I believe this is the best book Bradley has ever written--or is ever likely to write. It is absolutely inspired with the kind of writer's magic that only comes from writing from the heart. A story like this cannot be coaxed from the head alone. The interweaving of the characters, the struggle between old beliefs and new, the historic timeline all dovetail beautifully to create a tapestry of myth, magic and emotion. I wish I had written this book!