This book has more plot threads than a Tom Clancy novel. Every one of them is difficult to understand. It's hard to relate to the characters because every time you think you are getting to know the setting and characters, the book switches to something completely different.I knew when I started that there were going to be a lot of characters, and based on all the positive reviews here, I really tried to keep going. When I had almost gotten used to what was going on, yet another change of scene and a whole new set of characters was thrown at me. Talk about alienating your readers! I finally had to give up.