I like historical fiction and I liked this fantasy take on the business. Some people thought that the "MC as bezoar stone" was ridiculous and insulting to women. I looked at more like, "Hey, have you ever read god and goddess stories? Freaking weird. People sleeping with their brothers and mothers and sisters. Children springing from people's heads!" I felt like it was more of a god story, something a god would require for health. But to each his own. Enjoyable and detail packed. I also liked the political stuff, which a lot of people complained about. I'm just an odd body, I guess. LOLThis book isn't for everyone, but I seriously enjoyed it. :)PS- Yet another YA book that doesn't seem to me as thought it should be YA. I think an audience who reads adult fantasy would appreciate this book a lot more.