I didn't hate the book, but I found the romance element very frustrating. First, I'd like to say there was more romance that I expected. I thought there would be more plot and military action, so all the romance was a bit disappointing. The author did a good job of defining each character, considering there were so many and so many subplots. However, the storyline moved so slowly. I could NOT stand the Cybele, Charles and Joe triangle. I could not understand why these 2 men wasted their love and life on her. It just drove me nuts. I can't remember the last time I disliked a character in a book as much as I disliked Cybele. Anyway, I heard many great things about this series, but I was disappointed because I really thought there would be more action and adventure. My friend read most of the books in the series and really enjoyed it, so I will give it a chance a read a couple more books. I've read reviews that the series does improve after the first few books, which is typical in a series.