Enjoyable, but VERY LONG. Could have used a firmer hand in the editing. ( )

Elizabeth Bear is my new hero. I am now a SF fan. ( )

2.5 stars

Interesting technical/sci-fi concepts and some fun characters, but way, way, too much repetitive inner dialogue to the point that the book could be about half the size and not lose any plot. Plus if I can't have an action-driven space opera I at least want dynamic characters, and this book had neither,

Disappointing after the terrific premise, and as a fan of Ms. Bear. ( )

This novel had a lot of the same strengths as the Culture series by Iain M. Banks, but it was more focused, with a first-person narrator instead of a sprawling cast. Speaking of the main character, this was probably the best portrayal of trauma I've read in a while. The protagonist's deep dark secret from the past gains another layer of complexity when combined with her more subtly traumatic origin in a cult-like environment. The character-driven and idea-driven parts of the story seemed slow at times, but maybe that's just because it's summer. I wish I had time to add the whole book to Goodreads, quote by quote, which is usually how I show my appreciation. For now, this review will have to do. ( )

I wanted to like this book- has several very interesting ideas- interesting aliens, decent world building, passable technology, and lots of discussion about important themes such as the struggle to balance personal freedoms with societal upkeep and obligation. However, it is the nearly constant inner dialog about those larger freedom issues which dominate and become, well, just too much. Like a broken record, the first person narrative seldom leaves the same inner conversation... to the point that I didn't care how the book ended and quit before I go there. ( )