[spiralx]

Book two is very intense and gripping, but it features a different cast of characters from the first which some people find jarring. The third book returns to the characters from the first, and is definitely where most people find that they've really gotten sucked into it :)

[hd4]

It is very jarring, that's why I love it. He isn't at all bothered about following generic fantasy patterns, it does seem like a labor of love in that he just does what he likes when he likes. The only weak part I felt so far was the culmination of Book 1, it could have been better I guess.