Very competent writing, starts off strong with good plot and characterization, but then just becomes plodding as the obvious plot slowly (excruciatingly so) unfolds. Will they cross the mountain pass? Yes! Will he marry the princess’s handmaiden? Yes! Will the plucky princess end up with the nice handsome prince? Yes! Will the greedy lords be defeated? Yes! So, distracting and light for a couple of nights, but then regret reading.