I've yet to finish this book. I keep telling myself I'll come back to it, but really, I think life's too short and there are so many other books to read first. I'm about half way in and I simply don't care what happens to the main characters or their stories. Maybe great undertakings of science and art (the two protagonists' passions) just aren't gripping enough for me. Two stars rather than one because I didn't hate it, and it's competently written - just not for me. A pity since I absolutely loved the other Mieville I've read (Kraken and The City & The City).