While the narration was above average, overall, the narrator tries hard to distinguish the characters with voice, which was quite helpful. But I found myself unable to connect with any of the characters, especially the main character. The prose was not to my taste either. Lots of exposition feels like it’s trying to explain away lots of main character's actions, who doesn’t feel like a strong protagonist.

It’s not a bad read. I think fans of this kind of historical fantasy that is growing in popularity might find more here to connect with than me, provided they can stick it through the first half where the main character is a bit of a jerk.