In these days of endless fantasy epics that go on book after book, it is a pleasure to know that there is some good science fiction still being written. Each book in the series could stand on its own, but it is better to read them in sequence. I bought all three of the first series, and could not put them down. I thought the end of Inheritor was a little weak, as if she could not think how to end it, but this straightens out that problem by continuing the story. And the continuation makes sense.
My only disapointment is that the next book is not yet out. I am looking forward to it.
In this book, Bren goes up to the station above the planet to negotiate the trade deal with the ship captains for repairing both the station, and the Phoenix, while also attempting to prepare for an alien invasion from somewhere else that was chasing the Phoenix. Through this story, you learn the intricate relationships among the human's on the ship within their 'culture' and how it's contrary to both the Mospherians and the Atevi. All while continuing to build on what Bren and the Atevi have been learning about each other from the original trilogy.
Within the story there is conflict, conspiracy, and interspicing of danger throughout. This book was without a doubt, in my opinion, the crown jewel of the series. And the ending definitely left me wanting more.