Uh, I didn't remember to post this earlier but I too have read up to volume 4 and I gotta say there really doesn't seem to be much there. I think the rope could be interesting but they don't seem to be interested in explaining that or much else, maybe they are saving that for later although I have no idea why. Anyway everything just seems to be too random and confusing thus far and the story doesn't seem to be going anywhere at all, ironically the same problems I have with TT. Anyway I'll try and read the remaining volumes soon and see if things improve.