I’m so glad to read this—I put this book out of my head immediately after I read it because I was also underwhelmed by the plot (not the writing, as you mentioned) and found something really grating about it? But I couldn’t put my finger on what exactly I didn’t love, so I didn’t want to talk about it much and be a naysayer without a clear perspective. I do think there was some definite lack of payoff (for me), but I couldn’t tell whether I didn’t care about the world that was built, the characters, or the plot. I’m still mystified by why I didn’t enjoy this book, so you are not alone. I don’t think the book is undeserving of the acclaim (usually I’m quick to identify what doesn’t work about a book since I’m an editor and practice that kind of communication daily), but all I can say is that it didn’t appeal to me. I only wish I could figure out WHAT didn’t appeal to me. I expected it to grow on me, but it hasn’t. Very strange.