There's a reason this story was adapted for TV. With all the themes, complexities and hallmarks of the VNAs this book also manages to stand on its own as just a really great story in its own right, for how it explores identity, history and morality. While a lot will be familiar to those that know the on screen version, the novel expands or changes the backstory of events, characters, motivations, and some specifics of the action - so although this story may be dense, every detail feels important. I adore both versions of this story because whichever way you experience it the simplifications or expansions perfectly serve their respective characters and plots.