Snow Queen

I enjoyed the worldbuilding Vinge did to create Tiamat and her cast of characters surprised me with their complexity. Gender and ecology hold large places in this novel and it is well served by their inclusion. Sometimes the pacing could be snappier, but I enjoyed the experience.

Somewhere between 3 and 4 really. Though closer to 4.

A well written space opera. It's got your usual intrigue, AIs, and aliens. Sides kinda on the fantasy side of things than the sci-fi, but not overly so.

Strengths:

Diverse cast
Multiple interesting plot lines
Interesting setting

Weaknesses:

Some characters felt a bit thin - caricature even, particularly the ones that weren't main characters
Plot lacked a motor for me. The incoming switch over between winter and summer wasn't played up enough to realise that's what it was supposed to be
A few plot holes regarding the AI made it feel a bit deus ex (always a risk with AIs)