The tale slows down quite a bit here. A major subplot is added in Rome, without any apparent connection to the rest of the story. This subplot is full of ecclesiastic intrigue, with scenes that bring the story to a screeching halt. The Shield-Brethren's journey across Eurasia, and the plight of the Korean and Japanese fighters in the Khan's arena, are still page-turners. I enjoyed the first volume quite a bit, but after this one it's up in the air whether I'll pick up the finale in April.