Imagine my surprise when finishing this installment of Fables that it stands as my favorite of the series. To be truthful, I am only reading the final volumes out of an odd sense of obligation - I've read so much that it seems wrong not to finish it. But this one, which I assume is the second to last of the deluxe versions and so close to the end of the run, has engaged me more than anything since the very first few books.

I like it in part because of the feminine King Arthur twist (King Arthur myths are basically my comfort food), and also for the merry band of adventurer's journeying into fabled Celtic lands portion (another mythical area that I have great love for).

But even the ending of this book, which foreshadows the end of it all, is really well done. Add in Princess Bride and Lord of the Rings references, which I would criticize in any other fiction, and you have a recipe in line with my tastes. Really intrigued to finish this one up.