So much of this book didn’t work: the physics, the political power structure, the life-support mechanisms, the security protocols, many of the interpersonal dynamics, the languages. But that’s just logistics—as a whole, it worked remarkably well regardless. It kept me hooked, made me think and feel. I honestly enjoyed it.

The story is more than just a clumsy Southern Plantations In Space: sweeping themes include body autonomy, gender identity, arbitrariness of beauty norms, neurodiversity, abuse of power, and the use of religion to justify race/class persecution. (A significant subset of my hot-button topics). Solomon writes with deep feeling: I cared about even the minor characters. Huge thanks to E. for handing me this book.