This is the sequel to "A Fire Upon the Deep" and should definitely be read in that order. It continues the story of the Tines world as the stranded human children grow up over the next 20 years or so. There's less high tech coolness (since they're still stranded in the slow zone after all) but still plenty of interesting characters, political scheming, and of course the Tines pack minds are as fascinating and well described as ever.

I found the book a little slow to get into, but by the time I reached half way I was hooked and couldn't put it down. Unfortunately there are still some questions unanswered at the end, so I hope another sequel is on the way soon...