4.5 stars - as I was reading, I kept thinking, “wow I can’t believe this is where this story has gone.” It was a good thing. I appreciate the creativity, staying true to the book’s themes and characters while also branching out to make this book unique - all while moving toward wrapping up such an epic story. This is just the sort of book I’m looking for in fiction/fantasy. Adventure, love, courage, while not pulling any punches about the danger and darkness that challenges these things. Really well done.