I just spent two weeks and 800+ pages living in this book, and like everything else I've read by Hobb, it was well worth the time invested. The premise of this book is so imaginative! The characters are so easy to love (or to hate). The world building is doled out in intriguing little bits and pieces, much like in the Farseer trilogy by Hobb. She has become my favorite author and I am looking forward to reading more of her work.