I enjoyed this book from the first page. It is much better than the other book I read by Courtenay, The Power of One, because the character in that book was so inconsistent and unbelievable. While these characters are also a bit of a mess, the story kept me very interested. I really like epics like this one. Reminds me a little of Count of Monte Cristo by Dumas or Daughter of Fortune by Allende.

I found this book at the book exchange in Quanzho China, at the Brickyard bar. There is excellent food there.