> it took me that long to really get into the story
Was there anything in particular that turned you off? I do remember putting off reading it for several years because it simply didn't sound that interesting and the feudal aspects sounded more like fantasy than sci fi. I'm genuinely surprised by that comment though because I thought there was more than enough intrigue and mystery introduced early on, I was hooked almost instantly.
More like nothing in particular grabbed me. Personal taste I suppose. Also I was fairly young when I first read it (very early teen?). I may feel differently about it now, though it’s been years since I’ve reread it so I don’t really know.
Otherwise I thought the entire series worth reading, Messiah and God Emperor included.