Do authors nowadays receive three book deals in advance so they know they can take their time. But how can they be sure people would be interested in the sequels if the first book doesn't have a hook.

The world is interesting enough but there isn't much meat on the bones in terms of story. You don't feel a sense of urgency in any of the three main storylines. Yeah, there is a war brewing in the North. And the wizard is gathering a ragtag team for a mission. But that's kind of it. The book ends with the team being formed with no mention of what their objective is.

It is competently written and the author is well versed in writing action scenes. But I could've done without a few of them if it would've meant we would get a some glimpse into the overarching plot and what our protagonists were getting themselves into.