What an enticing combination of genres:. There's a little bit of mystery/intrigue, a bit of espionage, a bitt of fantastical history, and, of course, sci-fi/fantasy. I read this book because my younger son really encouraged it, emphasizing that although it was fantasy (which is HIS genre), I would probably like the mystery and intrigue. He, of course, was right. I like fantasy, but it's usually not my go to in and of itself, although Levi and I do have a significant overlap, I really am primarily murder mystery and science. This had a consistent scientific basis of its own, not the Earth's, and there was a fair amount of intrigue. Most of the characters were likable, but there were definitely some surprises! And it's LONG – almost 25 hours recorded! But in the end, it's satisfying and, although there are some questions for the sequels, there are no hanging unanswered issues. Overall, a good investment of time and brainwork.