This is a fast-paced read, and most of the primary characters are believable and engaging, but it's also got some problems.

First of all, there's the cover... now, I can't be specific here without giving something away, but what I can say is that this is the first book I've ever read that manages to include a spoiler on the cover. As in, if you've looked at the cover, one of the big elements that could have offered suspense is gone--from the book, from the series. It's that simple. Considering the cover also almost scared me off by including the dog--and I'm one of those people who's always terrified of seeing an animal on a dark book's cover because I fear the animal won't make it--I have to say that this might be the biggest cover failure I've ever encountered, professional and impressive as it may be. It almost scared me off--and I'm certain it will scare some animal-loving readers off--and it also offers a spoiler. That's almost impressive.

Of course, I'm not going to judge the book entirely by the cover (even if the cover did affect my reading enjoyment), and now I've read the book. Honestly, the flaws are hard to get beyond. The main character is the least interesting and developed of the characters--he, more than any other, feels like nothing more than a stereotype, so it's good that there are plenty of main characters, as they made the read. The other big issue is pacing--the ending chapters feel insanely rushed, and there are some big flaws in terms of what gets prioritized, attention/space-wise. While most of the book is well-paced, the last 60-80 pages feel like a downhill roller coaster rushing by in a blur.

So, all told, it's hard to have a good feeling about this book. The premise and the characters were there, and the writing is pretty decent (though the lack of commas just about killed me, as an editor), but I wanted a lot more. I'd Need a lot more in order to want to continue with the series. ( )