The framework is purposely familiar but the unique setting makes this Arthurian based fantasy stand out. There's no evil half siblings and incestuous children here, only quality writing focused on combat mechanics, how the "magical" element works, and the value of self acceptance. Pal is an idealistic young man who dreams of becoming a Champion and performing heroic deeds. He is also a Maker, one who can mentally enter artifacts left from the Ancients and sometimes rebuild them with the necessary minerals. With his homemade Shield, based upon an umbrella, and Weapon, probably a mining drill, he sets off from the rural node of Breune for the capitol of Dun Add to join the Champions with his dog Buck. There has never been a Champion who is also a Maker but he sees that as no obstacle.

There are pockets of the Here inhabited by humanity with a Leader who's Champions are pledged to unite and protect the people. The Not Here is mysterious and possibly populated by sentients as well as the dangerous Beasts that sometimes cross into the Here. The inimical Waste that surrounds and separates the two can only be visualized through the eyes of an animal companion. Only the Road allows most people to travel between nodes of the Here and makes trade possible. I classify this as fantasy but the references to deep history and Ancients have a futuristic dystopian feel. This is not an easy world concept to present but within a couple chapters it feels natural.

Pal is an idealistic young man who dreams of becoming a Champion and performing heroic deeds. He is also a Maker, one who can mentally enter artifacts left from the Ancients and sometimes rebuild them with the necessary minerals. With his homemade Shield, based upon an umbrella, and Weapon, probably a mining drill, he sets off from the rural node of Breune for the capitol of Dun Add to join the Champions with his dog Buck. There has never been a Champion who is also a Maker but he sees that as no obstacle.

The Arthurian tropes are largely in the background although Pal does play a prominent role in one of them. For myself, that meant I could enjoy the setting, combat, and Maker interactions without needing heavy background information on socio-political events that were of little importance to Pal himself. I remember enough of the saga to know which character probably served as inspiration for Pal but that is an academic point and didn't factor into my enjoyment of this story. 

For those who like to listen, the audiobook is narrated by James Patrick Cronin who's performance is rated at 4.7/5 stars on Audible.