I think this is just a fantasy-with-cliff-hangar issue with me. This story had some important things to say about perception and prejudice, cycles of violence, the tragedy of knowledge wielded or hoarded/censored like a weapon for power. It had a lovely amount of highly imaginative elements, and truly endearing animal helpers. It's also STUFFED with world-building and leaning heavily on time worn tropes. Unlikely that I'll pick up the sequel.