Reading progress update: I've read 63%.
OMG this book has turned into one of the most boring things I have ever read.
Now I know why it's attributed to 2 different authors.
Apparently one wrote the first half, up through about chapter 97/98, then someone else wrote the second half.
The writing abruptly became completely different. Even the characters sound, speak, and act different than in the first half.
I have found my self skimming and not missing anything.
Maybe I should have just stuck with the unfinished copy.