This book started off a little slow, or maybe that was just me getting used to the writing. I enjoyed Catling's writing, and the story was one I haven't read before, at least not noticeably so. A few scenes weren't exactly pleasant, specifically some with Ishmael, but the phrasing kept me drawn in even in most of those moments. I'm going to have to get the second book soon and then likely the third once it's released, now.