I have turned this book over in my head and how I would rate it all day. I would say whatever expectations you have a quarter, a half, maybe more through this book, don't count on them to pan out. Every time I thought I knew where this book was going, I was dead wrong. There were many branches the author could have led this story and was a little let down it didn't go down the path I thought it would, which expanded upon some of the interesting sci-fi/fantasy elements so artfully set up. Instead, these elements were placed as more of a backdrop to a more introspective, transformative tale. In the end, and I mean the very end, I appreciated just how far the story and characters had come and decided that, even though it wouldn't have been my choice or probably what most people would expect from the start, I loved it. It's also rare for me that a side character leaves such an impact that the usurp the main character as the star of the show. This will be one I think about for quite some time to come.,