This book was an upsetting read. The characters suffer and it takes a heartless soul not to feel for them, whatever your political beliefs. The writing style is clunky at times but I got a lot out of this book. Saying I 'enjoyed' it feels cheap.

By far the best book I've read in a while. The use of time, the little hints that are only obvious in retrospect, the incredible skill in character- and world-building... this book is a pure treat, and I can't wait to start the second.