I wavered a bit on what to rate this because my editor brain couldn't be quiet about nitpicking grammar errors...BUT THIS IS REALLY, REALLY MY CUP OF TEA (yes, that means without caffeine lol).

I adored this book. It doesn't have a plot, it has character arcs. It doesn't have romance, it has a deep abiding friendship better than most romances I've seen put to the page. It is a self-indulgent book to be sure, and if you are looking for an exceedingly realistic fantasy with plot and action, go elsewhere. If you are looking for an empathetic read in a non-European setting with wry humor and contemplation on the ties that bind us to our choices and our homes, and where life can stress those, pick this one up.

The primary narrator, Cliopher Mdang - nicknamed Kip, represents all the tender, idealistic parts of my heart that I wish to accept no criticism on. This book looks intimidating with ~900 pages, but trust me, it reads like a much shorter book. I could hardly convince myself to put it down when I got going. It is at its core a kind and self-indulgent read.

It is much more affordable on Kindle, but physical copies do exist!