3.5 stars
I usually rate a book based on my reaction to it. Whether I felt it was exciting or dragged in some parts will affect my rating. Sometimes that means that I rate a book high because I enjoyed even while I acknowledge that its literary merit is not high. I liked this book well enough, but can see some of the objections to this book. I will continue on with the series because I found this book pleasurable. Not as a great thesis on the world's woes, but a great story with some great characters and interesting world building.