It took me a little bit to get into, but then I was hooked, hooked! Great characters, story, twists! 
Mendax is unapologetically dark, and this doesn't change, which I found quite refreshing in all honesty. I'm surprised so many people have rated this so harshly, tastes are subjective of course, but I honestly thought this was a great book and started the second book as soon as I finished this one.