Although formulaic in the concept, it was quite different, intriguing and unexpected in the development. I was surprised as how much I liked the story, the characters (except Morning Star, perhaps), the mythology... I wasn't expecting it to be this interesting. 
 For once I wouldn't mind if this were a series and more Dark Star books would come. Especially because I felt that the characters and the settings could give much more than what you get in this book. In any case the book is a good read the way it is.