This is a book that's right up my alley. The worldbuilding is intricate and expansive, and used quite effectively to inform character and conflict within the plot. Genly and Estraven are both quite complicated characters, and I really enjoy how their relationship shifts throughout the novel.

The author's introduction at the beginning of the book all on its own makes me almost want to bump up a full star in my rating. It's a brilliant piece of nonfiction on the nature of truth, fiction writing, reality, and creativity. I think everyone with an interest in fiction (whether it's because you already like fiction or you want to understand fictionists better) should read this essay, honestly.