Trial of the Sun Queen

This is a book that hovers around mediocrity, meriting a lukewarm reception. The book's primary achievement is its ability to pique enough interest to make the reader consider picking up the sequel, despite its numerous flaws.

The initial six chapters are particularly challenging to get through. The author's writing style here is more expository, focusing on ‘telling' rather than ‘showing.' This approach results in a lack of vivid imagery and emotional depth, making it hard for readers to connect with the characters and the world they inhabit.

However, past these initial chapters, the narrative does pick up somewhat, offering glimpses of a potentially engaging story. There are moments where the plot shows promise, hinting at a more captivating tale that could be better realized in the sequel.

Overall, this is a book that you could skip without missing much. While it manages to plant the seeds of curiosity for what comes next, the lackluster writing style and slow start make it a less than compelling read. It's a classic case of a book that might serve more as a stepping stone to something potentially better, rather than a standout piece on its own.