Weirdly preachy in places, but much more in keeping with the stronger early works in terms of writing style, editing, and character strength. Lots of smut, but not in a bad way - it's got plot in it, and doesn't feel like the plot is only moonlighting between shags. As someone indifferent to smut, but enamored of plot and character, I had a good time - first book in the series since Obsidian Butterfly where I really felt moved by the story as a whole rather than isolated vignettes.