I thought the first one was predictable, the second one very good and the third one tedious. Generally, I like the Norse stories, I'm ploughing through some Wallender at the moment.
Sorry I can not help you J.J. but what think of this book is what counts. If you think it it pants then it is pants. There is no discrace in dumping as I am sure you, like us, do not have time to waste. There are many other books to read which you will like.
I agree that a book has to grab me for it to read it too.