Yes, yes. Lots of reviews coming in at once but I did mention I was sick.
First five star of the year, here. Funnily enough I was scrabbling about trying to find a reason not to give this 5 stars, mostly because I feel I should be stingier with that rating. Couldn't find one.
And yes, this is 5 stars for a fantasy. Not like me at all. I have definitely had enough of gods, dragons, interminable hero's journeys and the chosen one hidden in a dungheap or something. This book had none of that tosh. It was a book about making a place, not smashing it up. As such its probably the most adult thing I have read in that genre for decades.
There was a lovely, light touch about this. A hint of steel too, when needed, but mostly this was about growth and making a new home after all the bashing with swords stuff is done.
Highly recommend.