content: Harsh, yes. Honest, very. I read the prior reviews and then bought the book anxious to find another great author. What I found was boredom and frustration, some red herrings, and a mystery not worth my time. The characters weren't in depth enough to feel for them, the forward in time back in time movement didn't work for keeping the story moving, and the story itself didn't hold my attention. I finished because I felt committed.