Certainly better than Stars, Like Dust although still not that gripping.

Exploration into the idea of empire is interesting in its own right though. Especially since the story sits entirely outside the galactic empire that is Trantor, and focuses on a two planet empirelet. Still, subjugation here is rampant, and the expectations of each characters place in the social hierarchy are both explored in depth and shattered in some places - much to the incredulity of the characters that such an occurrence is even possible.

It's interesting to reflect on this idea of empire 70 years later (from time of the books writing). The notion that there is peace and war; if you are peaceful then you are subjugated, so better to subjugate first is the logical conclusion of Trantor, now that conclusion is more abhorrent than logical. Societies mindset has evolved in such a short time it seems.