I was torn between "it was okay" (2 stars) and "I liked it" (3 stars). For the most part, the book was a tedious slog with an uninspiring protagonist (no matter how much all the other characters kept telling us she was awesome). So why did I waver with 3? Because Leckie decided not to milk Breq for another volume. Because tea played only a minor role (that was replaced by Sherbet, Instant Noodles, and novelty glass blocks). Because the first 25% of the book actually was gripping. 
 What was missing was any real character conflict and growth (the most we got was a tissue-thin story about sibling rivalry). The relationships, while sweet, were unearned. The "plot" was overly complicated and unemotional. The difference between Breq's grief and a minor ploy to gain access to better space tunnels is very wide. The mystery was boring. The "heroics" were boring. By the end, I was just waiting for the damned thing to be done already. 
 I'm beginning to wonder if Leckie is a one and done, that she only had one great novel in her. I hope not. And yes, I'll pre-order her next book too because Ancillary 1 was that good.