The ending wraps everything up. The book is very long. The author's style is quirky and offbeat. The author's intent is to entertain. The background is detailed and affects the atmosphere.
Characterization focuses on several characters of different sexes whose lives are intertwined.
The characters are developed over time. There are memorable and important secondary characters. The book is serious, challenging, sober, formal, solemn. The ending wraps everything up. The Hivers decided to attack Deneb, a star system that is the homeworld of settlers, including Jeff Raven, the head Raven in the Raven part of the dynasty.