I did not realize that [book:Ragamuffin] was the sequel to this one, but it quickly became obvious to me. It wasn't too much of a problem; they're both capable of standing on their own. It was a bit odd to know the eventual fate of the characters, though.

In contrast with [book:Ragamuffin], the characters in this one felt slightly more introspective. Part of that is because John deBrun has amnesia, and consequently spends a fair amount of time wondering about himself. Pepper seems more roguish and dangerous (at one point he's taken for Baron Samedi) than psychopathic and genocidal, with the result that he's slightly more likable in this one. I notice that the Amazon review describes this book as "at times overly violent", but it seemed to me a kinder and gentler book than [book:Ragamuffin], and I would not describe either as 'overly' violent, although both are certainly very violent.

Crystal Rain spends more time with the societies that have developed in isolation, and Buckell has obviously imagined them in greater detail than the book gave him room to show. Good if you like clashes of civilizations, extrapolated societies, and moderately amoral protagonists. The only that that would have made me happier would have been a few more female characters; as it is, it squeaks through the Bechdel test.