I am so sad that I ended up DNF'ing this at 50%.  First off, the best part of this book - the audiobook narration was phenomenal.  The different character voices and the pronunciation of ALL THOSE names and places - excellent.  The narrator was the MVP here.

Unfortunately, I felt no connection to the characters or plot.  We are dropped directly into the action which usually works very well, but it left me feeling disconnected and like I had missed some critical introductions.  I was always a bit confused who the characters were and the connections between all of them.  I also had trouble following the plot at times.  I thought I had a good understanding of the end-goal, but then other twists or side quests would pop up and I'd get distracted and wonder how this is getting us any farther along. 

Combining all of these aspects, and them all still being prevalent at the 50% mark, I decided to DNF.  I honestly kept forgetting I was reading it, I had such a meagre connection with the characters and plot.  

I do not take this as an indicator of Jenn Lyon's work by any means.  The Ruin of Kings is still firmly on my TBR!

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced listener copy.  All opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.