I think the series gets better, but it IS and young adult book and the writing is different if you're not used to less formal english writing. I mean, it may be rushed but I think it has an attention grabber and yes, the first one was slow for me also. The first book made me angry so I stopped the series for about 2 years, picked up the second book this year and couldn't put it down! I say keep going, but it's up to you : )