At least, that's what I think it is. So far, I've only read the first (24-page) chapter, and it's not giving a lot away. I'm hooked, though. From the start, Division Shadow plunges the reader into the centre of the action, and uses a dense, muli-layered narrative structure to hit you with a whole bunch of information all at once. For the first few pages, I was pretty disorientated, but quickly started to enjoy the challenge of working out what the hell was going on.

Most of the action is set in a near-future Middle-East that appears to be in a complete state of political collapse, ruled over somewhat ineffectually by local warlords, shadowy military types, and a bunch of people working for an organ isation called "the Haven". It all feels depressingly plausible. I couldn't tell you for sure yet who the good guys are - this isn't the kind of book that gives you any quick answers.

 If you're looking for an entertaining way to kill five minutes, or a few quick laughs, then Division Shadow is the last place you should look. However, if you're up for something a bit more demaniding, intelligent, intruiging and politically astute, you've got it.