I'd call myself a casual reader. I don't read for long periods of time but perhaps an hour each day. This book is LONG and taking me quite a bit of time to read. Now that being said I'm thoroughly enjoying it. I thought it began slowly and took me about 10-15% to get really into the book. Very well written and completely makes me feel I'm easily immersed in the story and can easily visualize the scene as I'm reading it. Looks like I'm hooked and will need to buy all of them.