Great juxtaposition of the random, everyday-life feeling of events unfolding within a bizarre environment inhabited by a myriad of unexpected occurance. Rich and engaging use of language. Portrays an admirable tenacity of purpose and meaningfulness surrounded by an existential world almost totally devoid of morality, enthusiasm or value. The already highly innovative situation frequently implodes with beings unexpectedly out of the future or from another planet.
Many mysteries remain unresolved setting the stage for the next books.
In rare instances a little too graphically macabre and disturbing for my own taste. Not enough of a concern to unbalance the overwhelmingly positive aspects but watch out for a few passages if you have a weak stomach. Unusual in that the Nebula went to the second in a series of four books. Because the brilliance in these books is based more on startling situations and personalities than plot, reading them out of order makes less difference.