Wish I had read these reviews before buying this book. Can't believe it's the author of Conclave, our book club's favourite book last year by a mile! Frankly not absorbing and now I know the ending is poor I am not sure I will continue. Shame because the idea is very good. Sloppy writing too - little details like sheep lying on their sides to suckle their young and someone out scything the day after heavy enough rain to cause a landslide. Very disappointed.