While the story of David and Callan was lovely and enjoyable and while the writing itself was beautiful and had a wonderful flow (which is why it's gotten such good reviews regardless of the plot and setting flaws), this book could have been 100 x better with some good editing. It tried to be too much: post-apocalyptic-esque scenario with a pioneer setting (which didn't make any sense) and romance with fantasy and a conspiracy….of which nothing but the romance gets resolved. There were so many loose ends! I finished the book stunned that an author could end their book with so many unanswered questions. It was absurd. As another reviewer mentioned, if this book ever went back for a major rewrite to tighten up all the plot and setting problems, I'd be thrilled! Because, at its core, this is a very good book, with a very good writer…who just needs to enlist a very good editor.

This is possibly the best written, most HORRIBLE book I've ever come across. I honestly wish I'd never read it. I can't even begin to understand what Delaney's point or purpose was with this book aside from to disgust, horrify and challenge the mind of the reader. Perhaps he was attempting to write the most un-publishable book imaginable and see if he could get it into print--it certainly seemed to have taken him many years, given the dates of writing vs. publishing (for good reason). I would never recommend it to anyone. I, frankly, like reading books that push boundaries--that make me turn away for a breath from time to time--but I met my match in this book. I suppose I didn't anticipate the complete gross-out factor, or the lack of consequences for such unspeakable acts. Should Delaney be lauded for pushing every boundary known to man? Maybe. Do I ever want to read anything like it again? Absolutely not.