Part of the problem with this series is that there's no tension. Reading the second book I don't have the slightest inkling that anything that takes place will be remotely valuable to the events of the third book, and ultimately, the final conclusion.
I really feel like reading a Wikipedia summary article would be just as enjoyable as reading the novel.
I get that, even when you know the destination, the journey should be fun. But with this book, it's just tiring.