A great finale for the trilogy (if indeed it remains a trilogy - more stories can certainly fit into the Wayfarer universe), this book follows a different set of characters than the first or second book, with only a very tenuous connection to the Wayfarer crew. The exploration of what it means to be human, what it means to be sapient, and how life could be lived on generation ships - all of these are a background for a truly good story about good people trying to live good lives.

It would be easy for a generally optimistic story to become cloyingly sappy, but somehow Chambers is able to include enough conflict and growth and challenge to keep the tale grounded, while still being hopeful.