This book is so freaking good. The basic premise is a reimagining of the classic tale of Rumplestiltzkin. Only, instead of an imp, a young girl "makes gold" through trade. A faerie king hears the boasts of creating gold, and challenges her to change his silver into gold.

Novik's story straddles about six different point of view characters, though you are usually given some reason to care about or at least recognize each before they speak for themselves. It is a story of survival through smart bargaining, of love of family and of country, and of the choice of what we become.

It is a fantastic book. I cannot recommend it enough.