Pete MC, I actually thought they were both pretty good (mind you, the second one is better). On the negative side - it sounded very cliched. But on the positive side - it automatically pressed many of the shortcut buttons that we all recognise in the fantasy genre (which is dreadfully cliched for the most part, but still good when it's done well), so I think there's no need to overexplain.

If I picked up a book with that blurb, there's a fair chance I'd buy it.