I usually really enjoy science fiction novels and was looking forward to this novel. This first book of a multiple book series was a little too far fetched to me, which I didn't think possible with science fiction novels. I felt that there was a lesson that was trying to be taught versus good character development which I think was part of the books unsuccess for me. I actually had to push myself to finish the entire novel, thinking I need to give it a fair shot. I have heard others saying that the ending made them immediately read the other novels in the series. This was unfortunately not the experience that I had. I don't think i would recommend this novel to friends and family, and wouldn't read the rest in the series.