Review: 5 things to be aware of:
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 12 17, 2013
1)  Although this could be read as a stand-alone novel, it will be easier to understand if you read Champion of the Rose first.  2)  Take notes.  There is a profusion of characters, from multiple states.  Creating your own play list will help you follow the story.  3) The laws of nature in Host's worlds are always innovative, but can be (at least for me) difficult to follow.  Persevere.  4)  The love story aspect of Host stories always seem to go from lengthy attraction to sudden commitment, with no intervening courtship.  It's curious, but she's consistent.  5)  Having just finished a first read of this story, I'm not sure I completly understand it, or even how much I like it.  The five star rating is because everytime I've rated one of Host's stories less, I've come to regret it.  Almost all of her books have drawn me back again and again, for a fuller understanding and deeper appreciation with each new reading.  She's a treasure, and I heartily recommend this and everything else she has written.