First experience with Tchaikovsky was an unfortunate disappointment. I found the past-tense narration mostly enjoyable, and the post-apocalyptic world had some potential. I liked some of the elements of worldbuilding Tchaikovsky tried to explore, but I don't think he does it very thoroughly. Additionally, there were a few solid moments of commentary on human nature and our ability to be destructive.

I also liked one of the flashback sections. However I think the book is structured very poorly. First part I didn't particularly care about anything, then the first flashback section pulls me for it to irritatingly go back to the present. I'm then pulled in enough to be interested, but it ends on a cliffhanger and a new part begins where I never became invested. And then by the time we're back in the present, I really couldn't care less.

The plot was just not very compelling overall and the characters are completely forgettable. I thought the ending was incredibly messy as well. But somehow I still pushed through because I have a problem and can't dnf books.

I'll likely try something else by Tchaikovsky because I like his prose enough and I believe he can write something of good quality, but at the same time I'm not so sure that would be worth my time.