I'm not sure the high rating is deserved. I like sci-fi/fantasy, especially in long series where plot lines and characters can be well fleshed out.Whatever else the book may have, it has evil described in minute and excruciating detail. And I mean, tediously described, for page after page after chapter after chapter. Probably half the length of the book could have been left out without adversely affecting the story."Good" is basically minimized and what there is of it is spread out.I decided that I'd try to read the second book as well, in spite of the unnecessary focus on the infliction of pain and agony and confusion of the first, but couldn't get past about one-third of the second.So, if you aren't up for a drag-fest focused on sadism, then don't read this one.