I just said this in a reply, but more concise genre thought: This is the only medieval fantasy novel I've ever read where it's an EARLY -- as in Dark Ages, 600-1100 AD -- medieval fantasy (hilarious genre implications) and it's an incredible ride. I keep telling friends it's like reading Pratchett and catching the puns and references and entire retellings and knowing you've missed stuff that's going to suddenly become clear 10 years from now while you yell.