Overall, I enjoyed reading this and found the plot compelling and the characters intriguing.
I did find some of the word building and setting a bit distracting, especially the fantasy names for places and ethnic groups that are clearly based on real world locations and peoples. I think I understand why the author might have done this, given the recent furor around books set in a country-that-shall-not-be-named, but I sort of would have just preferred if it was set in a real world location.