I definitely did not expect this to happen, but there is no denying the fact that I've become obsessed with this series. I thought I could be okay just reading the first novel, but after a week of thinking about the characters and the world non stop (to the point where I H A D to watch the TV show on STARS) I ended up picking up the second book.
The beginning was a shock to the system. I also found, just like with the first novel, a few problematic parts that created visceral reactions and threw me for a loop. However, I do think these scenes (etc) are a product of the setting and time period, and I'm trying not to hold it against the novel as a whole.
My overall attitude towards this series is that I know I'm hooked...but I'm also taking this chapter by chapter. If something upsets me enough, I keep telling myself I'll just put the book down and try something else. I knew about 20% into this novel that it would definitely piss me off and make me sad, and by the end I did shed a few tears.
Here's to hoping Voyager keeps me wanting more. ;)