An odd book. The pace in the beginning suffers from the extensive introductions of each character. Their designs are complicated, like overgrown plants. So describing them in detail takes way too long.

There’s also some very odd worldbuilding choices, and the warnings in the book description are there for a reason. Especially the reproductive cycle, which involves necrophilic rape and parasitism. There’s a scene where the audience of a gladiatorial combat arena gets.. over-enthusiastic. And one would imagine a chain reaction from the aftermath. How is this civilization of billions still alive?

Also, the evil villain’s plot involves inventing medicine and implementing healthcare, so one might hear echoes of the author’s voice there.