The series is definitely gaining momentum by this novel, changing tracks only a little from the previous stories. It introduces a short and surly wrinkle that will grow into one interesting character in his own right. This novel is more than an introduction for him, though. It's funny, clever, and does a deft job at worldbuilding Earth with barely touching it. Miles, like the reader (me), wanted to sightsee, but he was kept so busy we missed almost everything! And it should have been a vacation! 
 This was one of my easiest remembered rereads. It didn't spoil the enjoyment one iota to know what was coming. Such a great series!