I like this book. Genuinely, I do. It has so much going for it, somany elements I absolutely adore. That said, there is a particular plot hole--several plot holes, actually--that just, for whatever reason, I could not overlook. Even now, that all is said and done, it still irks me. There are other elements, other storylines that got under my skin, especially since some just petered out, all pointless and useless like.
Right now I'm goIng to have to give this three stars. I wish I could give it more. I tend to think most people will like this book much more than I did, so I will be recommending it to anyone looking for an exciting, original fantasy with a strong female protagonist.