Yet the storytelling is so involving that you don't have time to be bored. This book is hilarious, fast-paced, and intensely well-written.It's quite long, at just under 500 pages, and there is so much going on. I'd recommend listening to the audiobook if you get a chance. I liked the different voices he used and also how he conveys the tonal shifts between humor to dark horror to poignant moments. Julia isn't quite as well developed, but I like her a lot, and I appreciate that she is not just a princess, but an independent, intrepid, and empathic young woman that sees the good in people despite their flaws. Rupert has an excellent character arc over the course of this book, going from an introvert with no self-confidence, to a brave, decisive leader. While it's very quite longish, it doesn't feel that way. I'll mainly just comment on the audiobooks and the things that stood out to me. I probably won't write an expansive review of the reread. Reread completed by audiobook in March, 2021
