Captivating and surprisingly ahead of its time

I love that this book uses empathy as a superpower (and the lack thereof as the deadliest weapon). It's a coming of age story, sure, and - in the way of classic high fantasy - does a lot of telling and summarizing and focusing on food or seasons more than dialogue. BUT the story also perfectly captures the adolescent narrator: his naivety, the visceral impact of depression or betrayal, his longing/loneliness, his wanderlust... There is also some GoT level intrigue happening between the lines of this book. Truly, a masterful story, and a study in being human, in having or lacking perspective or community. A little rushed at the end; after 400+ pages I found myself still enthralled and wishing for more time with these characters.