The subtle hints to Inara's backstory from the show. Those comments, rather short, bore such foreshadowing. For those unsure about what from the show fueled the basis for this book, two such examples are as follows. When Simon evaluates Inara, being a doctor, he discovers the nature of her present condition, but as her doctor he maintains confidentiality, especially to keep the secret from Mal. Second, during the exquisite episode Out of Gas, Inara responds to a comment about dying in space due to suffocation with "I don't want to die at all". While this could be debated, it is often accepted that this was another clever hint to the backstory the show never had a chance to lead into.

This novel carries on the incomplete plot line, bringing it to the forefront. Her secret is out and clearly laid out, and the crew steps in on a dangerous mission, risking themselves once again in the hope to find resolution to this problem and save Inara's life.

Inara is a more difficult character to work with from story to story in Firefly. She tends to be a secondary character, a supporting helpful character for everyone else in the spotlight. While her delicate condition precludes her from being an active participant, obviously, the plot is because of her and thus she is the key focus. Where Serenity goes and what goes on cannot be discussed without spoiling, but it certainly was an authentic feeling story yet again.

This is also one of the longest novels in the entire series, and much like the others, this was another page-turner.