The setting and the details of the mountain climbing expeditions were detailed and fascinating. I can’t think of another fantasy quite like it, though there are plenty where the heroes must make it across the mountains. 

It’s a pleasure to read a story set in a non-patriarchal society. Men and women function in the roles of power in this world, as leaders, explorers, shamans, and scholars. The love triangle and the attendant thrilling kisses were thus a bit of a letdown, and solidly put this novel into the YA category.

I rolled my eyes at a scene where a male character blushes and hesitates at the thought of helping a female companion out of wet clothes in a snowstorm. Bruh, you’ve been sleeping in the same tent for weeks. Has she never stopped to pee before? Have you?