Look this book is written for people who are truly avid readers, yes alot of characters to keep up with but if you choose the book to read then you new what a great deal of patience you was up against. The author done an excellent job as far as I am concern she gave me my money's wroth. If you don't like long and especially challenging books do not READ them and then try to fault the author of a great read. I feel that books as such maybe should come with a warning saying CAUTION not for fast and unable to keep up with an extreme amount of characters please do not attempt to read!! REMMBER this is just my opinion. I love the book but was ready to read only this book usually I am able to read 2-3 books at the same time but would not even try with this book.