This is definitely the weakest of the series. So for people, like me, who were wondering if they could skip it altogether, you definitely can [even though I read all of them, just out of order]. The characters are good; I might even like Val and Ravus more than Kaye and Roiben if I got a chance [although Corny will always be my fave in this series], but the plot takes FOREVER to get off the ground in this book. Like seriously things start off good then the main characters spend literally 50% of the book dicking around and getting high and then all of a sudden it's like 'oh shit wasn't there supposed to be a murder plot in this book or something? I'd better write that." All in all it's got some good ideas and characters and Holly's writing style is always great, but if you're looking for something with more action I'd skip this one.