This was going to be 3 stars, as I got so bored I didn’t pick it up for a few months around the 50% mark. Fortunately the last 20% or so really got better. Still, this is certainly a book that could use some trimming. I’ve learned my lesson: The author’s preferred version isn’t necessarily the best version.

PS: I still somehow am thinking about it, wondering what witty mythological references and hints to the plot I might have missed. Despite the length and boredom of the read, I will likely give it a reread in the future. Knowing some of the things that will happen later, I will likely enjoy the long buildup more this time around.