I really have to agree with a lot of the other reviewers of this novel - it is terribly long and drawn out in some parts (like the section where Miss Temple drinks tea - way too long), but it is lacking explanation or clarification in other parts.

There are a lot of characters introduced in mobs and some of the adventure parts are hard to understand in terms of sequencing. Dahlquist writes each chapter from the perspective of each of the protagonists, but it is hard to sometimes know if particular incidents are overlapping.

Other than these complaints, this novel is fun to read and a touch melodramatic. At 760 pages, one wonders how Dahlquist is a playwright. It reminds me of the movie "Wild, Wild West," showing a time period with more advanced technology. It needs more character development and the ending really leaves open for a sequel.