This book is set to be the first in the series and it sets the scene well while also managing to have it's own beginning, middle and end. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and it is a great read. The plot isn't too convoluted and the historical bits and pieces elevate it from a trashy quick read to an intellectually stimulating novel. I think the balance between the historical accuracy versus plot is about right. As others have mentioned, the characters tend to be a little two dimensional and the "love story" isn't particularly believable-it feels like it might have been thrown in as an afterthought, possibly to draw in female readers or to lighten the plot.

Overall, I did enjoy this book. Not sure if I will read the next in the series. Would recommend as holiday reading to someone who doesn't like to read trash!