I was not expecting this to be so fucking good! i think what really does it for me is how the characters seem to fall in clear archetypes but the novel explores those preconceived notions to their logical conclusions to make everything more realistic, playing with the reader's expectations and suspension of disbelief to achieve a very deep connection with the characters. it seems very thought out and the prose is very beautiful.
add to that the deep thoughts, the fact that the main character is an actual character instead of an empty void into which you project yourself, the sound design and it all adds up an experience that really sucks you in. also dudes' are hot!
really looking forward to seeing this story develop, especially curious as to how the Rune and Mikko routes are going to continue seeing as they seem to be careening towards an emotional climax both literally and figuratively lmao