I found it to be creative and imaginative despite having some very classic tropes (enchanted land cut off from “normal” civilization, a witch who allows a couple to have a child but at a steep price, children coming of age by participating in an adventure in a magical land, etc.). But just because there are some familiar situations and themes doesn’t mean it is all recycled myth and fable. Or rather the way the author recycles and reworks the myths and fables works. It has an enjoyable mix of action and adventure with some unique characters and imaginative world building. The characters aren’t particularly deep but this is YA so that is not unusual. Besides the adventure, there is also a mix of political and environmental themes throughout.