Re-read in audio. I adored the story when it came out, a while ago, and wondered if I would still enjoy it as much a few years later. I did. 
 I didn't focus much on the gender theme the first time, and honestly, even if I got much more of the various gender switch symbolisms this time (the very obvious and the more subtile ones) it's not what caught my attention the most. 
 I was wrapped up in the powerful gothic ambiance (ghosts, skeletons, guilt, sorrow, ambition and mysteries: what's not to like ?) as well as in the story of the lonely child growing up in this dark atmosphere, surrounded by danger and lies, a pawn in a plot he/she knows nothing about. 
 I found the tale was more about one major question: does the end justify the means? 
 Here we get some more or less decent people perpetrating the worst crimes in the name of the greater good. In fact, each faction, even the worst of villains, is convinced to act in the name of righteousness. A bit like in life, you know ? You are never the bad guy. Whatever you do or say, there is always a justification. 
 And in the middle of all this, there are the innocents. Most of them expendable, of course. There is a considerable body count on one side, and a tiny little murder, coupled with one huge lie and their consequences on the other. The balance should be obvious, but... 
 I can only recommend the read of this masterfully written, subtle, gripping, and profoundly human novel. 
 5 Stars, no doubt about that. 
 Warning : It's the first part of a trilogy and can't really be read as a stand alone.