The first is beautifully written, but a LoTR ripoff in entirety. The 2nd is far more original, but the descriptions of the scenery and action in the 1st are amazing. They are toying with a movie of the 2nd book, it stands alone beautifully.
What I bought has the first 3 books, correct? Well, first 3 as published, I think there is a prequel too.