This novel is one that I have extremely mixed feelings about because it has sections that I thought were written wonderfully, but others I found both difficult and challenging to read, with the result that I often found myself rereading sentences where the phrasing threw me. This was due to the terminology used, with many common words being swapped out for something the author had made up, which meant the same thing, but which just seemed overdone at times. 

In general, this is a lively and interesting tale with a plot that has the protagonists travelling from one location to another, though only sometimes by the route or means they intended, having adventures, both good and bad along the way. 

One big drawback for me was the characters, who promised so much, but in my opinion, were mostly underdeveloped and lacked that spark of personality that gets you emotionally invested in them, especially in those life-threatening situations. This isn't to say they all lacked personality, far from it, just that attachment that makes you care.

In summary, I found it a jarring read at times and more than a bit disappointing, but with enough highlights to keep me interested enough to keep reading.