The ideas in the first book and the (to me, novel) insights into some Chinese history etc, kept me involved in the first book. The characters were shittily written, especially the final American bad guy who was an underdeveloped trope more than a character.

I barely got through the second book. It had some interesting ideas, but far fewer. The main conciet they build up to is hollow.

I started the third book, on tape this time. I have a long commute and it is always my last choice of what to listen to.