This is one of my favorite books of all time, but it sort of doesn't start until about page 250. After attempting it half a dozen times and giving up at about the 50-page mark, I stubbornly determined to read it and took it with me on a long flight so I wouldn't be distracted. Once I hit That Point in the story, I was completely entranced and couldn't put it down. I think I read for almost 36 hours straight.
And it wasn't until I got that far into the book that I appreciated
why all the background was necessary. It's not a book for everyone, but I loved it. And I loved Ash probably for the same reason you want him spanked: "But it's not fair!" ;-)
I hope you'll give it another try, and if you do, I hope you enjoy it.
The not fair didn't bother me; it was how he treat Ahjuli (the fengeri rana's daughter) [sorry for the misspelling]. I think the problem with the audio for me is that I had to listen to things I would have skimmed. I am pretty certain that I will read it in print form because of the opinions (yours included) of several people I follow here and on GR. That and the princess book I read by her was wonderful.
And it wasn't until I got that far into the book that I appreciated
why all the background was necessary. It's not a book for everyone, but I loved it. And I loved Ash probably for the same reason you want him spanked: "But it's not fair!" ;-)
I hope you'll give it another try, and if you do, I hope you enjoy it.