Loved the author's last series, so I was tracking this one from announcement. The release strategy is weird but clear if you dig. The publisher's website puts the first five chapters up for free permanently, which is more generous than usual. They seem to be using it as a funnel for their app, where you can read more with daily ad-based 'keys' or a subscription. I read the free chapters there, then switched to the app because the mobile formatting is better for my commute.
What's frustrating is the serialization pace. It updates weekly, but the free chapters on the web lag behind the app's subscription tier by a good month. So if you're following discussions, you're always a bit behind. I've found that some library digital services, like Hoopla, have licensed the completed volumes, but they're only up to volume two. It's a patchwork, but it exists legally. You just have to be okay with a slower, fragmented read unless you pay.