Instruct: Classify the given review as either positive or negative.
Query: Shallow and unimaginative start of series.

Pohl is a fine and talented author, but in Siege of Eternity he ignores his experience and squashes his talent. The writing is simplistic, but with too much sex and violence for this to be a childrens book. The characters are shallow and undeveloped. Despite the action and sex, the book is a bore. Worse yet, when you finish (and I am not giving anything away), *nothing* is resolved! Turns out you wasted all this time on an obvious introduction to a serial. If you want to enjoy some good Frederik Pohl, don't read this book.