if i'm not trying to be quippy -- this book does a great job of expanding the universe and letting us imagine how children of other gods live their lives -- what powers they have and what burdens they bare. in a way this novel is purposefully jarring for audiences. as the sixth book in a series, but technically the first book in its own story, it had to distinguish itself from the original series -- which it does. it forces the reader to both enjoy the ride (the new quest, the new characters, the expansion to this universe), while also (sometimes disgruntledly) wondering where are the characters I already know?