I'm not going to rate this book because it wouldn't be fair to the author but I think it's a "It's not you, it's me" situation: 
 I cannot deal with homophobia. 
 I know there are going to be some comments saying that oh, it's a part of civilisation that we all need to be aware of; and, oh, look at it in THIS perspective but for me, I don't think I can continue on. The character of the Holy Father is one of the most disgusting characters I have ever stumbled upon and I can't bare to go on if he's going to be in any more of this book. 
 As a follower of the LGBTIQ+ community, I can't go on, unfortunately. I did like the historical background into the Tearling and the pre-Crossing era, but my interest lessened when the mentions of homophobia came up.