As the much anticipated sequel to the exceptional A Fire Upon the Deep, there are ridiculous levels of expectation about this book.

Not surprisingly it doesn't meet them.

It's actually a rather good story. But while it does take place shortly after the events of A Fire Upon The Deep and it does deal with some of the same covers, it's not really a sequel in the normal sense because it is not only stylistically and thematically different, but it doesn't continue the same story.

Yes there are some references to the Blight and the ending seems to set up a further book that might actually address that story, but this one is all about the Tines and how the remaining humans try to integrate with them.

Taken on its own it's a strong story that explores the complexities of Tine society with their complex pack nature. But there's nothing galactic happening here and that's bound to disappoint some fans.

There are a few weak points however. It's an oddly unemotional book. A lot of events are described from a distance and the only romantic entanglement we experience first hand is probably the most restrained I've ever read.

There's also the problem of the central character being a bit... well dim... purely to make the central conspiracy work.

But I think those weaknesses are outweighed by the Tines, the Choir and an interesting analog to China. Not a classic perhaps but easily worth your time.