First off, let me say that i enjoyed this book. It is exciting, it has some good action, and i liked the main character (Jebel Krong, not Moria). The writing is good, and there are some interesting ideas, such as the Prador's social structure. However, there were some problems. First off, Moria just never really interested me. She seems emotionless, and yes, I know it could be argued as being part of the plor, but come on. Second, I felt that the book was too short. There were a lot of undeveloped plot threads, and the ending was too abrupt. Other than that, an enjoyable read. Don't read it looking for a new SF masterpiece, but if you want a quick, fun, easy read, I completely recommend it.

The action takes place in the runcible universe we know and love but predates the Pradors' discovery of the Spatterjay virus. Energetically written and operatic in style i read it one one sitting and was left wanting more - perhaps the next installment could clarify how the accord (described in Asher's other books) between Prador and Polity was brokered. If you are a fan of Asher's then this won't dissapoint.

I have read all of Neal Asher's Polity novels with sheer joy. Normally, he depicts wonderful characters threaded in a enjoyable yarn with equal doses of adventure, violence, and wit. However, this particular novel is a pale imitation of his usual work. The characters are decent, but the story is a bit hollow. It follows the very beginning of the prador war and a few particular encounters involved in that war. It had no deep story nor does it drive a further characterization of the Polity. It seems more like a teaser for some future work on the Prador war, since its so limited in scope.


That said, if you are looking for a quick fix, it does have some of asher's flare for violence and ingenuity. However, I feel it a bit empty and not up his usual standard. If your looking for a novel equal to the Brass Man or Gridlinked, I would suggest holding off for the new Polity novel coming out this fall.