A page-turner throughout but one with a plot that is marred by far too many loopholes unconvincingly plugged. Early indications of this being a sprawling epic saga a la "Kane and Abel" left me a bit disappointed with the overall outcome but an unexpected twist in the end ensures I have been left with no choice but to read "Sins of the Father", the second instalment of the Clifton Chronicles. 
 3 to 3.5 stars.