I don't know why I keep reading these. The storytelling is not that good. At times it's too much detail that one is clearly not interested in. This book finally races past kinky and steps firmly into the realm of sadomasochism. Not really necessary. Tarl Cabot is a confusing character with shifty morals; most of the times I dislike him. The constant use of the deus ex machina device to tie the story together (common with Edgar Rice Burroughs as well, I might add) does not help. However, towards the end, the storytelling gets tighter, I started becoming more interested in the characters and by then it's done. It makes me wonder if I'll bother with another volume. I enjoyed the end, so instead of giving it 1 star, I'll give it two.