This is pure high-fantasy sword and sorcery comfort food. There is a real gentleness here, possibly because this interpretation of the hero's journey arc does not involve the usual amount of violent conflict. The prose is not overdone and in fact is deceptively simple, but finds a meter that gives the impression of being told the story verbally, in a way that is both lulling and relaxing. The plot is an uncomplicated and somewhat metaphysical one, yet the characters feel genuine. Oftentimes a statement will jump out as quotable in a longing and truthful way, rather than just a way that feels clever.