I'm not sure I can put into words the depths of, or reasons for, my love of this book. First off, it's illustrated by Marian Churchland, whom I have adored for years. If you don't follow Marian's sketch blog of wants, needs, worries and pastries than you should be. Marian's drawn objects have both a heft and a glimmer that grounds them in reality while also subtly glinting of magic. Secondly, Arclight features a cast of genderqueer knights, living blood creatures and death wizards, which are all very high on my list of favorite character types. And last but not least- the plot is like a strange dream, both concrete and illusory. There is a sense of ancient patience in this world that seems to suggest that as urgent as Arclight's quest is, the bones of the land care little for the life or death of a single hero.