Agreed I hated that first mob around the fire and could not get past it. Gave up and came back after Elden ring and loved it. Also dark souls, I said fuck it during zens fortress but eventually came back started again from scratch and really enjoyed it.

Had to try really hard to get into it but when it clicked, it clicked. Really enjoyed it but can’t seem myself ever playing again

I loved the rest of the books, think it really picked up in the second and third and is great by the current one. I found it laugh out loud funny in places .I would highly recommend you continue with the series as they just get better and better .