I might provide a dissenting voice. This is the 8th book in this cycle. I get the idea that it's supposed to make the Walk accessible to non Walkers who aren't familiar with it, but at the same time there're people who will have read most of the previous 'books in this story. I think Doug's world works better as something that builds through the entire cycle - it probably shouldn't explain who Doug is - jjust maybe make some sort of reference to 'If youve been reading these logs' to suggest that there is more story to consume elsewhere that explains this.
Oh sweet meteor of death
Fall upon us.
Deliver us in fire
To Peace everlasting.
Fall upon us.
Deliver us in fire
To Peace everlasting.