Is it just me, or do they put the most simplistic, generic summaries for the most complex books?! I mean really! So let me just say, that in general, I love Orson Scott Card books because they are unique, completely enthralling, kinda nerdy, and always surprising. I fell in love with his writing when I was forced to read Ender's Game in High School, and I have darn near loved every book he's ever written. Pathfinder does not disappoint!

The novel is set in a futuristic world (yay for making progress on that challenge!), and we don't actually find out what world it is until the very very end of the book. The story begins with Rigg and his father traveling through the woods, trapping for furs for trade. Throughout his life, Rigg's father has been determined to train and educate him beyond the accepted constraints of their station in life, so they discuss languages, sciences, diction, attitude and politics as a matter of course while they're working. During this particular journey, Rigg's father leaves him to work separately, telling Rigg to use his tracking skills to find him when his tasks are complete. Unfortunately, a Rigg's father has an accident and dies shortly after Rigg finds him. And thus begins Rigg's journey...

The majority of the book focuses on Rigg and his friends' adventures as they travel the cities of their wallfold trying to fulfill Riggs' fathers' dying instructions, however there are short breaks where there is a completely different story going on. I've seen this a lot with this author, and it really works for him.

The world and character building in this novel are both impressive, and while there are occasional slow parts to the plot, you're left wondering enough that even the slow parts are interesting and engrossing, so you don't really notice them, and by the end of the book, you realize that they were essential to the story. I was literally about three chapters away from the end before I figured out what the heck was going on, and before everything came together for me, and then I sat there astounded for a good five minutes because I completely didn't see any of that coming.

Half the joy of reading this book is in putting the pieces together, so I don't want to spoil that for anyone by sharing more details - just know that it's astounding! Taking out my decided author bias in favor of Orson Scott Card, I highly recommend this book - it's totally worth buying in hardback!