So because of a couple GR members prodding me a bit, I buckled down and finished this book. The book itself was a decent read, but it felt like the author was trying to throw too much information at me, almost as if it was important that I be introduced to so many characters/power players in one book. Then there was the magic, types of factions, trying to solve a murder, etc. Being overloaded with so much detail and not enough story made reading this book a bit of a chore at first. 
 However, once I got past that original hurdle and the first 100 pages or so, the story did start to take shape. By the end of the book, I could see why people had recommended it to me. I've been told that this book was just a weak series starter and that the books get better as they go, which feels believeable to me. I can see where this series has great potential to grow into something interesting.