Probably would give two and a half stars. I think it is probably unfortunate that this is the first volume in this series that I have read. It does seem to be a stand alone adventure though, but, I am pretty sure the background information from the previous three books would been useful particularly in deciphering the relationships between the three main characters. The storyline itself is interesting but at times just feels like it gets weighed down. It took me a long time to read it because I simply kept putting it aside to read other things. I will, if I find them, read the other books in the series. Perhaps then I might see this book in a different light.