This was a decent read. Well written, engaging, interesting prose etc. the pacing was good

Apart from the rocky beginning, it was a very enjoyable ride. I like the idea of mixing fantasy and the Crusades, with the added dash of philosophy here and there. Will continue with the series.

1,5 rounded up.
I was recommended this by a good friend and I wanted to enjoy it at least half as much as he does but for the life of me, I can't.

This review by Katie is pretty much exactly what I felt about the book.
adventurous challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
adventurous dark slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated
challenging dark informative slow-paced
challenging dark mysterious tense slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Dense to both my (slight) displeasure and satisfaction. Intricately plotted, incredibly drawn characters, and profound sense of unwritten history shaping the present.
adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous challenging dark mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated
adventurous dark mysterious slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes