I heard so many people say "this book is not for everyone," and I feel guilty continuing those statements, but it's the truth. This book has some of the densest opening expository I've encountered in some time, but when I went back to reread it, I realized that Carey handled it as gracefully as it could have been done.

I considered the payoff well worth it; I've told many people since reading it that in this book, you will know when the setup ends and the action begins, because the moment the first domino falls is unmistakable.

None of the sequels totally lived up to the first book, but the fact that they came close is acceptable enough to me. Good for fans of lush historical fiction who are willing to stop and think their way through a book, not just digest it blindly.