I have not read the prequel South so did struggle in the opening chapters and there were times when I thought I might give up on it . Glad I persevered as about half way in, the story all fell into place and I couldn't wait to get to the end to find out what the outcome was . Everything points to another book In the series and I will certainly be looking out for it. I enjoyed the dystonia messed up people and country and the facts which brought them to that position. The twists and turns in the plot were well thought out and attention capturing and worked for me . The cover and blurb were quite bland in comparison with the contents and would not have made me grab it off the book shelf or give it a second chance as this book needs.