With reference to my last post about Devices and Desires, the characters have become a lot clearer and different for me now – the realisation for me happened after about 300 pages. I won’t say how exactly but the main characters slowly seem to accrue more differentiation in their manner, style and motivation.

Perhaps the difference should have been more noticeable earlier though? Otherwise I am really enjoying this book. It is fantasy in that it is a non-historical world, but there are no magical elements. The use of the engineering theme makes the narrative and style quite unique, but still accessible – you just go with the stuff you don’t understand. Also I don’t think the ending will be obvious – I can’t really think what will happen at the moment, and I have about 100 pages to go.