The writing is sharp, the created world interesting and clear, and the relationships between characters are compelling. The engineer at the center of this novel's clockwork is well crafted, but not wholly likeable, and his candidacy as a sympathetic character is questionable. Because he's surrounded by much more likeable characters, this may be intentional; it's early yet. Overall, while K.J. Parker has authored some wonderfully gripping novels, this one is more a slow boil than steam train -- though as with each of Parker's novels, there are moments of high action that are satisfying and engaging. Like the machinations of Ziani Vaatzes, when things come together right, they do so with a very satisfying click.