There are several things going for this novel. First, A return to a much later version of Graff Station and the quaddies. Second, a return to Cetaganda. Third, a return of our favorite hermaphrodite. The only other odd novel out that should have made a return is Ethan of Athos, or at least the first batch of interesting kiddos from that planet. Other than these bits, it may not have been the best Miles book, but it had its moments. The action picked up near the end, but the pacing wasn't exactly full tilt throughout. 
 It was good at the end, though, and strangely emotional. I probably would have given this one a 3 star, except that the climax was pretty good and made up for a lot.