Thanks! I had those quibbles at the end of the book, but a few weeks' distance and I have a vast, abiding, Tolkien-like love for the whole world of the book. I'll definitely want to pick it up again in a few years to reread and enjoy, though nothing will duplicate that first-time delve into an unfolding world, alas.

I'm reading The Lions of Al-Rassan now, and while the world isn't as beautiful, I think I'm enjoying the story and characters even more. His writing is just very *tight*, and I love his allegorical medieval world. I think I'll have a post comparing the two when I finish in the next couple of days.

Thanks again for the introduction to Kay! I've got a couple more of your borrowed books to read, and then I can give you them all back. :)