Well, I can certainly talk about my impressions of the first book!

I didn't mind all the confusing details of people's relationships and alliances and networks so much- I was annoyed that every character seemed to have at least five names, which they used interchangeably and without explanation- but since I've already mentioned by fondness for epic fantasy, I'm used to huge cast lists with incredibly complex interworkings, so I didn't mind having to spend time figuring out who was who.

I didn't like Lymond, though. He was such an asshole, and I know, I know: which of my favorite characters aren't assholes? But he seemed so smug and self-centered in his cynicism, as though on some level he enjoyed the terrible things which had happened to him because they gave him the excuse to act exactly as mistreated and unloved as he'd always secretly known he was. He wasn't broken so much as indulging in misery, and I only enjoy watching people be cruel if they have a reason for doing it beyond spite.