The firs two books were pretty good and I enjoyed the cultural depth. This most recent book however… well, every character interaction is like an awkward version of the real thing. Anger comes off as petulant, friendly banter comes off as mean spirited patronizing, and even the protagonists inner monologue sounds like a list of rationalizations. I was just uncomfortable the entire time and not really sure why. Normally, I could push through that, but the MC makes virtually zero emotional, romantic or martial progress. I got about eighty percent through without any tangible enjoyment and just gave up.