The plot setup holds your attention and the protagonist character building is performed with yeoman like prose. But the constant action tropes become tiresome and the villains are one dimensional. The reader does a great job narrating the characters and moving the action along, but ultimately, the payoff is full of empty calories and “did I really care” recriminations.
In the end, I’m not compelled to go to book 2, despite the ham fisted attempt to Jerry rig a continuation of the plot.