I had to keep reading to find out what would happen next. There were things to like and dislike in most of the characters. These are people portrayed in oscillating shades of gray that makes them more believable, and very human. For those seeking to read a novel that operates in extremes, black and white absolutes, or clearly drawn lines of good and evil should read a children's book. Stanley Gallon is a master of the reversal, meaning that what you expect something should be isn't; and what should be taboo becomes the only hope for the restoration of liberty. But he does it in such a subtle and polished way that you don't even realize what he did until you finish the book and start thinking about it. I would love to throw in an example here but if I did it would be a spoiler and I can't stand reading spoilers.