** spoiler alert ** 
 I almost gave up on this book after feeling like it was nothing short of a slog and being part way through the SECOND book, *something, anything* needed to happen. I persevered and was rewarded with a hugely hugely satisfying ending. I do think that (what is essentially) a 1200 page book is pure self-indulgence on the author's part and a good editor could have pulled this EPIC 2 part novel into something cleaner and faster paced. There were some moments of excellent writing though and the last 200 pages of All Clear made the two weeks I have spent reading both books well worth it. The jigsaw pieces FINALLY began to fall into place and lots of "aha" moments. Willis did a good job of keeping track of all the threads and then weaving them together at the end. If not for the end this would have been a 2 star read I think. Again the historical stuff was the stand out. And Colin. Never have I been so pleased to see a knight in shining armour. 
 Doomsday Book is next on my to-read list.