This story was different. And in a good original way. I liked it a lot, regardless of the fact that the main character is not likable at all. Cole is actually anything buy likable. He is arrogant, full of himself, does not care about anybody but himself, has a completely misguided sense of how people perceive him, and how he should treat others.
The author has created an anti-hero character that you hate in the beginning and somehow start liking by the end of the book, because he gets under your skin. Or maybe it is not about liking Cole but more about empathising with him, or understanding his misconceptions.
This is a prequel to the series, in which, it seems, the Cole is the main character. This is like the origin story, the story that sets the tone and puts him in a certain place so the real story can start. It was meant to create the interest in the character, and it did, because I continued with the first book immediately.
Again, I cannot emphasise enough how good this author is in portraying impossible situations and unconventional characters and bringing them closer to the reader. The author's unique writing style, sprinkled with his signature satirical tone, draws you in and keep you engaged. As most of his stories, this one is situated somewhere in the Omniverse.
The reading order is Defiance, Valiance, Eminence.