I picked up a copy of this book because it sounded exciting. It started out fine but then I quickly realized that I had no interest what so ever about the characters in the book. I put it down and was not planning on reading anymore of it but then I read some of the other readers thoughts who enjoyed the book and thought I would give it another try. Nope, nothing changed for me in fact, I thought that the story read depressing. Myrthen was frigid. Alta was uninteresting. In fact, I would not want to be friends with either lady. Yet, this book may have hints of being religious but it was not the main focus. So if you are worried about that aspect of the book then you don't have to be. I finally gave up at page 132. This book was not my cup of tea.