I read this novel twenty-some years ago, but didn't remember it quite as slow going as I do now. Perhaps it's due to greater powers of observation (that one of the main characters is beyond annoying) or the sage isn't the only thing purple in the novel (so's some of the prose). But with that said, Grey can write some great action sequences, the first real appearance of one made me sit up and take notice and the pages flew by. I'm not sure if I'll continue with the sequel, but I did like this particular ride into the sage.