Loved the writing style and the overall concept, but there were a few issues. Firstly, in what time period does this take place? Initially I thought the middle ages, but apparently it's a lot further along in history... made it hard to imagine the world and the characters. Secondly, HOLY SHIT didn't I care about Lucian Darnay. I had difficulties to understand why all the others were so head over heals for this man, to me he seemed self-centered and calculating.

That being said - loved the mysteries and secrets that were built up. Especially during the middle I couldn't put the book down. Darnay's father and de Havilland were both appalling and brilliant, which made up for the lack of personality in other characters. And, I have to mention it, the book itself is BEAUTIFUL. 

All in all, I really enjoyed it, although I can absolutely understand the negative reactions.