I had no idea what was going on half the time I was reading this book. Every chapter introduced yet another set of characters with yet another sub-plot. I reached the point where I was skipping 10 pages at a time and not really missing anything significant. And when I finally reached the end I almost hurled the book out the window.... what a crappy ending. This is hands down one of the worst "epic" sci-fi books I have ever read (although pared down to basics it might make a pretty good short story.) The sequel is not on my reading list...