This was a great concept that I was interested in from the beginning, I'm glad I did because this was a really good read. The characters were great and enjoyed the story itself. I look forward to reading more from the author and the series.

This book starts out a little slow, but hang in there, it picks up nicely. I would classify this as belonging to the Historical Fantasy genre, because of the setting, but it's so much more than that because it's also a parable and a metaphor for a much older tale. I won't say what it is because that might spoil it for you, but it's obvious as you read, assuming you know the original, which you would if you've ever read a certain book that practically everyone on the planet has been exposed to at one point. No, it's not the phone book.

It's also a statement. One that we all know well, especially in today's time. The way Mr. Saunders presents this ethical dilemma, through the use of reversal of roles is simply brilliant. Again, I can't be more specific or it might spoil it, but you'll recognize it immediately, but not until you're two-thirds through the book.

While I say this seems based on an older tale, I don't mean to imply that it's not an original story, because it is, and it follows the theme of fantasy to the letter, changing the original tale to something we can chew on today, and casting it into a light we can understand in a different way, but a familiar one.

I apologize for being obtuse, but you really need to read this for yourself. You won't be disappointed.