Great opener! I've limited myself to the first chapter for now, but I look forward to reading the rest when I get the chance. The characterization is strong, and the world seems well-developed. I'd love to know a bit more about the tastes and sounds of the place, but hey, this is chapter one, and even in fantasy one can only describe so much. If I were to compare it to another literary work, I can't help but bring it back to Brian Jacques and the Redwall series - something about the mention of cheese, perhaps, and the abbey setting. That said, this has much darker overtones, and of course people instead of small mammals. As I said, I look forward to the rest!