Finding that this book topped the 100 list of the Decade's SF/F at Tor.com, I decided to read it. After reading half the book, I could not understand why it was at the top of the chart! Was the stereotype true - that most SF/F readers were geeky teenage boy wannabes? The only reason that it hit the top of the list was because of the lurid sex scenes? I debated about putting it down. I didn't have another book, so I kept reading. Finally, after getting enslaved by the Skaldi, it started getting interesting. The plot started moving. There were adventures, dangerous situations, conflict and battles. Now I understood what had to happen in the first half of the book - too bad it took so long to get there.

This is an excellent book. The rest of the series is awesome too. I've reccomended it to several people in the past, and they've all become addicted to it as well. Part of the allure is the strong female characters, the vivid storytelling and the complex plots. Carey paints a beautiful and captivating world that draws you in.

Well written but just not enough fire.

The story takes WAY too long to really get going, but once it does it is hard to put down. After page 450 or so.... Which is about how long it takes to get used to the flowery language.