I understand the need to keep readers involved so they'll buy the sequels. I'm quite willing to play that game, just continue giving me interesting characters in interesting situations, and I'll keep buying. But this book cheats. It meanders along for almost 700 pages with what are basically a bunch of subplots, some of which are fairly boring. The series' main character barely appears. A climactic battle is elaborately set up--and then the book ends before it happens. Ringo capped off the two previous books in the series with terrific, extended battle scenes. Here, he might as well have written on the last page: "HA HA HA, I sure fooled YOU! Get your money ready for the sequel!" Sorry John, I don't like being shafted and I'll be spending my money elsewhere.