I've wanted to read this for a long time and had no idea how long it was until I got the book. It's always a bit nerve racking to pick up such a long book knowing if it's not very good I’ll force myself to finish it, thankfully this was a great book.
 
I would say it could be easily enough split into 3 acts, and could have been a trilogy (probably would be published as such today given the costs).

I would class everything up until the first appearance of the Count of Monte Cristo as the first book, then the second book would be slightly harder to define but I guess up until the downfall of the first of the enemies, and finally the rest as the third book

. Given this division I would rate the first book as 5 stars, more if it were possible. The pacing of this section is superb, every character is layered and brilliant. I was so happy during this first section I genuinely thought I would be finishing this book in just a few days as I struggled to put it down. The second, and largest, section was slower. Whilst still enjoyable I’d probably opt for a 4 star rating for this section, the characters were still vivid, and the way the changing world unfolded was enticing, but it was just a little too slow for me. The final section was satisfying, surprising in places, and a just reward for the time invested. Not as strong as the start, but clearly better than the middle I’d have to go with a 4.5, and hence my overall 4.5 rating. 

This was my first Dumas and I’m looking forward to reading more of his famous works.