This is one of my favorite books! I don't even know if I can adequately describe exactly why this book appeals to me so much. One thing I will point out, however, is that this novel does a great job of depicting how people of different cultures come to misunderstand each other due to ancient prejudices. It also shows how people of different cultures can reach an understanding if they are willing to see life from other people's perspectives. The ending of the novel is epic! I won't give it away by going into specifics, but I will say that the plot revealations are worthwhile. Lastly, one of my favorite quotes comes from this book: I won't have her [Miranda] wandering after some "itinerant, half mad, flute-playing elf who lives on deer meat and rain water!"