Very up and down for me. I think I enjoyed Part 1 (Book 1) more than Part 2 (Book 2). It has lengthy descriptions of animal observation and training, which was interesting to me but could seem very slow if you're waiting for "action." I understood the interplay between the Toda/Royal Beasts and the ongoing political conflict but the history of it lost me every time someone started explaining it. I guess I also never understood the deal with the clan Elin's mother was from either. I can't 100% say it was an issue with the book itself though, because I did listen to this as an audiobook while working. Maybe it was me!