First look left me adrift in an alien world

When introducing readers to a world vastly different from the one they live in, many authors start with a lightly familiar handhold. Something small that gives the reader a sense of familiarity and confidence, allowing them to wade farther into this strange new place, and be sucked into the adventure. I was missing that in this first look. With strange jargon, references, names, descriptions, atmosphere, I just felt lost and frustrated. That's not an ideal way to begin a book.

I have a personal mission to never leave something unfinished once I start reading it, no matter how much or little I like it at first. I'm glad I continued reading this first look, because I'm very intrigued. I would happily pick this up at my library and devour it over a long weekend. I'm not sure I would pay for it at the book store, though.