The story was painful to follow at first but it gradually gets better. 
 The only reason I didn't put down the book was the influence Robin Hobb's previous books have on me. 
 Luckily, it's not a disappointment. It gets interesting too! 
 If you can stand the painful early chapters, then do give this series a try. Despite the 3-star, I'm glad I owned my copy. It was worth the money. :)