Instruct: Classify the given review as either positive or negative.
Query: page turner -- confusing at times

This is the second book from an author that had a stellar writing debut in "Spin State." Moriarty's biggest strength as a writer is the ability to create convincing layered characters and dialogue; and yet, her books are plot-oriented. This was a fantastic combination in "Spin State"; it is still good, but not quite as good, in "Spin Control." Spin Control is a hard science fiction spy novel. The complexity of the plot at two levels -- trying to understand the operation of the futuristic universe Moriarty has created, and the complex politics -- is a bit overwhelming at times. Still a very solid read; but if you are a first time reader of Moriarty, I would recommend starting with "Spin State."